Preparing Pole Buildings for Winter Weather

When one thinks of Kansas, they may bring to mind fields that extend farther than the eye can see. Tornadoes and summer storms often appear to be the major weather threats, but this state also sees its fair share of snow. Kansas Pole Buildings must be designed to withstand anything Mother Nature decides to throw at them.

Snow Loads

A major concern for pole building owners is snow load. Heavy snow loads put additional stress on a building, and the owner must keep this in mind when choosing a pole barn. However, they also need to take into account any drifting that might occur and ensure the building can hold the additional weight in those areas when excessive snow accumulates. What other steps can be taken to prepare a pole barn for winter weather?

Examine the Windows and Door

Don’t wait until cold weather hits to check the doors and windows for obstructions and other potential issues. Ensure every door path is free of leaves and other debris. This debris can lead to snow and ice building up. If they do, the door may not open and close properly.

Remove window screens before bad weather comes. If the screens remain in place, snow may build up between them and the windows. When the snow melts, water damage might occur.

When inspecting the doors and windows, look for any damaged or missing seals. Snow or moisture could make its way into the building in those areas. Replace or repair the seals to prevent this from happening.

Clean the Gutters

Always keep the gutters on a pole barn clear of leaves and other debris. The gutters are needed to move water away from the roof and building. If they are clogged, ice dams might form and the building might sustain damage from rainwater or melting snow.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Prune any trees and shrubs that are near the building. Overgrown landscape features may damage the building and lead to rust. Snow and ice weigh branches down, which means they are more likely to come into contact with the building and do damage.

Snow Removal Plan

If the building has a metal roof, snow should slide right off if the pitch is 4/12 or greater. The owner must decide how they are going to remove the snow when it does. Snow on buildings with shingled roofs typically melts and drips off the roof.

When designing a pole building for use in a cold weather climate, the owner needs to consider the placement of doors carefully. The main concern is ensuring access to the building’s interior. If snow slides off the roof, will it block one or more doors? If so, consider putting the doors on the gable end. The owner might want to consider investing in an overhang, porch, or open lean-to. Doing so will allow access to the building even when the snow piles up.

In addition, grading around the building must be considered. Proper grading is needed to ensure water moves away from the building and snow doesn’t accumulate near the side walls. Work with reputable pole barn builders to ensure the structure can withstand the elements all 12 months of the year, including during the winter.