As we head towards the fall, it’s time to think about giving that old barn some TLC. No matter what you want to use it for, it’s going to take some abuse from the elements in the coming months. Rain, snow and wind can all do a number on it, especially the roof. Here’s why upgrading the barn roof can be the best thing to do before fall comes in this year.
Why Upgrade Your Barn Roof?
Before you start ripping that roof off, you’re going to need to think about why your barn roof needs upgrading. That barn can be put to many uses all year round. These include:
- A place to keep animals in the colder months, where you can keep them together and keep them warm.
- Creating an office. If you work from home and need the space to work, away from the rest of the home, the barn can be the best place to do it.
- Give the children their own space. If your children need a space of their own, the barn could be just the thing for them.
- Build a new man cave or entertainment escape. If you’ve ever wanted your own home theater or pool hall, then this is the space to convert.
If you convert your barn roof, it can go a long way towards creating a barn that’s useable all year around. Whether the building is housing animals or your collection of kung fu movies, it will keep the elements out and keep the barn warm and dry.
Take A Look At Your Existing Roof
If you feel your barn roof needs an upgrade, the first thing you need to do is get up there and take a look at it for yourself. You’ll need to know what kind of condition the current barn roof is in before you can start taking action. Is it in salvageable condition, or will the whole thing need to be replaced?
First of all, get a ladder and take a look at the roofing close up. You’re looking for any signs of wear or damage that could mean that water has got inside the roof. Warped roofing tiles, missing tiles, and blocked gutters are all a problem. If the gutters are blocked, clear them out to allow water to flow again.
Then, go inside the barn and take a look at the inside of the roof. You’re looking for any chinks of lights that are coming through from outside, or beams that are suffering from mold or rot. If you see this, the roof will need to be replaced.
Replacing Your Roof
Now that you’ve examined the barn roof, you’ll have to decide if it needs to be replaced. If it’s suffering from several of the issues mentioned above, especially mold or rot, then it’s probably going to need to be replaced.
To find out for certain, though, you’ll have to call in a roofing company that specializes in barn roofing to take a look at it for you. They’ll do their own checks, and then confirm with you what needs to be done. As this will often be a quote, they may come out for free. Check with the company before you call them.
Replacing Your Roof With Metal
So, the roof on the barn needs to be replaced. What are you going to do? You can go back with a traditional roof, but these do require a lot of upkeep. They’re also prone to letting the elements in, so you don’t want to take that risk again.
Instead, now may be the time to consider having a metal roof installed. There are many reasons why they’re perfect for barns. These include:
- Extended lifespan: On average, metal roofs last much longer than traditional roofs. They’re often backed by their companies for up to 50 years.
- Can stand up to the elements: The metals used in roofing are tough, and can take a lot when it comes to the weather. Even snow will just slide right off it. It’s a good idea if you deal with extreme inclement weather where you live.
- Can be installed quickly: Metal roofs are much easier to install, as they come in sheets. Once the sheets are in place, then the roof is ready.
- Fire safety: If you’re concerned about the safety of your barn, a metal roof can go a long way towards making it safer. Metal, of course, isn’t flammable, so it’s a good precaution to have in place in case of a fire. In fact, most metal roofs have a Class A rating, when shingle roofs have a Class C typically.
Maintaining Your Roof
Once you’ve had the roof installed, you can then start enjoying it right away. However, like all home improvements, you’ll have to take care of it to keep it going for longer. Luckily, a metal roof takes much less work than you would expect.
Firstly, make sure you get up on the roof every now and then and take a good look at the roof. Ensure that the gutters aren’t blocked, and that there’s no damage to the roof itself.
It’s also worth considering painting your roof. It adds a layer of protection to it, as well as helping your roof blend in with the rest of the property. It’s often best to have a professional come in and paint it, to ensure the paint job lasts properly.
Finally, ensure you clean it on a regular basis. A mild solution of soap and water should be enough to clean off most dirt on the roof. That way, your roof will be looking brand new for a long time.
Upgrading your barn roof can really breathe new life into your barn, and the property in general. No matter what you’re using it for you’ll have a barn that will be inviting to everybody in the home. Get started today, and you’ll be able to use your barn no matter what the weather’s like.
