Need some ideas for enclosing this barn.....

leeinmemphis · May 4, 2006

I have a barn that is fairly large on a property that I recently purchased. It is an open air type barn and I am considering enclosing the end that you can see from here to somewhat hide it's contents from the road. This barn was behind an old farm house that I am going to burn down this weekend so I am thinking that my next project may be to put a wall on this side. Any ideas of siding and how I should go about doing this? I would like to get rid of the tin siding and go to some sort of a wood siding. I am also planning on next year putting a new roof on the structure. I know it looks old/weathered on the outside but the inside looks brand new. I think it is worth spending some time/money to fix it up a little. I don't necessarily want to spend alot of money because I will likely build a metal building on this property in 4-5 years.

Dishpointer · May 4, 2006

In my opinion, you could add a few more poles and a few horizontal nailing gurts then get some finished metal pannels. The pannels are alot cheaper than wood and would take less time to install. If you plan ahead, you could even get them in the same color as what your future barn will be. I know Lowes and Home Depot carry them but you might be able to find a better quality pannel if you call around.

EddieWalker · May 5, 2006

The roof looks flat without any noticeable sags in the picture. Are the posts solid? Any rot?

New metal and siding will run you a couple grand at least.

If its fairly solid, I don't think I'd put any money into it since your gonna build a nice one anyway. This one just has allot of time and money in trying to make it decent.

Use it for storage and parking for now if it's dry and you don't think it will fall down on you. If not, burn it too!!

Eddie

HGM · May 5, 2006

Kinda agree with Eddie here, I plan to add a building like that to my yard, just to keep my tractor and trailers out of the weather.. You may want to look in the local "bargain trader" to find used or overstock building suplies.. The local timber yard (if you have one) might be able to cut you some wood cheap.. My buddie built his whole barn like that and saved a great deal of money compared to the box stores..

riptides · May 5, 2006

Bah! On new.....

If it looks like it is solid on the inside, like others mentioned, and no leaks, fix it up. Personally I loath metal for barns. I'd go dress it up by removing the skirts and replacing it with a nice T1-11. If the roof leaks, then I'd get some new panels for the whole roof thing.

Looks big enough to store a lot of things!

Wonder how long it has been there? History! History?

-Mike Z.

BobG_in_VA · May 5, 2006

That's the way a barn is supposed to look! Check for structural, rehab any bad looking tin/wood, run some electtricity and you'[ll be set for the next 30 or so years. Looks can be deceiving, but I would estimate about 40 years old (We built one almost identical in the early sixties. Keep it! BobG in VA

Dishpointer · May 5, 2006

One thing that I forgor to mention before that you might not even realize. The old house that you plan to burn most likely contains asbestos. Don't get down wind of the fire and be careful to avoid the ashes after its been burnt. If you are going to burry the ashes then I would pre-dig a pit by the house, water down the ashes after it burns, and wear a good mask. I wouldn't leave the ashes exposed because it will continue to blow the asbestos around your farm.

leeinmemphis · May 5, 2006

Thanks everyone. Structurally it is fine but I am wanting to enclose the end in order to hide it's contents from passers by on the road. I am going to look at it a little harder this weekend to see what options I may have.

I am concerned about the asbestos as well and am going to take the necessary precautions. Thanks for the warning though. There is a huge basement under part of the house and after it falls in and burns complete I am planning on covering it up with dirt. It should be fine after that is all said and done.