How to Add an Overhang to an Existing Pole Barn

Property owners with a pole barn on their land can create additional storage space by adding an overhang to one or more exterior walls. Overhangs provide protection against rain and snow for firewood, tools, livestock and people. They also offer additional ventilation options for improving air circulation within the barn and, subsequently, a more comfortable temperature inside otherwise-stuffy structures during warm months. Installing a concrete slab under the overhang broadens the potential uses for the space to include a patio area for entertaining guests.

Measuring tape
Drill
Exterior screws
Auger
Concrete mix
4-by-4-inch posts
Protractor
Reciprocating saw
Pry bar
2-by-8-inch beams
Hurricane braces
Tin roof sheets
Roofing nails
Fascia board
Power nail gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure 10 feet from the exterior wall of the pole barn to which the overhang will be attached, and dig a post hole at least 5 feet deep. Measure 10 feet from the hole and 10 feet from the barn wall; dig a post hole for the fourth corner.
- 2
  Pour a concrete foundation in the bottom of each post hole. Install 4-by-4-inch posts in each hole and fill with concrete mix. Allow to set for 24 hours.
- 3
  Determine the angle of the pole barn roof using a protractor, and shear the top of the 4-by-4 posts with a reciprocating saw to achieve a uniform slope. Remove any existing fascia board from the ends of the trusses with a pry bar.
- 4
  Count the number of roof trusses between both 4-by-4 posts. Measure the distance from the end of the truss to the edge of the posts. Add 18 inches to the total distance and cut 2-by-8-inch boards to that length to attach to each truss. Install a 2-by-4-inch board across the top of the 4-by-4 posts for the overhang trusses to rest on.
- 5
  Screw hurricane brace rafter ties into the end of each roof truss. Place a 2-by-8-inch beam in each brace and press tight against the roof truss before attaching the overhang extension with screws. Slide a hurricane brace onto the opposite end of the 2-by-8 beam, and secure in place by attaching with screws to the 2-by-4 cross beam.
- 6
  Cover the 2-by-8 inch beams with tin roofing sheets and attach with roofing nails. Overlap panels to prevent leaks, and extend the roof sheets to the end of the beams so rain run-off does not soak the ground under the overhang. Extend the sheets at least 18 inches onto the existing roof to avoid rain gathering and seeping into the space between roofs.
- 7
  Attach 22mm UPVC fascia board to cap the ends of the 2-by-8-inch beams using a power nail gun.

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