Horizontal siding is often fastened over vertical studs in conventional wood frame buildings, so horizontal 2x4 or 2x6 girts used instead of studs on post frame buildings presents a bit of a dilemma... or is it an opportunity? Recommendations for new construction include the creation of a drainage plane behind the siding by using a housewrap over the structure and vertical air channels under the siding (picture at left). To create the vertical air channels, both conventional wood frame and post frame buildings require vertical members behind the siding. This moisture drainage plane assists with more than just exterior moisture as the membrane is designed to allow moisture out of the wall to atmosphere.
Vertical nailing members will be required at a spacing no greater than the maximum fastener spacing required for the siding. For horizontal vinyl siding, installation specifications recommend 16" o/c fastener spacing and for Fiber Cement siding (such as HardiPlank), 24" o/c fastener spacing is recommended. By attaching vertical members to horizontal girt members, Post Frame wall will have less energy loss through conductivity than an equivalently insulated conventional wood frame wall (since, as shown in the picture, vertical studs would be lined up with vertical strips).
Keep in mind that when horizontal lap siding is used instead of light gauge metal wall panels, a separate method for resisting lateral loads will still be required, such as a layer of structural sheathing or adequately designed diagonal bracing. Also, Post Frame vertical strips spanning from girt to girt should be larger than the 1/2" x 2" strips shown above.
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