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Frequently Asked Questions

National Barn Company provides all types of Post-Frame Building Construction Designs also known as Pole Buildings or Pole Barns. Pole Barn Kits, Metal Buildings.

1. What makes National Barn better than their competitors?

National Barn Company builds every building with pride. The trusses are set on 4’ or 5′ centers, unlike many post-frame builders that set their trusses on 8′ or 10′ centers in order to cut costs. The trusses are a key element of a building’s integrity. The more trusses you have, the better the structural integrity. Our trusses are engineered for the location that the building is going to be constructed in. Several other companies will either build their trusses on the job site or they send a standard factory built truss that was never engineered properly.

We also run our end posts all the way up to the rafters, rather than stopping at the ceiling joists and using a “dummy” truss. This gives our buildings greater structural integrity, as well as a higher wind load resistance. We NEVER use sheet metal known as “seconds”, which typically does not carry a manufacturer’s warranty. We only use #1 Primary American Made Metal, produced by the most reputable metal suppliers in the industry. We use solid sawn posts that are fully treated, unlike other companies that will only use treated lumber in the ground and untreated lumber above the ground. These posts typically consist of 2x6s that are glued or nailed together; therefore the strength is only as good as the glue or the nails. We set our posts 3′ (minimum) into the ground for a more solid footing and to ensure that the post is below the frost line.

