Pole barns are built to last, but like any structure, they require routine maintenance to stay in good condition.
Over time, exposure to the elements and everyday use can take a toll on your post-frame building. Some problems are easy to spot, but others can go unnoticed until they become more extensive.
This article discusses the five most common problems found during a pole barn inspection and how to fix them.
Regularly inspecting your pole barn is an important part of proactive maintenance. Inspections can help identify minor issues before they become costly pole barn repairs. They let you address concerns and make immediate fixes.
Understanding your post-frame building's current condition also helps you prioritize and budget for future renovation projects. Now is also a good time to review your insurance policy and make sure it matches the pole barn’s value before damage occurs.
What problems could be hiding in your post-frame building? Here are the five most common issues our Repair and Renovation Specialists find during pole barn inspections.
Normal activities, like clearing debris or hanging holiday lights, can damage your gutters if they require a leaning ladder. Accumulated ice and heavy snowfall can detach the eavestrough from the fasteners and pole barn.
If your gutter system is damaged, water can’t flow properly to the downspouts. Unfortunately, water will find a new place to go, causing lumber in its path to rot.
Weakened post-frame building components can compromise structural integrity. The sooner you replace broken gutters, the less pole barn damage you may have.
Our post-frame construction crews can replace broken eavestroughs with commercial-grade 6” steel gutters. Watch this YouTube video to see how steel compares to aluminum in durability and strength.
As for leaks, they’ll apply a bead of PermaSeal™ on the 3” section where the 16’ gutters overlap.
Water can enter your post-frame building through loose fasteners, damaged metal roofing panels, or other vulnerable areas. If left unaddressed, small metal roof leaks can cause rotted lumber, wet insulation, and damage to stored belongings.
When failed fasteners are the culprit, our post-frame construction crews will remove them and seal the existing holes with silicone. Then, 2” screws are installed and secured into the lumber for a stronger connection.
Editor’s Note: If you have extensive water damage, we may need to replace the pole barn roof purlins.
Watch this YouTube video to see how our post-frame construction crews repair a metal roof leak.
Barge boards and door headers can deteriorate when they’re exposed to moisture. Broken gutters, metal roof leaks, or damaged trim expose these wooden post-frame building components to water and decay.
Before replacing the rotted wood, it’s crucial to find and fix the moisture source. Our post-frame construction crews will install new barge boards and door headers. They’ll also replace the gutter system, metal roofing panels, or trim that caused the water intrusion.
Watch this YouTube video to see how our post-frame construction crews replaced rotted barge board and trim on a horse barn converted into a pole barn man cave.
Openings in the metal panels let debris, pests, and water into your post-frame building. Surface damage to the protective coating can also expose the steel to moisture and increase the risk of red rust.
Fortunately, you don’t always need to reskin your pole barn. Our post-frame construction crews can replace individual metal panels. If damage affects the roof purlins or sidewall girts, we’ll install new wooden framing members.
If you use pole barn sliding doors frequently, they’ll need adjustment. Damaged tracks, loose hardware, and worn rollers can cause misalignment. Strong winds and accidental impacts can also affect how well the door system operates.
A sliding door that sticks, drags, hangs unevenly, or becomes hard to open and close shouldn’t be ignored. Continuous use puts extra stress on the hardware, rollers, and track, which may lead to a full replacement.
Depending on the extent of the issue, our post-frame construction crews can fix your pole barn sliding doors in five easy steps.
Do you want to upgrade your door system? The EasyMotion Sliding Door by FBi Buildings was designed to operate smoothly in real-world conditions. A unique low-friction polymer roller is protected behind and underneath the Posi-Guide Track.
This patented door system keeps the sliders snug against your post-frame building as they move. No interference from gravel, ice, leaves, or snow!
Plus, the Posi-Guide Track is self-cleaning, so you never need to oil the rollers. The frame is made of powder-coated aluminum to match your pole barn color.
Taking action early can help protect your investment and prevent more extensive, costly repairs.
If your pole barn was affected by severe weather, your insurance company may be involved in the repair process.
After you file a claim, our Repair and Renovation Specialists can work with your insurance agent. They’ll document the affected areas, provide an estimate, and answer questions about the repair work.
Whether you’re dealing with routine maintenance or storm damage, our team can help you develop a plan to restore your post-frame building.
You don’t have to wait until there’s an obvious problem to have your post-frame building inspected. A professional evaluation gives you a better understanding of your pole barn’s condition. It also helps you make informed decisions about repairs for long-term performance.
Are you ready to protect your post-frame building? Schedule a FREE inspection with our post-frame construction experts.
Editor’s Note: This inspection report is intended to identify necessary repair work or assist in updating an insurance policy, not for use in legal proceedings.
Disclaimer: This complimentary inspection is limited to a visual assessment of readily accessible areas. It does not include removing metal panels, dismantling post-frame building components, or walking on the metal roof. If additional investigation is needed, your Repair and Renovation Specialist will discuss the next steps and recommend repair solutions with you (minimum $750 charge).
Do you have more questions about pole barn inspections 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 for a price, click here to request a quote, and our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps for your project.