(Newswire.net — August 7, 2022) — Post-frame buildings are a great way to create a farmhouse! Builders find that post-frame construction is an attractive option. According to many studies and several surveys, the majority of new homes in rural regions are built with post-frame buildings. Posts can be made from wood or steel and then covered by an assortment of materials such as vinyl, aluminum siding, or even wide plank pine boards. As the home is built, there are many choices for the type of roof covering.
1. Versatility
It is important to note that post-frame construction uses a much smaller amount of lumber and allows the builder to experiment with different materials. From the outset of a building project, there are many options for the type of roof covering that can be used. The builder is also free from having to pay for structural concrete foundations or an interior framing system. Instead, he gets complete architectural control over his building’s appearance and structural integrity by using wood or wood/steel posts for framing, vinyl sheeting on aluminum siding, or pine lumber backed by wide plank pine boards.
2. Much Lighter
Research strongly suggests that post-frame construction saves approximately 30% of the structural steel used in a concrete block home. In addition to saving structural steel, post-frame construction also reduces the amount of lumber used for framing. It is also less expensive, requiring fewer pieces of lumber for each post, thus reducing the amount of lumber storage areas required and lowering transportation costs. Lastly, using smaller amounts of lumber for framing makes for easier handling after the building has been completed.
3. Easier to Build
Post-frame construction is not made from a chain of long wood sections bolted together, like a “concrete block” building. Instead, posts are constructed one at a time. First, the wood posts on which the frame rests are cut and then shaped with horizontal lines to fit around the windows and doors (soffit). These shorter posts are then fitted into place with vertical nailers that penetrate through one end of the post and into the wall studs on either side.
4. Better for the Land
When wood is used for the posts, the wood does not need to be treated with any chemicals that could run off into the local water supply. In addition, using less lumber and more alternatives such as vinyl and aluminum siding allows less lumber to be eventually disposed of. Finally, since there are no long concrete block walls to be disposed of when building a post-frame structure, there is also less concrete waste.
5. Aesthetically Pleasing
In rural areas, wood posts look well when painted and can be kept in good repair. The metal siding is also attractive, but the wood covering (vinyl or wood on the outside, wide plank pine on the inside) looks good no matter what the color choice. The tops of post-frame buildings can be either metal roofs or metal shingles with wooden shakes underneath. In addition to these choices, builders have also used customized steel skirting to create decorative wall panels.
Post-frame construction is a good option for architects and builders in rural areas because of its many benefits. Additionally, post-frame construction has been proven to allow for efficient and sustainable use of building materials.