Barn Repair

showcrop · Nov 11, 2011

2-3 weeks ago I asked for advice about pulling one set of beams and posts in my old barn back to plumb and 90 degrees. I got some good advice and I now have a chain installed temporarily but tightly across between one post low and high on another. I was not able to locate a chain come-along locally so I ordered one on line with a 1.5 ton capacity. Now I am questioning if it will be strong enough. the length of the chain in place is 10-11 feet. Has any one here done this?

tg in VA · Nov 11, 2011

I built a 28' x 52' (with 12' ceiling)hay barn and had the same problem after I had installed the trusses (but before I installed the metal roofing). I used 5/16" chain and a couple of those cheap cable comealongs like you buy at Harbor Freight for $15 or so . I jacked the building back straight, dug out around all the posts and put a bag of sac-crete in each hole and the building has been standing plumb for over 20 years.

I put chains on two sets of posts. There were 6 posts on a side and I used the second set of posts from each end. I would pull with one come along and then stop and pull the same amount with the second come along, repeating several times until the posts were plumb.

northvale · Nov 11, 2011

you may need higher force than 1.5 tons. Also, pull slowly, over a period of many days, do not pull sagged beams as they may have sagged and dried permanently, They will break. Once its plumb, you need to put diagonal braces in to hold it.

fixerupper · Nov 11, 2011

Northvale is right. You'll need 5 tons or more of pulling power, pulling from several places depending on the building size. If the peak of the roof has sagged you'll need to jack up on the roof slowly at the same time. Give whatever you're using to pull with, a few cranks, maybe an inch or less, and walk away for a week, then do it again. When the building is finally starting to look straight is when it'll pull the hardest. Watch carefully for corners starting to separate after you reach the half way point. It might take all winter before you have it to where you want it. Good luck. I'd love to come help if I lived closer. Jim

NEsota · Nov 11, 2011

I have several large (3/4 inch standard thread) turn buckles that worked well to straighten up a shed. Sometimes it is good to have a fixed point outside the building to pull to. My experience with the threaded material would cause me to question if the 1 1/2 ton come-along would be big enough and that it might not be gradual enough either. Taking it slow is very important and is the one thing that you can now control. The size-construction-condition of your project will determine time required. Did not see your earlier post, so only have the above info on your deal. "Do not hurry."

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2011

If you have enough room you could just use a couple
boomers (Load binders) to tighten the chain enough.
I've done that to get my skid steer unstuck. You can
use a snipe on the boomers too. A big ratchet strap
would also work. I think the 2 inch ones are rated
at 3300 lbs. but will actually pull about 10,000
lbs.

Barn Repair

showcrop

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tg in VA

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northvale

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fixerupper

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NEsota

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Anonymous-0

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