When severe weather strikes, it’s easy to see visible storm damage. Common occurrences include missing metal panels or a tree resting on the roof of your post-frame building.
But what about the issues you can’t see? Are they concealed behind steel siding, around exposed fasteners, or pulling away from critical structural connections?
Unfortunately, some of the most serious pole barn storm damage isn’t visible at first glance. If you don’t catch it early, it will compromise the structural integrity of your post-frame building.
No matter if you're a farmer, commercial business owner, or homeowner, knowing where to look can help you. It can save you time, money, and stress.
This article identifies the five types of hidden pole barn storm damage that often go unnoticed in post-frame buildings. It also explains why a thorough inspection should be your first step after any severe weather event.
Trusses can crack or splinter during severe weather events. High winds and fallen debris can create sudden or uneven structural loads. In some cases, uplift forces or heavy snowfall can stress the top chord, leading to hidden fractures.
This type of pole barn storm damage isn’t immediately visible from the ground level, making it easy to overlook without a thorough inspection.
Broken trusses can significantly compromise the structural integrity of your post-frame building. If one fails, the interconnected design means the other members will follow. This dangerous domino effect leads to a total pole barn collapse.
Our post-frame construction crews will relieve pressure on broken trusses and install web stiffeners as needed. They’ll repair the wooden boards by sistering or replacing them to restore load-bearing strength.
Take a moment to watch this short YouTube video highlighting an emergency repair of a collapsed pole barn roof in Bringhurst, Indiana.
Two types of ridge caps are used in post-frame construction: aluminum and steel.
Aluminum consists of a vented ridge cap with a solid gasket. On the other hand, steel consists of a solid ridge cap with a vented gasket.
Aluminum ridge caps tend to expand and contract with heat, which causes the seal to break at overlap points. This occurrence moves fastener holes and creates openings for water to enter your pole barn. Over time, the solid foam gasket shrinks and disintegrates.
When severe weather strikes, high winds or hail can dislodge the ridge cap, exposing the peak of your post-frame building. This type of pole barn storm damage is easy to overlook because it occurs at the highest point.
If you don't make this repair, water will enter your post-frame building, causing the lumber to rot. You should inspect your ridge cap after a severe weather event, especially if your structure is over ten years old or features aluminum building materials.
Our post-frame construction crews will replace the damaged ridge cap with steel to ensure long-term protection against water intrusion.
Shifting columns are caused by ground movement during severe weather events. Older post-frame buildings without proper uplift anchors are more vulnerable, especially if the site preparation lacks adequate drainage or soil compaction.
You may not notice a column has shifted right away, but the long-term effects can be serious. Signs of movement include uneven rooflines, sliding doors that no longer close properly, or visible gaps where the post has pulled away from the concrete floor.
When pole barn columns are no longer aligned, the entire load path is disrupted. This interruption places additional strain on the trusses, door headers, and fasteners, potentially accelerating wear and increasing the risk of structural failure.
Our post-frame construction crews will realign the shifted column and backfill the hole with compacted material to stabilize the post.
Wind-driven debris, falling tree branches, or hail can puncture or scratch your post-frame building.
While these markings may seem minor at first glance, they can quickly lead to bigger problems.
Water damage can occur, causing the steel sheet to rust and wooden framing members to rot. Small openings can become entry points for pests (e.g., birds or mice) and turn your structure into an unwanted shelter.
Fortunately, this type of hidden pole barn storm damage is relatively easy and cost-effective to fix. Our post-frame construction crews will replace the affected metal panels, preserving the rest of the exterior. You can avoid the unnecessary cost of fully reskinning your post-frame building.
Over time, these fasteners can loosen or rust, leaving your pole barn vulnerable to water infiltration and structural instability.
Uplift forces and thermal expansion can weaken the connection between the metal panel and the screw.
Rubber washers beneath the fastener may crack, disintegrate, or lose their seal, creating small gaps that allow moisture to seep in.
In older post-frame buildings, nails may completely back out of the wooden framing members. These issues often start small but can become widespread if left unaddressed.
Our post-frame construction crews will carefully examine the fastener rows during inspections. If any screws are found to be missing, rusting, or no longer sealing properly, we’ll replace them with new ones to help maintain the structural integrity of your building envelope.
Watch this short YouTube video to see which post-frame builder offers the strongest screw fastener based on pull, shear, and strength testing.
Even if your pole barn looks fine after a severe weather event, hidden storm damage could compromise its structural integrity. Small issues may not seem urgent, but they can lead to costly repairs, safety concerns, or structural failure over time.
Having a post-frame builder inspect your pole barn isn’t just a precaution—it’s a smart, cost-effective step in protecting your investment. Our Repair and Renovation Specialists offer FREE assessments to help you stay ahead of visible and hidden storm damage.
We’ll walk you through your structure, document our findings, and provide a detailed inspection report with expert recommendations—no pressure, just peace of mind.
This document is also valuable for updating your pole barn insurance policy and ensuring adequate coverage in unexpected situations.
Your post-frame building has served your farm, commercial business, family, or livestock well over the years—let’s ensure it stays strong for many more to come!
Do you have more questions about pole barn storm damage that are not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you’re ready to get a price, click here to request a quote. A member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps for your project.