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Pole barns have long been a staple of agricultural infrastructure. These versatile structures serve many purposes, from housing livestock to storing equipment. However, there comes a time when your barn might need a facelift. Whether you want to increase its functionality or value, read this guide to learn about several pole barn exterior improvements that can add new life to this structure.
Add a Wainscot
Wainscots are decorative and protective panels on the lower portion of a wall. Installing a wainscot on a pole barn wall can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. By painting it a different color than the current exterior color, you can make the structure stand out on your property.
A wainscot also offers practical benefits. It guards against impacts with equipment or livestock, helping to preserve the integrity of your barn’s exterior walls. By adding one, you’ll ensure your barn lasts long and stays in good shape.
Refresh the Barn With New Colors
One of the best ways to rejuvenate your pole barn’s exterior is to hire contractors to paint its walls with new colors. This seemingly simple change can completely transform the look of the structure, making it seem new. As you consider different hues, look at the overall aesthetic of your entire property and decide what shades will complement other structures.
Remember that your color choices can also have practical implications. Lighter colors tend to reflect more sunlight than dark colors, potentially helping to keep the interior of the pole barn cool during the warmest seasons.
Install New Gutters
Another pole barn exterior improvement that you shouldn’t overlook is installing new gutters. When properly installed and maintained, they can avert soil erosion and protect the barn’s structural integrity. If your pole barn doesn’t currently have gutters or if the existing ones are old and ineffective, installing new ones is a wise investment in the longevity of the building.
When selecting gutters, consider factors such as material durability, capacity, and style. Aluminum gutters offer resistance to rust, while steel gutters offer superior strength. Seamless gutters, while potentially more expensive, can provide better protection against leaks than sectioned gutters.
Don’t forget to include downspouts in your gutter system to direct water away from the barn’s foundation. A well-designed gutter system should protect the barn from precipitation, enhance its appearance, and serve as the finishing touch to the exterior design. It might even benefit you someday by attracting interested buyers if you decide to sell your property.
Give It a Cupola
You should also consider adding a cupola to your pole barn’s roof. This small, dome-like structure will provide the barn with greater ventilation while enhancing its aesthetics. After contractors finish installing this addition, your barn will have a distinguished look.
Make sure that the cupola complements the overall design of your barn. For instance, a traditional pole barn might benefit from a classic octagonal cupola, while a modern structure might look better with a simpler, more streamlined design. Whether decorative or functional, a cupola can serve as the crowning jewel to your pole barn’s exterior improvements.
Update the Windows
Just as windows are important to your home, they can be incredibly valuable to your pole barn, as well. They provide natural light and ventilation and can positively impact the overall aesthetics of the building. If your pole barn currently lacks windows or if the existing ones are old or damaged, installing new ones can be a game-changing improvement.
If you decide to add windows, make sure you look at the various materials available. For example, vinyl and aluminum are popular because of their low maintenance requirements. In addition, remember to plan where they will go. Strategically positioned windows can maximize natural light and cross-ventilation while improving the overall functionality of your pole barn.
Upgrading Your Pole Barn’s Doors
The doors of your pole barn are not just entry and exit points; they also play a significant role in the structure’s functionality, security, and appearance. Upgrading your pole barn’s doors can enhance all these aspects!
You have several options when updating the doors for your pole barn. For instance, sliding doors are tall and allow you to move heavy-duty equipment in and out of the structure easily. However, these doors will require a fair amount of physical work when it comes to opening and closing them.
If you prefer easier operation, you may want to consider overhead doors, which you can open and close like a roll-up garage door. Instead of opening them manually, you can rely on an automatic system to do the work for you. Plus, these doors offer a tighter seal against the elements, so you can worry less about damage to your equipment and unwanted guests intruding in your pole barn.
Add Snow Bars for More Safety
Snow bars can be great additions to pole barns in areas that experience heavy snowfall. With professional installation, these devices will stop large amounts of snow and ice from falling, potentially harming people and animals, and damaging property. Snow bars work by breaking up the snowpack as it slides down the roof, allowing it to leave the roof in smaller amounts.
As you choose snow bars for your barn, consider the roof’s pitch, the material it’s made of, and the average snowfall in your area. These factors will determine the type and number of snow bars your barn needs for effective protection.
Snow bars come in various styles and materials, from individual units to continuous bars. They can also add a subtle decorative element to your pole barn’s roof, enhancing its overall appearance while keeping people and property safe.
It’s clear that you can do many things to upgrade your pole barn’s exterior and enhance its appearance and functionality. If you want to construct a pole barn on your property, contact Schmucker Quality Construction LLC today. In addition to being your go-to exterior remodeling contractor, we can help you achieve your dream of owning a unique pole barn and provide your property with an effective storage space!
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