A pole barn with inadequate ventilation can feel stuffy and can have an unpleasant, musty odor. Humidity can also make a pole barn susceptible to mold and mildew, which can damage the structure itself and the items that are kept inside it and create health risks. There are several ways to prevent these sorts of problems.
Installing Ventilation Systems for Airflow
Maintaining good airflow can help you manage the temperature inside your pole barn and keep the humidity at a moderate level. Airflow should be one of the factors taken into consideration during the design phase.
No matter how you intend to use the building, you’ll want it to have several windows that can be opened. If you plan to shelter horses or other types of farm animals in a pole barn, you’ll most likely want the building to have one or more large doors that can be opened to air out the interior.
Vents in the roof can give warm, moist air a way to escape and give cooler, drier air a way to enter the building. Installing a cupola can also be beneficial. A cupola can allow heat and moisture to escape through the roof and help create a healthy indoor environment.
If your area tends to experience hot and humid weather during certain times of the year, you might have to take additional steps to promote air circulation. Installing one or more fans can make the building’s interior comfortable and safe for people and livestock.
Preventing Mold and Mildew in Storage Spaces
A vapor barrier can reduce the amount of condensation inside the pole barn and help prevent mold and mildew. A vapor barrier is placed under the roof sheathing during the construction process.
The way that you arrange the items in your pole barn can also be important. It’s hard for air to circulate in a space where equipment, boxes, and other objects are crammed together.
When you create a plan for your storage area, think about promoting airflow. Depending on what you intend to keep in the pole barn, it might make sense to arrange objects on shelves or to spread them out on the floor.
Get a Quote for Your New Pole Barn
The way your pole barn is designed will influence the temperature and humidity inside. The team at CHA Pole Barns can design and construct a pole barn that suits your needs. We’ll consider several factors, including how you intend to use the building and the weather conditions that are typical in your area. Contact us today to get an estimate for your project.