Barn Renovation Project

[rancar]

After I initiated my thread entitled "New 4710 Came Home Yesterday" in the John Deere Owners/Operators forum, a TBN member noticed by barn buildings that were in the background of the pictures and he started asking curious questions regarding their post and beam construction. So, for the benefit of him and all I thought I would post this series of photos and brief narrative that documents the evolution of my barn building renovation project.

First, some history. I'm estimating the dairy barn in the following photos was built shortly after the Civil War. First paint job was in 1885 as noted by the homeowner at that time by inscriptions that are in the cupola.

Your likely question from this first photo is why I would even attempt to renovate this barn....the later pictures will tell you why. The renovation started in 1984-1985 and continues sporadically with miscellaneous clapboard replacement and post rehab during my painting cycles. All barns shown are on a 7-8 year painting cycle. All roofs shown in the later pictures were painted in 2001.

I'll first show before and after pictures of the main dairy barn, then before and after shots of the other smaller buildings, and finally shots of the main dairy barn's interior post and beam framing. Now, for the first picture.

 

[rancar]

Now, same barn one year later after initial renovation. Front part was beyond saving and was razed to be replaced by an attached 2-car garage.

 

[rancar]

Another frontal shot from a different angle.

 

[rancar]

Same different angle shot after renovation.

 

[rancar]

Now, the back part of the main barn. This part was extensively damaged. Many of the posts and sill plates were rotted and were replaced. Windows and doors were rebuilt.

 

[MikePA]

Wow! /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif Very nice work rancar!

 

[rancar]

Now, same angle shot of rear of barn after renovation. The rusted roof in the picture was replaced in 1989 with new galvanized roofing.

 

[rancar]

Now, from the other side is a before picture of entire barn.

 

[rancar]

Now, the same angle shot after complete renovation. This picture was just taken few days ago. All rusted roofs were replaced in late 1980s and early 1990s. Roofs started to rust last couple of years and were painted in 2001. The barn paint I use is Sherwin Williams oil based barn paint in 5-gallon buckets, applied by brush. No spraying is involved. It takes about 10 buckets to paint entire barn, one coating. As mentioned previously, barn is on a 7-8 year painting cycle. The roof paint is Agway Stateline in 5-gallon buckets which was sprayed on.

 

[rancar]

After shot of the main barn with cupola. Cupola is original and works as initially it was designed to do. Vents allow interior venting preventing spontaneous combustion. Note that weathervane is gone. Cupola was struck by lightning in 1991, knocking the weathervane to the ground and burning a hole in cupola roof. I would have lost entire barn to fire if it weren't for heavy rain at the time that extinguished the flames.