Spring Cleaning and Your Horse Barn

Posted on April 9, 2012 by barns

Years ago I worked on a farm that boarded horses and what I remember most is that my favorite season for riding was Spring and like most things around the farm each season had its own chores. Winter chores, like storing hay meant cold weather is coming.  Spring chores on the other hand meant warm weather and green pastures. Those spring chores are what we are going to touch on in this article.

 Let’s start with the barn exterior and the roof. Depending on where you live winter can be pretty brutal. Look the roof over carefully inside and out. From the outside, do you see any missing or loose shingles? If it is a metal roof, are there any rust spots or large dents. Is there any debris on the roof that could fall? From The underside of the roof look for alterations in color, stains or mold. All are signs of a leak. This is also a good time to get any cobwebs or spiders that may be up in the rafters.

 While you have the ladder out one of the last things to check while on the roof is the gutters if any. Now is the time to clean and inspect the gutters for your horse barn. Scoop out leaves and flush down spouts with a pressure washer or garden hose. Check the screws at all connections and brackets and patch any leaks. If you live around trees you may want to look in to a gutter guard or shield.

 Still on the exterior do a critical walk around. Check the exterior siding for cracks or loose boards or siding. Check windows and doors for loose glass and hardware. As you walk around take notice of the drainage around your horse barn. Look for spots with standing water or spots that have been churned up by the horses. Check around the barn itself and make sure any water is draining away from the barn.

Now is also the time to move the pile. If you live in a climate like I did where the snow gets deep it is all you can do to push the manure out of the barn. For that reason the pile usually ends up not too far from the barn. With rains and upcoming summer heat an unpleasant situation can develop so it is best to deal with it now and use it fertilize your spring gardens and pastures.

 Last but not least is fencing. Look for loose posts, sagging wires, loose or broken insulators. Look for loose hardware or nails and when done with the repairs sweep the area with a strong magnet to get any nails or wire bits the horse can step on. If you are using an electric fence check and tighten the fence insulators, check or change batteries on remote fence units. Also trim back any grass or weeds that can contact the electric fence.

 Seems like a lot of work but you knew that when you got the horse. It also means many warm sunny days enjoying your horse and knowing your barn is in good shape.

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Your Barn Was Ready For Winter What About Your Horse

Posted on February 23, 2012 by barns

Mid February to me is like “Hump Day”, it means we are on the downhill side of winter and that much closer to spring. And when these mid winter days get cold and blustery you can go inside and be safe and warm against the storm, but what about your horse?

 Good winter care for your horse actually begins in the fall with preparing the horse.  Before the weather gets cold the first thing to do is to be sure your horse is in good physical condition. Call a vet and have them check the horse for general health, parasites and any immunizations that may be needed.

 Next would be feed. Know in advance what you will be feeding your horse during the winter. A horse should not lose weight through the cold months.  Putting on a little extra weight is a good thing. A small extra layer of fat acts as an insulator against the cold and also provides an energy reserve. Check with your vet and alter your feeding program as necessary.

 Know your hay.  When the real cold weather hits hay is the best way to add an extra heat source. Because of how a horse digests the hay it actually produces heat. Increased hay ration is the preferred way to meet horses elevated energy requirements. Knowing the nutrient value of your hay ahead of time is important. You can take a sample to your local County Extension Office, they will help you with getting your hay tested.

 Water is the next necessity. Nothing lives without water, you, me and your horse all require water to survive. When the weather cools horses tend to drink less, not good when combined with the increased intake of dry foods and hay. A horse can drink up to eight gallons a day, so making sure the horse always has a fresh supply of water is critical.

 Depending on where you live and how cold it gets keeping the water from freezing can be as easy as keeping the bucket in a sunny location. If it gets a little colder, floating something in the water will keep it open enough for the horse to get to the water. Use something large that cannot be swallowed like a soccer ball. If you are in an extreme environment you may want to consider a heating device. There are heated buckets, floating heaters and automatic dispensers. At the very least check the water at least twice a day, keep it full and remove any ice.

 Preparing your barn. What you do really depends on where you live. In the South where winter is usually mild the requirements are different than the North where winters can be extreme and you can be snowed in for long periods of time. Either way there are a few basic rules:

- Be sure you have enough hay, feed and bedding beforehand.

