BACK to Barn Restoration


Dickerson, MD Barn

Dickerson, Maryland

This bank barn was long abandoned and on the verge of collapse when we began work.  Restoration Complete in February of 2013.

Click on images below to view at larger size.


Yes, there is a barn under all that brush!

Yes, there is a barn under all that brush!
From the barnyard side it is clear there are some issues.  The buzzard on the ridge is a sure sign.

From the barnyard side it is clear there are some issues. The buzzard on the ridge is a sure sign.
One entire corner is completely missing!

One entire corner is completely missing!
Once inside the problems become clearer.

Once inside the problems become clearer.
Roof gone, siding gone, and framing in a pile in the barnyard.

Roof gone, siding gone, and framing in a pile in the barnyard.
At least there's plenty of light inside!

At least there's plenty of light inside!
But where does "inside" end and "outside" begin?

But where does "inside" end and "outside" begin?
Starting the cleanup so we can see to work.

Starting the cleanup so we can see to work.
A bit of temporary bracing makes it safer to work on the structure.

A bit of temporary bracing makes it safer to work on the structure.
With all the brush and trees stripped away, the barn begins to command the site again.

With all the brush and trees stripped away, the barn begins to command the site again.
Often, working from machines is safer than working in and on the building.

Often, working from machines is safer than working in and on the building.
Temporary bracing holds the frame together as the siding comes off.

Temporary bracing holds the frame together as the siding comes off.
With the siding removed the unique frame is visible.

With the siding removed the unique frame is visible.
The half stone foundation presents some interesting rigging challenges.

The half stone foundation presents some interesting rigging challenges.
Under all the missing roofing and siding, the real enemy is termites which infested most of the main timbers of the lower floor.

Under all the missing roofing and siding, the real enemy is termites which infested most of the main timbers of the lower floor.
New posts and summer beams being cut to replace the deteriorated originals.

New posts and summer beams being cut to replace the deteriorated originals.
Plenty of heavy "cribbing" helps us level the barn floor back out before we install new posts to support it.

Plenty of heavy "cribbing" helps us level the barn floor back out before we install new posts to support it.
Often, after the large barn doors are gone, the floor joists in the threshing bay are in need of replacement.

Often, after the large barn doors are gone, the floor joists in the threshing bay are in need of replacement.
It takes a lot more timber to hold a barn up temporarily than to support it permanently.

It takes a lot more timber to hold a barn up temporarily than to support it permanently.
Placing temporary cribbing is an game of chess where we must plan out not only where the barn has to be supported, but where we can't hold it to leave room for timbers, workers, and equipment to maneuver.

Placing temporary cribbing is an game of chess where we must plan out not only where the barn has to be supported, but where we can't hold it to leave room for timbers, workers, and equipment to maneuver.
The roof is finally removed.  A major turning point in the restoration process.

The roof is finally removed. A major turning point in the restoration process.
New summer beams use the same joinery as the originals.

New summer beams use the same joinery as the originals.
New posts are placed on substantial concrete piers extending well below the frost line for a very stable base which will last the next lifetime of the barn.

New posts are placed on substantial concrete piers extending well below the frost line for a very stable base which will last the next lifetime of the barn.
In such a complex process, a well-organized site is crucial.

In such a complex process, a well-organized site is crucial.
The barn starts to look solid again.

The barn starts to look solid again.
New foundation sidewall sills being placed.  The grade on this site is less steep than around many bank barns allowing some of the parlor level walls to be timber.

New foundation sidewall sills being placed. The grade on this site is less steep than around many bank barns allowing some of the parlor level walls to be timber.
With the siding removed, a granery looks like a small inside-out house.

With the siding removed, a granery looks like a small inside-out house.
With all interior piers poured and posts set, most of the temporary cribbing can be removed.

With all interior piers poured and posts set, most of the temporary cribbing can be removed.
A level and well supported deck allows us to begin to replace missing upper posts, braces, and girts.

A level and well supported deck allows us to begin to replace missing upper posts, braces, and girts.
Where part of a post is still sound, we routinely save as much as possible of the original material.

Where part of a post is still sound, we routinely save as much as possible of the original material.
Foundation side-wall in place -- ready for the mason to reconstruct and repair the stone foundation wall that carries it.

