Building Maintenance | Posts | Videos | Structural Integrity | Repairs & Renovations | Pole Barn Insurance
Routine inspections and maintenance for post-frame buildings are crucial for ensuring your investment’s longevity and structural integrity.
Just as you regularly check your vehicle or stick-built home for signs of wear and tear, your pole barn deserves the same attention.
By prioritizing annual assessments, you can safeguard your post-frame building from costly repairs, guarantee adequate insurance coverage, and plan for future renovation projects.
This preemptive approach provides peace of mind, knowing that your structure is in good condition and potential issues are being addressed.
This article explores the top three reasons for inspecting your pole barn and outlines when to evaluate key building components at various intervals.
3 Reasons Why You Should Inspect Your Pole Barn
1) Proactive Post-Frame Building Maintenance
The primary reason for conducting regular inspections is to address minor fixes before they become costly pole barn repairs.
For instance, a small leak in your metal roof may go unnoticed until it causes significant water damage and mold growth. By checking for such leaks, you can catch them early and make simple repairs before they lead to rotted lumber, deteriorated insulation, or ruined stored belongings.
Moreover, clearing your pole barn gutters of debris prevents water buildup, which can lead to more rot and structural damage. Removing animal nests, dirt, moss, pine needles, shingle granules, or twigs can extend the lifespan of your post-frame building.
Easy steps, major impact!
2) Update Your Pole Barn Insurance Policy
Regarding post-frame buildings, most people only consider insurance when something goes wrong.
A tornado tore off the metal roofing panels, hail broke your pole barn windows, or an accidental fire charred the entire structure.
However, yearly examinations are key in securing adequate coverage for your post-frame building – before any damage occurs.
One of the most valuable benefits of inspecting your pole barn is documenting its condition. These evaluations clearly show the pole barn’s current state, including structural integrity, maintenance recommendations, and repair history.
Furthermore, this comprehensive review can be useful when adjusting your insurance coverage. If your post-frame building has undergone improvements or has experienced natural wear and tear, having an up-to-date inspection report allows you to revise your insurance policy to reflect these changes.
Suppose you’ve added features or made major renovations to increase the pole barn value. Your current insurance policy may no longer provide adequate coverage for the full replacement cost value.
By submitting inspection reports to your insurance provider, you can ensure that your insurance policy is updated to cover the current value of your post-frame building.
It’s better to be prepared than underinsured.
3) Plan for Future Renovation Projects
Annual assessments go beyond immediate maintenance needs. They’re also valuable for planning future renovation projects.
Examining your pole barn can help determine which building components need to be reinforced or upgraded to maintain durability and safety.
Structural elements such as columns, roof purlins, and trusses are especially important, as they bear the weight of the post-frame building. If you’re considering a pole barn addition, these building components must support extra design loads.
Suppose you plan to reconfigure your pole barn for a new purpose, such as replacing metal panels and adding interior finishes. An inspection report provides the baseline information needed to map out these changes.
This proactive approach helps you budget wisely, prioritize upgrades, and avoid unexpected costs when renovating your post-frame building.
Key Post-Frame Building Components to Inspect (And When to Do It)
Now that we’ve discussed the top three reasons for inspecting your pole barn, let’s look at the specific post-frame building components you must evaluate – and the ideal times to do it.
1-Year Inspection: First-Year Check on Essentials
The first year after your pole barn is built is crucial for ensuring everything functions as it should.
Here’s what you should focus on during this initial assessment:
Building Envelope (Gaskets): Check the seals around doors and windows to ensure proper insulation. This step will help prevent drafts, heat gain or loss (depending on the season), and water infiltration.
- Attic Spaces: Inspect second stories for signs of condensation or poor ventilation. Trapped moisture can lead to mold growth and rotted lumber. Airflow and insulation must be intact.
- Doors & Windows: All doors and windows should open and close smoothly. Air leaks affect the energy efficiency of your post-frame building.
- Bird Blocking: Small openings along the pole barn exterior can lead to bigger problems, such as bird nesting or pest infestation.
5-Year Inspection: Midpoint Preventative Check
Your post-frame building is a good candidate for a midpoint preventative check around the five-year mark. This evaluation focuses on maintaining the pole barn exterior.
Here’s what to look for during your five-year inspection:
Gutters: Clear any debris from the gutter system and ensure it remains securely attached to the post-frame building for proper drainage. Clogged or broken gutters can lead to water damage and foundation issues.- Wainscoting: Examine wainscoting for any dents, holes, or rust. This lower section is vulnerable to impact and weathering but relatively easy to replace.
10 to 15-Year Inspection: Addressing Wear and Tear
As your pole barn ages from 10 to 15 years, it’s important to address the inevitable wear and tear that comes with time.
Here’s what to prioritize during the 10 to 15-year assessment:
Paint Discoloration (Fade or Gloss Loss): Exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors can cause metal panels to chalk or fade. A superior paint system will prolong corrosion with an unmatched product warranty.- Fastener Deterioration (Red Rust): Check screws with encapsulated washers for red rust or disintegration. Replacing fasteners will help maintain the structural integrity of your post-frame building.
- Caulk & Sealant: Inspect the seals around doors, windows, and joints for any signs of breakage or shrinkage. Reapplying caulk and sealant as needed will keep your pole barn well-insulated and protected from the elements and pests.
- Roof Purlins: Updating roof system members with moisture damage strengthens support for the metal roofing.
20+ Year Inspection: Ensuring Long-Term Structural Integrity
After two decades of use, you must evaluate the overall health of your post-frame building. At this stage, key structural elements may show signs of wear and tear that could impact the pole barn’s stability and longevity.
Microfractures in Metal Panels: Over time, metal panels can develop microfractures. These fine cracks can compromise their weather resistance.- Rotted Pole Barn Columns: Posts are the backbone of your post-frame building. Rot is a form of decay activated by moisture and fungal growth. Look for signs of decay or rot at the base of each column.
- Bowing or Sagging Trusses: Inspect trusses for warping, bending, or sagging, as these deformities may indicate structural strain. Reinforcing or replacing compromised building components will help prevent potential failure and ensure stability.
Book Your FREE Pole Barn Inspection Today!
From the first year to the twentieth, routine inspections and maintenance at key milestones will extend the life of your post-frame building. A well-kept pole barn is safer, more durable, and retains its value, giving you the biggest bang for your buck.
Are you ready to give your structure the attention it deserves? Schedule a FREE inspection with the post-frame construction experts. This detailed report offers a comprehensive review of your pole barn’s condition, helping you avoid potential issues and keep it in optimal shape for years.
Additional Resources:
3 Effective Ways to Repair a Rotted Pole Barn Column
5 Steps to Repair Your Pole Barn Damage
7 Tips to Hire a Post-Frame Builder for Pole Barn Repairs
How to File a Pole Barn Insurance Claim in 3 Easy Steps
How to Fix Your Pole Barn Sliding Door in 5 Easy Steps
What Should Your Pole Barn Warranty Cover?
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 to get a price, click here to request a quote, and our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps of your project.