Attaching a block foundation to a pole barn?

Dutchman · Aug 4, 2003

I just finished my pole barn project. Now that it is up, I got this great idea on how to improve it (after the fact, of course). I have 36 feet of south-facing wall that would be ideal to support a lean-to greenhouse. A greenhouse in my neck of the woods needs to be pretty well insulated if I want to use it during the winter. That means to me an insulated foundation on a footer below the frost-line.

Therein lies my dilemma and my questions. How might I go about abutting a footer and concrete block foundation up against the pole barn? Also, how do I dig my trench without disturbing the poles that are set in concrete? The barn does not have a slab poured, as of yet.

Anyone do this sort of thing before or have any thoughts?

MarkV · Aug 5, 2003

I would think that any footing line that close to your barn posts could compromise the integrity of the post. At good part of what makes a pole work to support the building is the friction of the pole against the soil. It would also be tough to dig the footings with your post in place unless you really enjoy shovel work. How about moving your footing line 3-4' out from the pole line and still tie the roof into the barn. The greenhouse would be narrower but the barn would be wider.

MarkV

yooperdave · Aug 5, 2003

Have you considered a insulated shallow foundation?

It would not have to be below the frost line.

I know Wisconsin has published something along these lines.

A web search may turn up some more.

Good luck

Yooper Dave

Dutchman · Aug 5, 2003

Mark,

That's a pretty neat concept that I hadn't considered. Since the barn floor slab hasn't been poured yet I could just extend the slab to the GH foundation closest to the barn. I would have a little more work removing the existing barn siding but it would be more than made up for in the ease of putting in the new foundation and problem of the pole barn footings goes away.

I'll have to think more on this. Thanks!