When the weather gets warmer, working outside becomes more tiresome. If you have a barn on your property, daily maintenance is the key to keeping it clean and safe as the temperature cranks up. Whether you house equipment in a storage barn or provide comfortable stalls for horses, there are several ways to get the most from these structures over the summer.

4 Tips for Getting the Best Barn Usage This Summer

1. Use Durable Floor Coverings

Mats, grids and other floor coverings designed for outside use can cut cleaning time in half. They help to channel water and animal urine quickly away from the interior and into a drain. The coverings also offer a layer of durable protection against holes, cracks and other barn floor damage.

2. Install Fire Prevention Mechanisms

Lightning strikes and flammable liquids can quickly ignite a horse or storage barn. Install a lightning rod for when the summer weather produces thunderstorms. Keep rats and other rodents from chewing through wires by covering them with hard plastic or conduit metal. Never store oil, gas, and other flammable liquids in your barn and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

3. Provide Proper Ventilation

During the sticky summer months, the air inside barns can quickly become stifling. To keep cool air circulating, install at least two sets of vents, preferably near the roof’s ridgeline and eaves. You can also have windows installed in the barns for added ventilation. Horses will have the proper setting to stay comfortable.

4. Create a Consistent Cleaning System

Come up with a routine that works best for you and is efficient. For instance, use brooms or a blower to always clean from the back to the front. Place a heavy-duty tarp at the entrance of the horse or storage barn. Toss debris on it as you clean. When you’re done, it’s easier to simply pick up the filled tarp and place it in a wheelbarrow for quicker hauling.  

These are just a few tips for making the most of your barn’s usage this summer. Westby Builders in Westby, WI, is the company farmers and residents throughout Vernon and La Crosse counties turn to for impeccable barn construction. As an exclusive dealer of Old Hickory Buildings, you can count on a range of structures customized for your unique property. To learn more about horse and storage barn options, visit the website. You can also build and price barns here. Should you have any questions, give the friendly team a call at (608) 606-4660.