My goal for the summer is to restore this building. A new roof will be the most difficult part. However, my question right now is about the wooden walls that lack cladding.
The entire other side needs to be replaced, the badly worn southern wall. I want that side to look extra nice since it's so visible from the road.
Would there be any disadvantage to adding cladding there? (but open gap on the other 2 sides)
* Less wind comes in = doesn't dry as much = damp on the gravel floor.
* Which can be countered by the fact that there will be less moisture and rain coming in.
Drainage exists on this side of the image but not on the other side where I want cladding.
The open panel on barns was meant for the hay to dry/stay dry.
If you plan to use the building for something other than a traditional barn, you can seal the walls without any problem.
If you plan to use the building for something other than a traditional barn, you can seal the walls without any problem.
Our old barn has board and batten siding on the south, east, and west sides, and paneling without battens on the north side. It could also manage without battens on the east side. This has to do with wind direction. We usually have southwesterly winds with accompanying horizontal rain/snow. If you want to be fully protected against rain and especially snow, it's best to use battens and general sealing with boards/battens around the roof (and foundation), doors, etc.
Rain only penetrates a few centimeters into the timber frame at most, and dries quickly, so I don't see any issues with that, but snow... A gap >3mm is enough for drifting snow to get in, and it gets in almost as far as it can and practically everywhere.
Rain only penetrates a few centimeters into the timber frame at most, and dries quickly, so I don't see any issues with that, but snow... A gap >3mm is enough for drifting snow to get in, and it gets in almost as far as it can and practically everywhere.