If you would like to have a second floor in your pole building, there are 3 main options:
Attic trusses
- Standard peaked roof profile
- Upstairs room spans the full length of the building
- Clear-span space on the ground level
- Sloped ceiling in upstairs room because of the peaked trusses
Gambrel Trusses
- Multi-pitched roof profile, often call a “barn roof”
- Upstairs room spans the full length of the building
- Trusses create a square room with a flat ceiling
- Preserves clear-span space on the ground level
Loft or Mezzanine
- Typically requires 14’ minimum sidewall height
- Only spans part of the building
- Typically requires additional posts for support, which interrupts the clear-span space on the ground level
Note: Some areas may have specific code requirements for buildings with a second floor. We always recommend you talk with your local zoning and building departments to find out exactly what is required in your area.
If you don’t need an actual second floor, but just need an extra crawl space for light storage (Christmas decorations, etc), spread-web trusses might be a good option for you. Talk to an estimator to learn more.
