Five Steps for Maintaining Your Historic Barn

Learn the five steps that Ian Blackman, Ian Blackman, LLC Restoration and Preservation and Beverly Thomas of the N.H. Preservation Alliance suggest for maintaining your historic barn. Blackman and Thomas recently held a Zoom gathering to help people to understand and care for these landmarks of hard work and community.

1.  Evaluate

Examine the condition of the structure, look for changes that may have occurred over the winter, evidence of moisture, damage due to the weather/environment. Pay particular attention to the roof (inside and out) as well as the foundation. Is there any evidence of movement of foundation walls or framing?

Repairs being made to a historic barn in Cornish, NH.

2.  Clean up/Cut back/Regrade

Remove any buildup of organic matter from barn floors or basement area and cut back vegetation from around the barn that may trap moisture attracting pests or encouraging rot. Pay close attention to basement footings where organic matter can build up and cause moisture to wick into wooden posts, and barn siding along the base of the exterior walls where splash back can cause deterioration of siding. Regrade with positive slope away from the building if ground is too close to siding or negative slope is causing drainage to enter barn.  Clean up any equipment or building materials that may promote trapping of moisture and offering homes for pests (do not store wood in or near barns).

The presence of fine wood particles known as "frass" on the floor joists is an indication of powder post beetle infestation in the damp basement of this barn.

3.  Check the structure

Look for damage due to moisture or pests. Are there areas where moisture may be infiltrating the building materials and structures: foundations, sills, basements, doorways, windows, siding, and roof? If there is evidence of moisture or rot, remediate the source of the moisture. Moisture attracts some wood boring pests and encourages fungal growth. Wood boring insects such as powder post beetles and carpenter ants will leave evidence in the form of holes in wood members and frass (sawdust like material). Woodpecker damage is often an indicator of these wood boring pests too. Animals seeking shelter in the winter can cause damage to building materials and or wiring.

Painting a historic barn in Penacook (Concord), NH

4.  Repair

Replace and repaint as necessary to protect the structure. A little work each year may prevent significant damage in the future and helps keep overall annual maintenance costs down. Opt for temporary repairs (i.e. screw-down metal roof covering compromised roof) until complete repair is economically feasible, they can be easily removed and offer temporary protection. Prioritize keeping water/moisture out and monitoring structural movement (especially with bank barns built on a slope).

5.  Plan ahead

Make a maintenance/repair plan for ongoing and larger projects. Seek advice from a qualified barn expert if you are unsure about what the next steps or best solutions may be. Check out our online Directory of Preservation Products & Services for professional help.

Following the steps above will set you on the right course on the pathway to success! And don’t forget, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is always here to provide advice along the way. Be sure to check out our Directory of Products and Services for vetted contractors, skilled in historic homes, barns and buildings.

For more information: Visit our Old Barn Resources including Old BarnInformation and Tips.

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