Incorrect storage of hale can cause quality erosion, leading to unnecessary and expensive replacements. Many of our clients use their pole barns for hay storage. Here are some best practices for storing the hay properly.

1. Store Hay Bales Inside

Indoor storage maintains the hay’s quality and color. We suggest storage inside a pole building with adequate ventilation and minimal traces of leakage. Indoor storage also safeguards the hay from direct UV rays. Sunrays deplete the hay of vitamins and macronutrients, such as protein and vitamin A.

Also, hay bales are flammable, so the storage facility should ideally be made from fire-proof material. Our optional features include vents and windows for maximum airflow.

2. Let the Hay “Breathe”

The bales shouldn’t be crammed together like sardines in a can. There should be a minimum of three feet of space between each stack. This provides ample space for air circulation and also keeps the bales from absorbing excessive amounts of moisture. If high humidity is a concern, then use cured hay, which is more resistant to moisture. Finally, it’s a good idea to open some of the bales every now and then to inspect for mold. Continue Reading →

Pole building and stick frame construction are similar but also have some major differences. Contrary to belief, the terms aren’t interchangeable. Learn how the two construction styles contrast and the main advantages of pole buildings.

Pole Building and Stick-Frame Construction Near Cheney Explained

In pole buildings, laminated wood makes up the majority of the frame. The roof uses trusses that are connected by purlins. The building construction is held in place using heavy-duty steel cladding. Despite its name, pole buildings do not contain poles or columns.

A stick building differs in that it contains a basement or crawlspace that the structure is built on top of. There is also a concrete foundation for providing support. Since a foundation is needed and requires construction itself, stick frame buildings are typically more expensive.

Why Aim for Pole Buildings Over Stick-Frames?

As mentioned, the foundation adds tremendously to a building’s construction expenses. The required excavation and concrete usually comprise 10% to 15% of the total cost. You can eliminate this expense completely with a pole building. Continue Reading →

Pole barn buildings come in a multitude of designs and architectures. In addition, you have just as many pole barn doors to select from. Options include conventional residential-style front doors and overhead doors not unlike the typical garage door. Let’s have a look at some of these door variants.

1. Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are much like a patio glass door that’s set on a track and slides open and shut. This is a popular door type for pole buildings used for the storage of heavy and bulky equipment. This door type, though, isn’t the most efficient from an insulation standpoint due to the difficulty of installing weather stripping.

2. Overhead Doors

This is very similar to your average home garage door, complete with a garage door opener and remote control. Since the door comes in a panel design just like a home garage door, it gives your pole barn a homely vibe in the exterior. Continue Reading →

Have you picked out a site for a future pole barn? Just because the land is bare doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the construction of a new building or other dwelling units. Pole barn lot preparation is necessary in most instances to avoid complications down the road.

Acquire the Legal Permits

Some counties require permits for the construction of a new building even if you own the land. This is region-specific, so you’ll need to speak with your local municipal administrator. We are, however, familiar with the majority of zoning laws within the Spokane area. While we can provide guidance regarding permits, your city administrator can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The Lot Preparation Process

Use stakes and boundary ropes to designate the precise lot perimeter. There should also be enough excess space in case you intend to expand the structure in the future. After establishing the boundaries, is there ample space for you to walk or perhaps drive around? Also, how’s the slope of the land? Is it sufficient for water to properly drain and travel away from the property? Continue Reading →

Do you own a farm or ranch with multiple horses? Do you keep them in a barn or pasture? Which one leads to healthier and happier horses? Let’s go over the advantages of each.

Barn and Pasture for Your Coeur D’Alene Farm

Most horse owners choose pastures over a stable. This makes sense because pastures provide open-air and roaming space, which is a huge necessity for a horse’s physical and mental health.

An open pasture for a horse is quite advantageous, hands down. With that in mind, a barn stable has its place as well. An interior stable provides a cozy spot away from rain and other adverse weather elements. Housing a horse in a stable is also helpful for the owner when performing horse care, such as feeding and shoeing.

Of course, it’s not healthy to confine a horse in a pole barn 24/7. Horses that spend extended time inside a stable may behave erratically, such as gnaw on the wood, kick the wall, or walk the stall. These are symptoms that the horse is feeling isolated and not getting sufficient freedom of movement.

