Post Frame Building / By Brent Johnstone / 

Post frame buildings have become a popular option across Minnesota for both personal and commercial use. Their simple construction and flexibility make them great for storage, workshops, hobby spaces, or even living areas. But once the snow starts to fall and temperatures dip below freezing, these buildings need some extra attention to hold up through the winter months.

Getting one of these structures ready for Minnesota winter isn’t just about keeping warm. It’s about keeping your building in good shape for the long haul. Skipping winter prep can lead to problems like leaks, frozen pipes, or other damage that’s harder to fix once it’s freezing cold outside. The good news is that there are a few key steps you can take to help protect your post frame building before the season is in full swing.

INSPECT AND REPAIR THE EXTERIOR

Before winter sets in too deep, take a close walk around the outside of your building. Minnesota winters are no joke, and even small issues can turn into bigger problems when temperatures drop and snow starts piling up.

Here’s what to watch for:

– Any warping, rotting, or cracks in the siding

– Missing or loose roof panels or shingles

– Gaps around doors that don’t shut tight

– Rusted fasteners or corroded latches

– Signs of water staining under eaves

When you spot issues like these, don’t wait to fix them. Even tiny openings can let in snow and ice during a storm. That moisture, once inside, can lead to mold or weaken structural parts from the inside out. Replace damaged siding, seal exposed seams, and secure any areas where wind could cause movement.

Pay special attention to the roof. Heavy snow can weigh down older or damaged roofs and cause leaks. If you can catch these problems now, you’ll avoid much bigger repair jobs later in the season. If getting onto the roof feels unsafe, it may be time to bring in a pro to do a proper inspection and repair.

INSULATE AND SEAL GAPS

Once the outside is patched up and protected, turn your focus to insulation and air sealing. This step is key for keeping your post frame building warmer and preventing moisture from sneaking in. Plenty of buildings lose their heat not just from poor insulation, but from small gaps that let cold air right through.

Here’s where to check:

– Around windows and door frames

– Where the roof meets the walls

– At the base of overhead doors

– Around vent openings

Gaps in these areas should be sealed using caulk, weather stripping, or expandable foam depending on the situation. Older post frame structures might not be airtight by design, but sealing what you can will help keep indoor temps more stable. That means less chance for condensation and lower heating costs.

Next, look at the existing insulation. Some buildings already have spray foam or fiberglass batt insulation installed, but it’s worth checking its condition. Compressed or sagging insulation won’t do much to hold in heat. Replacing damaged insulation before snow arrives helps keep your space more comfortable all winter.

Also worth noting, insulation helps keep moisture from building up inside. Minnesota winters may look dry outside, but inside a sealed-up building, humidity can sneak up fast. With the right barrier, you’ll avoid that stuffy feeling and reduce fogging on surfaces that leads to future mold problems when spring thaws begin.

MAINTAIN THE PLUMBING SYSTEM

If your post frame building in Minnesota includes plumbing, this part is critical. Freezing temps can turn a minor oversight into a major repair. Pipes that aren’t protected properly can crack or burst, even with one hard freeze, and water damage during subzero weather is the last thing you want to deal with.

Start by turning off outdoor spigots and draining them completely. These freeze the fastest. Then locate all exposed or partially exposed pipes, especially in unheated sections of the building. Foam pipe wrap is a fast solution for most lines. For extra security, heat tape is another option, particularly if the pipe runs along an exterior wall or slab.

Check on the water heater too. If it’s sitting on a concrete floor or by a drafty door, insulation blankets can help keep it from working overtime. Double-check that vents near plumbing points are sealed properly so cold air can’t sneak in.

If the building won’t be used much through the winter, consider shutting off the water supply and draining the system entirely before the worst of the cold hits. It’s a step that adds peace of mind and spares you from emergency calls when pipes freeze and burst during a deep freeze.

PROTECT THE FOUNDATION

Foundations don’t get a break during winter in Minnesota. When drainage clogs, snow piles up, or the soil under your post frame building freezes and shifts around, it can cause serious structural problems.

Start now by reviewing how water flows near the base of your building. Make sure the ground is sloping away from the walls, not toward them. Clean out your gutters and downspouts, double-check connections, and attach extensions to move runoff well away from the base. Install splash blocks or underground drain tiles if needed to carry melting snow even farther out.

If snow builds up against the foundation, it can trap water that seeps down and stays there after every thaw. This leads to settling, rotting, or frost heave damage. To help regulate freezing activity under your building, add insulation near the lower wall sections or skirting, especially if your structure is set slightly off-grade.

A real-world example comes from a small barn that held hay supplies all winter. Snow piled too close to the foundation and melted against the wooden lower wall. Over time, moisture crept in and resulted in a rotted lower frame section that had to be rebuilt. With better runoff control and insulated skirting, those repairs could have been avoided.

STAY WARM AND SECURE ALL WINTER

Post frame buildings in Minnesota often serve several purposes—storage, workspaces, animal shelters, or extra living space. These buildings are designed to be used year-round, but that only works if they’re properly defended against freezing conditions.

By taking time in the fall to inspect and repair exteriors, insulate and seal vulnerable spots, protect the plumbing, and prepare your foundation, you give your building its best shot at standing strong through harsh weather. You also save money on avoidable repairs and make the space more user-friendly when winter is at its worst.

Just like any other structure exposed to Minnesota’s cold, a post frame building demands routine upkeep before snowfall begins. But once you’ve built a seasonal checklist and followed it, things get easier every time. Whether your building is brand new or several seasons old, a bit of preparation now means far fewer problems during snowy stretches ahead.

Get ahead of the harsh weather by working with Image Contracting to prepare and protect your structure the right way. We’re here to help you winterize with expert guidance on insulation, sealing, and foundation care. If you’re looking for the best ways to maintain post frame buildings in Minnesota, our team is ready to make it simple and stress-free.