How to Repair a Wooden Barn Frame

Take care of your barn by inspecting it carefully for signs of decay.

Seeing a barn off on a distant horizon evokes a feeling of nostalgia. It is a part of America's history, and quite often, was built by ancestors of the people currently living on the property. These buildings are sometimes hundreds of years old, and care should be taken when repairing or replacing sections of the structure to ensure that its historical significance is not lost. A careful study should be done prior to doing any work to determine if the original structure was added on to. Attempt to understand how the barn has changed over the years and why. This can be done through old family photos, or through a local historic society, if one is available.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Level
• Plank boards of rough-sawn pine, cedar or spruce
• Galvanized nails
• Exterior paint

Instructions

1. Examine the barn from the bottom up to discover the source of the problem before attempting any repair work. On the exterior of the barn, remove any vines growing onto the barn, and cut back any shrubs growing close to the foundation. Inside, use a screwdriver to probe the structural members for signs of rot or decay. If you spot any cracks or settling, you may need to rebuild or repair the foundation before beginning any structural changes or repair. Check the ceiling for signs of damage before proceeding to the floor above. Look for changes in the color of the wood.

2. Check for any bowing of the frame, leaning walls or sagging windows and doors. Use a level to check for plumb walls and level floors. Look at the roofing structure for signs of sagging rafters of joists, or any damaged sheathing under the shingles.

3. Look at the roof for obvious leaks. Water is the single greatest cause of a building's deterioration. Replace shingles as necessary and replace any sheathing underneath the shingles if needed. Replace any missing window panes, and fix any damage to the cupola by replacing rotted or missing louvers. Clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year.

4. Replace wood on the barn frame with the same type of wood as the rest of the barn. It should match in color, texture and width as well as type. Most older American barns are made from radially-sawn pine. Window trim is usually planked pine. Use galvanized nails to prevent rust.

5. Paint the exterior. Start by removing all old, chipped paint with a hand scraper. Clean the area thoroughly before painting. Use a quality exterior paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep door hardware free of rust by lubricating annually.

• Add a lightning rod to the roof of your barn.

• Remove soil and manure buildup from the foundation of the barn.

• Inspect on a regular basis for evidence of termite or carpenter ant infestation.

References

• Old House Web: How To Maintain, Preserve or Repair Older Barns
• University of Vermont: Taking Care of Your Old Barn