2. What is an Accredited Builder?
The National Frame Building Association created the Accredited Post-Frame Builder Program to recognize exceptional post-frame builders and their commitment to professionalism, as evidenced in key areas of corporate responsibility. Accredited Post-Frame Builders demonstrate that they are good corporate citizens by putting in place policies and programs that ensure quality and customer satisfaction. We are proud to be post-frame builders and an integral part of this great industry. As industry professionals, we want our customers and the general public to know that we care about industry standards, quality workmanship, safety and ethical business practices. We want our communities to know that we are dedicated to honesty and customer satisfaction, and that we are committed to providing quality service to our customers, now and in the future. We are prepared to demonstrate this commitment through our actions and maintenance of Accredited Post- Frame Builder status. Accredited Post-Frame Builders also sign a notarized affidavit declaring that they: Exercise integrity in all business transactions, and stand behind their work. Attempt to satisfy every customer by any means reasonable. Comply with NFBA’s post-frame industry building standards. Adhere to state and local building codes.
3. Do I need to have the building pad level?
Yes. National Barn Company does not provide excavating. You should have the building pad as level as possible. National Barn Company will level the building with the highest part of the ground. If the ground is not level there will be a gap under the building where the ground slopes. The ground needs to be within 6″ to 8″ of being perfectly level in order to use our standard pole lengths. This may require hiring an excavator or using a builder’s level to determine if the ground is level.
4. What if construction begins on my building & pad is more than 8-inches out of level?
This may require some additional material (longer poles) in order to begin construction. Sometimes 5×5 or 6×6 posts are difficult to find in certain areas, so a delivery may be required from National Barn Company’s lumber yard. The cost for any additional materials and deliveries must be paid by the customer. Some people want to put metal skirting at the bottom of the wall to cover the gap caused by the slope of the ground. National Barn Company does not recommend skirting because it will make the building appear unlevel. Skirting will require additional material and labor at a cost to the customer. Additional cost will also be incurred by the customer if the building crew is forced to pull off the job while the building pad is corrected or if they are forced to wait for additional materials. Ask our sales representative for more information about preparing your site.
5. Can I pour a concrete slab in the building after the construction is completed?
Yes. National Barn Company uses a 2 x 6 CCA treated bottom plate around the bottom of the building. This board can be used as a form for pouring a concrete slab. Concrete can normally be poured through the large door opening. If the concrete contractor requires additional access to pour the concrete then some wall metal could be left off and installed by the customer after the concrete is poured. In some instances, National Barn Company can set the posts for the building and pull off the job until the concrete is complete. This may require additional cost for travel expenses for the crew.
6. Can National Barn Company provide the concrete slab for my building?
Maybe. Most of our divisions can coordinate the concrete for your building, but this is typically limited to 150 mile radius of their office. Ask a sales representative for specific information.
7. Can my building be installed on top of a concrete slab?
Yes. You will need to make your sales representative aware of this, so the materials can be figured properly. Anchor bolts will need to be placed in the slab on 3′ centers prior to construction. Ask your sales representative for an anchor bolt layout; this will need to be used when the concrete is poured.
8. Do I need to have a permit to have a Pole Barn constructed on my property?
Maybe. Some counties or cities will require a building permit. The building requirements and restrictions are very different in every area. It is the customer’s responsibility to check with the local building inspection office to identify any building restrictions that may be enforced. The customer is responsible for the cost of a building permit, if one is required. National Barn Company can provide detailed construction drawings and talk with the building inspector to assist in the process of obtaining a permit or determining if one will be needed for construction of a Pole Barn. Occasionally, a municipality will require site specific Engineered Sealed Drawings for your building. National Barn Company can provide engineered drawings and modify the construction of the building, if required. The engineer requires a payment for this service, which is due upon completion of the drawings. Ask your sales representative for a price for this service.
9. Can National Barn Co. make changes to construction plans to meet local building codes?
Yes. National Barn needs to be aware of your local building requirements and can modify their standard construction to adapt to your local building codes. Factory engineered trusses are used on all buildings (unless it is a rafter application; porch, shed, RCA). Changes to our standard construction must be reviewed by our engineering department and priced by our sales department.
10. Do I need to have electricity at the job site?
Yes. The customer is responsible for having electricity at the job site or they must have a generator available for the builders to use during construction. Generators can typically be rented for a daily rate.
11. What happens if the builders encounter rock while digging the holes?
An additional fee of $50 per hole for difficult digging will apply if the holes cannot be drilled with a hand held auger in a reasonable amount of time (typically requires five minutes per hole). Customer will pay the amount due directly to the builder, for the additional labor that is required. If the auger and rock bars cannot provide adequate post hole depth, then the customer will be responsible for providing any equipment necessary. Equipment would typically consist of a jackhammer and compressor (which can be rented from a local supplier). In some cases a bobcat w/auger or a drilling rig may be required. The builder will determine what type of equipment will be needed.
12. Is there any advantage to use Galvalume metal instead of Galvanized metal?
Yes. Galvalume metal has a protective coating and has materials in the metal to prevent rust. Galvalume metal has a 25-year limited warranty, but Galvanized metal does not have an extended warranty. Galvalume and Galvanized metal have a silver finish.
13. What is the difference between 29 gauge and 26 gauge metal?
14. If I use painted metal on my building, can I use more than one color?
Yes. It is very common to use as many as three different color options. National Barn Company has more than 20 different colors to choose from. Color charts and color chips are available for approval. Colors are normally indicated for the roof, walls, and trim, sliding door, wainscoting.
15. Do I need to send a deposit when I order a building?
No*. National Barn Company collects half of the contract price when the materials are delivered to your building site and the balance is collected when the building is completed. The first payment is given to the delivery driver and the second payment is given to the builder. National Barn Company accepts cashiers’ checks, money orders, or major credit cards for payment. *Mountain Division requires 10% of the contract price as a deposit when the contract is signed. The Central and Mountain Division do NOT accept personal checks or cash for payment. The Eastern and Northeast Division accepts personal checks up to $4000 and must be made out to National Barn Company. If a credit card is used, then you would need to call the office and tell them your card number and expiration date. A cashier’s check will be acceptable for payments in excess of $4000.
16. When I send in a contract, how long does it take before construction begins?
National Barn Company will contact you by phone to verify that the contract was received and to estimate an approximate start date. We will always strive to work around your schedule on deliveries and construction. National Barn Company constructs each building in the order that it was received. Weather conditions and production will affect the lead time. A representative from National Barn Company will contact you prior to delivering the materials to arrange a day and time for making the delivery. We will also contact you prior to the arrival of the builders (typically within 7 to 14 days after the delivery) so that you can make arrangements to meet them at the building site.
17. Can I purchase a material kit from the National Barn Co. & construct the building myself?
Yes. National Barn Company can provide material kits for any size building. Detailed construction drawings are available for construction assistance. Factory built trusses are available to eliminate the task of constructing the trusses on site. National Barn has insulation, walk doors, windows, vents, cupolas, horse stalls and all the hardware and accessories that you will need to construct your building.
18. Can National Barn Company install an overhead door in my building?
Yes. National Barn Company can provide an Overhead Door. These doors can be insulated, non-insulated, residential grade, commercial grade, solid, or with glass. Most doors require 12” to 24” of clearance. The wall height of the building will dictate the height of the door that can be installed.
19. Will I need to pay any additional taxes for my building?
No. All applicable taxes are included in the price of your building.
20. Can I use my farm tax exemption number?
No. Most states do not allow agricultural exemptions for buildings or improvements to real property, except in the state of Kentucky.
21. What is the life span of the treated lumber?

