Why FBi?

Quick Construction
Affordability
Flexibility
Strength
Energy Efficiency

Quick Construction

Pole barns go up quickly. Getting "under roof" takes half the time compared to conventional construction methods. This is because the post-frame method is less labor intensive. There are far fewer (but significantly larger) framing members. And since, we can build all year round, you don't have to wait on the weather. Concrete floors can be added later, after the building is up.

FBi crews are some of the most experienced and best trained in the industry, making them especially fast.

Affordability

Since pole barn construction is quick and efficient, labor costs are lower than with other types of construction. This is especially true if you do not need a continuous concrete foundation. Plus wood is almost always less expensive than steel, brick and concrete block. And if you choose to use steel siding and roofing, pole barns are even more affordable. Buildings can be quickly clad with those steel panels, resulting in additional labor savings.

Flexibility

Post-frame buildings offer great flexibility. It's easier and more cost-effective to add attractive design features (such as overhangs, steeper roof pitch, porches, etc.) to our buildings than to steel-frame buildings. Plus, since our buildings don't require interior supporting walls, you have wide-open space inside to configure however you want. Interior build out is simpler too with a wood frame than with steel. Also, since our supporting columns are 8' apart, you can add extra doors and windows down the road without too much trouble. Doing that in a stud wall, is much more difficult.

Pole barns offer outstanding flexibility in exterior finishes too. It doesn't have to be steel. Almost any type of facade can be use: brick, block, EIFS, vinyl or wood siding.

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Strength

Some people are surprised to learn that post-frame construction produces stronger buildings than other methods. But it is true, for the following reasons:

• Columns in the ground add to the building's stability and wind resistance.
• Horizontally connected posts form a tremendously strong box that adds to wind and seismic resistance.
• The direct attachment of trusses to the post frame makes it virtually impossible for the roof to detach from the building.
• The diaphragm effect created by the post-frame structures allows them to flex under stress instead of cracking, crumbling or collapsing like many other structures.

Source: "The Post-Frame Advantage: It's Long-Lasting and Resilient." Frame Building News, January 2003.

Energy Efficiency

Looking for an air-tight, energy efficient building? Post-frame has stud wall or block construction beat. Our 8' wide wall cavities are typically 8" deep. That accommodates a thick and wide blanket of unbroken insulation. The wood columns themselves provide R-value and have very low heat conductivity.

In addition, all of FBi's standard steel colors are energy-saving "cool metal roofing" formulations that have earned the Energy Star rating.

Steel frame buildings suffer from thermal bridging of the steel columns, conducting valuable heat out of the building at a rate 310 times faster than wood. In addition, insulation is sandwiched between the outside steel and the framing members, thus compromising its R-value.

Concrete block has very little insulative value. The block cores can be filled with insulation, but that results in uneven R-value. To get a block building warm and tight, additional work must be done - either furring strips with insulation between or an insulated stud wall. Either way, it is additional cost.

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Solid Foundation
Strong Columns
Closer Girt & Purlin Spacing
Engineered Trusses
EasyMotion Sliding Door
Integrated Truss to Column Connection
Long Lasting Steel & Paint
Superior Fasteners

Solid Foundation

In traditional post-frame applications, FBi places columns a minimum of 48" below grade and sets them on precast or poured-in-place concrete foundation pads. We do not rely on a dry, powered concrete mix to carry the load. That is a risky method that relies on significant ground moisture to "set up" the concrete before any settling can occur.

To prevent the columns from uplifting, we use large wood anchor blocks.

Some building applications may require a continuous poured concrete foundation. Laminated columns are firmly bolted to this type foundation with specially designed foundation brackets.

Strong Columns

Columns are the "posts" in post-frame - the "poles" in pole barn. FBi offers two choices: our standard wood laminated columns and optional concrete Perma-Columns.

Our rugged laminated columns are made of #1 or Select Structural Southern Yellow Pine with compressive stress ratings of 1750 lb./sq. in. or more. Most square posts are #2 graded wood rated at only 525 lb./sq. in. Laminated Column bases are 2"x 6" (or larger) lumber treated all the way through with non-corrosive government-approved wood preservative to safely prevent rot and termite damage.

The revolutionary Perma-Column system offers the economy of post-frame construction AND the proven durability of concrete. No column wood goes into the ground. Using the latest pre-cast concrete technology and premium grade steel reinforcement, they are extra-ordinarily strong. So strong, they are guaranteed for life.

