Leaning Barn

[mscher]

I have a 125 year-old barn, approx. 25 x 45' with one end section (25 x 14.6') two story. The barn is more of a shed, as it does not have the usual internal beam frame <br /><br />Countless west winds have caused the barn to lean long-ways, with the two-story about 6-7 inches off center (at 16'). The horizontal joists are mostly level.<br /><br />We love the barn, which is probably in "average" condition, with a few roof leaks, missing boards and some broken spots in the 1-2" hand poured concrete floors.<br /><br />We would like to restore it (maybe some new concrete), but would like to square it first, without a major investment.<br /><br />I am thinking about chains or cables attached at the bottom side and opposite top side of the two-story section, which has the most lean, slowly cranking it into square vertically.<br /><br />Can any building pros (or anyone else)offer any insight?<br /><br />Marty

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Leaning Barn

Come-alongs work great for this. Just go really slow and easy at it - it takes a long time for the structure to bend to the stress you put on it. When you come back to it the next day, the next crank will be much easier than the last one you put on the day before. Hours after you crank it, you'll hear nail pops and creaks.<br />The more cables you set up, and the longer you take to straighten it, the better. It may take over a month if it's really severe.<br /><br /><br />Work safe around tensioned cables!

 

[JB]

Re: Leaning Barn

Paul has it. Three or 4 come-alongs can exert incredible force. Bring them all to tension and give her a day to respond, then tighten them up again.<br /><br />After she is square again, add angled 2X6 braces to keep her there.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Link]

Re: Leaning Barn

I agree with Paul and JB<br />I would may be get someone who builds barns to take a look at it first to give advice as to where to put the cables and where to put the braces afterwards.<br /><br />Also always before and after pics are fun.