Like humans, horses need fresh air to breathe. However, inadequate ventilation is one of the most common mistakes we see in the construction of stables, leading to stuffy horse barns. Most horses are standing around 15 hours per day in a stall. If your barn doesn’t provide ample fresh air, and you don’t adjust for changes in climate, your horses will be much more susceptible to ill health.
Consider These Ventilation Factors:
Before anything else, hire a builder who knows about barn ventilation basics. The needs for barns are different than the needs of residential or commercial structures. If done right, ventilation should:
- Introduce fresh air into the barn through planned vents
- Completely mix both outside and inside air; this:
- Removes contaminated pathogens
- Regulates heat and humidity
- Reduces odors
Other factors you should consider include the building site and landscaping (such as drainage), design and size of the building, number of horses, and weather. With the proper design, it’s possible to vent naturally instead of mechanically.
Barn Roofs and Vents
The roof is the key element in proper ventilation dynamics. The moist air found in these buildings needs an effective way to escape. This can be accomplished in many ways, such as through ridge caps or evenly spaced vents. Large cupolas are also effective, though they have to be large enough for the building and well-vented to be effective. A row of operable windows near the roof peak, also known as a clerestory, can move a large amount of air. The ability to open the windows and increase airflow, or shut them to shelter from bad weather makes this a highly sought-after design.
Other Dos and Don’ts
- Don’t use screens to keep out insects because the moisture in the barn will quickly clog screens and restrict airflow.
- Barns can be dusty from hay, grooming, feed, etc. Tasks such as wetting the floors and regularly mucking the stalls can drastically enhance air quality. Also, don’t store the hay and feed above the horses, as this inhibits air movement.
We Eliminate Stuffy Horse Barns
Ventilating your barn is essential for maintaining your horses’ well-being. Aim for a comfortably dry stable with minimal condensation. Take advantage of natural ventilation with a new pole building or steel barn from C&S Construction. View our Gallery for examples of past projects. We collaborate with you through each step of the process, from the initial design to completion, ensuring streamlined customer experience. Don’t settle for stuffy horse barns that compromise equine health.
Best Tips for Horse Barn Ventilation
Serving customers from Pullman to Bonners Ferry and Wenatchee to Western Montana, including Spokane, Coeur D’Alene, Cheney, Pullman, Sandpoint, Wallace and the surrounding area since 1998
Posted on June 29, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business