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Old carrage barn problem

derosa's picture

Old carrage barn problem (post #168916)

derosa on Sat, 09/03/2011 - 09:15
in

I have a wonderful old carrage barn that I would like to move my shop out into in the future. My question or concern is; the structure is sided (since 1916) with vertical batten board, like a typical old barn. When you get a good driving rain, it can work it's way around to the inside of the siding. But this has not been a problem  for the inside to dry out with it being able to get air from the inside. But when I insulate my walls (in the future). I fear that I will trap this water, get some wet insulation, water damage to the structure, and mold. Any ideas out there? or am I over reacting to this? 

-A +A
RalphBarker's picture

balance (post #168916, reply #1 of 3)

by RalphBarker in reply to derosa [original] on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 06:23

I'm not a building engineer, but I think your concerns are justified. The barn has stood for nearly 100 years because the nature of the outside (leaky vertical battens) was balanced by the nature of the inside (open, uninsulated walls and lots of natural air flow). Modifying the inside without a corresponding modification to the outside would be asking for trouble, I'd think. You might need to remove the siding and install a waterproof layer on the outside of the studs. I'd talk to construction guys to get a handle on the alternatives.

Tinkerer3's picture

I agree with Ralph with the (post #168916, reply #2 of 3)

by Tinkerer3 in reply to derosa [original] on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 21:08

I agree with Ralph with the exception that I think just removing the battens would do the trick.  Leave the siding on for support and strength and line it with a water proof foam board and a siding over that.   A little expensive but it should result in a dry and insulated buillding.

Tink

Tinkerer3's picture

I agree with Ralph with the (post #168916, reply #3 of 3)

by Tinkerer3 in reply to derosa [original] on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 21:08

I agree with Ralph with the exception that I think just removing the battens would do the trick.  Leave the siding on for support and strength and line it with a water proof foam board and a siding over that.   A little expensive but it should result in a dry and insulated buillding.

Tink