- Make sure to keep it dry and rodent proof.

- Check your water supply, insulate or add heaters as necessary to keep it from freezing.

- Check the barns ventilation. You would think a tight draft free barn is good, quite contrary. A little air moving through the barn is good for their overall health. Add an extra blanket if necessary.

 Follow these simple rules and you and your horse will enjoy the winter and be in good shape ready for spring.

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Final Considerations Before Building Modular Barn or Storage Building

Posted on January 27, 2012 by barns

Ok, you have done your homework, located a dealer, you know what type of building and extras you want.  You also took the time to research and chose the perfect site for your barn or storage building now you need to prepare the building site and have the building delivered. But, before you do here are some important considerations.

Have a site plan. This is actually a very important step. The site plan should show the location of buildings, trees, where driveways or access will go, where drainage will run. This will also help you be sure of any zoning rules or restrictions. All site-plan designs must adhere to local or town regulations and be brought before zoning-approval boards to be used in the permitting process.

There are two sets of costs in a project like this the “Fixed cost” and the “Variable Costs”. The modular barn or shed you ordered is a fixed cost, you know what you are getting for how much.  Your building site is a variable cost meaning that excavation, tree removal, accesses are all costs that will vary from site to site and all add to your overall project cost. It is highly recommended that you get an idea of what these costs will be before you order your barn or shed in case adjustments have to be made either to your choice of site or building.

You have the barn or shed, you have the site plans and permits so now it is time to “drop the blade” as they say. Excavation and tree and stump removal can be expensive so it is important again that you have your site plan and that the contractor knows exactly what you need. When choosing a contractor make sure they are licensed and insured, be sure they have experience with your type of project and terrain. Many times the contractors will need to work with the building dealer and through the permit process so be sure to ask questions and get recommendations.

Insurance, I know it is not a pleasant subject check with your liability insurance to be sure your coverage is adequate for this type of project. This might seem unnecessary but if you have a larger project it could be a lot less expensive than a law suit. Like it or not construction liability insurance is something you need to consider very strongly. Your homeowner insurance provider can help you find the right coverage.

 It is also important to be sure that the subcontractors you are using also have the proper insurance and be sure to get copies of their insurance certificates. Be aware that contractors and subcontractors will need to pass this cost onto you, the consumer.

Another concern to consider is workers who do shoddy or incomplete work, or worse, they simply stop showing up. It is very important to have a contract with all the contractors and subcontractors involved and to be sure that the contract states a clear finish date or time of competition.  

With these concerns meet you will someday be able to stand back and look at your new barn with pride and the knowledge that the project was done right and will give you many years of service.

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Preparation For A Modular Barn Or Storage Shed

Posted on January 3, 2012 by barns

Before you run out and make a major purchase like a modular barn or storage shed there are several things that need to be done.

 The first step obviously is to determine your needs or what the building is going to be used for. Different uses have different requirements. For example, is the building going to be for animals or is it going to be for garden equipment? A horse barn requires more drainage and has different access issues than a garden shed. Building usage is very important and needs to be a primary consideration.

 What kind of building will it be? Is it going to be a large modular horse barn or a small vinyl clad garage? Now is a good time to locate a reputable dealer. If you approach the dealer knowing what your requirements are they will be able to guide you. The choices of building styles, construction materials and options are considerable and a qualified dealer will be essential in finding your way through the maze.

 Next is the site itself, is it level or will it need to be leveled? Is there access for trucks and equipment, can the delivery vehicles get in? You will need to identify where you will be entering and leaving the site. Often two accesses are needed. One is temporary and will be used for delivery and the other will be the actual access.

 Is the site rocky or wooded? Will trees need to be removed and who will remove them? If you need a crane, are there overhead obstacles like power lines, signs, other building overhangs that need to be dealt with?

 If you have to dig or level the lot is there gas or waterlines nearby?  Are there septic lines or a septic tank in the area or are there buried power or cable lines? You will need to contact the service providers, they will come to the site and mark any lines for you. They will also be able to give you any information you need for the next step, permits.

