Air circulation is important for post frame buildings. Insulation is often an issue for pole barns and other post frame buildings, but even if a pole barn is properly insulated, air circulation can still cause significant problems. Warm air rises and becomes trapped near the ceiling of the building. Eventually, if this warm air isn’t redirected, it forms layers at different temperatures. Cooler air will remain low to the ground while the warm air rises. This effect is called stratification and can cause several issues.
Protect Your Flooring
Poor circulation can cause moisture deposits on concrete flooring. Commonly called “sweating slab syndrome,” pools of water can collect on smooth concrete floors. Not only does this degrade the concrete and open the door to mold growth, it also presents a significant slip and fall hazard for the people moving about the area.
Healthier Animals
Many livestock owners build pole barns to house cattle, sheep, horses, and other animals. Air stratification can have negative effects on animals, so it’s vital to ensure your pole barn has appropriate air flow and climate control. Animals kept indoors with poorly circulated air suffer more respiratory problems, are more prone to infections, and ultimately suffer in various possible ways. Ensure the health and safety of animals living in pole barns with proper circulation systems.
Energy Savings
Even smaller post frame buildings can cost quite a bit in utility bills. Proper air circulation will help to ensure your HVAC system isn’t working harder than it should. With proper air circulation, your warmer air can be recirculated to ground level instead of lingering at the ceiling. This produces more consistent temperatures inside these spaces. Over time, your HVAC system won’t cost as much to own because an overworked system is more likely to need costly repairs much sooner than one supported by proper air circulation.
Regardless of a pole barn’s intended use, proper air circulation helps ensure a healthier, more comfortable, and ultimately more cost-effective building. After constructing a post frame building, consider the environment and climate in the area to determine what steps you need to take to protect your building. Ultimately, a post frame building in any climate will require an air circulation system. High-volume fans, climate control backed by smart technology, and reliable insulation are just a few things to consider that could improve the air flow in your post frame building.