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.

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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.

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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 →

Does your company or organization routinely host gatherings for the public? Events allow people to congregate for face-to-face get-togethers. We can all use more of this in an era of mobile devices. A pole building as an event venue suffices nicely as a hangout area.

Why a Pole Building as an Event Venue in Pullman Is Advantageous

Venue rental is often the single largest overhead. Of course, the rental price differs depending on a facility’s size, number of rooms, amenities, etc. Even on the lower end of the price scale, the fee can be in the range of tens of thousands.

To reduce costs on this spending portion, some companies are investing in their own event venue. What they do is set up a permanent pole building or steel building, usually on the company’s own plot of land. Continue Reading →

Pole barns aren’t a novel concept by any means. They have been around for decades and are a vital part of America’s past and present architecture industry. We’ll discuss the complete pole barn history and how they have advanced over the years.

Pole Barn History: Its Humble Roots

The Colonial Period

Pole buildings have Americana written all over them. Their roots, in fact, started during colonial times. Early settlers constructed pole buildings as housing for livestock and horses. Pole construction was the go-to choice because it was quick to set up. The land also provided sufficient wood material. Unfortunately, no method was available for treating wood at the time. This meant settlers had to constantly repair barns or replace them altogether.

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We have constructed countless pole barns throughout the Sandpoint area. Most of these were built on flat terrain, which makes our task far easier. However, at times we’re tasked to build a pole barn on a sloped lot. Is this possible? Are there other variables to consider?

How to Build on an Uneven Terrain

We implement several techniques for creating a viable terrain. One way is to fill the uneven areas with soil. This method works provided that the area doesn’t have drainage problems. Using soil doesn’t even have to result in a completely flat surface. Most terrains work as long as the surface is off-level by one inch or less.

We also construct pole barns and steel barns on existing uneven land and level it on a future date. Continue Reading →

Pole buildings come in various styles and architectural designs. In fact, they’re just as stylish as the main home even when they just serve as storage space. One type that may be suitable for your needs are monitor-style pole buildings.

What’s a Monitor-Style Pole Building?

A monitor-style building has a raised center with trusses that act as support for the gabled center roof. The raised middle enables the installation of extra windows, which provide more natural light penetration.

One of our old projects included a monitor-style pole building, which you can view at our gallery.

Monitor-style barns are typically used as horse stables. Today, storage sheds, car garages, hangars, steel shops, and accessory dwelling units may adopt the same architectural design. Continue Reading →

Do you have your eyes set on a new steel building or barn? You may feel right at home with a wrench and toolbox, but that doesn’t mean you can tackle the construction of a new building from beginning to finish. We have frequently seen homeowners aspiring to be their own contractor. We highly advise against DIY building construction for reasons we’ll explain.

Why DIY Building Construction Is Not a Good Idea

DIY projects are on the incline due to the availability of affordable steel building kits. However, you’re not exactly building a bookshelf or bike rack. Constructing a standalone structure requires a whole different level of expertise. There are three reasons being your own contractor is not in your best interest.

1. Permits

Constructing a building from the ground up is a tremendous physical undertaking, and the logistics involved are extremely complex. Does the building meet municipal codes? In most instances, even a residential project will require approval from the city. A professional contractor knows exactly the types of permits needed and the process for obtaining them. Continue Reading →

Most post-frame and pole buildings use lumber as the main material. If you’re building a new shed, barn, or hangar, do you know the lumber’s durability? Do you know if you’re using visual grade lumber or machine stress-rated lumber? Do you know the difference, or have you even heard of these two terms?

Visual Grade and Machine Stress-Rated Lumber Explained

Not all lumber is created equal. In the past two decades or so, lumber quality has waned considerably due to the proliferation of fast-growth, farmed lumber. Slower-growth, natural lumber, by contrast, is sturdier and lasts longer.

Wherever you acquire your lumber, it’s critical that the material undergoes machine testing. This is where the machine stress-rated (MSR) test enters the picture.

To evaluate the wood’s density, the MSR process uses sophisticated ultrasound equipment. Another variety of MSR testing includes a mechanical bending process. Both tests measure the amount of strength the wood can withstand. Continue Reading →