Depending on your region, National Barn Company standard posts have the following treatments:

Eastern Division: Standard posts have a .60 CCA treatment available for additional cost and has a 60-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Central Division: Standard posts have a .40 CCA treatment. The manufacturer has a limited warranty for 40 years, but the life span of the post should far exceed 40 years. A .60 CCA treatment is available for additional cost and has a 60-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Mountain Division: Posts are engineered laminated with .60 CCA treatment standard and has a 60-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Post Protectors are also available to offer additional protection from moisture and termites; they have a lifetime limited warranty. A concrete pier system can also be used and the posts do not touch the ground.

22. How should I ventilate my building?
National Barn has ridge vents, gable vents, cupolas, closure vents and exhaust fans. Any of these products will offer sufficient ventilation and can be used in combination with each other. Reference our Building Options page for more information.
23. Why don't you have a price list?
24. What type of horse stalls can National Barn Company install in my building?
National Barn offers factory produced stall fronts. Our stalls offer flexibility for color customization and options such as: swing-out feeders, drop down doors, etc. All stalls are powder coated for maximum durability and the quality of these stall fronts is unmatched in the industry.
25. Will my metal building have condensation?
26. I have always heard that skylights leak: Is that true?
The truth is that skylights require maintenance. Unlike the rest of your pole building, which is virtually maintenance free, skylights may need to be re-caulked every 3-5 years to prevent leakage. You should be aware that if you insulate the roof of your building, skylights should not be used.
27. What is the difference in wall height and ceiling clearance?
The post-frame industry uses outside wall height as the industry standard for measuring size. A 10′ wall height (or eave height) does not mean that there is 10′ of clearance inside your building. Typically if you have a 10′ wall, your clearance inside is approximately 9’4″ because of header plates and ceiling joists. If you build up your floor with concrete then you will take away additional clearance. For that reason, National Barn Company builds our sliding doors 1′ shorter than the specified wall height and overhead door frame outs 2′ shorter than specified wall height. That way anything that fits through the doors will certainly clear the ceiling joists.
28. Does National Barn Company build custom buildings?
Yes. National Barn can customize your building to fit your needs within certain boundaries. We can build wall heights of 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′ and 18′. We can build any width up to 60′ and any length imaginable. We allow the customer to select the options that they desire and determine the location for all door and windows, as long as the structural integrity of the building is not jeopardized.
29. Is it important for my contractor to be insured?
Yes. Whether you choose National Barn Company as your contractor or another company, it is critical that they be fully insured. National Barn’s contractors and employees are fully insured specifically to protect our interests and the interests of our customers. We have complete Liability Insurance as well as Workman’s Compensation and Builder’s Risk Insurance.

Post-Frame Pole Barns Builder


"Building Solutions" ... with integrity!

EST. 1992

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