 You know what building you want, what it is going to be made of, and where you want it to sit, now you need to see if you will be allowed to. Before you spend a dollar or dig a hole you need to check with your local building code enforcement office. Building code officials will have more detailed information for your area. Rules and requirements like property set backs or zoning restrictions can limit the size of your building or restrict where it goes.

 Get the permits. Most towns or municipalities have regulations and requirements regarding buildings and building permits. Taking care of any permits or inspections is always the responsibility of the property owner. Often permit applications ask for building specifications and plans as part of the process. This is another good reason to work close with a dealer who can supply that information.

 A quality building well placed and well maintained will give many years of durable use. Key to a successful modular building includes understanding your needs, doing some homework, and finding a reputable dealer. Doing this will not only save time and money but greatly reduce the stress level of installing a new modular barn or storage building.

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What Makes a Good Storage Shed?

Posted on December 16, 2011 by barns

This seemed like a good idea for an article when I sat down to write.  As it turns out this is not an easy question to answer. It is really a “depends” type answer. It depends on choices. Choices like where you are, how much you can spend which then leads to several more choices.

First choice is materials, would you want a wood shed, a metal shed or a vinyl clad shed? Depending on the particular situation they all have advantages and disadvantages.

Wood sheds are by far the most popular type of storage shed and usually the more expensive. Wood sheds have the big advantage of durability. These sheds have a wood frame and floor and are covered with exterior wood siding.  With proper care a wood shed will last a long time. A major concern for a wood shed would be the proper choice of materials for the environment the shed will be in. The main disadvantage of course is maintenance.

Metal sheds are very common and have advantages of their own. Not to be confused with the less quality metal shed that you can find at the big DYI stores these are built over a solid wood frame like the wood storage buildings.  The big advantage to metal is maintenance. As they say: “Metal is metal is metal” there is absolutely no maintenance. Like aluminum siding the metal has a coating that could last 20 years or more.

Vinyl clad sheds have many of the same advantages as a wood or metal storage shed.  They also have a wood frame and floor but instead of wood these use vinyl siding on the exterior. The biggest advantage is that vinyl storage sheds are very low maintenance. Vinyl is also resistant to most chemicals and molds. You can get siding to match an existing house. Vinyl clad storage sheds make a good economical choice for those on a budget.

The above choices are just for the type of siding to be used but there are many more to be considered. Will the storage shed have windows? What type window? How many windows? What about color? All of these storage buildings offer a wide range of colors and styles.

What about doors, will they swing or slide? Will it be double or single doors? Then there is the roof, what will the roofing materials be?  Will you use a metal roof for your storage building or asphalt shingles? What about flooring? Wood and vinyl and metal clad storage sheds have floors and can usually be placed on blocks. But, it is still important to be sure of your site. It needs to be level, have good access and be able to support the weight of the shed and the blocks.

Like I said above it is a ‘depends’ answer. It depends on many choices and options. It would be best to find a dealer in your area and ask questions, many times the dealer can visit the site and offer suggestions.  You will find their experience very valuable and they will be able to deliver the exact storage shed you need.

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Other Uses for A Modular Horse Barn

Posted on December 7, 2011 by barns

Modular horse barns can have more uses than just providing shelter to horses so don’t let the name fool you. What makes the barns so adaptable is due to the quality of their construction and the ease of delivery a modular barn can offer.

 First use of course is animals. Goats, sheep, cattle, kangaroos, pigs, ponies, the list is endless but many animals in fact, require the shelter of a barn plus room for storage of their feed and equipment. Stalls can be divided up for various duties like one for birthing, one for the young animals, one general stall for your animals to hang out in.

 Because of the available choice in styles and sizes you can find the building or buildings to match your particular needs. Some are just small Run-In type sheds, great for goats and smaller livestock  and some are tall multi-levels with lofts for hay or feed and suited for larger animals.

 The second use would be for vehicles and equipment. For those times when a puny garage just won’t do it a modular barn or building may fit the bill. Maybe you have a spot too tight to get construction equipment in? A modular building comes to you on in a truck or in sections.

