Author Archives: Jack Cripe

About Jack Cripe

Sales Manager and partner at Pacemaker Buildings.

Preventing Condensation and Moisture in Your Post Frame Building

Leave a reply

Preventing condensation and moisture in post frame building.

Post frame buildings are durable and long-lasting in most situations. The vertical posts anchored deep beneath the structure provide exceptional stability while redirecting high wind forces into the ground beneath. In severe weather conditions, properly constructed post frame buildings often remain intact better than other types of construction. In regards to preventing condensation and moisture, learn tips to build smart.

For most construction, the biggest problem happens to be moisture and condensation. Post frame buildings are no different. Moisture can infiltrate building components and compromise their strength and longevity. Metal parts will start to corrode, while mildew damages wood, fabric, and other materials.

For any metal roofing and siding, moisture can attack those structural components and the equipment and tools within. And where horses and livestock are housed, a severe moisture problem can become a health risk. Below we look at how you can prevent condensation and moisture in your post frame building.

Remember: Moisture is Humidity

Warm air holds more moisture than cool air. Therefore, at night, as temperatures drop outside, the warmer air within the metal-encased structure rises to the metal roofing, condenses against the cold roof, and creates droplets or a “sweating effect.” Under the right (or wrong) conditions, these drops can result in a “rain” effect within the building. Needless to say, this isn’t good for the livestock and mechanical assets that occupy the structure. However, there are design features that help to prevent this condensation..

How to Fight Condensation

Consulting with an experienced post frame building expert during the initial design process can minimize the negative impact of excessive moisture buildup. Attention to specific design components reduces the potential for moisture access and accumulation.

Here are some moisture reduction considerations Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings recommend:

  • Ensure your building site is situated with the best possible drainage, likely at an elevation higher than the surrounding topography.
  • Grade the surface to allow moisture to flow away from the interior of the building. The perimeter should angle down and away from the outer walls to prevent water from entering.
  • Install underground drainage tiles to keep moisture from accumulating beneath the structure’s footprint.
  • Vapor barriers beneath the gravel or concrete flooring will reduce the potential for moisture to reach the interior of the building.
  • Ensure heating devices vent to the outside of the structure.
  • Provide adequate ventilation. Moving air helps to evacuate moisture from the interior.
  • Insulate to keep the interior temperature from reaching the dew point.
  • Incorporate a vapor barrier to keep moist air from flowing through the insulation and condensing on the roof and elsewhere. Your post frame professional can help to advise how to proceed with this element.

Keeping Interior Moisture to a Minimum

During high-humidity weather, owners should consider strategies to prevent moisture accumulation within the building. Some of the elements that add to moisture development include:

  • Poor drainage
  • Use of unvented space heaters
  • Snow melt from vehicles and recreational equipment
  • Washing vehicles and floors
  • Storage of hay, firewood, fill dirt, green or freshly cut firewood

Aim to avoid these elements where possible to minimize the creation of moisture inside.

Working with the Experts at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Whether solving moisture problems in your existing post frame building or designing a well-ventilated moisture-free facility; a proven post frame supplier, designer, and builder like Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings can solve your issues.

In the company’s fourth decade of satisfying clients in Northeastern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio, family-owned Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings has been a leader in innovation and problem-solving throughout their service area.

To learn more about Pacemaker’s design solutions and view many of the Pacemaker finished projects, visit the Pacemaker Post Frame Building Website Gallery.

For questions about your proposed or existing post frame building, contact the experts at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings at +1-888-834-4448.

Top Uses of Post Frame Buildings in the Agriculture Industry

Leave a reply

Post frame buildings in the agricultural industry.

Post frame buildings can be anything you choose. No construction method offers the same versatility, adaptability, economy, or open space as a well-built post frame structure. Post frame buildings are often used in the agriculture industry. And for equestrian, maintenance, and storage-related purposes, these durable buildings are becoming very popular for civic buildings, fire stations, churches, schools, and more.

The abundance of agricultural uses makes post frame construction the most popular choice for farmers, ranchers, and horse or livestock owners and breeders. Importantly, post frame buildings can easily be converted for other uses later, if necessary.

Below are the most popular uses for post frame buildings in the agriculture industry:

1. Farm Shops

A farm shop is the heart of any farming operation. This is where you store, service, clean and repair equipment. Post frame structures also provide ample unobstructed space to maneuver multiple pieces of equipment. They also provide plenty of storage for spare parts, tools, lubricants, and more.

Post frame farm shops are usually constructed with concrete flooring to keep the equipment, spare parts, and supplies clean. In colder climates, building owners add insulation and sometimes incorporate a separate heated workroom to work more comfortably.

2. Multi-Purpose Buildings

Versatile and adaptable, post frame agricultural buildings can perform many functions simultaneously. These structures can also be quickly adapted for new functions or reconfigured for new purposes since no interior wall is load-bearing.

A multi-purpose post frame building might house a farm shop in one section and perhaps a garage or storage room in another. Many incorporate a nicely appointed, climate-controlled office, lounge, or other personal space.

3. Livestock Shelter

Providing a well-ventilated, clean, and safe environment for livestock is an essential function of a well-constructed post frame building. In frigid climates, providing relief from winter cold and snow is also necessary.

Post frame buildings are perfect for equestrian centers and barns. The high ceilings, open space, and flexibility in the interior configuration can accommodate changes in the number of animals being housed.

4. Landscaping and Nursery Storage

Large-scale landscaping companies and commercial nurseries rely on a substantial inventory of machinery, equipment, and supplies to perform their operations.

Besides offering storage and workspace for these in a well-maintained post frame building, servicing and cleaning are also essential. An orderly, well-designed workshop in a post frame building is a critical component of these businesses. Many companies also house their office space and showrooms inside post frame buildings.

Learn More about Agricultural Post Frame Buildings from Pacemaker

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings; a family-operated business located in North Webster, Indiana, has been a leader in post frame construction and technology for over four decades.

Serving clients in Northeastern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio, Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings will provide insights and even create the design for the structure to match the client’s needs. Pacemaker will supply all building materials and custom parts and can oversee the construction.

Visit the Pacemaker website to learn more about their creative solutions while viewing their gallery of beautiful, multi-functional agricultural and other buildings.

To discuss your needs or seek answers to your questions, call Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings at 1-888-834-4448.

Or you may complete the brief Contact Us form, and one of the Pacemaker Post Frame professionals will contact you.

Considerations for Other Spaces in Your Farm Shop Building  

Leave a reply

Exercise room in converted farm shop building space.

Building a new post frame “farm shop” does not mean that is its sole purpose. While building owners may be looking for the perfect environment to service, repair, store, and clean all the equipment necessary for successful operations, they should also recognize that some interior space might be used for other purposes.

Continue reading →