Interior Finish Options for Your Pole Barn

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Interior-Finish-Options-for-Your-Pole-BarnHow you plan to use your pole barn or post frame building will determine the best way to finish your interior. Many post frame builds serve as equestrian centers, equipment storage facilities, schools, churches, firehouses, or even private residences, each demanding a certain type of interior finish. Let’s look at interior finish options for your pole barn or post frame building.

Your interior choices may also depend upon the amount of potential abuse the walls will receive. Offices, for example, will likely have walls clad in a different material than those that house heavy equipment or vehicles.

Build and Insulate

Modern post frame or pole barn buildings are built around large vertical wooden columns that anchor deeply into the ground. These “posts” are typically 6-10 feet apart and support the trusses and the entire roof structure. Since post frame buildings have no interior load-bearing walls, walls can be placed wherever you choose.

Note that before installing an interior wall finish, insulation should be positioned uniformly between the vertical supports. Once completed, the wall and roof surfaces can be installed to create the look you desire.

Here are some interior  finish options for your pole barn building:

Oriented-Strand Board (OSB)

OSB is an engineered-wood product like particleboard. The material is made by compressing layers of aligned wooden strands or flakes with adhesive materials. Some of OSB’s strength comes from the original material, which is usually smaller fast-growing trees from tree farms, rather than from forests. OSB is a product of up to 50 layers of strand material.

OSB can be produced in sheets up to 16-feet, thereby covering most walls without any requiring any horizontal seams between the floor and ceiling.

A downside to OSB is that the material will not accept paint or stain as well as materials like plywood or drywall. If aesthetics is a primary issue, OSB may not be the best choice for your interior.

Plywood

Plywood was a longtime favorite for flooring and roofing among builders until the less expensive OSB became available. The principal advantages of plywood over OSB happen to be the stiffness and its ability to withstand excessive moisture without signs of damage.

In most instance, plywood is still preferable material as the sublayer for roofing, even though it is more expensive than OSB.

Plywood sheets are generally 8-10 feet in length. Therefore eliminating horizontal seams in post frame buildings that have lofty open space above.

Plywood is lighter weight than OSB, and it will accept paint and stain much better than OSB.

Drywall

Drywall is the premier choice for walls and ceilings in residences and office-type buildings. Installing insulation first is essential for drywall since this material damages easily when there is excessive exposure to moisture from the outside.

An advantage of using drywall is that you can be plaster or paint it. As well, You may decorate drywall as you wish with hanging lamps, pictures, and other adornments.

Another benefit of modern drywall is its fire-resistant properties, an essential attribute for any structure.

Steel Liner

Steel is especially prevalent in pole or post frame buildings that house vehicles, heavy equipment, and have more potential for inadvertent damaging impact. The material is ideal for firehouses, warehouses, storage facilities, manufacturing, and food processing facilities.

Steel is easier to clean and maintain than other wall materials. Steel paneling will also reflect light better and is fire resistant.

Although steel is a more expensive option, you can expect it to wear and resist damage better. If a panel does become damaged, you can easily replace it with a new one.

Additionally, the ability to regularly hose down and wash floors and walls without damaging the steel panels is a great benefit. In many applications, this characteristic may be a critical determinant.

Combinations

Another concept for interior finish options for your pole barn is to use a combination of materials. In some instances, using steel as wainscoting to cover the lower parts of certain walls can save money. Areas above that are not vulnerable to damage from water and equipment can be finished with less expensive materials.

Alternatively, using drywall or OSB in office and bathroom areas to complement steel paneling in operational areas is a smart choice.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Pole barns and post frame buildings are practical and economical solutions for many applications. Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings is a leading manufacturer, designer, and builder of post frame materials and buildings. For four decades, this Northern Indiana family-owned and operated construction company has created post frame buildings for municipal, agricultural, retail, educational, religious, and equestrian uses.

Visit the Pacemaker website to view the many beautiful examples of past projects.

If you have any questions, contact the experts at Pacemaker by phoning 888-834-4448.

 

Green Building with Post Frame Construction

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Green-Building-with-Post-Frame-Construction--315-(1)For energy conservation and sustainability, post frame methods stand out among various other construction methods. Especially, when green building with post frame construction. The heavy vertical beams and roof framing used in post frame construction are made from wood. Wood is the “greenest” of all building materials.

The world struggles with environmental issues and the depletion and pollution of our planet’s natural resources. Many companies are committed to finding creative solutions to make their products “greener” and more sustainable. One of the ways they are doing this is by setting a new sustainable standard.

“Green” Design Targets

Sustainable construction incorporates:

  • Minimal site damage
  • Safeguarding water supplies
  • Energy efficiency
  • Conservation of building materials

Green Building with Post Frame Construction

Post frame buildings score highest in all four sustainability criteria by:

  • Requiring minimal excavation for site preparation. Post frame structures only need a level-graded surface. Thus no need for digging deep foundations that disturb groundwater systems and natural drainage.
  • Implementing wood materials for the entire framing structure.
  • Using recyclable materials for roofing and structural components.
  • Reducing long-term energy usage with more efficient and uniform insulation systems.
  • Post frame and pole barn builders employ more recycled and recyclable content. Additionally, use more renewable components than other building methods. Additionally, post frame builders reduce their carbon footprint by limiting fossil fuel and energy use.

