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  Discussion on Materials for barn siding and roofing
Author Message
Member:
Presario

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 11:59 am:

I didn't see anything on the site, so just point me somewhere if I missed it!

What materials does everyone use for barn siding? I've heard of T1-11 but don't know anything more about it - what is is, how $$, where can I find it? What else is suitable for barn siding? I certainly don't want to use metal, and don't want to use vinyl. I have no problem having to stain anything wood, but do not want to have to paint anything.

Also, for barn roofing, are asphalt shingles the most reasonable choice? I'd love a metal roof, but if insulating it to prevent condensation and an interior waterfall is going to bring it right back up to the cost of asphalt shingles, forget it
Member:
Aannk

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 12:19 pm:

Not that I know anything at all about construction, but my current barn has a metal roof, and it is VERY loud when it rains. It also makes a lot of noise when changing temperature. If I could build my own barn, I'd use concrete or painted cinder blocks for the walls. I used to take lessons at a barn with that kind of wall, and it was so warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Just a bit of info.
Alicia
Member:
Jerre

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 12:41 pm:

Jordana, T1-11 is plywood siding. Any lumber yard should have it. It's in 4x8 sheets and the outer layer is left a little rough (not sanded smooth like regular plywood). It also has 1-2 inch grooves, or channels left in lengthwise, to give it a board and batten look. It's generally cheaper than lap siding, so you see it on houses -- around here, people put lap siding on the street side and T1-11 on the sides and back if they're trying to cut costs in home building.

It's pretty durable, but a horse could kick through it if it's the only layer. Of course, unless you go with concrete, like Alica suggests, I guess a horse could kick through most things! You can stain (or paint) it just like any wood product.

Metal's a great roofing, especially if you're concerned about fire. How much you have to insulate depends on where you live and the rest of your barn design.

Jerre
Member:
Canderso

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2003 - 7:44 am:

Can people comment on using cement blocks for barn walls? I have been told by 'people in the know' that it can make the barn quite damp...yet any barn I have been in with this kind of construction seems to be fine. Comments?
Member:
Aannk

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2003 - 9:37 am:

I have had the same experience as you have. I have not noticed a damp cement block stable. Maybe the ones I have been in have just been managed well?
Alicia
Member:
Albionsh

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2003 - 9:39 am:

Concrete blocks will retain and slowly release water. That is what makes them so nice in hot dry climates, because they provide a significant long-term cooling when sprayed with water. From what I've read, all barns should be built on the high spot of any location, and crushed rock or rock dust brought in to achieve this elevation, so this should prevent excess dampness in winter.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 15, 2003 - 8:15 am:

Dampness is probably a bigger function of drainage, as Nancy alludes to, and also air circulation. Some concrete barns I have seen had very poor circulation making them dark and damp.
DrO
Member:
Presario

Posted on Monday, Oct 6, 2003 - 2:53 pm:

Well, I'm currently looking at fiberglass product called Ondura - heard of it? It's corrugated and is very attractive. You don't have to put any sheathing underneath it, but it does say that after a while (5 yrs? 10?) you will have to repaint it. So I think it's a tossup now between this stuff and metal with and insulating barrier.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 7, 2003 - 6:12 am:

I know a barn that use Ondura (or something very similar) and it is attractive and more comfortable than tin in the summer. I don't know about the painting part.
DrO
Member:
Presario

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 7, 2003 - 10:21 am:

Is that barn in our area? I would love to chat with them to see how they like it - how easy it was to put up, how long they've had it, etc.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2003 - 7:19 am:

It is in Oak Ridge so it is not far from you. I have to be out there tomorrow removing some stitches and will be glad to ask if they would mind.
DrO
Member:
Presario

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2003 - 2:29 pm:

I spoke to the gentleman with the Ondura/Ondurline roof and the lowdown, from HIS experience, is a big fat no. He actually rated the product and the company a 1 (on a 1-10 scale). Eww. He did say it was very attractive and easy to use, and was quiet, but it ended there. He's replacing the last of it shortly because it has pinhole leaks everywhere. It's not very durable to walk on, so painting it (which the brochure recommends doing at some point) is not easy or safe. He also stated that he wouldn't put it near any trees as even a small branch would likely puncture it. So poo - it IS a pretty product, but at my mind is made up at least on that product!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003 - 6:31 am:

Thanks for the heads up Jordana.
DrO
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