Proper ventilation is a critical design step when creating an environment for animals to live long, healthy lives. Your new post frame building should always allow air to flow freely. This ensures that the animals are getting fresh air and the stale, moist air is leaving the building.
Creating a well-ventilated space involves using several strategies that will keep your animals comfortable and contribute to long, healthy lives. Space for an office or other human-related area may also be part of your post frame structure, which requires different ventilation options.
Creating the Design
Ventilation involves an exchange of new, fresh air for the old, stale air that can build up rapidly when animals are involved. Creating an exchange of air also improves the air quality to prevent the accumulation of moisture that supports mold, wood decay, and deterioration of your equipment.
Proper airflow can be achieved through both natural and artificial means or even a combination of both.
Certain strategic features allow air to enter, circulate, and depart without the need for any additional influence. Exhaust fans, for example, can expedite the process and further improve the flow of air into and out of your post frame building.
Natural Solutions for Better Ventilation
Working with a design professional from a reputable post frame supplier can address the needs and requirements for ventilation. These experts understand the end goal and can guide owners to make the right decisions in the plan.
Here are some structural features that can maximize air circulation and create a well-insulated environment.
Vented Ridges
These sit at the very top of your new post frame building, and allow warmer, used air to escape naturally. Since warm air naturally rises, this addition is great for creating a comfortable environment.
Vented Eaves
Vent spaces in the overhang or eaves of the building allows cool air to enter the building. This can help to keep the temperature lower and the air fresher.
Gable Vents
Gable vents are usually at each end of the building. They can increase the amount of cool air that enters while allowing some of the warmer air to escape. Your design expert will determine whether these can be useful for keeping the air fresh inside for your needs as it may depend on the size and use of the structure.
Cupolas
These attractive architectural features also provide an escape route for the warmer, used air within. The square cupolas are placed atop the post frame building’s roof to help with ventilation control.
Cupolas can range in size and design depending on the ventilation needs and the architectural requirements of the area.
Doors and Windows
Any opening to the outside can help to improve the air quality of a building. If possible, placing these in an east-west direction may be helpful, although any opening will support better ventilation. Try to position the structure in the direction where the wind is most likely to occur through these openings
Insulation
Proper insulation is essential in areas where summer and winter temperatures reach extreme levels. Properly insulated space will help to keep the inside of the post frame building more consistent. This also helps to reduce the impact of severely higher and lower temperatures on energy bills and can improve the health of animals.
Other Ventilation Options
There are options for managing ventilation with man-made devices. Consider an air conditioning unit with thermostats and other devices. Even strategically placed fans to promote air movement while cooling the environment are helpful.
In addition, protecting the buried posts and certain types of condensation-controlling roofing materials can minimize moisture accumulation inside the post-frame building. This, in turn, can keep the temperature more stable while also minimizing the risk of mold.
Consult Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings
For residents of Northern Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southwest Michigan, Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings is the answer. These experts, based in North Webster, Indiana, have been helping building owners design and construct various post-frame buildings that best suit their needs.
Visit their online Gallery of completed projects to get an idea of the beauty and sophistication of many of their past projects for agriculture, equestrian, civic, and suburban buildings.
To schedule a consultation and to learn more, visit the Pacemaker Post Frame Buildings website. You may also call one of their experts at 888-834-4448 with any questions you may have.