Maybe you don’t want the mess and destruction traditional construction brings. A modular site takes less preperation and is much more cost effective. Maybe you are on a tight time schedule?  Modular barn crews are in and out in a few days. What if you want to save thousands over a conventional building? Then modular horse barns delivered to your site is the way to go.

 These buildings give you the options of being used to shed a small horse cart up through large tractors and equipment.  You just need to pick one that suites your needs and have it delivered directly to your prepared site.

 The third use would be. You may have fire wood, lawn and garden equipment and supplies that need to be stored. Supposed you need to keep the feed away from the fertilizer then separate smaller buildings could be your answer. Put them side by side or in chosen locations around your property according to the chosen use.  You can get open front styles or styles with doors. You can get a lean to style or a lean to with an overhang. You really need to check with a dealer to get a full list.

 Fourth is a livable building. Can you think of a better less expensive way to start a small house or cabin? Many models are suited to be used as a small camp or guest bungalow. Almost all models have wooden floors and many have windows. You will need to add extras on the inside like plumbing and electrical power but you will save greatly on the cost of the shell.

 So there you have four good reasons to consider the advantages of having a modular barn delivered. These would include, cost, quality of construction, ease of delivery, less damage to property and of course choice. Choice of styles, colors, materials all work together to make modular barns attractive option over site built.

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Winterizing Your Horse Barn

Posted on November 4, 2011 by barns

As important as spring cleaning, good winters cleaning is essential in keeping your horse barn in top shape plus provides a good environment for your horse. You and your horse will spend more wintertime in the horse barn than any other season of the year. Why not make it a pleasant place to be. 

Some chores are obvious like periodic cleaning of the horse stalls. A good sweeping or pressure washing of the floors and walls will cut down on the dust and grim accumulated during the summer and fall when the doors and windows of the barn are open. Keeping the stall floors clean and fresh not only provides the horse with a cleaner and more sanitary environment, but it preserves and protects the horse barn floor which will prevent costly repair or replacement in the future. 

You will need to perform a periodic inspection of areas damaged due to horse cribbing. An application of an anti-cribbing paint will help deter the habit and prevent further damage to the horse barn and possible health problems for your horse. There are many anti-cribbing products on the market. Make sure it is chemical free, weather resistant, and safe for animals and humans.

 You will want to do an overall inspection of winter equipment for repair or replacement. Horseblankets, grooming supplies, heaters, water containers, and while you are at it, check the water pipes for proper insulation. A frozen or broken water pipe in the cold of winter can be a major problem for the barn and the horse.

A good stockpile of hay and grain in the barn is like having a full pantry in your home. Prepare a safe space in the horse barn for your grain. Pesky rodents like to come in from the cold and can bring disease and eat your horse out of house and home.

Having access to an ample supply of water in your horse barn is a “no brainer”, but a great tip is to soak your hay in warm water. This will give your horse more hydration plus cut down on dust that tends to linger in the barn during winter months. Putting warm clean water in the buckets will also encourage more hydration. A horse will use less energy keeping warm if he has warm water available and is more likely to drink fluids preventing intestinal problems.

Winter check list:

1. Do general barn clean up in stalls. Sweep or pressure wash floors and walls .

2. Check your winter items for repair or replacement like horse blankets, heaters, water

containers, and especially pipes for proper insulation.

3. Disinfect water buckets and check for any damage to stalls due to cribbing.

4. Stock up on food supplies and supplements.

5. Check for any drafts in your horse barn. You want good ventilation but not a constant

draft through a cracked door or window.

6. Treat yourself and your friend to a regular exercise program. 

You and your horse will appreciate the work and effort done for your annual winter maintenance program in your horse barn.

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Modular Horse Barns, It’s all in the Details

Posted on October 24, 2011 by barns

When you decide to own a horse one of the first decisions you will face is shelter and the choices can be confusing. Should you go with a steel building, pole building or a modular barn? That answer will depend on several different factors and you will need to weigh them all, but this article is to make you aware of the construction, safety and affordability of modular horse barns.

