Do you know why covered bridges are covered?

Question

There are two reasons for it that I know. Give it your best shot. Surprise me! If you don't know the answer make one up!

You guys are so good and funny....I love the corset!! lol
The bridges were covered to keep the boards from rotting out so fast and yes, to keep the horses from shying at the moving water and it was built to look like a barn cause if any of you know horses at all the place they want to go into without reservation is a BARN so the bridge looks like the entrance to a barn. The horse enters without a problem thinking they will be stabled and fed! Now, one of you gave me all that I was looking for and that person is getting best answer...but, you all are best in my book!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Hey Ellie,
1st of all let me specify that any covered briges are wooden.
As for the reasoning behind it.
Popular Reasons:

A covered bridge provided refuge for horse and buggy from a sudden storm.

The sides of the bridge prevented horses from shying from the sight of rippling water.

The bridge provided a romantic hideaway for a stolen hug or kiss.

The portals and roof were intended to neatly shape a load of hay.

To prevent a traveler from knowing what kind of town was coming before it was too late to turn around.

A bridge with a roof was preferred over a metal bridge which might attract lightning.

Builders of covered bridges were used to constructing barns, and automatically added a roof.

Actual Reason:

What you're really trying to protect in a covered bridge are the structural members--the trusses. Made of heavy timber, these are the expensive part of the bridge, and if they fall apart due to exposure to the elements, so does the bridge. An unprotected wooden bridge will last maybe ten years. Put a cover over it, however, and it'll last for centuries.

Hugs,

Answer 2

A covered bridge provided refuge for horse and buggy from a sudden storm and The sides of the bridge prevented horses from shying from the sight of rippling water...!!!

Answer 3

The uninformed believe covered bridges are covered to protect the wooden flooring from snow and bridges were covered to prevent horses from getting spooked when they realized they were above flowing water, but about this theory we will not even speak.

Answer 4

Yes , in the north . wind will go over AND under a bridge making the wind chill lower , thusly freezing the bridge quicker than the road it connects .If its covered , its protected some what, In the olden days the did it because it was harder to get salt on the roads as it is now .

Answer 5

To keep water from getting on the bridge in the winter which would turn to ice easily when it would freeze in the winter.
We know that even today when you drive your car over most bridges especially on the interstate you will see a sign which reads "Bridge may be icy"

Answer 6

I really don't know, but I would guess that is would give protection from rain or snow if a person driving a horse and buggy wanted to get out of the elements for awhile.

Good question!

Answer 7

Safety - harder to shoot at a person on a bridge that is covered than totally exposed.

Weather - to keep snow and ice off the bridge.

That's all I can think of.

Peace!

Answer 8

Modesty. It was a simpler time then. Some of the older bridges even wore corsets.

Answer 9

Hey Ellie that sounds right that they did it for the horses, to keep them from spooking as they went over the water, I am not sure, will you tell us? Please?

Answer 10

They're covered because there was no place else for snogging.