Once your pole barn project is complete, it’s probably a relief. You spent months (or maybe years) designing the perfect post-frame building. Every detail was thoroughly considered, right down to the type of weathervane installed on your cupola.
Given the number of hours invested in your pole barn project, it is essential to maintain it in excellent condition after the post-frame construction is complete.
Over time, age and weather can wear down any structure, no matter the post-frame builder. As a result, it might look different from what it did 40 years ago.
No matter what type of pole barn you have, here are four maintenance tips you need to know to keep your post-frame building in top condition.
Why Is Pole Barn Maintenance Crucial?
Taking good care of our belongings is essential to prolonging their lifespan.
Would you buy a brand-new vehicle without changing the oil or rotating the tires?
Would you hire professional landscapers to design the landscaping around your stick-built home and let weeds take over?
While no post-frame building lasts forever, you can significantly extend its lifetime with proper care.
You’re probably thinking, “My pole barn was built to last.” Of course, every post-frame builder wants their product to withstand the test of time, but only routine maintenance will achieve that goal.
Let’s consider this analogy.
If you notice a hole in your favorite blue jeans and ignore it, what will happen to the hole? It will grow larger over time.
The same comparison applies to post-frame construction. Small problems (e.g., metal roof leaks) will multiply and cause major structural issues (e.g., rotted roof purlins). Regular pole barn maintenance can help you avoid post-frame building repairs.
Watch this short YouTube video to learn the three reasons why you should inspect your pole barn—and when to do it.
4 Pole Barn Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
1) Watch for Metal Roof Leaks
The most frustrating pole barn repair is a leaking metal roof. It can be hard to detect unless you climb on top of your post-frame building.
If you're afraid of heights, you can check for water intrusion by walking inside your pole barn during a storm.
Although the smallest leaks can be difficult to find, they reveal where moisture damage may occur. Again, minor issues can quickly turn into major problems.
Inspecting for metal roof leaks helps prevent air quality problems. Continuous exposure to mold can cause illnesses in humans and animals. Spores can also grow and stain belongings stored in your post-frame building.
2) Check Exterior Metal Panels
We know Mother Nature can be unpredictable, especially if you live in the Midwest. High winds and sudden hailstorms can damage your post-frame building.
To minimize the impact on exterior steel siding, we recommend choosing a job site near natural windbreaks, such as hills or trees.
Do you need help selecting the location for your new post-frame building? Our Project Sales Consultants (PSCs) can review your pole barn site preparation plan before excavation.
Mowing near your post-frame building risks damaging your exterior metal panels. A lawnmower can kick up pebbles and rocks, leaving minor dents that accumulate over time.
We recommend installing pole barn wainscoting. This building feature not only enhances aesthetics but is also easy to replace if damaged.
Watch this short YouTube video to discover how steel withstands hail, rocks, and other projectiles that could cause structural damage.
3) Remove Debris From Pole Barn Gutters
Winter can be hard on your post-frame building. Structural engineers aim to calculate your pole barn snow load accurately, but some years can bring more snowfall than expected.
The best way to handle heavy snow is to remove it from your pole barn roof before it causes bowing trusses. Therefore, we encourage you to install snow guards on your metal roof.
This post-frame building feature prevents ice and snow from accumulating along the eaves. While ice and snow melt, the extra weight can loosen the gutter from its fasteners and the structure.
Water cannot flow properly to the downspouts if your gutters are damaged. Unfortunately, moisture will find a new path, leading to rotted pole barn columns, fascia boards, door headers, and trusses.
Weakened components can jeopardize the structural integrity of your post-frame building. The sooner you remove accumulated ice and snow, the less damage you may have.
Clearing away ice and snow helps prevent pole barn damage. If winter has already taken its toll, spring is the best time to repair your post-frame building before the busy season begins.
4) Inspect Pole Barn Doors & Windows
Lastly, most post-frame buildings feature doors or windows in various styles and sizes.
Cold storage machine sheds have sliding doors and walk doors. Meanwhile, custom pole barn hobby shops have overhead garage doors and windows with grids.
Doors and windows deteriorate over time, and their energy efficiency decreases. A common example of an aging door or window is a leaky seal.
Weatherstrips are constantly exposed to hot and cold temperatures. If the seal fails, air will escape your post-frame building. Not to mention, you'll be sticker-shocked when you see your energy bill.
Furthermore, we encourage customers to fix their pole barn sliding doors. Frequent use and weather can affect the alignment of your sliding door, causing it to catch and need adjustment.
Watch this quick YouTube tutorial on how to fix your pole barn sliding door in five simple steps.
Get Ready to Maintain Your Post-Frame Building
Like all good things in life, there comes a time when something needs a little TLC. Your pole barn is no exception.
An experienced post-frame builder will do their best to make sure your pole barn lasts. However, performing routine maintenance on your post-frame building is essential. If you don't prioritize upkeep now, you'll pay for it later with pole barn repairs and renovations.
Do you need help with inspecting your post-frame building? Our Repair and Renovation Specialists will restore your pole barn to its original condition. Best of all, it doesn't matter who built the original structure.
Do you have more questions about pole barn repairs and renovations that are not covered in this article? If you need help with 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 a member of our Customer Engagement Team will help you determine the next steps.