Pole barn roofing question

[rick1ryan]

I'm looking at building a 40'X90' pole barn, metal trusses at 10' spacing and 2x4 purlins. In order to cut down on initial expense, I'm thinking about covering it, for a year or two, with a tarp instead of metal. Once I've got the money, I'd come back and put down metal roofing over the top of the tarp. Does anyone have any thoughts about whether this is a dumb idea or not?

 

[cat fever]

I think the tarp will not last and you'll be fixing/replacing it many times.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[bigtiller]

The wind will destroy the tarp in short order. Also, I wouldn't put the metal on top of the tarp. It will make a mess inside as it deteriorates.

 

[Scook222]

If it’s all metal, it would be fine out in the weather. If the 2x4 is wood, I would put the barn up and tin up on one side of the barn roof to cut down on the price for the time an roof the other half later. If it all medal and you want it covered but not with tin to reduce the cost for a year, I would look at cotton module tarps, or swimming pool liners, most of the time you can find those used cheap or free depending on where you. Another thing that would work really well is rubber roofing for flat commercial buildings. I’m not sure what it costs but have used some to line water troughs and put on a roof that leaked and it lasted several years. Most tarps I have used only last a few months even if you get the expensive ones and I think you would have to replace the tarps a couple of times a year

 

[747driver]

Thats a big roof area to cover with tarps. I would think the wind will be your big enemy in short order. If I had to choose I would put the metal roof first and then delay putting the metal siding on. Cover the sides with a house wrap or something like it and brace the corners to prevent racking. Not having the roof on for that long of a time period could get it out of square and very hard to get it back square.

 

[Snobdds]

I would not build until you can get the shell up as a whole. Nothing worse than chasing your tail on half done stuff.

Just tarp the metal structure on the group and when you have everything, build.

 

[Oldoak]

The wind will destroy the tarp in short order. Also, I wouldn't put the metal on top of the tarp. It will make a mess inside as it deteriorates.

And until the tarp deteriorates, possibly trap condensation between the metal roofing and the tarp.

I would not begin construction until I could afford to put on the full metal roof at a minimum. That's a big area to cover with tarps. I think you would be further ahead, even if you had to delay the product, to put the money you have spent on the tarps toward the price of the metal roofing.

 

[M5farms]

Figure the cost of trusses, purlins and poles then Build a 40x48 or 60 leave the end you want to expand to 90' without the overhang so you can just add bays till you get there.

 

[rick1ryan]

Thats a big roof area to cover with tarps. I would think the wind will be your big enemy in short order. If I had to choose I would put the metal roof first and then delay putting the metal siding on. Cover the sides with a house wrap or something like it and brace the corners to prevent racking. Not having the roof on for that long of a time period could get it out of square and very hard to get it back square.

Wow, I didn't even think of warping. I guess I should've given you guys more info on what I'm doing. I'm building an event venue for weddings. I need to get to a structure with a roof on it as quickly/cheaply as possible, then I should be able to book events. End product won't have metal sides, it'll be wood. Thank you everyone for such great input.

 

[dusty3030]

Wow, I didn't even think of warping. I guess I should've given you guys more info on what I'm doing. I'm building an event venue for weddings. I need to get to a structure with a roof on it as quickly/cheaply as possible, then I should be able to book events. End product won't have metal sides, it'll be wood. Thank you everyone for such great input.

Rent a big tent until you can build the other right.

 

[texasranger556]

If brides in your area are anything like my bride, a pole barn with a tarp roof would be a tough sell for a wedding or reception venue.

As others have suggested, save more before building, finance it, or build half now and half later.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

The metal roofing is critical to the strength of the building.

Pole barns are meant to be built in sections. I would build as many full sections as you can afford, then add on as money allows.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

You think you can book events with a pole barn covered with a tarp?

 

[RickB]

Wow, I didn't even think of warping. I guess I should've given you guys more info on what I'm doing. I'm building an event venue for weddings. I need to get to a structure with a roof on it as quickly/cheaply as possible, then I should be able to book events. End product won't have metal sides, it'll be wood. Thank you everyone for such great input.

Gonna be a tough sell to rent a venue that will look like that. There are flea markets here with better accommodations.
Do it once, do it right.

 

[EddieWalker]

... metal trusses at 10' spacing and 2x4 purlins...

If you buy a tarp strong enough to withstand the sun and wind, you would be better off spending the money on the metal for the roof. I don't see any savings if you are paying for a tarp that can last a few years.

I would never use 2x4 purlins to span 10 feet. If it was me, I would use 20 foot long 2x8's so they are on three trusses.

 

[radioman]

Have you thought about billboards signs when they take em down?

 

[kirkawilson]

I would put the metal roof on first and add the side walls later.

 

[Diggin It]

If you buy a tarp strong enough to withstand the sun and wind, you would be better off spending the money on the metal for the roof. I don't see any savings if you are paying for a tarp that can last a few years.

I would never use 2x4 purlins to span 10 feet. If it was me, I would use 20 foot long 2x8's so they are on three trusses.

I was thinking about awning or tent canvas, but then I though the same thing ... metal would probably be about the same price.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have never been a fan of buying something twice. You can't affford a roof, but in the final analysis you will be buying a roof and tarps, plus will probably have aggravation with the tarps. Find a way to buy the proper roof now, and get those extra years use and enjoyment out of it.

I realize, everyone is however, in a different boat.

 

[ovrszd]

If you buy a tarp strong enough to withstand the sun and wind, you would be better off spending the money on the metal for the roof. I don't see any savings if you are paying for a tarp that can last a few years.

I would never use 2x4 purlins to span 10 feet. If it was me, I would use 20 foot long 2x8's so they are on three trusses.

Dang it,,,, as always Eddied beat me to it...…