When building a barndominium in regions that experience heavy snow, one of the most critical — yet often underestimated — engineering considerations is snow load. A roof that looks perfectly adequate …
The Pros and Cons of Moment Frames vs. Shear Walls for Lateral Stability in Barndominiums
When designing a barndominium, the structural engineer’s primary challenge is ensuring the building’s stability under lateral loads — the horizontal forces caused by wind, seismic activity, or even unbalanced snow …
Slab-on-Grade vs. Stem Wall Foundation: An Engineer’s Perspective on the Best Choice for Barndominiums
When it comes to designing a barndominium, the conversation often starts with aesthetics—open floor plans, soaring ceilings, and custom finishes. But any structural engineer will tell you that what truly …
Specifying Gauge and Yield Strength When Building a Barndominium
When designing and building a barndominium, most people immediately think about floor plans, finishes, and curb appeal. But beneath the paint colors and countertops lies something far more critical—the structural …
Can a Metal-Barndominium Frame Perform Well in an Earthquake Zone?
When you think of barndominiums, the first things that often come to mind are open floor plans, cost efficiency, and modern-rustic aesthetics. But if you’re considering building one in an …
Building a Barndominium on Expansive Clay or Poorly Compacted Fill: Challenges and Solutions
When building a barndominium, one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of the project is the soil beneath the slab. A beautiful design, strong steel frame, and top-notch finishes …
The Perfect Barndominium Wall Assembly: Analyzing R-Value, Air Barriers, and Vapor Retarders
Designing the perfect wall assembly for a barndominium is a balancing act between energy efficiency, durability, comfort, and cost. Unlike conventional homes, barndominiums often begin with a post-frame or steel-frame …
The Role of a Geotechnical Report in Barndominium Design
When planning a barndominium, most people focus on floor plans, finishes, and overall aesthetics. Yet, one of the most important elements of a successful project lies beneath the surface—literally. Before …
Avoiding Thermal Bridging in a Metal-Frame Barndominium: Advanced Insulation Techniques
Thermal bridging is the villain of energy-efficient metal buildings. In a barndominium built with metal framing and cladding, the high thermal conductivity of steel creates continuous pathways for heat to …
Load-Bearing Capacity of Different Concrete Mixes for Your Barndominium Slab
When you’re designing and building a barndominium, one of the most critical components isn’t the steel frame, the siding, or even the roof—it’s the foundation slab. Your barndominium slab isn’t …