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Using Cables and Winches to restore structural
integrity to a sagging structure
Presented by:Mike Woodford and Cindy Moran Woodford
Bros., Inc.
6500 Route 80
PO Box 108
Apulia Station, NY 13020
800.OLD.BARN (653.2276)
Mike Woodford displays examples of cables used here to straighten a barn that sags
and bows out of alignment.
He suggests using recycled 5/8" elevator cable that can be purchased at a discount.
He adds that 3/8" or 1/2" is also sufficient for the expected load in most barn restoration projects.
Mike, assisted by Cindy Moran takes up tension here to pull in a bowed eaves rafter.
He tells us, "The ideal method is to come back once a week to tune the barn
in segments, taking up tension and letting the structure gradually shift back into proper shape. By adding cables
and putting tension on the structure you immediately stop any further collapse."
Later he demonstrates how to square up the vertical alignment of a structure by cabling
in an "X", starting with a cable from the upper corner to opposite lower corner... and taking up tension
until the structure regains plumb.
Once the structure stands straight, another cable is set in an equal and opposite
manner to balance the force exerted by the first cable.
This photo depicts a unique "cable swing truss" that will permit the removal
of the existing vertical support post!
Please note, the cables are crossed and pass through opposite sides of the existing
post in order to prevent the vertical member from flipping over once the post is cut.
