Pole barns offer many advantages, including durability and versatility, but an often overlooked benefit is their remarkable energy efficiency. Choosing the right windows and doors is crucial for increasing the building’s energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. This guide will help you understand how to choose the best windows and doors for your pole barn.
The design and installation of your windows significantly impact your pole barn’s energy efficiency. Some key factors to consider are glazing systems and frame materials.
Some glass systems block infrared light, allowing sunlight in without increasing the building’s temperature. As an example, solar control window films can deflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat. This maximizes natural light while still reducing cooling costs.
Pole barns naturally have more air gaps, resulting in more air inflow and frost in winter. Aluminum frames are an excellent choice—they resist water penetration, provide additional structural strength, and often include a thermal break to prevent low temperatures from transferring through the frame.
The type of door you choose for your new pole barn depends on the purpose of the building, climate, and frequency of use. If you choose the wrong door, it could lead to exponential energy costs or could even render your pole building completely useless.
There are various doors to choose from, each serving a different purpose and supports different building uses. When you’re deciding which is best for you, start by asking these questions:
Once you have the answers, you’ll be able to choose from several door options: sliding, overhead, roll-up, or hydraulic.
Traditional sliding doors are perfect for cold storage or large equipment, and they’re one of the more cost-effective options on the market. If you need to stay within a certain price point, sliding doors could be the right choice for you.
It’s important to note that sliding doors can be challenging to insulate and seal. This makes temperature control difficult, especially in areas with extreme weather or if you’re using the pole barn to house livestock. Sliding doors often require manual operation, which isn’t as convenient for frequent access.
If you want the convenience of remote operation, especially if your pole barn will see high traffic on a daily basis, overhead doors might be best for you. These can be insulated and weather-stripped for better climate control. Similar to residential garage doors, overhead doors have the functionality you need. You can customize them with windows or upgraded hardware to match your house, making them a popular choice.
Keep in mind that overhead doors require at least a two-foot clearance for large machinery and can be less cost-effective than a sliding door. If you see yourself utilizing the building each day, the functionality of this option could make it worth the extra expense.
Rolling doors are durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. They’re ideal for frequent use and, like overhead doors, can be insulated to maintain the perfect interior temperature.
A downside to rolling doors is the lack of customization options, so you can’t add windows or upgrade hardware like you can with sliding and overhead options. They can also become noisy with prolonged use.
Hydraulic doors are designed for extremely large equipment, like farm vehicles or RVs. Originally used in airplane hangars, these heavy-duty doors open outward to maximize interior storage space. If you are looking for really big, sturdy doors, this type is your best bet. Hydraulic doors have hinges at the top and use hydraulic rams to open.
While they’re easy to insulate, hydraulic doors are among the most expensive options. Due to their size, and since they often replace an end wall in your pole barn, they could require additional structural support for wind or snow loads.
Choosing the right windows and doors for your new pole barn can be challenging. To make sure your pole barn meets your energy efficiency goals and functional requirements, you should consult trusted construction professionals before making your decision. You can also look into fenestration standards produced by organizations like the AAMA, ASTM, and the NFRC.
The experienced team here at Pro-Line can design and build the perfect post-frame building for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about making your vision a reality.