Winterize Your Pole Barn

Your post-frame building's structural integrity may be compromised if you neglect it before winter arrives. The load path for pole barns relies on the pole foundation which can be compromised by a single weak connection if not properly maintained. In that case, construction repairs and damage to the pole barn are inevitable. Luckily, this can be avoided. 

Before the cold weather arrives, try these five simple steps to winterize your pole barn:

Clear and empty gutters and downspouts of debris

Clearing the gutters on your pole barn is critical as they can accumulate debris such as broken twigs, fallen leaves, pine needles, and fine sediment, which can wreak havoc on your structure. This buildup can clog the gutter system, causing problems when rainwater or melted ice/snow cannot be redirected. Excess water can also cause rust, especially on fasteners, making them less effective. Excess water can also turn into ice when temperatures drop below freezing, causing further damage to the gutters and potentially detaching the channel from the pole barn.

Double-check post-frame building seals and insulation

Do you plan on insulating your pole barn? Fall is the ideal time to inspect and prepare your pole barn for insulation. Insulation is the primary defense against heat loss. Insulating your pole barn is an investment that can significantly reduce monthly utility costs. Contact Rossbrook Construction so we can help you choose the appropriate insulation for your pole barn.

Inspect electrical wires and plumbing pipes

In cold weather, it's crucial to inspect electrical wires and plumbing pipes to prevent issues like faulty wiring and frozen pipes. The first step is ensuring that your heating system is serviced and ready to use. In addition, take the time to assess the lighting in your pole barn for burnt bulbs and consider replacing them with LEDs for energy efficiency. Monitoring your plumbing system is also essential during the winter months, as freezing pipes can burst, causing a larger leak and quite a headache! As long as your pole barn is adequately heated, frozen pipes should not be a problem. Lastly, we also recommend letting cold water drip from the faucets.

Prune landscaping and surrounding trees

Landscaping not only enhances the curb appeal of your pole barn but also reduces heating and cooling costs. However, neglecting to prune shrubbery and trees can pose significant threats to your pole barn. Overgrown branches can scratch metal siding, allowing moisture to access the chipped paint, causing the panel to expand, thus placing stress on the pole barn. Ice and snow can also weigh down tree branches, causing them to collapse on top of the metal roof, leading to gaping holes or broken trusses. High winds can push neglected branches into windows, potentially breaking panes. As you can see, pruning the surrounding landscaping can save you money on building repairs come the spring.

Repair pole barn damages (if needed)

Northeastern winters can be unpredictable, and all it takes is one storm to worsen the situation. Therefore, it’s important to address any issues before winter sets in. Contact Rossbrook Construction and let our construction team restore your pole barn to its former glory. You can rest assured that it will be repaired and ready to use.