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Replacing Failed Structural Members and Restoring Foundations Presented by Mark Stitt, Wes Stitt and John Tufts J. P. Stitt and Sons Farm Preservation Fremont, MI 800.924.0020   This eighteen-wheeler is a rolling workshop and residence. The front half has double pop-outs that extend the on-sight living area, while the rear half is filled with a collection of specialty tools. Mark Stitt begins this session with some basic ground rules. "The best thing you can do for an old barn is to keep it full of hay, and keep it closed up to prevent rocking."   Wes Stitt explains, "A chainsaw may not be the traditional way to cut these large timbers" That doesn't mean that a watchful eye and careful measurement are no longer a requirement. He begins replacing the lower section of a rotten post by splicing in new timber. Hardwood is the standard when building or replacing floor plates or floor rafters. The replacement section is attached with 5/8" threaded rod cut to fit and countersunk in 2" diameter holes. Wes demonstrates why a platform jack is preferrable to a hydraulic jack explaining that the range of travel is so much greater. He says you can expect to pay about $35 for one at Fleet Farm. John Tufts, a member of the Stitt Crew says, "Foundations require ongoing maintenance. They are traditionally set in two courses, an inside and an outside course with the center gap filled with loose rubble."   He recommends mixing mortar in a standard ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part cement, and strengthening the rubble fill by adding mortar whenever possible. Door County Weather

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