Continue Reading →

Beyond the city lights, Washington is also known for its lush farmlands. More farmers are adding to their income by incorporating agritourism into their business. This type of tourism has risen substantially in recent years. Agricultural businesses around the Spokane area may benefit by extending their services to include visitor attractions.

What Is Spokane Agritourism?

Visiting a farm is a new experience for city dwellers. These people pay to view livestock and even participate in everyday chores, such as grooming a horse or milking a cow. Agritourism is a quickly rising sector; globally, it’s expected to expand to a $117 billion industry by 2027.

More farmers and ranchers are expanding their property to accommodate paying guests. This may include creating a bed and breakfast or renting out a parcel of the property as a wedding venue. Other activities for visitors at a farm include livestock petting zoos, bird and wildlife viewing, and walking through corn mazes. Continue Reading →

Whatever the use for a pole barn, the structure can be a target for burglars. As the owner, you have to take active measures to lessen the odds of a pole barn becoming an intruder’s next target. We’ll discuss why thieves target these structures and how you can enhance pole barn security to safeguard your property.

Why Pole Barn Break-Ins Happen

Typically, pole barns serve as storage units that are separate from the main home or occupying quarters. As a result, valuables like expensive tools are stored inside. Sheds also rarely have people inside, making it easy for a burglar to enter undetected. Intruders know these storage units have a good chance of containing items that can be taken and sold on the black market.

Security Measures

We suggest the same protective steps you would establish for your home or business. Keep these security implementations in mind:

• Install more outdoor lighting and install a motion sensor light for the pole barn doorway. This makes it harder for thieves to use the cover of darkness.
• If the barn contains windows, are tools and equipment in plain sight? Install curtains or keep possessions out of direct view.
• Optional features for pole barns include a multitude of door styles and locking mechanisms. Invest in a model with a durable lock and a strong door that can’t be forced open with a swift kick. If the door can fit a second lock, use a high-grade padlock resistant to a bolt cutter.
• Burglars may smash the door or window using items near the barn. These include basic garden tools, such as shovels, rakes, and pruning shears. Relocate all tools inside.

Continue Reading →

Washington is by no means the hottest region in North America. Even so, the temperature can still be blistering on some days. This is why property owners should insulate pole barns during the summer.

Use the Right Insulation

At a minimum, we suggest that all pole barns have vents in the walls and ceiling. This applies even if the barn is used exclusively for storage. We can install vents to an existing structure as an optional feature. We also suggest adding either a whole-house fan or a ceiling fan, or even both if you can fit it into your budget.

Continue Reading →

Once completely set up and ready for storage or occupancy, pole barns have nearly all the same functionality as a conventional building. This means you often have the same selections in terms of roofing, insulation, and flooring. Speaking of flooring, your choices are numerous and diverse. Learn about the various styles of pole barn flooring for your newly constructed facility or shed.

Dirt Flooring

This is one of the more lower-cost options especially if storage is the primary use for the barn. Some owners initially begin with dirt flooring to see just how durable it is. Bear in mind, however, that the structure may eventually be better off with a sturdier flooring type. Moisture and changes in soil quality may lead to an unstable surface. You’ll also need to upgrade if you plan on using the interior for human occupancy. Continue Reading →

Does your company operate a commercial vehicle fleet? Money-saving initiatives for companies typically include overhead spending reduction. One way to do this is by investing in electric company vehicles. Of course, you’ll need multiple charging stations for this. A viable solution is an EV charging station built on company grounds.

Why Go Hybrid?

The average hybrid car costs an average $4,647 more than conventional gasoline vehicles. However, in 10 years of ownership, you can save around $6,742. Multiply this by the number of cars in your company fleet, and the savings can be significant.

With the investment, you can also market your company as a green and environmentally-friendly venture. Clients nowadays are more inclined to do business with companies that dedicate their resources to sustainability.

Why Pole Barns as a Charging Station?

If you go this route, you’ll need to install a charging station on your premises for your vehicles. For a cost-effective solution, consider a pole building. Continue Reading →