A Gothic-arched roof barn or Gothic-arch barn or Gothic barn or rainbow arch[1] is a barn whose profile is in the ogival shape of a Gothic arch. These became economically feasible when arch members could be formed by a lamination process. The distinctive roofline features a center peak as in a gable roof, but with symmetrical curved rafters instead of straight ones. The roof could extend to the ground making the roof and walls a complete arch or be built as an arched roof on top of traditionally framed walls. Hay cut and left to dry on field. The popularity of arch-roofed barns peaked in the 1930s when farms transitioned from animal powered machinery to gasoline-powered tractors and large amounts of hay storage space for fodder was no longer necessary, removing the need for large haylofts. Hay producers cut the plants and let them sit on the field to cure until they have judged that the relative amounts of sunshine, dew, and humidity have allowed the cut material to dry.
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