Farm Construction
Section I, Nov. 7, 2019
www.agriview.com
LEEANNE BULMAN PHOTOS/FOR AGRI-VIEW
A collapsed building shows the problems from this past winter’s multiple snow events. Aaron Halberg says excessive snow, condensation, deteriorated fasteners, and inadequate initial strength can cause failures.
Avoid building collapse, consider insurance LEEANNE BULMAN For AgriView
Aaron Halgren says, “When I see a collapse it’s usually one or two details that were missing.”
Carl Duley, University of Wisconsin-Extension agent in Buffalo County, talks about insurance issues and assessing building use. Risk is much greater if people are in a building such as a dairy compared to a machine shed.
GILMANTON, Wis. – Excessive snow and blowing wind create a nasty combination – a danger that caused a record number of farm buildings to collapse this past winter. Weather events can’t be controlled so farmers need to do what they can to prevent damage. That starts with building design, says Aaron LEEANNE Halberg, resident profesBULMAN sional engineer at Halberg Engineering. “We should avoid all possible loss,” he said at a presentation sponsored by University of Wisconsin-Extension in Buffalo County. Carl Duley, UW-extension agent, said collapsed buildings aren’t a new issue but buildings are becoming bigger, which Please see COLLAPSE, Page 2
2
Thursday, November 7, 2019
www.agriview.com
Farm Construction
Collapse From 1
puts more stress on construction materials. This past winter collapsed buildings in west-central Wisconsin had more than $12 million in damage. That included poultry sheds, machine sheds, livestock barns and grain bins that ranged from one to 50 years old. Damaged buildings continued to drop throughout the spring. Once snow piles up, wind can change the depth and density of snow on a roof. Rain on the snow can increase the Please see COLLAPSE, Page 4
1901 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, Wisconsin 53713
An attentive audience including bankers, farmers and insurance agents gather in Gilmanton, Wisconsin, to learn about snow causing building collapse.
1-800-944-5409
Conventional and Robotic Parlors Multi-Purpose Storage Buildings Wood and Steel Frame Construction Cross and Tunnel Ventilation
Toll-Free: 1-888-AGRI-VIEW Madison Phone: 608-250-4162 Madison Fax: 608-250-4155 agriview@madison.com www.agriview.com
www.meyerbuildings.com
We design and sell material packages for any size dairy project!
Meyer Buildings, Inc. 201 South 4th Street, Dorchester, WI 54425
Equestrian Workshops Commercial Recreational
ST
Celebrating over 70 Years of Service to the Dairy Industry MADE IN CHINO - NOT CHINA
Tomah, WI 608.343.0622
SLAR Headlocks
Group Calf Feeder
SLAC Headlocks
Cantilever Loops
Beam System
Dogbone Loops
Calf Carrier
SS Tilt Trough
Hoof Trim Chute
Website: www.AlbersdAiryequipment.com
email: sales@albersDairyequipment.com
Please call for a quote... Price-wise, you’ll be happy, Quality-wise, even happier!
(800) 872-5441
4
www.agriview.com
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Farm Construction
The center of a free-stall barn collapses Feb. 24 from snow load at the Joe Bragger farm near Independence in Trempealeau County in western Wisconsin. The owners needed to scramble to do chores but no animals were hurt.
Collapse From 2
Aaron Halberg consults with Todd Halvorson of Strum, Wisconsin, who had two buildings damaged in separate weather incidents this past winter — one from rain on snow and the other from snow load.
weight by 5 pounds per square foot for every inch. Ice dams can form along the edge, holding snow back from sliding off the roof. Something as small as screw heads showing through a roof is enough to hold snow on a roof. Wisconsin has no binding building code for post-frame buildings, although standards do exist. Halberg referred to ASCE 7, a minimum-design load, as
a source for building design – with the caveat that codes are a minimum. A project may need greater design loads. Factors such as building use, the presence of animals or humans, and siting need to be considered Halberg recommends dealing with people who have been in the business for a while – those with a good design reputation and warranty on the work. He warns that the cheapest building might be just that – cheap. “When I see a collapse, it’s usually one or two details that were missed,” he said.
