Was in a cousin's old barn, built probably in early 1800's. Noticed that many of the 4x4 vertical supporting beams had slits/slots cuts on one side [though some beams had slots that alternated up on both sides. The horizontal cuts are about two inches deep from one side to the other. They are spaced about four feet apart, starting about knee high and going all the way up. In each of these cuts is a small sliver of wood - snugly fit & flush with the sides.
I wonder what the function would be. It's an old hay barn - wouldn't have been for decoration.
Would it allow the barn to sway with the wind? Stress relievers as the beams dried? My cousin thought the beams might have used, green.
His great grandfather was of German descent, if that helps any.
I wonder what the function would be. It's an old hay barn - wouldn't have been for decoration.
Would it allow the barn to sway with the wind? Stress relievers as the beams dried? My cousin thought the beams might have used, green.
His great grandfather was of German descent, if that helps any.