Pole barns are an increasingly popular option as affordable, scalable post-frame structures. They can be installed much more quickly than traditional wood outbuildings and they’re not just for use as agricultural barns.

But just as traditional barns need to be ventilated, so do pole barns. So how can you add ventilation to your pole barn without a lot of additional expense?

One of the most attractive and affordable ways to add ventilation to your pole barn is with a cupola. A louvered cupola with weathervane adds curb appeal and provides ventilation. Proper ventilation will help minimize moisture buildup. When used in conjunction with vented soffits, cupolas can help mitigate heat buildup.

Cupolas can be custom-ordered, and our sizing guidelines help make it easy to find the perfect louvered cupola for your pole barn. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help.

In addition to your cupola, here are other ways to add ventilation to your pole barn:

• Barn gable vent & soffit vents – this combination can lessen some of the heating impact caused by the stacking effect when warm air moves upward through a building.  Warm air will rise toward the ceiling and exit through gable vents and soffit vents. This reduces pressure in the lower portion of your pole barn and will force cooler air to enter through doors and windows.
• Vented barn door – a vented barn door can help facilitate the stacking effect inside your pole barn and help balance the outflow and inflow of air.
• Fans – an industrial ceiling fan installed in your pole barn can improve air circulation and may help keep inside temperatures more comfortable. They will aid in pole barn ventilation and help lessen moisture buildup.
• Additional doors and windows – when planning your pole barn, be strategic in the placement of your doors and windows. Consider how they will best increase the natural flow of air through your structure.

The Finishing Touch to Your Pole Barn

Pole barn kits are less expensive than building a custom home. But they can also look manufactured.

Whether your pole barn stores hay, shelters livestock, or serves as your living space (yes, a pole barn can be used as a residential building), there are ways to make it more attractive.

Cupolas matched with weathervanes add the finishing touch to pole barns.  Our Amish-made cupolas, starting at just $169, adorn many pole barns. Browse our expansive line of weathervanes to find one that uniquely suits your property and personality. When paired, a cupola and weathervane are like having a visible outdoor greeting atop your entire property.

Affordable Property Improvements

Our custom cupolas have adorned hundreds of pole barns, but they’ve also added curb appeal to garden sheds, garages, homes, and more. We encourage you to browse our gallery of cupola images sent to us by our customers.

We’ve been in business for more than 30 years in Lancaster County, where our Amish neighbors provide the skilled craftsmanship that goes into each cupola we sell. Our cupolas are built in family shops, rather than mass-produced. We take great pride in how well each cupola is made. If you have questions about our inventory or need guidance on which cupola would best enhance your pole barn, contact us.