Foundation side-wall in place -- ready for the mason to reconstruct and repair the stone foundation wall that carries it.
Above the barn bridge the new door header and top plate are installed.

Above the barn bridge the new door header and top plate are installed.
The "missing" corner of the barn begins to reappear.

The "missing" corner of the barn begins to reappear.
A great deal of work goes into locating the remnants of original pieces in need of replacement and measuring them carefully for reproduction, or of establishing the proper size and location of missing elements and preparing field drawings such as this.

A great deal of work goes into locating the remnants of original pieces in need of replacement and measuring them carefully for reproduction, or of establishing the proper size and location of missing elements and preparing field drawings such as this.
Fitting and securing a post, plate, and braces.

Fitting and securing a post, plate, and braces.
Corner re-established above a sound new barn floor.

Corner re-established above a sound new barn floor.
Crafting the next post to be installed.

Crafting the next post to be installed.
Long braces are a hallmark of this style of barn.

Long braces are a hallmark of this style of barn.
Horizontal nailers to carry the siding are often nailed into these long braces.

Horizontal nailers to carry the siding are often nailed into these long braces.
Foundation sidewall completely rebuilt.  New stonework supports a heavily posted and studded bearing wall for the bent above.

Foundation sidewall completely rebuilt. New stonework supports a heavily posted and studded bearing wall for the bent above.
This unique bracing form helps the summer beams resist any thrust or roll from the earth ramp of the barn bridge.

This unique bracing form helps the summer beams resist any thrust or roll from the earth ramp of the barn bridge.
Primary Framing Repairs Nearly Complete

Primary Framing Repairs Nearly Complete
Replicated Dovetail Tying Joint

Replicated Dovetail Tying Joint
With the overshoot section of the frame still on dunnage stacks we begin excavating for the new forebay wall footings.

With the overshoot section of the frame still on dunnage stacks we begin excavating for the new forebay wall footings.
New partition 4 wall overlooking the barnyard.

New partition 4 wall overlooking the barnyard.
Two untouched wall panels remain with new plate sections beyond.

Two untouched wall panels remain with new plate sections beyond.
New and old framing blend together -- image is taken from same location as the 8th picture, above.

New and old framing blend together -- image is taken from same location as the 8th picture, above.
Occasionally, when we can identify clear weaknesses in the original design, we will use steel straps to strengthen the structure.

Occasionally, when we can identify clear weaknesses in the original design, we will use steel straps to strengthen the structure.
But where we can employ traditional methods, we will.

But where we can employ traditional methods, we will.
Recreated Bay A -- Framing Repairs Nearing Completion

Recreated Bay A -- Framing Repairs Nearing Completion
Bays B and C repairs complete

Bays B and C repairs complete
New Rafters Going Up

New Rafters Going Up
The rafters are arranged in two sets, upper and lower, with the span split by the partition plates.

The rafters are arranged in two sets, upper and lower, with the span split by the partition plates.
All dunnage is now removed and the barn stands on its own again.

All dunnage is now removed and the barn stands on its own again.
The new forebay wall rests on concrete frost footings and is heavily studded to carry the weight of the cantelerved overshoot above.

The new forebay wall rests on concrete frost footings and is heavily studded to carry the weight of the cantelerved overshoot above.
All posts and the forebay wall now rest on tall and wide piers which protect the wood framing from both moisture from animal debris, and impact from livestock and equipment.

All posts and the forebay wall now rest on tall and wide piers which protect the wood framing from both moisture from animal debris, and impact from livestock and equipment.
Unique parlor level half-walls with extensive summer-beam bracing, as seen from within.

Unique parlor level half-walls with extensive summer-beam bracing, as seen from within.
With all framing complete, the barn is ready for new roofing and siding.

With all framing complete, the barn is ready for new roofing and siding.
New Rafters and Skip Sheathing Ready for Roofing

New Rafters and Skip Sheathing Ready for Roofing
New Siding Going Up Next to Remaining Original Siding.

New Siding Going Up Next to Remaining Original Siding.
Standing Seam Roofing Under Way

Standing Seam Roofing Under Way
Siding is painted with two coats of a natural linseed-oil based paint.  This red is very "Green."

