Solar heated pole barn.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

Outdoors it was 25 and sunny.

No wind and it was noon.
I was able to work inside without gloves.

No insulation. just solar heat. The air temperature wasn't 75. I had no cunventual thermometer to measure it. Floor temperature was between 39 to 41.
Floor never got below freezing.
I would say I got very lucky.
George

n9lhm · Jan 21, 2020

So describe your system for us!

dpendzic · Jan 21, 2020

Nice--your floor is right at the minimum curing temperature---how old is it now?

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

It went down Friday morning. Had about 36 hours of above freezing. Then 48 hours below freezing. Hot water and calcium was added. Temps never get below 32.

Today the roof was about 65+ no condensation.
So it appears if its sunny good chance it could be sprayed.

2cents · Jan 21, 2020

Your concrete will be fine .Concrete only has to reach 500psi (about what you would want just before running a finishing trowel on it)Before going thru a freeze thaw cycle. Sounds like you have passed that point.

dpendzic · Jan 21, 2020

I have to disagree---a freeze thaw cycle at only 500 psi compression will break the bond between aggregates--that why most specs call for 40* minimum for 6 days---then a gradual decrease in temperature to ambient is allowed

gregww · Jan 21, 2020

Big yellow thing in the sky.lol I don't think he has a solar system, per se. Jut the sun shinning on his steel.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

No system. sun heats metal. Metal radiates heat. I say warm Very simple.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

Yeah and it heats the barn.

So what's your point?

It works.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

2cents.

It is what it is. If it's a total failure I'll have to live with it or rip it up and do it again.

Going to let it cure for a few more weeks before I drive on it.

Working on work benches, shelves, wiring, and loft. I have enough to do now floor is down.
George

Russ from MN · Jan 21, 2020

What color is the wall/roof steel? I used white on the walls and green on the roof, and then I sheeted the inside of the walls with OSB, it seems to stay warmer inside since I did that.

Adirondack case guy · Jan 21, 2020

I bet the inside of the cab of your truck was pretty comfee if it was setting in the sun today also.----------------------------Loren

caterpillar guy · Jan 21, 2020

Now the chloride can rust the mesh you put in the concrete. And the steel along the bottom if it hits it.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

The cab on the Kubota got very warm in the sun too.
Last time I used it in the fall mulching leaves, it got so hot inside I had to turn on the AC. Outside temps around 50.

I have no plans to heat barn. Just getting out of the wind is great and better yet when temps are a little warmer because of the sun.

It was sunny, 25 degrees and I was working inside with just 2 shirts on and removed gloves. I didn't need to turn lights on either. The skylights are great.
geo.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

If I worried about everything that could happen I wouldn't get out of bed.
Good chance I'll be dead before it Happens.

Geo-TH,In · Jan 21, 2020

Roof is same as trim and wainscoting.
I decided on two colors to go with building on each side

Of barn.
George

dpendzic · Jan 21, 2020

I really like those colors--there very mild and blend in with the surroundings

muleboss · Jan 21, 2020

I have one of those L3560 also. The heater works very good, almost to good.

n9lhm · Jan 22, 2020

OK, I misunderstood. I thought that you had intentionally installed some kind of passive solar system to heat it.

Ozlander · Jan 22, 2020

And when you floam it, all that heat will stay outside.

Solar heated pole barn.

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