Which Barn is Best For Your Herd? Starwood Rafter Uses: • Pole Sheds • Free Stalls • Pavilion Shelters • Machinery Storage • Riding Arena Birds just love this barn. The webs in these trusses are easy nest areas for birds. They also restrict air flow which leads to poor ventilation and moisture buildup in the building.
• Spans up to 72 ft. • Stronger. Can be spaced up to 12 feet apart depending on the load you desire • Bird Nesting Control
High Capacity Fenceline Feedbunk
• At 20" Deep It's The Largest Bunk On the Market • At 3600 Lbs Per 8'-0" Section It's The Heaviest Bunk
CREST Precast, Inc.
La Crescent, MN - Barneveld, WI 1-800-658-9045 • Professional Design, Manufacturing and Contracting • Innovative Products for the Successful Dairy Business • S.C.S. Approved Storage Tanks • U.S.D.A. Accepted Precast Parlor Walls • Bunk Feeders • Water Tanks • Reception Tanks • Slotted Floors • Bunker Silos
The arched rafters create a more open barn allowing better ventilation. Also since there are no open webs in the trusses, there are no places for birds to nest.
www.
starwoodrafters.com W24141 Starwood Lane Independence, WI 54747
• Better Ventilation & Visibility • No Feed Alley Post Obstruction • Additional Ceiling Height
CALL TOLL FREE:
888-525-5878
Farm Construction
5
Duley gave an example. “Steel isn’t steel isn’t steel,” he said. If a builder downgrades the steel, connectors can rust. That results in less building integrity. Design should start with load considerations, Halberg said, and then trusses, trusses to posts, overall connection and bracing. Every link in the chain is important. Designers should consider what happens when doors are open or closed as well as extra dead weight such as solar panels or insulation. Once building construction starts it’s expensive to make changes in the load rating and can be complicated. In existing structures it may be possible to fix a weak spot by reinforcing purlins, adding material to trusses or bolstering connections. For older sheds, lean-tos are a popular way to cheaply add more building. But they can put stress on the original building. Also they catch snow; they need to be properly attached. If a structure fails it’s important to have insurance to cover losses. Several issues will determine whether insurance will pay for damage and how much they pay, Duley said. • insurance for snow load • building that’s covered but not equipment or animals • falling objects • buildings too old for insurance • replacement cost vs. depreciated value He said farmers should consider coverage for loss of production. Insurance companies use three categories for coverage. • Actual Cash Value • Replacement Cost Value • Functional Replacement Value The actual cause of damage will be considered – whether for example it was snow load or snow load with wind. If the snow was there previous to the wind damage will be considered. “We don’t ask enough questions,” Duley said of insurance agents. “The biggest message I have about insurance is to read your policy and know what’s in it. Have a conversation with your agent. “Not all policies are the same; don’t assume anything.” Halberg and Duley both said owners deserve enough information to decide what’s best for their buildings. “We need to be moving in a smarter direction in building design.” Halberg said. LeeAnne Bulman writes about agriculture from her farm overlooking the beautiful Danuser Valley on Wisconsin’s west coast. When not writing she helps her husband on their small grain and beef farm.
LOYAL FARM EQUIPMENT VIEW FULL CATALOG • PRICES • CLOSEST DEALER
www.loyal-roth.com Flex-Pen
Calf Hutches
Geyer and Hosaja Mats and Rolled Mats
Group Hutch
Poly Scrapers
Replacement Belting
Single-Chain Elevator
Vinyl-Strip Door
MFG Co. P.O. Box 40 Loyal, WI 54446
FREE 90 Page Printed Catalog
1-800-472-2341 E-mail: info@loyal-roth.com
Rugged Equipment ... Priced Right ... Since 1956!
