Keeping your barn neat and clean through regular upkeep and repairs will increase its life. Follow these barn maintenance tips to ensure all elements of your structure are kept in great shape.

Check for Rot and Repair

The key to successful barn maintenance is being proactive. Schedule regular inspections of the exterior and interior of your barn to stay on top of any potential problems. As the adage goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.”

Invest in Barn Roof Repair and Maintenance

The purpose of a roof is to protect the structure and its contents. It follows, then, that a well-kept barn roof is your first line of defense against the elements.

To keep the roof of your barn in tip-top condition, frequent inspections are necessary. During rainstorms and after heavy snows, check for signs of water leaks. In sunnier weather and after high winds, go inside the barn and look for pinholes of daylight – a dead giveaway that your roof needs repair.

At least once a year, thoroughly examine your roof. Areas that are susceptible to problems, like flashings around cupolas, the eaves, valleys, and ridges, and along intersecting walls must be closely inspected.

The type of roofing will determine what repairs are appropriate. With a regular maintenance schedule and timely fixes, your barn roof should stand the test of time.

Remove Standing Water

Standing water is public enemy number one when it comes to barn preservation. Despite the lower-than-average rainfall of Colorado Springs, the rainy season, and more significantly the hail season, can wreak havoc with the integrity of your barn. So too does wet and melting snow – of which we have much more than the national average!

Remove any puddles of water and then determine the source of the water. If necessary, consider installing a drainage system of trenches or a sump pump.

Repair Rotted Window Frames

Historic barns may embrace their rambling aesthetic but rotting window frames are a risk. By the time farmers can see their window frames are rotting, the problem has already escalated. Look out for these clues before your window frames are too far gone:

  • The frames are soft, crumbling, or brittle to the touch.
  • Color changes from mold growth and/or peeling paint.
  • Mitered joints are uneven.
  • Signs of water damage on the walls around the windows.

Keep out Pests

Rodents and other critters seem to think you built a barn just for their comfort. Keep pests out by:

  • Regularly sweeping out barn aisles and feed rooms
  • Using metal storage that can be tightly closed for your feed
  • Closely monitor feed tubs and water buckets
  • Lay traps or employ barn cats.

Keep Stalls Clean and Dry

Regular pole barn maintenance also keeps your animals healthy and happy. Not only can wet or dirty barns be a slipping hazard, but they are also a method of introducing bacteria and disease into your environment.

Ensure proper ventilation to prevent rot, mold, and insect infestations. If necessary, use fans to remove moisture, encourage air exchange, and prevent condensation.

Improve Your Storage Methods

Clutter accumulates all too easily in a functioning barn. As much as it is frustrating to work in a cluttered area, junk often hides potential maintenance issues such as visible water stains and rot. It is also an ideal environment for rodents or birds to nest as well as a fire hazard. Taking the time to systematically organize your storage will pay off on multiple levels.

The ultimate barn maintenance secret is to invest in a well-designed and durable barn at the outset. For all your pole barn needs – from design to construction – contact Peak Pole Barns for expert advice, excellent service, and exquisite craftsmanship.