Rebuild my burned barn on original foundation?

by | Jul 11, 2013 | AskTheBarngeek | 1 comment

Asked by John Donohoe from Williamston, MI

 

My 1920s/1930s barn burned to the ground a few weeks ago. About 40 x 50, had a poured floor and foundation walls about 40″ high all around except door openings. Is the foundation re-usaeble?

1 Comment

  1. The Barn Geek
    The Barn Geek on March 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Hi John,

    Thank you for your question. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

    Regretfully I really can’t answer your question directly because I am not an expert in the area of foundations and what extreme heat can do to concrete.

    However from what I do know from building a backyard fire pit is that concrete can crack and even explode under extreme heat. I have heard that this is caused by moisture in the concrete expanding very quickly, building pressure and then fracturing the concrete from the inside.

    Having said that, I would assume that in most cases the concrete would have to be replaced, however it might be ok, like I said I am not an expert in this area. The best advice I can give is to contact a local concrete contractor, have them evaluate your foundation and see what they have to say.

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