6
www.agriview.com
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Farm Construction
Gallows for pulling up the tractor cab of the John Deere 4250 are partially finished. An engineer friend and his brother, a builder, were consulted to insure it was strong enough.
Fields wet but shop’s dry LEEANNE BULMAN For AgriView
LEEANNE BULMAN PHOTOS/FOR AGRI-VIEW
Neighbor Jimmy Ellis pulls Wade Bulman’s dead tractor to his farm shop for repair. The tractor won’t move under its own power, but is running because the power brakes and steering are needed.
Keeping busy while waiting between crops is not difficult for farmers. After getting an approximate estimate for the cost to fix his non-moving John Deere 4250, Wade Bulman made the decision to do it himself. He cemented his shed floor
to enlarge his shop space. And with help from an engineer friend, he built a gallows to hang the cab for accessing the transmission for repair. The culprit was a pin in the tow disconnect; four small pieces fixed the problem. Now that it’s finished he has a working tractor, a functional shop and a few new tools – and saved himself a large repair bill.
“MORE LIGHT = MORE MILK”
• Waste Storage • Feed Storage • Anaerobic Digesters
We service and repair ALL fabric buildings. CONTACT US… Stratford, WI 54484
Toll Free:
(877) 687-2453
Email: sales@structuresunlim.com Website: www.structuresunlim.com
Book Now For SpriNg ErEctioN.
Superior Agitation NRCS Pre-Approved Ramp Accessible Unlimited Storage Capacity No Maintenance 10” - 18” Wall Thickness Can Be Placed In or Out Of Ground
Call Dennis at 920-948-9661 www.pippingconcrete.com
www.agriview.com
Farm Construction
Up, up and away – the cab’s weight is estimated at 3,400 pounds. The tractor is moved from underneath the cab for safety while working on it. The problem is discovered in the tow disconnect in the transmission.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Wade Bulman lowers the cab while his wife, LeeAnne Bulman, guides it onto the frame. She matches it with the bolt holes at the same time, keeping all the hoses and lines free.
Replacing the tractor cab on the frame doesn’t take as long as hooking up all the lines and hoses.
Now g Buildrin amed SteelilFdings! Bu
MPB BUILDERS 654 E. Oshkosh St. • Ripon, WI 54971
FROM PLANNING TO COMPLETION
Choose The
STRONGEST
Roofing and Siding Material
• Commercial • Agricultural • Hobbies • Suburban
Large Dairy Barns
WE BUILD
Calf Housing Industrial Controlled Environment Machinery Storage Commercial & Sales Potato & Cranberry Storage Residential Home Building & Remodeling Horse Barns
STRATFORD Building Supply, Inc.
Stratford, Wi
Also
Ph. 687-4125 or Toll Free 1-800-261-4125
www.stratfordbuilding.com • e-mail: burger@stratfordbuilding.com
PARK FALLS BUILDING & HARDwARe Park Falls, WI • Ph. 762-3255
7
• Building Packages & Material • Residential Metal Roofing
Your industry leader in post frame construction
800-782-9632
www.mpbbuilders.com
8
www.agriview.com
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Farm Construction
Fall ideal time to prepare structures BOB GENDER
Western Specialty Contractors
W
CHRIS HARDIE/FOR AGRI-VIEW
Conduct an annual fall building inspection to help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problematic and lead to costly repairs.
• SLATTED FLOOR MANURE STORAGE • BUNKER SILOS • FEED BUNKS • GRAIN STORAGE
inter is right around the corner – in fact in some areas it’s already arrived. With the changing seasons comes freeze and thaw cycles, falling pine needles and leaves, organic growth and harsh weather conditions that can wreak havoc on a building or structure’s exterior if not maintained properly. Conducting an annual fall building inspection will help to idenBOB tify potential maintenance GENDER issues before they become problematic and lead to costly repairs. Maintenance of buildings or structures, whether it be the interior or exterior, horizontal or vertical construction, or a highrise or single-story, is a necessity across the country. Many times a quick check today can help save building owners and
Call the Business Solutions Center for details 800.481.4700.
