Normal for pole barn to settle 1/4 to 1/2"?

[Stryfe]

I had a pole barn built last year and have just barely started to move into it. I noticed the skirtboard is now 1/4" to 1/2" lower than the concrete and the garage door trim is starting to bunch up. To mean this means that either the shop is settling or the concrete is rising, which I don't think is the case. Is it normal for a pole barn to settle this much?

The posts are set 5 feet in the ground. I watched them set the posts and they used 2x ~80lb bags of concrete per post, so I know there's concrete at the bottom of the post holes. Whether that's an acceptable method or not is an argument that I can't find a solid answer to, but this is what I have. No changing that now. The base was compacted roadmix, and the concrete was poured right on top. I thought this was weird being from CA and seeing them not use rebar/mesh, but according to many other Idahoans I've spoken with, this is standard practice here..they use fiber reinforced concrete without rebar often.

Pics below. The sikaflex in the skirtboard/concrete gap is from me trying to seal the building, not them.

 

[liliysdad]

Mine settled as well. Not quite that much, but a noticeable amount. This happened fairly early, and never continued or increased.

Other than being weird, it has caused zero issues.

 

[TurnipTruck]

I would be more inclined to think that the pressure treated posts are shrinking lengthwise as they dry out.

 

[Stryfe]

Mine settled as well. Not quite that much, but a noticeable amount. This happened fairly early, and never continued or increased.

Other than being weird, it has caused zero issues.

Thanks for the input!

I would be more inclined to think that the pressure treated posts are shrinking lengthwise as they dry out.

Ah, why didn't I think of that. That's a good point.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Nothing rebar or mesh would have prevented. I doubt anything that can be done tother than to trim the door trim.

 

[jack stand]

Those vinyl weatherstrips are notorious for expansion in the sun and there's very little you can do about it. The same goes for the metal "jamb" material.
In your dryer climate I'd paint some cedar for both of those if you can't live with the ripples and "oil canning" of the trim.
This along with some settling and drying/shrinking of the framing is all pretty normal.
Folks need to remember that this type of construction (post frame) was developed for inexpensive, fast agricultural basic weather protection for hay and machinery and other utility building needs.
Some things just don't take well to being fancied up, at least to the same level as a house.