Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
however, during windy or rainy weather; if not insulated, they can be cold in winter and
hot in the summer; and although they are neat in appearance, they may not be thought to
be as aesthetically appealing as other choices. In a metal building, the stalls must be lined
with planks or other sturdy material at least 4 feet up from the ground to prevent damage to
the metal siding by the horse.
Wood buildings are traditional and attractive and provide good insulation. However, they
are expensive, can require more labor for construction, and need frequent maintenance.
Horses chew wood, so all surfaces that horses can contact must be treated with an antichew
product or covered with metal. Wood buildings are a fire hazard and should be built of fire-
retardant materials and have a fireproof lining where possible. Wood or fiberboard shiplap
siding or vertical boards give a traditional look to the exterior.
Though plywood siding may not be as attractive as boards, it is very strong. It is a man-
ufactured wood product with a solid or veneer core covered by thin layers (plies) of wood.
Each ply is placed with its grain at right angles to the next ply, and all of the layers are lam-
inated together with glue. Plywood has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than lumber
has. Plywood won't warp, split, or shrink the way boards will.
Masonry-type buildings include brick, concrete block, poured cement, and stone. These
buildings are cool in warm climates but can be cold and damp in cold climates. Generally,
there is a high construction cost in both labor and materials. Because such structures are
virtually fireproof, they often qualify for lower insurance rates. Masonry-type buildings
must usually be mechanically ventilated in order to produce a satisfactory environment for
horses.
