Buildings in snowy regions need to be constructed with heavy snow loads in mind – Montana being one of those places. Heavy levels of snow can be detrimental to a pole building in Montana if it’s not built correctly. According to Amish barn builders in Montana, here are some tips on constructing a pole barn for snow loads.
What is a Snow Load?
A snow load is one cubic foot of snow, which weighs approximately 10-15 pounds. Snow loads help custom post frame builders in Montana estimate how much support is needed for a pole barn to withstand Montana snow.
Construction Tips:
- Purlin Spacing
A purlin is a horizontal beam in a roof that rests on the main rafter. Allotting enough space between purlins. Amish barn builders in Montana suggest spacing purlins closer together in regions that receive an exceptional amount of snow, as it will support heavier loads.
- Keep Uneven Snow Distribution in Mind
Wind plays a significant factor in uneven snow distribution. This unevenness of snow should be greatly considered when designing and engineering custom pole barns in Montana.
- Truss Spacing
Similar to the spacing of purlins, trusses that are spaced close apart will be able to support snow loads. The spacing will depend on the snow loads by region. For example, most buildings are fine with trusses spaced four feet apart, while others may need them two feet apart.
- Consider Drainage
Constructing with drainage in mind is crucial. With lots of snow, your building will need a proper drainage system to channel melted snow away from the building.
For Amish built sheds in Montana, contact our team at MQS Barns. You can request a quote from us on our website or give us a call. Our farm buildings in Montana are built to last and withstand extreme snow loads.