How to Build a Pole Barn That Withstands Colorado Weather

Julian Garber
Oct 10
2 min read

If you’ve lived in Colorado for more than a week, you already know: the weather here isn’t mild. Between windstorms, heavy snow loads, summer heat, and elevation changes, your pole barn or garage needs to be more than functional—it needs to be tough.

At VWC Construction, we design and build barns and garages that are made to stand up to Colorado’s unpredictable conditions. Here’s what it takes to build a structure that lasts.

Why Colorado Buildings Need to Be Engineered Differently

Unlike other states, Colorado isn’t one-size-fits-all. Building in Trinidad is different from building in Westcliffe, Pueblo West, or Canon City. We deal with:

Extreme winds (especially in open plains and valleys)
Snow loads in high-elevation towns
Frozen ground in winter and drainage issues in spring
High UV exposure at altitude

If your building isn’t designed to meet these unique needs, you’re asking for problems—rusted roofing, failing trusses, cracked slabs, or worse.

Key Weather-Ready Features We Include

1. Engineered Trusses

We use stamped engineered trusses rated specifically for your county’s required snow and wind load. This keeps your building structurally sound and code compliant—especially important when applying for permits or insurance.

2. High Wind Load Framing

Our buildings are reinforced with hardware and bracing systems that meet (or exceed) wind load requirements across southern Colorado. That means peace of mind when the gusts hit 80+ mph.

3. Steel Roofing & Siding

We install heavy-duty metal panels with proper overlap and fasteners to prevent wind lift and water intrusion. These panels are fade-resistant and can handle hail, sleet, and snow.

4. Proper Site Prep & Drainage

Without good grading and drainage, water pools near the building, damaging concrete and base posts. We handle dirt work in-house to create a strong, level pad with proper runoff.

5. Vapor Barriers & Insulation

Moisture is a silent destroyer. Our moisture barrier systems and spray foam or batt insulation protect your building from mold, rust, and heat loss.

What About Livestock Shelters?

Livestock need protection from wind chill and snow just as much as structures do. We build three-sided shelters and enclosed barns with:

High rooflines for ventilation
Snow-shedding roof angles
Optional lean-tos for shade or feed storage

These are designed for Colorado winters with strong wooden frames, impact-resistant siding, and optional insulation.

We Build to Withstand Where You Live

We don’t just build in the Front Range. We serve rural properties in:

Walsenburg, Aguilar, and La Veta
Trinidad and Las Animas County
La Junta, Fowler, and Rocky Ford
Westcliffe, Cotopaxi, and Howard

Every structure we build is adjusted for your specific elevation, wind zone, snow load, and property access.

VWC Construction: Built Local. Built to Last.

When you hire us, you’re not just getting a pole barn—you’re getting a structure built with integrity, designed to hold up in your climate, and backed by a local family business that cares.

Want to Build a Barn That Handles Colorado Weather?

Get a free quote today and let’s build it right from the start.

👉 Click here for a free custom quote

📸 Or view weather-tough barns in our photo gallery