Barn Roof Repair Question

[AK 99]

I'm going to be replacing a large section of tin roof on my barn that has been missing for who knows how long (not my neglect, it was the previous owners) and most of the wood slats have seen enough weather to rot them. Is there a good reason why I shouldn't replace the wood slats with sheets of plywood instead?

 

[Firebrick43]

If you replace the wood slats with ply make sure you place a rosin paper or a metal roof rated synthetic underlayment between the ply and metal.

Also, if it has been left exposed for very long look very closely at the structure below. Many barns collapse in just a few short years after the roof fails because rot happens in the structure below.

Just from the top picture there are many deficiencies that I can see and much of the original structure has been removed to the detriment of the structure. I would personally would be leery of any work on that building as it looks unsound IMHO.

 

[Hank11]

Weight is one reason not to replace with plywood. I'd have a hard look at that barn and come up with a plan that addresses any structural issues for the entire building.

 

[AK 99]

Yes, I've had a good look at everything regarding the structure of the barn. It is actually much more sound than I had anticipated. There is a structural post in that area that should be replaced because of a soft area. The remaining loft area was full of rotten straw (I've removed it all) and it needs replaced. My plan is to install a loft down both sides of the barn, like what was probably there originally, so as to tie all the posts together again and of course add storage space.

There have been many breezy days since I moved in, with winds of 60+ mph on a few occasions. Surprisingly, there was no movement in the structure at all.

 

[mikedodge]

Weight of the plywood and cost are the biggest reasons to use slats instead.

 

[AK 99]

Also, that lower lean-to addition in the picture will be receiving a lot of attention. So just ignore that, I know it's rough.

 

[AK 99]

Ok, so weight is the biggest disadvantage to plywood in place of slats then? I'm ok with that. I'm only needing to replace that roughly 20'x20' section on the main barn structure. The rest I am leaving alone as it does not leak.

 

[Wolley]

Rafter spacing could be an issue on the old stuff. I'd prob go with 1x6 0r 1x8

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Yes, I agree with the post above. If the rafters are not right on 16" or 24" centers, you will either have a lot of cutting and waste, OR a bunch of scabbing sisters on.

 

[AK 99]

It may be 16" centers, I don't recall honestly. Trimming to fit doesn't bother me at all though.

 

[The Cobbler]

I love those old barns. so much character & nostalgia
as far as being on centre, i wouldn't count on it . I don't think they paid much attention to that back in the day . they made sure it was level, plumb, square etc .

 

[Stuart in MN]

You may have to do some shimming to get the plywood surface level with the slats, they're probably a little thicker than a standard plywood dimension.

 

[finn]

Our barn has a simple metal (aluminum?) roof. On windy days, we can hear the roof rattle, which means that the original nails are starting to give. I’m looking for any resources on companies that can repair roofs, or resources to help me do it myself. For the latter case, I would need to find safety harnesses and protection equipment so that I don’t fall to my death. Then, I can get up there with some roofing screws (the ones with the washers) and secure the roof. I am also curious about improving the water capture ability of our barn roof. One side has a gutter and downspout that is hooked into our 2000 gallon tank. But, it’s just a simple hardware store variety gutter and I don’t imagine that it captures much water. Does anyone know of a gutter with a bigger trough and ability to capture more water? Thanks.

If they’re ring shank nails, good luck getting them out. You’ll probably rip the heads off of some. And break some in the purlins.

Installing fresh, new tin may be necessary.

personally, I am not a fan of metal barn roofing. If using screws, they’re succeptible to ice jacking twisting the screws out, leaks, and more leaks.

Several contractors I have talked to told me they always recommend not going the steel roof route unless there’s not another path, at least in our climate. They hate metal roofs, and consider them a temporary solution.

 

[Uncle murph]

I'm going to be replacing a large section of tin roof on my barn that has been missing for who knows how long (not my neglect, it was the previous owners) and most of the wood slats have seen enough weather to rot them. Is there a good reason why I shouldn't replace the wood slats with sheets of plywood instead?

I would install new 5/4 x 3” purlins as needed but I would verify that they actually are.Its not unusual for the old growth wood to last many years in the weather particularly where it’s able to dry out as in your case.