Concrete needs protection, repair Winter freeze and thaw cycles can cause big problems with concrete structures. When water infiltrates concrete it can freeze, causing the water to occupy 9 percent more volume than in its liquid state. That expansion causes distress on the concrete, which can lead to fractures that will Please see STRUCTURES, Page 10
INVEST
IN A FREESTALL BARN/PARLOR WOOD or STEEL FRAME - WE KNOW HOW!! Call Us For Building Tours and To Discuss YoUr New ProjeCT!
WIESERCONCRETE.COM • 800-325-8456 FARM WIRING GRANTS AVAILABLE— GET UP TO $10,000 TO HELP UPDATE YOUR FARM’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
managers headaches during the harsh winter months ahead – when repairs can be complicated by cold temperatures. Facility managers can protect buildings and structures throughout the winter by identifying a few red flags early in the fall. They should address problem areas quickly and effectively before winter sets in.
Since
1977!
1-800-242-8085 www.forestbuildings.com
STATEWIDE CONSTRUCTION & UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN © 2017 Xcel Energy Inc.
MEMBER: WI Frame Builders Association • MEMBER: Dairy Business Association
www.agriview.com
Farm Construction
N14685 Copenhaver Ave., Stanley, WI 54768 (715) 644-0765 Fax: (715) 644-4931
Thursday, November 7, 2019
WINTER DISCOUNTS Call for prices
BUY DIRECT!! We Manufacture !!!! We specialize in complete post frame building packages. Call us for a quote or stop in and we will help you design. We rollform steel panels to exact length. • 26 ga. 16” Snap-Loc • 28 ga. G-100, 40 year • 29 ga. G-60, 30 year • Silverline Windows • CHI Overhead Doors • Plyco Service Doors
TAKE CONTROL
All our steel panels & custom trims are manufactured in Stanley, WI
of your TIME of your EXPENSES of your INVESTMENT
NEW EW CO CONSTRUCTION NSTRUCTION
REMODEL -BEFORE BEFORE
800. 558. 7800
REMODEL -AFTER AFTER
CONCRETE · BUILDINGS · COW COMFORT · VENTILATION MANURE AND FEED HANDLING · PARTS AND SERVICE
No project is too big or too small, From start to finish, we do it ALL! Whether you are thinking of remodeling your existing facility or planning for new construction, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you. We create facilities that are designed around You and your Animals.
Take Control and Call Today!
1-800-236-0603 www.CowComfortZone.com
9
10
www.agriview.com
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Farm Construction
CONTRIBUTED
CONTRIBUTED
If a building is seriously damaged, specialists may be needed to bring a wall system back to its expected performance level.
Winter freeze and thaw cycles can cause big problems with concrete.
Structures From 8
continue to grow exponentially as saturation of the material increases. A wide range of restoration, repair and reinforcing services are offered by certified specialty contractors. They can repair cracks, spalls, rust spots, deterioration, pot-holes and heaves in concrete and masonry. More often than not concrete
repairs are made before they become a more-serious or costly issue. But there are measures facility managers can take to prevent future damage. Applying hot-applied or below-grade waterproofing and urethane or acrylic protective coatings to traffic decks, pedestrian areas or exterior facades will extend the life of the repair. That will also protect adjacent areas that are currently in good condition and significantly improve the aesthetics of the area treated. For facilities with concrete parking
BEFORE YOU BUY CALL JIM OR AL!
Mega Storm
72˝ Fiberglass Exhaust Fan
Manual or Motorized 24 Volt DC Curtain System
structures the fall is an ideal time to survey for damage. Vehicles regularly entering parking areas leave water, oil and muck behind. Not to mention salt and de-icers tracked in during the winter months can corrode the structure’s concrete and steelsupport system. An ineffective maintenance routine can quickly lead to costly repairs and restorations that can be disruptive as well as cause unexpected costs and safety concerns. All types of parking structures are subject to
deterioration. Five key indicators can show a parking area is in need of preventative maintenance. • water leakage • ponding water • expansion-joint failure • exposed rebar • delaminated, spalled or horizontally or vertically cracked concrete An experienced concrete-maintenance and -restoration specialist can identify specific problem areas. He or she can
Custom Designed & Built to Last!
