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Posts | Repairs & Renovations | Pole Barn Insurance

5 Steps to Repair Your Pole Barn Damage

May 2nd, 2017 | 9 min. read

Angie Dobson

Angie Dobson

Angie graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Prior to joining the FBi team, Angie was a kitchen and bath sales consultant in Lafayette, IN. In 2012, she started with FBi as the Inside Sales/Marketing Assistant. Today she holds the role of Sr. Marketing and Inside Sales Manager. Angie grew up in a farming community and has always enjoyed helping her family on the farm. A past 10-year 4-H Member, her passion for livestock pursued her to take a career in the agriculture field. She and her husband live in Northwest Indiana with their two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor leisure activities and spending time with friends and family.

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"Some things in life are unplanned." As cliché as that quote sounds, it couldn't be more accurate. 

For example, the local meteorologists are following an overnight storm with high winds. Severe weather isn't uncommon, especially in the spring and summer months. It'll blow over, right?

Unfortunately, you weren't so lucky. After breakfast, you go outside for another day of honest work. Instantly, you notice a nearby tree fell and damaged a few metal roofing panels on your farm shop.

Not all building repairs are storm–related. Maybe you're not the best driver in reverse and accidentally nicked the side of your pole barn garage. If only you could fix that noticeable dent in the wainscoting before your significant other notices!

Whether it was an "act of God" or human error, your post-frame building needs to be repaired.

But where do you even begin? It's not like you planned or prepared yourself for this particular situation.

This article discusses the five next steps to repair your pole barn damage. If you don't have time to read this article, you can download the "5 Steps to Repair Your Pole Barn Damage Infographic" to read later. 

5 Steps to Repair Your Pole Barn Damage_Blog

5 Steps to Repair Your Pole Barn Damage

1) Contact Your Pole Barn Insurance Agent

Pole Barn Storm DamageOnce the initial shock wears off, you should contact your pole barn insurance agent. They'll walk you through the steps of filing an insurance claim.

But first, you must document the property damage. Pull out your cell phone and take photos of your post-frame building. Be sure to note the incident date, time, and other details (if possible).

It may sound tedious, but this information keeps your pole barn insurance claim moving forward. The last thing you want is annoying delays (and headaches) that could've been prevented.

Next, your insurance provider will ask for your policy number and documentation. They'll explain your coverage based on the policy you selected.

Meanwhile, your insurance company will assign a claims number and adjuster to your case. This individual will assess the building damage and calculate a barn repair estimate

2) Call Your Post-Frame Builder – "The Experts"

Call Post-Frame Builder for Pole Barn RepairsSecond, your pole barn insurance agent may suggest requesting quotes from multiple contractors. This extra step isn't a requirement on your part.

Instead, we recommend working with a post-frame builder. After all, no one knows pole barn construction better than someone who builds them daily.

Plus, you won't waste valuable time gathering competitive bids that your insurance agent won't use.

Do you need help finding a post-frame builder? We compiled a list of seven tips to help you hire a post-frame builder for barn repairs.

Whenever you're ready, pick up the phone and explain your unfortunate situation to the "Repair & Renovation Experts." They'll be happy to help you restore your pole barn to its original condition.

Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations Photos

3) Schedule a Pole Barn Repair Assessment with Your Post-Frame Builder

Before Photo Pole Barn Storm DamageAfter contacting your post-frame builder, they'll send a Repair & Renovation Specialist to assess your property. This initial visit should occur within 24 to 48 hours of calling in (schedule permitting).

A Repair & Renovation Specialist will go through your pole barn damage with a fine-tooth comb. 

To the Average Joe/Jane, it's just a fallen tree on your metal roof. But to the trained eye, this fallen tree has damaged more than just metal roofing panels. It could've jeopardized your pole barn structural integrity.  

Structural integrity refers to a pole barn's ability to withstand anticipated loads without breaking. Any post-frame building, regardless of size and location, must be designed to resist vertical and lateral loads.

Pole barn damages (e.g., accidents and storms) aren't an anticipated load. Therefore, the Repair & Renovation Specialist will inspect the following building components:

Then, the Repair & Renovation Specialist will draft a work order detailing the project scope and cost. In severe cases, they may recommend building from the ground up. 

Editor's Note: You can skip this step by taking high-quality images of the pole barn damage. Sometimes, our Repair & Renovation Specialists can draft a work order based on pictures.

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4) Connect with Your Pole Barn Insurance Claims Adjuster

Pole Barn Insurance ClaimMoreover, your claims adjuster will conduct their assessment. They’ll evaluate the post-frame building and take pictures of the pole barn damage.

Your claims adjuster may ask about pre-existing conditions, routine maintenance, or other safety measures implemented to reduce risk.

Using their best judgment, they’ll write an appraisal and share it with your pole barn insurance company. From there, the insurer will determine whether the building repair is covered.

In some cases, you may disagree with the claim adjuster’s ruling. Consequently, the insurance payout is significantly lower than you expected.

We recommend having your post-frame builder work with the claims adjuster directly. They bring a high level of post-frame construction knowledge to the table.

Furthermore, your post-frame builder will inform the claims adjuster of the restoration costs. Then, you won’t be blindsided by a lowball repair estimate from the claims adjuster who assessed the damage independently.

Overall, this advantage gives you the control you deserve and, quite frankly, the protection you paid for as a pole barn owner.

Editor’s Note: Once you settle an insurance claim, the insurer’s payout is final. No take-backs. In other words, “You get what you get, and you don’t get upset.”

Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations Blog

5) Schedule Construction Crews for Pole Barn Repairs

After Photo Pole Barn Storm DamageOnce the claim is settled, your insurance agent will cut you a check for barn repairs. Depending on your insurance company and the agreed amount, it may take a few business days to hit your bank account.

When you receive the final sum, your post-frame builder can restore your pole barn to its original condition. You’ll sign the finalized work order and make the first deposit. A copy will be forwarded to your insurance company for their records.

Next, you’ll be introduced to your Project Manager (PM). This person is responsible for your project schedule, change orders, payments, and answering any questions you may have about barn repairs.

The PM will assign a construction crew to your post-frame building as part of their duties. 

Editor’s Note: Not all post-frame builders have field employees dedicated to barn repairs. At FBi Buildings, we have (7+ and growing) Repair & Renovation construction crews.

Your damaged post-frame building will likely take a backseat to new construction projects. Some pole barn builders will meet your urgency: "We’ll get to your building repair in a few weeks.” It can be very irritating.

Avoid future frustration and headaches by choosing a post-frame builder with construction crews dedicated to barn repairs. Their experience and quick mobilization of resources will restore your post-frame building to its former glory in no time.

Are You Ready to Fix Your Pole Barn Damage?

Any type of pole barn damage can be upsetting. You put your heart, soul, and countless hours into the building design. Then, you paid thousands of dollars to make your dream a reality. Only to have an unexpected turn of events ruin its visual appeal.

Sure, it’s easy to dwell on the negative. If you could turn back time, you would’ve planted that oak tree farther away. Or you would’ve invested in a vehicle with a backup camera or sensors.

We’ve all heard the adage, “Hindsight is 20/20.” So redirect your energy towards following these five steps to repair your pole barn damage.

With a trusted post-frame builder by your side, you can rebuild with confidence. For more helpful information, we recommend downloading the Ultimate Guide to Pole Barn Repairs & Renovations.

Pole Barn Repair Quote_FBi Buildings


Do you have more questions about pole barn repairs 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 are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote, and a member of our customer engagement team will help you determine the next steps of your project.