Closer Girt and Purlin Spacing

Girts (side nailers), purlins (roof nailers) and fasteners are important to the structural integrity of your building. Our narrow grid pattern allows for a greater number of fasteners in the side steel for excellent overall strength.

Purlins are attached on edge at a maximum of 24" o.c. - sometimes closer - with hardened steel 60d ring-shank nails. Purlins are overlapped 2' at the truss and lap cleated with 16d nails. The strength of this system far surpasses that of other builders who use wider spacing and butt purlins end-to-end.

FBi uses strong #2 grade or better spruce pine fir. In special loading situations, we use Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber with a fiber bending rating up to 1800 lb./sq. in.

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Engineered Trusses

FBi trusses are job ordered and engineered for your building. Detailed drawings for your job show material and construction specs plus load analysis. Our professional in-house engineering staff uses the latest computer-aided design and simulation systems to ensure strength and structural integrity.

Next, we manufacture our trusses under stringent quality control standards in our own plant. In addition, our truss plant is regularly certified by a third party Truss Plate Institute inspection service to further ensure quality fabrication of all trusses. Where engineering requires, we specify Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber. Each piece has been tested for stiffness and strength in an electro-mechanical machine. This known quantity reduces lumber variability - ensures there are no "weak links" in your building's structure. You know the strength is in your lumber before the lumber goes into your building.

Heavy-duty steel plates reinforce your building's strength in critical areas. Lumber is joined with heavy-duty steel plates. These plates have a dense concentration of long teeth providing excellent "grip" on the wood.

EasyMotion Sliding Door

In 2009, FBi introduced EasyMotion, the most advanced sliding door in the industry. This new design eliminates all metal-on-metal and metal-on-wood friction. That eliminates the scraping, grinding and associated resistance that can make doors difficult to open - especially during adverse weather.

Also new are color matched extruded aluminum trims that won't oil can or dent like the commonly used folded steel trims. Plus our all-aluminum frame and girts have been re-engineered to add additional strength.

Our still unmatched Posi-Guide bottom door track is a weatherproof system that won't jam with ice, snow or debris. Our top track and roller is self-cleaning and our trims and flashing eliminate bird nesting.

The EasyMotion door can't be beat for ease of use, reliability and fit & finish.

Integrated Truss to Column Connection

FBi trusses are cradled in column "saddles" - where we lock the truss and column into a "one piece" integral system that more effectively resists snow and wind loads. Compare the application of an ordinary square post with our laminated column. With the square post, the truss simply sits on top or to the side of the post. To compensate for this weak connection, builders use outdated, off-center knee bracing which reduces clearance along sidewalls leaving less usable space.

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Long Lasting Steel and Paint

FBi materials work together to keep your building looking young!

FBi panels are 29 gauge, heat-treated, full-hard, high-tensile steel with a minimum yield point of 80,000 PSI. That's 60-78% higher than commonly used, thicker "soft" 28 or 26 gauge steel. Provides greater resistance to impact damage (hail, rocks, accidents, etc.)

FBi's high-yield strength steel with specially formed tall ribs on 9" centers provides wind and snow load capacity far above industry standard commercial-quality steel. You get a building with greater structural integrity.

Plus, fastener holes in soft steel can become enlarged over time and leak. FBi high-yield strength steel is hard. Fastener holes maintain their shape.

Galvalume® sheet steel fights corrosion and rust.
FBi uses Galvalume coated steel for roofs and siding. Galvalume battles corrosion and rust two to four times longer than the G90 galvanized steel that many other builders use. Cut edge and crevice protection and flexibility around formed ribs are superior.

Galvalume is a combination of aluminum, silicon and zinc. This improved coating keeps on fighting corrosion years after other "corrosion resistant" systems have failed.

The enduring beauty of Kynar® 500 finishes. Nothing else comes close.
FBi finishes our Galvalume side and roof panels with the Kynar 500 Fluoropolymer paint system. The molecular bond of Kynar 500 is amazingly strong - one of the strongest known to man.

Kynar 500 resists the harmful UV rays of the sun better than anything else on the market.
Of all the major causes of change or failure of architectural coatings, UV radiation is the most destructive. Prolonged exposure at a Ft. Myers, Florida, test site proves the superior gloss retention, color permanence and fade/chalk resistance of Kynar 500. Kynar 500 is relatively unaffected by the sun's radiation, which in time destroys lesser coatings.

Kynar 500's gloss retention performance is proven superior.
Our industry-leading gloss retention performance assures that your FBi building will retain its "showroom new" look. This quality is possible because of the incredible gloss retention properties of Kynar 500 compared to other popular finishing systems.