• Over 55,000 CFM • Single or 3 phase • 6 bladed aluminum propeller • 3HP UL American made motor • No motor adjustments needed • X-frame for strength & durability • Available with or without cone • Extra heavy shutter clips • Aluminum or poly shutters • Double A auto belt tensioner for longer life • Twin Gates® size “A” belts • Belts are easily accessible and require no tools or disassembly of fan for replacement in seconds • 1-1/2” shaft & greasable pillow block bearing • Heavy duty guard is hot dip galvanized after welding
J&D Mfg. DC Curtain system offers easy installation & trouble free operation. With the sealed keder curtain & matching roll tube, can be installed in a fraction of the time compare to conventional curtain systems.
See Podevels for all your J&D Equipment Needs!
Marshfield, WI 715-384-6193
Cleary has the right building for your farming operation! Grain & Machinery Storage • Horse & Dairy Barns • Work Shops • Garages • & More
We have you covered in: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa & Beyond
Contact us today for a FREE consultation!
800-373-5550
ClearyBuilding.com
Farm Construction
11
recommend a repair plan and maintenance schedule for the structure.
WE HAVE THE mODEL THAT FITS YOuR NEEDS supercart Va
Prevent unwanted water leakage The exterior walls of a building can be a significant source of unwanted water leakage. It’s easy to forget how many openings are required in building walls – from plumbing and irrigation connections to lighting, heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-system elements, exhaust vents, air intakes, joints around windows and doors, and fire alarms, to name a few. There are also unplanned holes caused by aging brick joints that need re-pointing, vanishing sealants, damage from acid rain and settling cracks. All wall penetrations provide easy access for water, bugs, field mice, birds or other unwanted pests to enter a building and cause damage. Checking for changes in a building since the previous year is also recommended. Watch for items like deteriorated building joints, which can make the building vulnerable to the elements and unwanted pests. If a building is seriously damaged, specialists may be needed to bring a wall system back to its expected performance level. Regular inspections by a trained professional will help identify potential problems early and save the owner money.
Protect roof from damage The fall often brings falling leaves, pine needles and organic growth on building rooftops. A commitment to good roofmaintenance practices can help avoid overflowing gutters, clogged downspouts and excessive ponding water. Those problems can lead to costly roof, facade and foundation damage. A weekly routine roof inspection is recommended during this time of the year. Decaying leaves, pine needles and dirt runoff can all contribute to ponding water as well as clogged gutters and downspouts. That’s why it’s essential that all roof drains remain clear of obstructions. In addition to the risk of water pouring into spaces should a breach in the roof occur, freezing and thawing of ponding water during fall and winter months can cause extensive roof damage. Ensure all organic debris is completely removed from gutters, downspouts and drains before winter arrives. Bob Gender is a branch manager with Western Specialty Contractors, which has been family-owned and operated for more than 100 years. Visit www. westernspecialtycontractors.com for more information.
