Why Pole Barn Truss Spacing Is Important
Does Pole Barn Truss Spacing Matter
in St. Joseph, MO?
Understanding The Ins And Outs Of
Your Pole Barn’s Construction
Few aspects of your pole barn’s construction are as essential as the spacing between its trusses. However, too few property owners understand the “why” behind the spacing of their St. Joseph, MO building’s pole barn trusses.
Too much space between trusses is a recipe for undue strain on your structure, causing premature wear and tear and even eventual collapse. Too little space creates inefficient resource use, and your building will be heavier and costlier as a result.
So, does spacing really matter? Of course it does!
At North Country Lumber & Truss, we’ve provided top-quality pole barn trusses and design services to property owners in the Midwest and Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska since 1998. That’s why we’re among the most qualified to break down the importance of your truss spacing, so you can make the best decision for your agricultural, commercial, or residential building.
How Do Pole Barns Differ From Other Structures?
Pole barns are one of the most popular and efficient types of buildings, especially for agricultural purposes. Pole barn buildings are spacious and versatile, able to be used as:
- Commercial buildings
- Residential buildings
- Equipment storage
- Storage buildings
- Equine stables
- Greenhouses
- Warehouses
Pole barns differ from traditional buildings because they use a post-construction frame design that is quick and efficient to set up. They’re even considered one of the simpler buildings that even DIY enthusiasts can build.
However, choose a licensed, experienced contractor such as North Country Lumber & Truss for best results and maximum structural integrity of your pole barn.
How Far Apart Should My Pole Barn Trusses Be?
While the space between trusses on metal or residential buildings is relatively straightforward, averaging about 24 inches between trusses, the space between your trusses in your pole barn varies greatly depending on its size.
Designing your pole barn is crucial, as the overall design will determine the best spacing between your trusses. Standard spacing is generally around 24 inches or 2 feet, but your building may require wider or narrower spacing than that – with spacing even as wide as 4 feet or 8 feet.
Why Is Proper Spacing Between Trusses So Important?
Too little or too much spacing between your trusses can pose some problems, from structural instability to inefficiency to higher costs.
Too Much Spacing Between Trusses
The objective of your trusses is to distribute the load evenly so there’s no undue pressure on any one area of your structure. Too much spacing strains your structure, especially if you’re using a heavier roofing material.
Setting up metal roof panels may be challenging with too much space, causing you to reevaluate the width of your panels. This is why meeting with a qualified and experienced truss supplier is vital to help you pin down all the details.
Too Little Spacing Between Trusses
Too little space doesn’t pose as much of a structural issue as it does an inefficiency issue. Putting trusses too close together – remember, the actual number of inches depends on your individual building – can be costlier than it needs to be.
Your building may also be too heavy, which can add undue stress to your building’s foundation and beams. If your building is very heavy, you’ll need additional structural support.
Improper Truss Spacing Can Violate Local Building Codes
Local building codes may have specific spacing requirements relative to your building’s size. Violating building codes may require you to completely rework your building’s design or, worse, demolish the structure altogether and start from the ground up. Understanding your local building codes is essential to getting your pole barn up and ready in the least amount of time.
Can I DIY My Pole Barn?
Pole barns are considered one of the simplest building structures, and it can be tempting to DIY your pole barn construction.
While DIY may work for a small storage shed or other smaller structures, a large building such as a stable, barn, or commercial/residential building should be designed and constructed by professionals.
North Country Lumber & Truss: St. Joseph, MO’s Top
Choice For Agricultural Or Pole Barn Trusses
It’s no secret that North Country Lumber & Truss is among the most trusted truss suppliers in the Midwest and the South Central region of the US.
If you’re thinking about building an agricultural, commercial, or residential building, call North Country Lumber & Truss at (816) 449-5778 for your free estimate.