Sustainability of Wood

Wood has been an important construction component for many years. With post frame buildings, wood plays a critical role. By using large vertical posts anchored into the ground to stabilize the structure. As well, wood trusses attach directly to the framing system.

Wood is a renewable resource. For each tree that is removed to make lumber and wood products, three more can be planted. That then will grow to maturity in several years. Trees create oxygen that, along with other plant life, replenishes our atmosphere.

Furthermore, wood products require far less energy to produce than concrete, brick, stone, stucco, and petroleum products.

Energy Efficiency

Post frame construction is energy efficient.

The energy required for the production and transportation of wood material is far less than for any other construction material.

Also, less energy is expended in the construction phase. Due to the efficient use of materials allowing for a shorter construction timeframe.

Over a long period, insulated post frame buildings demand less energy. Because of the wide spacing between the wooden vertical beams. The insulation has fewer breaks through which energy can escape. The laminated posts are also excellent insulators themselves. In contrast to standard framing where insulation is squeezed into the narrow spacing between the studs. And as a result, leaves many more gaps through which energy passes more easily.

Post frame buildings have higher R-values (insulating value). More so than brick, masonry, or steel-framed structures.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings is a leading manufacturer, designer, and builder of post frame materials and buildings. For over four decades, this Northern Indiana family-owned and operated construction company has created post frame buildings. Uses include fire stations, civic buildings, storage facilities, equestrian centers, churches, schools, and residences.

The experienced Pacemaker professionals will help you with the design, components, and the construction of your custom post frame structure.

Visit the Pacemaker “What We Create” webpage to see the extensive range of commercial, agricultural, civic, and municipal buildings they have created.

If you have questions about the quality, durability, and environmental friendliness of post frame buildings, contact the experts at Pacemaker at +1.888.834.4448.

More Than a Barn, Post Frame Buildings Are for People Too

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More-Than-a-Barn,-Post-Frame-Buildings-Are-for-People-Too---315It is time to stop thinking of a post frame building as just a pole barn or shed for animals and farming equipment. Post frame buildings are for people too. While modern post frame buildings can serve those purposes effectively, they are so much more. Many civic buildings, fire stations, schools, churches are now constructed using post frame methods. As well as, small aircraft hangars, warehouses, and even private residences.

An undeniable advantage of post frame buildings is the open, uninterrupted space.  Providing ample space for equipment, animals, and groups of people to move about comfortably.

Host Important Events

You can create an ideal setting for large gatherings and important events with a modern post frame building. Properly arranged, guests will have ample space to move about plus a clear view of what’s happening. Moreover, post frame structures are perfect for weddings, awards ceremonies, large celebrations, and holiday parties.

A post frame structure is ideal for hosting a wedding, and even the reception afterward, because the space allows for unobstructed views of the ceremony while providing ample space for seating.

Following the wedding ceremony, guests can migrate to the hospitality area of the layout to begin the real celebration. Install a sound system and arrange tables and chairs as you please. There should be plenty of room for a dance floor as well.

Guests can mingle naturally within the free and open space and may even choose to stroll outside if the weather permits.

Store and Display Collections

Post frame structures are perfect for storing or displaying automobile collections, antique farm equipment, and even light aircraft.

Maintaining old cars or other collectible equipment in prime condition means correct temperature and humidity levels to avoid deterioration. Climate-controlled and insulated, post frame buildings will protect your assets from the exterior elements while always maintaining the ideal conditions.

You can even decorate the interior and exterior of the post frame building with decor, artwork, and paraphernalia that depicts the era of the collection.

Park Your RV

When off the road, your Recreational Vehicle will last longer and stay in pristine condition when protected from extreme elements. Store your RV in a custom-sized post frame building.  With a tall and wide entryway, it can accommodate larger vehicles. This is a perfect solution to keep it clean and warm. Especially during the months when you are not traveling. Therefore, your RV is always ready to go when you are.

Make it Your Home

Many people are choosing post frame methods to create their dream home. The advantages include but are not limited to:

  • Best Views

    Many homesites are located where the exterior scenery is exceptional. Post frame structures can provide broader, less obstructed views than traditional buildings.

  • Beauty

    Post frame residences can employ all the same exterior claddings and landscaping that conventionally built homes have.

  • Maximum flexibility

    Room configurations can be changed with little effort compared to “stick frame” homes. For growing families and empty-nesters, adding or removing a bedroom is a less cumbersome job.

  • Durability

    The post frame structure is solidly anchored with durable vertical posts sunk at least four feet into the ground. The structure diverts high wind forces downward and is less vulnerable than conventional ground-level anchored buildings.

  • Sustainability

    Post frame homes are more energy-efficient and often use renewable and recyclable materials in their construction.

So as you can see, post frame buildings are for people and are a perfect building choice for a variety of uses.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings is a leading manufacturer, designer, and builder of post frame materials and buildings. For four decades, this Northern Indiana family-owned and operated construction company has created post frame buildings for municipal, agricultural, retail, educational, religious, and equestrian uses. While their structures are ideal for any traditional farming purpose, they can be designed or adapted for almost any use.

Visit the Pacemaker website to view many of their completed projects and to see how versatile and beautiful their post frame buildings are.

For more information, phone the professionals at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings at 1-888-834-4448.