Siding is painted with two coats of a natural linseed-oil based paint. This red is very "Green."
Siding almost complete.  We treat the poplar siding boards with one coat of linseed oil and then one coat of paint before installation.  Then finish with a second coat of paint once they're installed.

Siding almost complete. We treat the poplar siding boards with one coat of linseed oil and then one coat of paint before installation. Then finish with a second coat of paint once they're installed.
Our traditional standing seam roof goes on in full-length pans which are mated together and then double-folded and crimped for a weatherproof seal.

Our traditional standing seam roof goes on in full-length pans which are mated together and then double-folded and crimped for a weatherproof seal.
Front side roof complete

Front side roof complete
The new roof is installed on 1" thick strips of oak or poplar nailed to the rafters every 12".

The new roof is installed on 1" thick strips of oak or poplar nailed to the rafters every 12".
Poplar rafters make a pleasing contrast against the oak framing.

Poplar rafters make a pleasing contrast against the oak framing.
The inner longitudinal frames (what we call Partitions 2 and 3) exist to split the rafter span in half.  Note how the partition plate timber defines an upper and a lower roof frame.

The inner longitudinal frames (what we call Partitions 2 and 3) exist to split the rafter span in half. Note how the partition plate timber defines an upper and a lower roof frame.
Full-length galvanized roofing pan being readied for hoisting into location.

Full-length galvanized roofing pan being readied for hoisting into location.
Each pan locks into the next before the edges are double-crimped together.

Each pan locks into the next before the edges are double-crimped together.
Double-bladed scarf joint in a wall post.  A traditional repair joint in keeping with the historic nature of the building.

Double-bladed scarf joint in a wall post. A traditional repair joint in keeping with the historic nature of the building.
Completed Standing Seam Roof Sees First Snow

Completed Standing Seam Roof Sees First Snow
Final Coat of Linseed Oil Paint Protects the Siding and Makes the Barn Shine Again

Final Coat of Linseed Oil Paint Protects the Siding and Makes the Barn Shine Again
Installing Siding at New Forebay Wall

Installing Siding at New Forebay Wall
Interior, Ready for New Doors

Interior, Ready for New Doors
We construct and install new forebay wall doors to match the original "Dutch" style doors.

We construct and install new forebay wall doors to match the original "Dutch" style doors.
Setting the new straw doors on new slider track.  We use douglas fir material to help the doors stay flat and stable.

Setting the new straw doors on new slider track. We use douglas fir material to help the doors stay flat and stable.
New and Old Framing Contrast in Appearance but Match In Craftsmanship

New and Old Framing Contrast in Appearance but Match In Craftsmanship
New Partition Plates, Braces, Wall Girts, Rafters and Siding

New Partition Plates, Braces, Wall Girts, Rafters and Siding
View from the Top of Bay A, Looking Back at the Barn Bridge Doors at the Threshing Bay

View from the Top of Bay A, Looking Back at the Barn Bridge Doors at the Threshing Bay
Artistry and Craftsmanship Come Together in the Repaired Roof Framing

Artistry and Craftsmanship Come Together in the Repaired Roof Framing
A Concession to Modern Convenience:  The New Straw Doors are Hung on Sliding Track Instead of Hinges

A Concession to Modern Convenience: The New Straw Doors are Hung on Sliding Track Instead of Hinges
All Forebay and Straw Doors are Hung, Awaiting a Last Coat of Linseed Oil Paint

All Forebay and Straw Doors are Hung, Awaiting a Last Coat of Linseed Oil Paint
A New Set of Barn Bridge Doors Will Complete the Restoration

A New Set of Barn Bridge Doors Will Complete the Restoration
Restoration Complete February 2013

Restoration Complete February 2013
Restoration Complete February 2013

Restoration Complete February 2013
Restoration Complete -- April 2013

Restoration Complete -- April 2013
Restoration Complete -- May 2013 -- Witch's Windows Repainted

Restoration Complete -- May 2013 -- Witch's Windows Repainted
A quality Lightning Suppression system is always cheap insurance, and can be quite decorative.

A quality Lightning Suppression system is always cheap insurance, and can be quite decorative.
As a finishing touch, we've painted a custom emblem at one gable end, displaying the farm's logo

As a finishing touch, we've painted a custom emblem at one gable end, displaying the farm's logo