The wind’s got a bite in it, the leaves have turned, and my thermos of black coffee doesn’t last as long as it used to. That can only mean one thing: winter’s knockin’. And if you’re like most of us who count on a pole barn, post frame building, or any kind of outbuilding to keep our tools, critters, or vehicles safe, now’s the time to make sure it’s buttoned up tight for the cold months ahead.
These buildings are built to stand strong, but even the best pole barn could use a little winter prep work if you want it to serve you well when the snow flies.
A Word About Insulation (and a Handy Tip)
Now, if your pole barn’s gonna be more than a glorified snow globe this winter, say you’ve got animals inside or you’re storing equipment that doesn’t like the cold, you’ll want to give some thought to insulation.
Here’s a simple tip I’ve learned over the years: buy enough 24-inch wide blanket insulation to fill the open gaps between your wall girts. Most post frame buildings have standard spacing between their girts, or studs as some call them, and you’ll want to snug those cavities up with insulation like you’re tucking them in for a long winter nap.
Roll out your insulation, cut it to fit, and press it into those wall bays. A staple gun works fine for keeping it in place. Just be sure to fasten it to the inside face of your girts, usually two-by-sixes.
And if you’re planning on insulating the ceiling, be warned. You’ll need a sturdy ladder, a steady hand, and preferably a buddy nearby. Climbing alone never made much sense to me, especially when you’ve got your arms full of fiberglass.
Handle With Care
Blanket insulation is great stuff, but it’s no picnic on bare skin. Trust me, I’ve itched my way through more jobs than I care to admit. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants you don’t mind getting fuzzy. You’ll be glad you did.
Don’t Forget Ventilation
Now, here’s something folks sometimes overlook when insulating a pole building: ventilation. If you seal your building up too tight without giving that warm, moist air somewhere to go, you’ll end up with condensation dripping from the ceiling like a leaky faucet. That’s no good for wood, metal, or livestock.
Good ridge vents, eave vents, or even a gable vent or two will keep that air moving. Insulation and ventilation ought to go together like biscuits and gravy.
Take a Walk Around the Place
Before the snow piles up, give your building a good walkaround. Check your doors for smooth operation. Lubricate the hinges if they’re squeaking. Make sure any gutters and downspouts are cleared out so melting snow has a place to go.
If you’ve got overhead doors, now’s a fine time to check the weatherstripping along the bottom. A cracked seal can let in a surprising amount of snow and cold air.
And while you’re at it, make sure your grading around the barn slopes away from the building. You don’t want melting snow pooling up around your posts come spring.
Keep the Cold at Bay, Not Your Questions
Winter prep might seem like a lot, but a few hours of elbow grease now will save you from headaches later. And if you’re still in the planning stages of building your barn, it’s never too early to think about insulation, ventilation, and cold-weather protection.
The team over at DIY Pole Barns knows this better than anyone. They’ll help you choose the right options, and their kits come together cleaner than a fresh snowfall. Give them a ring at (937) 547-9100, or if you’re ready to price one out, you can use their Instant Quote Tool.
A Final Thought From the Farm
I’ve always believed that a good barn should serve you well in every season. It ought to stand strong in the storm, stay cool in the summer, and warm enough in the winter to keep the frost off your favorite wrench.
So as you ready your pole barn for the months ahead, take the time to do it right. As my old mentor once told me while stuffing insulation in the rafters of a half-frozen cow barn, “Measure once, cut twice, then realize you had it backwards and go fix it anyway.” He wasn’t wrong.
Stay warm out there.
—Albert Barnwright
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