Barndominium Summer Maintenance Checklist

By Oliver Bell

The long days of summer give us a little more time for both work and play. For country dwellers, the farm and ranch “to-do list” may seem never-ending. Painting, planting, oiling and mending everything from fences to farm implements—there’s always something that needs doing! But hey, we signed up for this life. And, we wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Each season brings its own set of specific chores and things that need attention. Luckily, Barndominiums are durable and generally require less maintenance than traditional style homes. Metal sidewalls and roofs can last 50+ years. They withstand the elements well and may not need painting or repair for decades.

That said, every good Barndo owner knows that prevention and maintenance is essential to keeping everything in top shape and extending the life of certain parts and features in the home. Some maintenance projects are included under warranties and maintenance contracts. So, be sure to know what is covered. Also, know what you can reasonably do yourself and what is better left to professionals. 

Many of us complete routine home maintenance on a seasonal cycle. Be sure to follow the manufacturers or installers recommended maintenance plan. This summer, these items may wind up on your Barndo maintenance list. This may be a good time to schedule your service tech to come out. Or, for your DIY maintenance items, set aside time to tackle the job.

Bi-Annual Maintenance

Metal Siding: Spray exterior metal siding with a pressure washer using a mildew-resistant solution.

Glass Garage Doors: Routine inspections in your service agreement will usually include clearing the tracks, inspecting weather stripping, rollers and hardware, testing door balance, and lubricating moving parts.

Automatic Gates: Clean the gate, check for presence of insects or other pests, lubricate the chain, pulley, wheels, and hinges.

Generators (Whole House/Standby): Routine inspections in your service agreement will usually include changing oil and oil filter, replacing spark plugs, changing fuel and air filters, testing the fuel, flushing the cooling system, inspecting the battery and the battery housing unit.

Gutters: Clear out excess debris and inspect for any damage.

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and change batteries.

Annual Maintenance

Sliding Barn Doors: Check rollers, tracks, and door alignment.

Wood Finishes: Check any wood finishes such as shiplap walls or tongue and groove soffits that might need touch up staining or sealing.

Cupolas: Inspect flashing and any other seals.

Chimney and Fireplace: Inspection and cleaning of chimney, vent, flashing, damper, and firebox.