Barns are century-old buildings used by farmers and ranchers alike to store crops, harvest tools, and shelter their animals. Initial structures were made out of wood as they were readily available. But with time, wood has become expensive and a limited resource that can’t be fully recycled. Then, they entered metal barns. Similar to that of a wooden barn except with durability and strength of steel.
A Brief Guide On Metal Horse Barn For Horse Owners
With so much advancement in steel production, the pricing has relatively gone down with time. Steel is a commodity that is used for all kinds of industrial and commercial purposes. However, with the beginning of the 21st century, it has started to be employed in many sectors such as agribusiness and even residential. And why not? After all, steel offers affordability, low maintenance, resistance to elements, and resilience like no other material.
Things To Consider Before Buying Metal Barn For Horses
1. Site
When choosing a site for installing a metal barn, select an area that is even ground. A steep or uneven area will increase the foundation cost. The location of a horse barn is crucial; therefore, you will like to opt for a place that has well drainage, natural lights, water runoff, and plain, leveled ground clear of vegetation.
2. Zoning Laws
Many areas have local building codes and zoning laws. You must study them and comply with all the rules. The restrictions are generally on height, setback distance, and certification, depending on the local weather in your area. All these rules vary with the state and county you live in.
If you are installing a metal horse barn near your home, be aware of its proximity to your existing building. You will need to select a site with a better view of the barn to keep an eye on it, but you won’t want to be disturbed.
3. Direction
The direction of your steel barn will decide how much sunshine your barn will receive. It will also determine wind flow. Hence, you must choose the direction accordingly. Steel barns must be easily accessible in any weather condition if they are being used on a regular basis.
4. Utility
Horses are warm-blooded animals and need proper shelter, lighting, and a water supply. It is best to have the utility source closest to your barn, as it will reduce the cost of HAVC installation and pipeline laying.
5. Regular Cleaning
Horses need care and timely cleaning. Along with that, you will need to take care of waste management, like cleaning stalls, removing waste, etc. It would be best to think and plan these ahead as you would not like to walk through manures lying around everywhere. Like to get the updated version Mod APK Files for Android for free of cost.
Designing Metal Horse Barns
Q. What Size Do You Want?
The answer to this question depends on how many horses you own. Have a look below for details.
| No. of Horses | Minimum Size for Metal Barn(in ft.) |
| One horse | 10 to 12 x 12 |
| Two horses | 10 to 12 x 24 |
| Three horses | 10 to 12 x 30 to 36 |
| Four horses | 10 to 12 x 40 to 48 |
| Note: The standard stall size recommended is 12 x 12. For a large horse, you may need a 12 x 14 size. | |
Q. Which Roofing Style Would You Prefer To Install?
We recommend getting vertical corrugated panels for any steel barn that is larger in size or higher than 10 ft. This will slide off all dust and debris built in, including rainwater and melting snow. For a smaller barn, you can choose a regular roof and horizontal roofing style. Both of them are cost-effective but will require regular cleaning.
Q. Lighting: Artificial Or Natural?
Does the location of your metal barn have a source of natural lighting? If yes, you can install taller barns with skylights or solar tubes that will bring in natural light. If not, you may want to consider affordable artificial lights such as LEDs.
Q. Is There Enough Ventilation?
Animals need a fresh breeze of air to feel good and maintain dryness. This further prevents any mold and mildew growth around them, which can lead to disease. An adult horse needs 25 cubic ft. of air per minute (cfm). For vents, you can install exhaust fans on sidewalls to improve airflow.
You can select a center aisle metal barn and install clerestory windows to amplify natural light into the barn. Some metal dealers even allow you to customize barns by adding color, windows, doors, etc., to them.
Q. How Would You Regulate Temperature?
The cost-effective technique will be to insulate the entire metal horse barn. You can use spray foam insulators as they are most effective for barns. Do not forget to insulate the roof as it helps retain the heat during winter & cool during summer.
Q. What Kind Of Floor Suits Best For Equine?
The most durable and easy to clean would be a textured concrete floor. The added texture will prohibit slipping and won’t settle with time. Additionally, horses will not come in direct contact with moisture from the soil. If you don’t want concrete, you can install interlocking rubber pavers.
Q. What About Food Storage And Water Supply?
When designing a steel barn for horses, ensure there is enough room to store hay and feed. There must be a separate wash area. For drinking water, you can get automatic water bowls that will provide water to horses when they are thirsty. If you have multiple horses, you can have a feed room. Since metal can’t be chewed by rodents, it can be easily stored.
Consider Weatherproofing Your Metal Barn
- Add Lightening Rod: This will redirect any lightning bolt that falls directly upon your metal barn to the ground.
- Make It Fireproof: It will help protect your barn & animals.
- Add Gutter & Downspout: This will preserve rainwater for further use.
- Solar Panels: This is a one-time cost but will save a lot on energy bills.
- Consider Landscaping: Adding a little greenery around your steel barn will help enhance the overall look of your metal barn and make it inviting.
Final Thoughts
Having said all that, it is evident that a steel barn is best suited for both rancher and their beloved animal. It provides a healthy environment and protects them from external elements. They are affordable in the long run, demand less upkeep, and provide plenty of room to grow for more. So, when are you getting your first horse metal barn?
