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Barn Design and Layout

Horse Barn Design and Layout

by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Ventilation » Hay Loft? » Roof Height » Location » Fire Prevention and Barn Safety Checklist » Other Resources » More Info & Discussions

Most horse owners are not aware of the critical importance of good design and planning for removing dust, excess humidity, ammonia vapor, and heat in horse barns. Horses, while very tolerant of the cold, become uncomfortable quickly when hot. When constantly overheated they can literally exhaust their ability to sweat, a condition that becomes permanent over time. Though most horsemen are familiar with a barn cough most do not realize, this may be the early harbinger of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or commonly known as Heaves. These horses cough when beginning exercise but then works out of it. This is caused by exposure too high a mold spore count. This article discusses some basic elements of barn design and location. Ammonia vapors when at levels below that easily detected by smelling are both irritating and immune suppressive, particularly to the young. Of course a comfortable barn is important to the people in the barn also. Past forum discussions on this subject and links to related sites on the Web are also included.

Ventilation

Introduction » Ventilation » Hay Loft? » Roof Height » Location » Fire Prevention and Barn Safety Checklist » Other Resources » More Info & Discussions

Ventilation is important to control temperature, humidity, and dust. There are two methods of ventilating barns: mechanical (fans) and natural ventilation. Good natural ventilation in a barn is the result of the good design of the barn placed in the right location. Because most horse barns have large openings to allow the horses to go in and out and because horses tolerate low temperatures extremely well, natural ventilation is usually adequate in all but the most extreme environments. Natural ventilation and has several advantages:
  • Natural ventilation does not require energy to operate so saves on energy costs.
  • It is not affected by electrical power failures.
Probably the most serious drawback of a natural system is the lack of precise control of air flow, which only fan ventilation can insure.

Natural ventilation depends somewhat on the difference between inside and outside temperature but mostly on the wind, which can change in both speed and direction every few minutes. Because natural ventilation depends largely on prevailing wind currents, a location where wind would be deflected or blocked is unacceptable for a natural system.

Winter Ventilation Considerations

During the winter many horse barns are closed up tight allowing for a build up of dust and moisture in the air. A good building design would have both eave and ridge peak vents that run the length of the building. Natural ventilation occurs in a closed up barn primarily because of the difference in wind pressure across a building, and to a lesser extent because of a difference in inside and outside temperature. A natural system works best in a building with no ceiling but if present vents at the eaves and ridge (peak) of the roof help minimize heat build up in the ceiling.

Natural ventilation in a gable-roof building occurs primarily because of the wind blowing over the ridge, and to a lesser degree, because of the temperature difference inside and out. As wind blows across the open ridge of the gable-roof building, suction is created which draws warm, moist air out of the building and fresh air in through the eave openings. If wind velocity is great enough, the downwind (leeward) eave openings can also act as air outlets. On calm days, the hot, moist air still rises and eventually finds its way out the ridge opening. This chimney or `stack' effect accounts for only about 10 percent of the total ventilation, because there is not a great difference between inside and outside temperatures in most naturally-ventilated buildings, except on very cold days.

When ammonia odor, excessive moisture, or any dust is detected, windows or doors can be left open that allow for ventilation, but not allow the wind or precipitation in. Usually opening the windows or door on one side away from the wind will suffice. It is better to put a blanket on the horse while giving him fresh air than to maintain a warm but stuffy barn .

Summer Ventilation Considerations

Summer ventilation is provided by opening up all the doors and stall windows, to allow a cross-flow of air. The ridge and eave's vents have little effect in summer in barns without a ceiling. For those with a ceiling these vents will greatly decrease the build up of heat in the attic.

Hay Loft?

Introduction » Ventilation » Hay Loft? » Roof Height » Location » Fire Prevention and Barn Safety Checklist » Other Resources » More Info & Discussions

                       
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