How to: Pole Barn Maintenance & Safety

Get the proper permits before building. Go to the city or county inspector and ask if a permit is required. Complete the process to receive the permit, if the permit is mandatory.

Use the manufacturer's instructions when you build or a professional contractor wherever possible. Do-it-yourself builders need to read the instructions and view any video material before starting. Locate the customer service or help number for reference during the process as a precaution against safety issues.

Have the pole barn inspected upon completion. (The city inspector may already require this as a condition of the permit.) Walk through with the inspector, checking for every possible safety hazard that may be present. Ask the inspector for a report afterward and use it as a guide for repairs before using the structure.

Treat any untreated wood with a sealant and any steel with an anti-corrosive. Consult the manufacturer for the best sealants and anti-corrosives for the materials. Wait the appropriate amount of time after treating the materials before using the structure.

Inspect the posts regularly for signs of decay and leaks. Take photos or simply look at the posts after placing them initially. Make quarterly or biannual checks of the posts, especially the portion that goes into the ground, for damage from termites or decay.

Power wash the vinyl roof each year. Perform this maintenance duty a few times each year as needed to remove dirt and debris that can eventually damage the vinyl.