Getting started with pole buildings can feel like learning a new language! If you’re puzzled by terms like “purlin” and “gambrel,” don’t worry—we’re here for you! Take a few minutes to browse our helpful glossary of pole barn terms. With these definitions in hand, you’ll be ready to discuss your building project like a seasoned pro!
The ABCs Of Pole Buildings
- Accessory
- Any additional architectural features incorporated into the structure, such as a cupola or a hay door.
- Addition
- An extension to an existing structure, typically designed to increase floor space or height.
- Awning
- A projection from the roof, supported by the building, often referred to as a porch or lean-to.
- Bay
- The space between the structural posts running down the length of your building.
- Beam
- A strong horizontal piece that helps support your building.
- Building Code
- Rules set by local authorities to keep buildings safe and sound. They cover everything from design to construction details.
- Chords
- The top and bottom parts of a roof truss. They’re crucial for structural integrity!
- Cladding
- The exterior covering of a building, which can include materials like metal, wood, stucco, or brick.
- Clear Height
- How tall it is from the floor to the bottom of the roof truss. This determines usable interior space.
- Clear Span
- The horizontal distance between posts, from one wall to another, with no interruptions.
- Closure Strip
- A foam strip that fills gaps between metal panels and framing.
- Cupola
- A small structure on top of roof that often has a weathervane and gives your building extra charm.
- Dimensional Lumber
- Lumber cut to specific sizes, like a 2×4, 2×6,or 6×6 that you’ll use for building.
- Door Guide
- A track that helps sliding doors move smoothly.
- Dual Pitch Roof
- A gable roof with one side steeper than the other.
- Eave
- The line where the sidewall and the roof plane intersect.
- Eaves Light
- Clear panels under the eaves that let in natural light.
- Entry Door
- Also called a man door, this is your standard door for entering and exiting your building.
- Fascia
- A flat piece running along the end of the trusses, adding a finishing touch to the roof.
- Flashing
- Material used to seal joints and keep your barn weather-tight.
- Flying Gable
- An overhanging triangular roof extension on the gable wall, often seen in traditional barn designs.
- Frame
- The main structure of the pole barn, forming the skeleton of the structure.
- Frame Spacing
- The distance between the main parts of the frame, crucial for strength and stability.
- Gable
- A roof with two sloping sides, meeting at a ridge.
- Gable Wall
- The end wall that forms the triangle section at either end of the building.
- Galvanized
- Steel coated in zinc to help it resist rust and last longer.
- Gambrel
- The traditional barn roof style that’s great for maximizing space inside.
- Girts
- Horizontal beams connecting the posts. They provide extra lateral support for the walls.
- Grade
- The level of the floor compared to the ground outside.
- Hay Door
- A decorative door designed to mimic a traditional hay door. It’s most recognizable as the “double x” door on the gable wall of a building.
- Headers
- Horizontal beams that support roof trusses over door openings.
- IBC (International Building Code)
- A comprehensive set of building regulations developed to keep safety and uniformity in construction practices.
- Insulation
- Material used to reduce heat transfer within the building.
- Jamb
- Vertical framing on either side of openings, such as doors or windows that provide structural support.
- Lean-To
- An extension of the building with a sloped roof that leans against the main structure. These can either be open or enclosed.
- Length
- The distance from one gable wall to the other.
- Loft
- A second level in your barn, often supported by beams.
- Man Door
- Another term for personnel door, or entry door, giving you access to the building.
- Metal Cladding
- Exterior coverings made of metal, usually steel, attached to the building frame for durability and weather resistance.
- Monitor
- A building design featuring a standard gable roof with a raised center section and two enclosed lean-tos on either side.
- Nominal Size
- The name given to wood dimensions that might differ from the actual size—like a 2×4 that’s really 1 ½” x 3 ½”.
- On Center
- The measurement from the center of one post to the center of the next, important for proper spacing.
- Overhang
- The part of the roof that extends past the edge of the sidewall, typically 12 inches for standard designs.
- Overhead Door
- Doors that slide up on tracks, commonly known as garage doors.
- Personnel Door
- Another name for man door, entry door, or walk door.
- Pier
- A concrete support column that helps anchor the posts, usually placed below the frost line.
- Pitch
- The angle of your roof. A standard pole building often has a 4/12 pitch.
- Plumb
- Describes vertical alignment; a structure is plumb if it is perfectly vertical.
- Post Frame
- The structural framework of a building composed of vertical wooden posts that support the roof and walls.
- Post Height
- The height of the portion of a post above the ground.
- Purlin
- Horizontal framing that runs from truss to truss, supporting the roof cladding.
- Radiant Barrier
- A material designed to reflect thermal radiation and reduce heat transfer. Radiant barrier is also used to minimize condensation in a pole building; it is typically installed between the cladding and the purlins.
- Rafter
- The angled beams that support the roof, forming part of the truss system.
- Ridge
- The highest point of the roof where the slopes meet.
- Skirt Boards
- Pressure-treated boards installed at the bottom of the walls that protect against moisture and pests.
- Sliding Door
- A door on tracks that glides open horizontally, such as barn doors.
- Soffit
- The covering for the underside of roof overhangs, often vented for airflow.
- Treated Wood
- Lumber that’s been treated to resist rot and insects, making it last longer.
- Trim
- Finishing pieces that give your barn a polished look, covering the edges of the cladding.
- Truss
- A pre-engineered structure that spans the building’s width, forming the roof’s shape.
- Vented Ridge
- A component at the peak of the building allowing air to escape, helping with temperature regulation.
- Wainscot
- Material, such as rock, brick, or steel, added to the lower part of walls for decoration and protection against wear.
Learning these terms can feel like a lot, but this guide will help you confidently discuss your pole building project. Once you’ve got the terminology down, reach out to our team at Beehive Buildings to put your knowledge to good use!
