Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Prevent Water Damage in Pole Barns

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Pole barns of all sizes dot the American countryside. In addition to the classic barn design immortalized by Norman Rockwell on any number of occasions, pole barns are inexpensive new additions designed to house supplies or vehicles belonging to a given property.

Much like any other structure, pole barns are also subject to water and flood damage, yet all too often they are not given the same care and treatment as the homes we live in. If you have a pole barn and want it to remain in good condition for years to come, then you need to apply the same principals to that structure that you would to a house or business establishment.

Using Landscaping to Prevent Flooding

Flooding in pole barns is most often caused by improper landscape sloping. Locating a pole barn at the bottom of a hill means that it is going to become ground zero for any excess water drainage or runoff that happens to occur. If locating the pole barn in such a place is unavoidable, then proper drainage will need to be supplied in order to make sure that the water is directed far away from the structure itself.

Proper grading away from any structure should be on the order of 3%-5% (5% equals a six inch drop in the first ten feet). Anything less and you run the risk of excess groundwater accumulating in your pole barn.

Water-Resistant Materials

Pole barns are primarily used as shelters or storage units, and while some models lack the walls present on normal barns, wood construction may make them prone to break down and rotting over time with continuous exposure to the elements. This is perhaps one of the reasons why metal and aluminum has become the pole barn construction material of choice over the last couple of decades.

Waterproof materials such as concrete and brick may be utilized in the construction of pole barns to avoid this problem. Metal construction should be maintained to prevent it from giving way to rust and other premature breakdown.

Pole barn roofing should also be inspected regularly for signs of damage, anything that may translate into a full blown leak. Even metal roofs can rust and weaken, allowing access to the interior by rainwater.

In the event of water damage to your pole barn or regular barn, your water damage restoration professionals are available 24/7 to assess the problem and begin repairing the damage.

Recommended Reading:
Preventing Water Damage Outdoors
Preventing Water Damage Through Proper Landscaping