Posted: 02.02.2011

With a major winter storm that's impacting most of the midwest, including southern Wisconsin - it's important to know how Wisconsin's agricultural buildings may stand up to Mother Nature.

Dr. Dave Kammel, UW-Extension ag engineer, says that some people might be surprised to know that in Wisconsin agricultural buildings don't come under specific building codes.  "In WIsconsin, agricultural buildings are built to standards.  Most of your agricultural builders will engineer things like barns or machine sheds to handle Wisconsin winters."

Kammel said the issues develop when people buy "kit" buildings that aren't engineered.  Many retailers sell lumber packages, and components needed to build garages, barns or pole sheds - but there's no engineering that's been done to help that building stand up to things like snow weight or winds.

Kammel says that building owners should monitor their buildings through the winter.  Some bowing or shifting in roofs isn't entirely unexpected.  Kammel says that sometimes buildings are engineered to "flex" a little with the weather.  However, if you're noticing major flaws - call your builder right away. 

Kammel suggests if you're looking at new construction - make sure the building is engineered and has reinforcements where necessary.  He admits there may be some additional cost for that component - but says it will help guarantee that the building is standing and performing for a long time.

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