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If you have a pole barn on your property, you must protect the structure from the winter weather. Freezing temperatures can affect the materials or animals you keep in the barn, so safeguard the space before the cold season arrives. To help you do this, here are a few steps to take to winterize your storage space.

How to Prepare Your Pole Barn for the Winter

1. Add Insulation

No matter the purpose of your pole barn, it’s important to insulate the space during the winter to protect the interior and its contents from the freezing temperatures.

Use blanket insulation to fill the gaps between the barn’s studs, as well as the ceiling if you have a helper. If necessary, use a staple gun to hold the material in place.

2. Check the Footings

Some types of inclement conditions can affect the structural integrity of the barn. Frost buildup, for example, might cause it to lean to one side. You can prevent this by checking the position of the footings and confirming that they’re situated below the frost line underground.

Stayton, OR pole barnSince the ground freezes from the top first, the frost line is dependent on how deep that freeze goes and how severe the conditions are during the winter. The average frost depth in Oregon is approximately 18 inches, so make sure that the footings are placed deeper than that.

3. Seal Drafts

Windows and doors are subject to damage because they’re moving parts that are constantly exposed to the elements. Temperature fluctuations can also cause wooden fixtures to expand and contract, creating gaps that cause air leaks and drafts.

To protect livestock, valuable equipment, and products in storage from freezing temperatures, seal any gaps. You can use weatherstripping or caulk to eliminate drafts in doors and windows. 
 

You’ll find all the materials you need to protect your pole barn this winter at Freres Building Supply in Stayton, OR. Serving clients in the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest, they offer everything from insulation to siding and building materials. They also carry supplies for pole buildings to help if you need any sections repaired. Visit them online to find out more about their pole building supplies, or call them at (503) 769-2879 to ask about their inventory. 

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