Construction, a modular barn needs to be built to withstand the stress of delivery and set up. These barns are built in sections and more material is used in each section to make them sturdy enough to travel down the highway.   Materials include 6×6 pressure treated base rails, sawn oak framing, board and batten siding, 30 year roof shingles to name a few. This type of construction also allows for a wider selection of features and models. The end result is a more sturdy building that can be delivered right to your site and much less time on that site by the construction crews.

Cost, one of the biggest arguments against choosing a modular horse barn is that you are not really saving money. Sometimes that is true, modular buildings are built in a yard and shipped to the site. This really saves on construction cost but sometimes, when you add construction extras like site preparation (which you will have done anyway) or a crane the total end cost can be as much as a stick built horse barn.  The answer here is value, the total value of the end product. You get a building superior in construction as mentioned above on a well prepared site, an investment that will last for many many years. And did I mention the construction crew is on-site only a day or two verses many weeks?

Choice, there is more to a modular horse barn than a square box. You have many style choices including everything from the basic Run-in Shed through Shed Row, Lean-to, single level, and multi-level loft type barns. You can choose the number of stalls, the width of the center aisle, sliding doors, swing doors, optional exterior finishes, you get the idea. Choice and options are a big factor in selecting the type of horse barn you want.

Service, with a stick built barn you hire a contractor to tackle and organize the project.  Many times subcontractors are used for parts of the project which in turn leads to the many issues involved with the contractor subcontractor relationship.  Also, should something go wrong in the future who will be responsible?   With a delivered modular horse barn you will most likely work through a dealer.  One person with one point of accountability and they will have the full weight of the barn manufacturer behind them. They will be able to supply customer service more quickly and satisfactorily than the hassle of going through contractors and subcontractors.

So there you have it, all the important bases are covered. I’m sure I made a convincing argument for considering a modular barn delivered to your site. I covered construction, materials, cost, choices, options, and customer service.  I know you have many choices when it comes to your horses and I hope a modular horse barn will be one of them.

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Choosing the Right Horse Barn

Posted on September 30, 2011 by barns

Your horse is not only your best friend but a sizeable investment in time and money.  Of course you need to protect that investment and at the same time shelter your friend.  Both conditions can be easily met with a good quality modular or prefabricated horse barn delivered right to your site.

 Barns come in many styles, shapes, colors and materials that include wood, metal and vinyl clad. The styles include Run-In, Shed-Row, Lean-To and of course a custom modular barn.  Barns traditionally have been built on site but this has grown to be costly and time consuming.  The newer more modern way is to purchase a modular or prefabricated barn and have it delivered to your lot.  This approach has proven to be much more efficient in both cost and time.

What are the major differences between the styles?

Run-in: Usually open front, one or two stalls but they can have more depending on size. They can also be a combination of stalls and a closed storage area. The barn is delivered on the back of a truck and set right into place.

Shed-Row: similar to a Run-in except they are closed stalls with a split door for each stall.  Again you can get a combination of stalls and storage and have it delivered to your site by truck.

Lean-To: This style may just have a flat front but more likely it will have a front overhang, again available in different materials, colors, number of stalls or combinations. They are delivered by                                   truck and set on your site.

Modular Horse Barns: These are the big boys of the horse barn world.  Usually multi level these horse barns offer plenty of room for horses, storage and hay. Delivered in sections and erected onsite these offer a great value over site built and offer many options and accessories.  Many home owners are choosing this option because of the value it offers over a traditionally site built barn.

 What Style is right for you?

There are things you will need to consider before you purchase and your barn dealer can help you make some of these decisions.  At this point I should mention that your choice of a dealer is as important as your choice of barns. A good dealer will help with your decision and answer your questions so it is important to pick an established experienced dealer.

 First determine your needs, what size building do you need? Do you need a large multilevel building that has stalls for the horses and room for tack, supplies, hay, and feed? Or do you just need a simple Run-in barn for the back yard. What is the size of your lot? Do you need to level your lot? What has to be done to prepare the site? How will the barn be placed in relation to the rest of the property?  Do you want open or closed stalls?  Your next choice is going to be materials.  Modular and prefabricated barns are available in plain or painted wood, metal, or vinyl clad.

 The points to take way from this article are modular or prefabricated horse barns are more cost efficient. You have plenty of choices in styles, materials and colors. And pick a reputable dealer.

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