Halfway Finished With the Barn Expansion

We began construction around 9 am after getting the materials from the farm.  With the 4x4 support posts already up on both sides, we elected to begin on the north side of the barn.  We measured a little over 7 feet at the bottom and ran a string and level and screwed the 2x4 header across the 2x4s.  This allows a slope, but not quite at the angle of the existing roof of the barn.

We measured our 2x4s for the rafters a little over 10 feet and we cut a notch to allow it to fit over the header.  After making on pattern, we used it to cut the remaining 11 rafters.

Once all the rafters were up, we nailed runners across the rafters that will serve as the base for securing the tin to the roof.  Russ & I climbed on the roof with drills and screws with rubber gaskets and screwed the tin to the runners.

We overlapped the tin, ensuring that the peaks and valleys of the tin lined up perfectly.  Once the runners and the tin were on, the building became very sturdy.

The weather vane, with it's boastful rooster, sits atop the barn, letting us know from which direction the wind was blowing.

By mid to late afternoon, we were finished with the southern side of the barn.  This will give more shade and protection from the weather.

It completely changes the profile of the barn.

This Saturday, if the Good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, we'll begin (and hopefully finish) the expansion on the north side of the barn as well.  We're pleased with the way it turned out.