Star Braced Rafter Barn
WE submit on the opposite page another type of barn construction—the STAR Plank Frame Braced Rafter Barn—a popular type of construction for the short, low structure, not exceeding 36 ft. in width. An advantage of this type of construction is that short lengths of lumber are alone needed. The lumber can be secured from the smallest dealer's stock, as no timber going into this frame is over 12 in. wide, and 16 ft. in length. A mechanic is not required to frame this barn, as there are few difficult joints to make a feature that will be appreciated by the farmer who is his own carpenter. This barn has been widely advertised as requiring less lumber than a truss roof barn. Built of equal capacity and substantially framed, it has, however, been definitely proven by estimates furnished by two lumber concerns that it contains more board feet of lumber than a truss barn. In the use of this construction, no posts are required in the hay mow to support the peak of the roof as the roof is self-supporting. For this reason, the largest amount of storage space is provided in the mow and there are no obstructions to hinder in the unloading of hay by means of Hay Carriers and Tracks. The Star Gothic Roof Barn There is still another type of construction, known as the Gothic type, which is used to considerable extent and which has several points of advantage. We do not show any details of this style of construction, but do show on pages 169 and 182, exteriors made after this type. This barn is particularly admired for its attractive appearance. It is easy to build and comparatively inexpensive. The Gothic rafter is made from 1 in. lumber, built up to the required thickness by nailing togetherseveral pieces of 1 in x 4 in or 1 in x 6 in. material. The curve is marked out on the loft floor, along which blocks are nailed and to these blocks, the first member of the rafter is bent and nailed and the rafter built to the size required by adding 1 in. material, which is bent to the curve and nailed. All the rafters are made in one form. This type provides an unobstructed hay mow and a roof that is well drained and strong, as is implied by its arched construction.