Old barns are useful and many people consider them as beautiful too, and it makes economic sense to maintain the old barn. They can provide storage and workspace. Furthermore, instead of replacing the old barn by building a new one, you can maintain or renovate the old one so that you don’t have to count the interest on a bank. Here we have come up with a few tips for the maintenance of a barn.
Examine the foundation
The first thing you need to do is make sure that the foundation of the barn is solid as it might have shifted and become insufficient over years. However, if it’s solid and the ground where the barn sits hasn’t washed away from the pillars, then you should know that they are in good shape. Some companies are specialists in fixing issues for barns that are in poor condition. Although, you shouldn’t rely on temporary solutions or quick fixes as they might look good for a while but shall break down over time. If the barn repair is done correctly, it can add 100 more years to the barn.
Assess the roof critically
Roof coverings are of numerous types from asphalt shingles to slate or wooden shingles and therefore it is quite obvious that their requirements for repair and maintenance are different but their purpose is the same, to keep your roof safe for years. Make sure the roof of your barn is complete and does not have any huge holes. Steel can be the best protection for your barn roof at an affordable price. And while purchasing make sure that you are asking for barn steel. The thinner steel you purchase, the more reasonable it is.
Repair the visible damages
Either you check it or call someone experienced to review your barn. Check if there is any rotten post, cracks, or sagging timbers in the foundation. If the barn is not maintained properly these leakages can cause major repairs. However, if they are caught soon, they can be repaired at less cost but if it’s kept for too long, the damage can be more causing an unfeasible repair job. If you want you can also paint your barn by the Barn painters Ontario.
Drainage
Ensure that the grades around the barn slopes away from its building. Check everything drains away from the barn and if you find retaining water, see that it isn’t leaked. Leakage of water can damage the siding and can also drip along the foundation walls which causes creaking. You also need to check that the downspouts connect.
Siding
The same goes for siding. You need to ensure that water doesn’t get into your barn through broken boards. Remember you don’t need to make the barn water-tight; you just need to protect it from water ingress which can cause damage. If you see the siding has worn out and has become thin, replace it completely but not with batten or board as they aren’t authentic.
Remove vegetation
Shrubs, trees, and grasses give a wise and aged look to the barn. But you should also keep in mind that the roots of big trees are an excellent way to crack the foundation walls of your barn and ultimately allows water to do the remaining damage. So, clean the nearby areas and make them free from the trees to avoid damage. Also, cut the grasses as they retain moisture which is a big no for your barn.
Keep your barn clean
Clean the old straws and hay as they are excellent in holding moisture and they shall rot the timber posts for sure. Removing the straws might be a tiring job but think of the cost you may incur after your barn damage.
These were a few tips on the maintenance of barn. Your barn is a great place for storage and workspace. Keep it clean so that it doesn’t age too early.