What do big purchases (e.g., appliances, electronics, post-frame buildings, and vehicles) have in common?

As a post-frame builder, we know firsthand that the weather is unpredictable. One day, our construction crews are building pole barns in the brutal chill. The next day is sunny, with temperatures in the mid-50s. Eventually, you become accustomed to abnormal weather patterns and don’t give it a second thought.

Your post-frame construction project is complete. The 80' x 120' farm shop is the perfect building size for storing heavy machinery (e.g., combine, tractor, planter, and skid steer). Fast forward to 15+ years worth of planting and harvesting seasons. Your post-frame building has worked hard for you, allowing you to move farm equipment in and out quickly.

Your pole barn is crucial to your operation. Day-to-day activities take place in this post-frame building. It's where you spend a significant amount of time; for some people, it's a huge part of your livelihood.

Generally, big purchases come with a warranty. You buy a new vehicle. You upgrade the appliances in your kitchen. You watch the big game on that shiny 65” TV in your man cave. All three purchases include warranty coverage. Pole barns are no exception.

Routine maintenance is a crucial part of extending any product's useful life. We change the oil in our vehicles and rotate the tires. We install software updates on our electronics. We hire professional landscapers to prune the shrubs and weed the landscaping around our stick-built home. While no post-frame building lasts forever (just like the examples listed above), you can prolong its lifecycle with regular pole barn maintenance.