A conventional
exterior stud load bearing wall type of
framing construction, requiring a perimeter
masonry or slab-on-grade foundation. This
type of construction for the same is similar
to single family dwelling framing &
is generally more expensive.
The trademark of modern post-frame
buildings is that the loads are transfered
to the ground through columns typically
embedded in the ground or surface-mounted
to a concrete or masonry foundation.
The primary structural frame usually
consists of a clear span truss roof
or rafter system supported at each end
by girders or by (2) two columns. This
is regarded as the most efficient approach
for modern building requirements, with
wood structures generally being a faster
& less costly alternative for structures
up to 20,000 sq. ft. & steel or
metal structures being cheaper over
20,000 sq. ft. The same basic design
techniques are used in post-frame construction
for either wood or steel buildings.
A "diaphragm" post-frame
building is a proven & time tested
concept derived from the reliable "pole-barn"
concept of yesteryear, infused with
leading edge technologies,design-load
engineering & calculations of today.
Our pressure-treated wood columns have
a 40 year warranty against rot &
insects, & our steel wall &
roofing panels have 30 year warranty
on the embedded colored paint &
screws, against chalking, fading, cracking
& peeling; not to mention a 15 year
warranty on the structure for snow loads
or wind loads (not to exceed building
design parameters of local building
codes).
For most of our pole-frame structures,
we use the best quality kiln-dried lumber
money can buy, not rough-cut green wood
as others do in many parts of the country.
And in many instances, we use laminated
veneer lumber (LVL's) or "Microllams"
generally manufactured by "Georgia-Pacific",
"Weyerhauser", or other nationally
recognized lumber companies.
Speed of construction is another advantage
to our post-frame type building, generally
taking from 2 weeks to a few months
to erect a structure.
The cost of a simple pole-frame building
is generally 20-30% less than a typical
conventionally framed building including
concrete & even greater if the slab
is not included in the initial construction
phase. The advantage of a post-frame
building is that it is not necessary
to pour the slab prior to building the
frame, as it usually is required with
a conventionally load-bearing wall frame
type of construction.
Another advantage of a pole-frame building
is the columns can be set in the ground
year-round, and you can decide to pour
the concrete floor any time after the
building has been finished. Also just
about any of our buildings can have
a true-rafter style roof system, thereby
offering you full cathedral ceilings
in lieu of a truss roof system.
Generally speaking we can design a
building up to 80-100 feet "clear-span"
with-out interiors columns being needed
for support. Also in lieu of metal roof
usually seen on post-frame structures,
we can upgrade the design loads to support
asphalt shingles, cedar shakes or metal
standing seam materials at a small upcharge
cost.
In addition, our post-frame structures
can accomodate an efficient "faux"
brick system such as "Novabrik"
or other engineered masonry system designed
to look like traditional brick or stone,
& naturally, wood or vinyl siding
are easily upgraded to from our standard
metal siding panels. If however, if
you still decide you prefer a conventional
built garage, we would be more than
happy to either supply you with a kit
package or erect it for you economically!