Kynar 500's superior flexibility shuts out rust and corrosion.
FBi's complete paint system is more flexible and therefore better able to withstand the rigors of the forming process. Silicone polyester cracks. Over time, these cracks allow elements to penetrate the finish and cause the steel to rust or corrode.

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Superior Fasteners

FBi uses premium 300-Series stainless steel capped, self sealing screws (not nails)
Our screws provide superior holding power compared to nails. Screws will not back out as nails do.

Prevents Leaks
The FBi screw's hard carbon steel shank cleanly penetrates siding and wood creating a weatherproof grip that stays put. Nails create a jagged puncture that may further tear over time and leak. Furthermore, some builders install fasteners (nails or screws) on top of ribs which allows movement around the critical seal area. This movement, caused by expansion, contraction and wind, adversely affects structural integrity and seal effectiveness. Leaks are more likely to occur over time. FBi installs screws through the flat area (except at the panel overlap) for a firm, lasting grip that maximizes seal effectiveness and strength.

Lasting Seal Effectiveness
FBi screw fasteners encapsulate the sealing washer to protect it from the elements and to improve aesthetics. The integral washer maintains its seal even if the screw is driven at an angle. And our EPDM seal material is more reliable than commonly used neoprene, and offers the best heat, cold, weather and ozone resistance available.

Guaranteed to Never Rust
FBi stainless steel fastener heads are guaranteed by the manufacturer not to rust, discolor or stain even after decades of service.

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Consultative Approach
Crew Power
Local Presence
Project Management Specialists
Engineering
Safety
Insurance
Since 1958
Innovation
Fewer Hassles
Service After the Sale

Consultative Approach

Many companies say they offer a consultative approach, but few take it to the level that FBi does. For instance, we've invested significant money to create helpful materials that guide prospective customers through the planning, design and construction process. Whether you are looking for step-by-step instructions to proper site preparation, design tips for labor efficiency or a video presentation on reducing your construction liability, you'll get it free of charge from FBi. We believe that an informed customer is the most satisfied customer in the long run. That's why we offer these resources, and why our "salesmen" are actually Project Sales Consultants. Their objective is to discover your needs and guide you to an appropriate solution - not just sell you a building.

Crew Power

FBi buildings are built by FBi trained and employed crews. As one of the nation's largest post-frame companies, we have a sizeable pool of field workers and a vast array of tools and equipment. We can tackle projects of nearly any size and get them done on time.

Local Presence

Our 800 number rings into the main office at Remington, Indiana, but when it comes time to meet with a salesman, you'll typically work with someone local to your area. And your building will be constructed by an FBi crew that also lives near you. Our salespeople and crews are located throughout Indiana and Illinois so they can be close to our customers.

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Project Management Specialists

For the most efficient scheduling, FBi uses full-time dedicated project managers. Their sole focus is coordinating manpower and equipment to get jobs done on time. They aren't distracted by "wearing other hats" as is often done by other builders.

Engineering

Your entire building will be designed by our licensed engineers to withstand specified wind and snow loads. Many other builders only rate their trusses, leaving potential weak links elsewhere in the structure.

Safety

FBi has one of the most rigorous, comprehensive safety programs in the industry. The keystone of our award-winning safety program is a unique fall-protection system. Its use is mandatory and it virtually eliminates the most common and serious type of construction injuries, namely falls.

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Insurance

FBi is fully insured, including Worker's Comp, Builder's Risk and General Liability coverages.

Since 1958

Our company was founded over 50 years ago. During that time, we've earned a reputation for treating customers right, standing by our word and building quality buildings at a fair price. That stability means you can count on us to get the job done right and take care of you in the future.

Innovation

FBi is a leader in the post-frame industry and has pioneered a long list of innovations. Many have since become the industry standards; others continue to keep us ahead of the competition. Examples of things that started first at FBi are using light, aluminum-framed sliding doors, long-lasting Kynar® 500-based finishes on Galvalume® substrate, rust-free stainless steel hex washer head screws and the optional concrete PERMA-COLUMN™ system, guaranteed for a lifetime.

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Fewer Hassles

We provide a streamlined design and construction process. FBi is your single source for the pre-engineered portion of your building. Sales, design, engineering and construction is all done by FBi employees. You won't have to deal with a disconnected dealer or a subcontracted erection crew. Using only FBi employees gives us the tightest control on quality. And if something goes wrong, there is clear accountability.

Service after the sale

FBi has a separate division of specially trained crews that exclusively do warranty, repair, and renovation work. If you need to add on or reconfigure your building down the road, we'll take care of you.

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