If you live in an area which receives significant snowfall each winter, then it’s important to factor in the weight that your barn must be able to support when you’re planning the structure. Barn collapses can be devastating, but they’re also usually avoidable. These tips can help you to design your barn to withstand heavy snow loads.

Know Your Local Snow-Load Requirements

Do your research and find out your local snow-load requirements. These requirements are based on the climate and past snowfall, and can better inform you about the conditions that your barn will need to be able to withstand. While it’s a good idea to build your barn to meet these requirements, it’s an even better idea to make your barn stronger and able to withstand more rigorous requirements, just in case.

Communicate With Your Barn Builder

Make sure that you have a conversation with your barn builder about the importance of the barn being able to withstand heavy snow loads. Many local builders should be aware of this issue and should be able to advise you on building techniques to use.

Use a Metal Roof

If you want to avoid snow sitting on your barn’s roof for long periods, then opt for a metal roof instead of a shingled roof. Snow melts off of metal roofs faster, reducing the amount of time that your barn will need to support the full weight of a snowstorm. Additionally, make sure that your roof is properly pitched to encourage the snow to slide off.

Use Machine Stress-Rated Lumber

If you want to ensure that your barn is strong, then use machine stress-rated lumber in its construction. Whereas most lumber is visually rated, machine stress-rated lumber is machine tested to identify its true strength. By using machine stress-rated lumber, you can avoid weak spots and will know the actual strength of the materials that you are using.

Add Bracing

Adding extra bracing can further strengthen your barn so that it is able to withstand a major storm, or a series of storms. Consult with an engineer to determine what types of bracing would be most beneficial for your barn. I

Incorporate Drainage Around Your Barn

Including proper drainage around your barn to help direct snow runoff away from the foundation is important to your barn’s overall strength. If runoff water is allowed to pool around your barn, it can actually affect the stability of your barn’s foundation. Create channels which direct the water away from your barn. Installing the Stable-ity Grid can also promote proper drainage.

Good planning is key to bringing your dream barn to life. We’re happy to help you find the right products for your barn from the planning stages to its completion – please give us a call today.

Original Source: http://blog.classic-equine.com/2015/12/how-to-design-your-horse-bar...