Tag Archives: tips on site prep for post frame buildings

Preventing Condensation and Moisture in Your Post Frame Building

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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.

3 Steps for Perfect Concrete Flooring in Post Frame Buildings

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Concrete flooring in post frame building.

Concrete flooring is a great choice for post frame buildings. High-quality concrete flooring may be one of the essential components of your post frame building plan. Depending on the building’s principal function, a long-lasting and durable concrete floor will keep the contents clean and dry, facilitate ease of movement, and provide a more functional workspace. It can also help to extend the life of the equipment entering and leaving the building.

Pouring concrete flooring for new or existing post frame buildings can be expensive. However, the benefits owners receive for years to come may pay for the initial investment. The benefits are even more significant if the job is done correctly from the beginning.

Before pouring concrete flooring in post frame buildings, the building owner and designer must address three major issues. These are:

What will be the primary functions of the post frame structure?

Designing a floor to withstand the expected loads requires planning and foresight. Considerations may include:

  • How heavy is the equipment, machinery, or stored inventories that the flooring will bear? Remember future equipment is likely to be heavier and that, over time, more items will find their way into the structure as needs grow.
  • How much maneuvering will be required? While this factor also contributes to the total square footage decision, moving equipment throughout the building adds to the wear and tear of the flooring.
  • How will we heat the building? Radiant heating from coils in the floor can be a terrific asset, particularly in workshops and maintenance areas where humans will be working. Naturally, this is a decision that must be made in advance.

Proper Site Preparation

Site prep for a post frame structure is less complicated than with other construction methods. The primary objective is to ensure the space is level with appropriate sloping for any drainage.

To avoid premature cracking and deterioration, the building site must be compact and level when placing an aggregate subgrade.

Following this first step, a compacted gravel layer should be placed to facilitate drainage. This will also support the concrete layer. Certifying that this layer is once again level and uniform is a critical step before installing the concrete.

You may wish to let the subfloor settle further while the rest of the building is completed. This can help eliminate the potential for subsequent settling and shifting in certain areas after the concrete is in place.

Determining the Thickness of the Concrete Flooring

Determining the thickness of the concrete application and the type of reinforcement depends on what will be stored in the new post frame building.

A proven post frame building expert or a qualified concrete expert will recommend the best thickness for your needs. They will take into account the uses and combined gross weights of the equipment and materials that will be housed. Specific guidelines exist, although each building owner’s needs are unique.

For example, experts recommend a concrete thickness of at least six inches for heavy-duty tractors, earth movers, and dump trucks. However, lighter vehicles, including standard-sized pickup trucks, campers, and automobiles only require four inches of concrete. This will be substantial enough to survive wear and tear and provide maximum service.

Reinforcing components can also add to the life of a concrete floor. Reinforcements embedded in the concrete are a normal application to help the flooring last longer and withstand the weight and various forces.

Concrete reinforcement often consists of steel rebar or horizontal metal rods in a grid across the floor. While other reinforcement materials are available, your post frame design expert will recommend products based on your needs and budget.

Contact Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings

A longtime manufacturer, designer, and builder of post frame buildings for a variety of functions, Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings of North Webster, Indiana, is a leader in innovation and quality for clients in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Northwest Ohio.

Experienced in all phases of post frame construction, the Pacemaker professionals will offer design ideas, quality components, and high-quality solutions for any structure.

Check out the Gallery of some of Pacemaker’s completed projects to learn about their buildings’ versatility, durability, and functionality.

For more information about Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings, visit the company website or call their experts at +1-888-834-4448.

Drainage Options for Post Frame Buildings

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Drainage options for Post Frame buildings.

Drainage options for post frame buildings. Eliminating the potential for water accumulation anywhere within or around your post frame building is critical. Water can weaken the structural components of the building, and damage whatever is inside. Not to mention it can foster the growth of mold and other problems that can become difficult to eradicate.

Whether on the surface or in the subsurface, the excess water without proper drainage is a sure sign of a design or construction failure.

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