Pole barns are extremely versatile, so there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to important barn features. That prospect can be both exciting and intimidating. If you are considering upgrading your barn (or building a new pole barn), choosing the right features is key to making sure it fits your needs. Consider these aspects when planning your project.
An Overhang
Overhangs on barns are essentially extensions of the roof that run the length and entrance of the structure. Overhangs are typically constructed as an addition to the barn and are built incorporating posts, rafters, and roofing materials.
In addition to protecting your horses and supplies, overhangs also protect the barn itself! Overhangs are great for protecting the exposed windows, doors, and siding on your barn. These attributes will suffer less damage and deterioration from prolonged exposure to sunlight, moisture, and harsh weather. Overall, the quality and condition of your barn will be protected for longer with an overhang, so you can maximize your investment.
Tack Room
An organized and custom-designed tack room offers storage for saddles, bridles, blankets, wraps, and tack trunks, among other items. The layout of your barn should revolve around convenience and efficiency, which is why tack rooms are usually installed near a wash stall or grooming area. Beyond storage, tack rooms are sometimes used as laundry areas for the blankets and can include a sink to clean tack.
You can even personalize your tack room by putting your trophies, photos, buckles, or other meaningful items on display. As far as barn features are concerned, tack rooms help make your entire operation more organized.
Grooming Stalls
The design of your grooming area plays a vital role in how presentable or clean it is. Consider a few important factors when designing your grooming stall, including adequate drainage, a supply of hot and cold water, water-resistant materials on the walls, and even a storage area. Cluttering the floor with bottles and cleaning tools can create an unsafe environment for you and your horse. We will guide you through the design process to ensure you have efficient grooming stalls.
A Loft
Loft spaces with easy access (a staircase instead of a wall ladder) provide useful storage for small square bales of hay, tack, and supplies. If needed, it can even be used as an office space.
As for passive ventilation and a source of natural light, the loft should be provided with both, as this will help to facilitate a more pleasing and comfortable environment.
The Cupola / Vent
A cupola is a traditional way to improve passive ventilation in a barn. Its value for improving air quality in the barn is a boon for both horses and humans. Even more, adding a cupola to a horse barn offers an impressive design quality, especially when it comes with a weathervane.
The open vents (louvers) allow the air to escape. Your barn needs good ventilation to remove stale air and bring in fresh air. A stagnant environment fills quickly with odors, dust, and bacteria and is bad for your health and your horse’s, which is why ventilation is important.
The Gutter is Very Important
Having undirected or uncontained water flow can wreak havoc with any building. It can generate ice, mud, and puddles at the entrance to a structure, damage the foundation, migrate under walls, and flood stalls and tack rooms. It can also cause premature rot to the lower portions of the siding.
During heavy rains, roofs discharge large amounts of water at once. In the Colorado springtime, there is also a constant freeze-thaw cycle that keeps the ground around a structure wet. Without gutters, the water will splash on the ground, causing a channel that will lead it to the lowest point on the graded apron, where it will pool.
Having mud-splattered walls as a result of spatter activity can also ruin the aesthetics of the barn siding. These mud stains will become permanent and will be an eyesore requiring more frequent paint jobs.
The cost of gutters and downspouts is low. Don’t ignore them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Add More Stalls
As a horse owner, planning ahead is very important, especially when designing your barn. It can be extremely frustrating to run out of space, so don’t be afraid to go a bit bigger. Sure, you may think you have enough stalls for the current number of horses you own. You may even have some storage space, but what happens when you want to buy a new horse?
It doesn’t matter if you plan to purchase more horses in the near future or not; the extra stalls can always serve as storage. As a whole, it’s crucial to plan your horse barn for future growth.
At Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing, we have the experience, expertise, and creativity to help you make the barn of your dreams a reality. From residences to garages and stables, we produce buildings of all shapes and sizes. No matter what barn features or designs you have in mind, we can help you quickly and efficiently. Contact us today!