How to Replace Barn Beams

Beams are the long pieces of wood that pull the barn together. They hold no vertical load, only horizontal tension. Ordinarily barn beams fail due to the wearing out of the connection at the tenon. Replacement of the beams is very difficult. In older barns many beams weren't intended to carry as much weight as modern farming equipment puts on them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Decide whether the beam is under compression or tension. If a beam is under compression it will more than likely look slightly bowed. Under tension the tenons will appear as though they want to pull out of the mortises.
2. Build a temporary support beam into the barn to take the pressure off of the old beam.
3. Cut the beam out of its place and remove the old joinery.
4. Replace the old beam and joinery with replacements. You will probably want to match the joinery to the style already used in your barn.
5. Remove the temporary supports and enjoy your barn.

Tips & Warnings

• Beams can be reinforced before they fail by supporting them with a steel cable or rod.
• Barns that are empty get blown around more than barns that are full. This blowing causes pushing and pulling on beams and posts that can help to cause beam failure. Avoid this shearing wind damage by filling your barn up after you fix it.
• Post and beam barns can collapse suddenly if their supports fail. Be very cautious when attempting to work in or under a barn that is under restoration.

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