Every winter, ice dams are a serious concern among those who own farm buildings in Ohio. While snow is a beautiful sight, it can also be detrimental to a building if it receives too much on the roof. This article will discuss pole barns and ice dams – what they are and how to avoid them.

Pole Barns and Ice Dams

An ice dam is a large formation of ice that sits on the edge of a roof. If your pole building in Ohio is heated, that heat can rise to the ceiling and melt the snow on top. When this happens, the heat will melt the snow near the top of the roof that will eventually drain towards the eaves that are not heated, ultimately causing the melted snow to refreeze. The more this builds up, an ice dam will form and cause extreme damage to the roof and inside of the building.

Ice Dam Prevention

How to avoid ice dams? If you are considering a pole barn, make sure professional custom post frame builders in Ohio build it. This is the first step in ensuring a sturdy building for years to come and one that can combat ice dams. Additionally, ensure proper insulation levels to reduce heat loss – a significant factor in the formation of ice dams. Fortunately, metal roofs are more adept at preventing ice dams, and our agricultural buildings in Ohio are installed with a metal roof. The low friction of metal roofs allows snow to shed much easier.

 

Custom pole barns in Ohio by MQS Structures are engineered to meet and exceed local building codes. Additionally, we design our building trusses with local snow loads and 90 mph winds in mind, in the possibility you choose to add a ceiling and insulate the attic space someday. Our goal is to build agricultural buildings in Ohio that our customers are pleased with. If you want a pole building in Ohio that will last, do yourself a favor and give us a call.