Tag Archives: renovating a post frame building

Common Post Frame Building Repairs

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common-post-frame-building-repairs

As with any building, your post frame structure will need repairs during its lifetime. Whether you use the structure like a barn, equestrian center, or commercial building; damage done by humans, animals, machines, and weather will require attention to bring it back to top condition. Because of the simplicity of post frame construction and sophistication of design, many common post frame building repairs and upgrades are far more straightforward than with other traditional forms of construction.

Common Post Frame Building Repairs

Re-Clad and Re-Roof

Let’s start with the ultimate repair or upgrade project for a modern post frame structure. Suppose your post frame barn has been in place for decades, and the exterior has begun to look worn and dated. This could be due to sunlight, wind, ice, snow, machinery, and more. You inspect the building and find the support structure is still in great shape, with many more years of service to come.

You do not need to waste the money on demolition and reconstruction of the entire building. Simply remove the outer “skin” and roofing of the building and replace them with new cladding. The process is relatively easy and will save you money. Choose newer materials that suit the weather conditions and use of your post-frame structure. This will ensure you get the most out of your re-cladding project.

Adding and Reinforcing the Posts

Some post frame buildings were built decades ago and did not have the advantage of new post frame materials and techniques. As a result, some vulnerable, untreated wooden vertical support posts may have started to rot.

Don’t despair. You do not need to tear your post frame structure down to start over. Instead, you can simply sink and anchor new treated posts side-by-side with the existing ones. If you have a concrete floor, the supplemental posts can be bolted in next to the existing supports.

Reinforcing the Trusses

If a fallen tree or severe weather has somehow diminished the integrity of one or more roof trusses, you may adopt a similar strategy to strengthening those rotting frame posts. Securing a new truss next to the old one will create a more robust, undamaged support system. Once done, apply new roofing over the damaged areas, and you will be back in business.

Engineering a New or Wider Doorway

As time passes and your needs change, you may discover that your building access needs have changed. To accommodate larger equipment, for example, a wider doorway would be a great benefit.

With a post frame structure, widening doorways is far easier than with traditional buildings. Widely spaced vertical posts allow building owners to create broader access by repositioning individual posts on each side and extending the header to accommodate the broader opening.

Always be sure to consult a professional post frame company before proceeding with moving posts to avoid structural weakening.

Adding Useable Space Above

While not necessarily a post frame repair, adding an office or additional storage above can add significant value to your post frame building. Before starting, make sure that the overhead structure is designed to handle the extra load.

You may add a stairway for easy access to the new space. You can segregate the upper room with walls and windows and even install heating and air conditioning.

Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

For over four decades, family-owned Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings has been designing and producing components for high-quality buildings throughout Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and Northwest Ohio With a team of highly skilled professionals, Pacemaker has advanced the materials and techniques of post frame building with new technologies and building practices.

For more information about building or post frame building repairing a post frame building used for businesses, farms, storage facilities, civic buildings, firehouses, churches, schools or homes, contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings in North Webster, Indiana.

Visit the Pacemaker website to view some of their amazing finished projects.

If you have questions, phone the post frame professionals at 1.574.834.4448, or leave your information on the Contact Us page of the website.

Pros and Cons of Renovating an Old Post Frame Building

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Post Frame building being renovated

Your aging post frame barn or storage structure has served you well for decades. But now you need something bigger and perhaps you are looking for a more contemporary look. Do you consider renovating an old post frame building, or do you tear it down and start over?

Renovating an Old Post Frame Building

Condition of the Existing Building

Before making the decision to renovate what you have or demolish and rebuild, a formal inspection by an expert is essential. Over the decades, materials and techniques in post frame construction have been improved. Your existing structure must be sound before you can consider a remodel. A thorough inspection of the vertical members and trusses will determine the viability of continuing with the existing structure.

In some instances, rotting members can be reinforced or replaced, but the cost of saving the structure may not be worth the effort.

If the building is sound and the aging appearance is only cosmetic. Renovating or adding onto the original could be your best choice.

Advantages of Renovating the Existing Structure

If more space is needed, you might consider adding on to the existing structure. One of the best aspects of a post frame building is that adding and connecting additional space is often easier than with a stick-frame or masonry building. This is assuming the adjoining real estate allows you to attach a new section. The widely spaced, weight-bearing posts let you connect the old with the new more easily.

Note that adding to the length of the building is far simpler and more cost-effective than trying to widen your existing post frame building.

When adding onto or reconfiguring your building, you might want to consider new roofing and cladding. Additionally, updated landscaping can create a beautiful and uniform exterior.

Your current structure may be stable and only needs an interior renovation. Post frame buildings are the easiest to reconfigure since there are no load-bearing walls within. Consider your current and new floor plans and redesign to make the most of the existing space.

Don’t forget that you can also add interesting and useful space in the attic or second floor of your building. These areas are ideal for an office, private den or man cave, tack room, or even extra storage.

Alternatively, if you have given up on your old building, remember there is a cost to razing and removing all the parts. While some components of the structure may be reusable, most will likely need to be hauled away.

When Building a New Post Frame Building is Better

If the original structure is showing its age or the effects of severe weather conditions, a certified building inspection is needed. If the expense of an upgrade and renovation of the old building is substantial or prohibitive, it is best to start over with a custom design.

When starting over in the same location as the old building, site prep should be reduced since the ground will already be level.

You can also enjoy the benefits of newer materials and technology. These will make your structure more functional, longer-lasting, energy-efficient, and more attractive. You can also add exterior features like dormers and alcoves, plus specially designed entries. Adding these can make your new post frame building have a more elegant, appealing appearance.

Renovate or Start Over: Ask the Experts

With over forty years as a leader in the post frame construction industry, Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings in Northern Indiana understands the dilemmas that many building owners face. While having a new structure can be exciting, it can also be costly. If renovation is possible, you may realize the same result with a renovated post frame structure.

The professionals at Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings in Northern Indiana will be glad to discuss the situation with you. As designers, suppliers, and builders of top-quality post frame buildings, Pacemaker understands every element of the business.

For advice and information and to see examples of many successful post frame projects, visit the Pacemaker website.

Or call 888-834-4448, and one of our professionals will be happy to answer your questions.