supercart cc
Left/Right Chain Conveyor
CONTACT THESE DEALERS FOR mORE INFORmATION:
WISCONSIN ANTIGO Rew Motors 715-627-7124
APPLETON
supercart ht
supercart electric
ARCADIA
OCONTO
Anibas Silo & Equip 715-285-5317
BLuE RIVER
Blue River Harvestor Repair Inc. 608-537-2746
CHIPPEWA FALLS Chippewa Farm Service, LLC 715-577-8372
CuRTISS/EDGAR Maki Farm Services, LLC 715-613-7308
DARIEN
SVH Supply, INC 877-784-7877
DARLINGTON Top Discharge
Ruf’s Farm Service, Inc. 608-776-4048
hydraucart
beddingcart
DEPERE
Knuth Farm Equipment, LLC 920-757-6995
KAuKAuNA
L&L Sales & Service 920-766-0603
LAKE GENEVA George Leedle Sales & Service 262-275-6631
mELROSE
Nordstrom Construction & Lumber Inc. 608-488-2401
info@valmetal.com
POTTER Gruetts Inc. 920-853-3516
PuLASKI Brown’s Farm Service, LLC 920-373-0965
REEDSBuRG Bindl Sales & Service 608-524-6339
RICE LAKE 48 Equipment Sales, LLC 715-234-6788
RuBICON
WEYAuWEGA
HORTONVILLE
FOLLOW US
WI Silos, Inc. 715-344-9503
DuRAND
Armstrong Welding & Repair LLC 920-477-5141
t. 608 374-2206
PLOVER
Gehring Sales & Service 262-673-4920
EDEN
THE LARGEST LINE OF FEEDING EQUIPMENT IN NORTH AMERICA
Dumke Sales & Service 920-834-2075
Fritsch Equip. Corporation 920-532-6292 Komro Sales & Service 715-672-4263
round bale unroller
NEWTON Hartlaub Equipment 920-758-2132
ARKANSAW Discharge Both Sides
Field Silo & Equipment, Inc. 608-437-5561
R&M Farm Systems 920-788-3505 D&D Farm Supply, Inc. 800-657-6955
Right Hand Discharge
mT. HOREB
Spiegelberg Implement, Inc. 920-596-2610
WHITEWATER The Scharine Group 800-472-2880
WITHEE Hoover Silo Repair LLC 715-229-2527
mINNESOTA mORA, mN Fluegges Ag. 320-679-2981
IOWA mAQuOKETA Anamosa Silo Repair, LLC 563-652-5125
VALMETAL IS A FAMILY OWNED COMPANY
valmetal.com
12
www.agriview.com
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Farm Construction
AGRICULTURAL
COMMERCIAL
RESIDENTIAL
River Crest Dairy
KSM Farms
Mary & Pat Ledden
Mahr Brothers
Dankemyer Farms
Holland Family Cheese
LLC
LOYAL, WI 1-866-367-7408 PHONE: (715) 255-9193 FAX: (715) 255-8093 ROGER CELL: (715) 613-9193 ber Mem sin on Wisc siness Bu y r i a D iation c o s As
GIVE US A CA LL TODA Y!
We design and build complete dairy facilities, homes, and commercial buildings.
Quietly Leading the way in Agricultural building design. FARM | EQUESTRIAN | HOBBY | COMMERCIAL
S.D. Ellenbecker! Specializing in all type of concrete construction, including a variety of dairy industry and agricultural structures
It lasts a lifetime. Plan it right.
Cost effective...
All-metal construction requires fewer posts and columns. A standard all-metal barn would contain four columns instead of six found in most wood barns.
Innovative construction methods... At Lester Buildings, we expect our buildings to last forever. That’s why we craft the perfect plan with you, before the foundation gets laid. Call us today and enjoy your Lester experience for a lifetime.
Ellenbecker is one of the first to introduce an all-metal frame method of agricultural construction to the area.
Durable, safer materials... Structures are far less susceptible to fire since no wood is used in the construction process. Buildings are more resistant to natural elements than wooden counterparts.
We Are your Turn Key General Contractor for Wisconsin
LESTERBUILDINGS.COM 1222 Mount View Lane, Athens, WI 54411 Web: sdellenbecker.com Contact Dean @ 715-581-6408 or Jim @ 715-581-6433
The concrete experts...
1222 Mount View Lane, Athens, WI 54411 Office: 715-257-7666 Web: sdellenbecker.com Cell: Jim - 715-581-6433
• Barn additions • Barn remodeling projects • Concrete cow yards • Dairy complexes and structures • Free-stall and standard barns • Manure storage facilities • Milking parlors • Water reservoirs