FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the fabric last?

A: Factory life expectancy is 20-25 years for North America as the fabric is under tension in all directions it does not flap and wear like a tarp or tent would. We have many examples of buildings at 15 years with no fabric issues. Physical damage such as punctures and collision do occur infrequently but can be patched with a self-adhesive repair patch.

Q: What is the fabric material?

A: The fabric material is an industrial woven polyethylene membrane with a u-v inhibiting coating. It is 12.5 ounces per yard and is 24 mil. Thick

Q: What is the building frame material?

A: The entire frame structure is made from HSS (Hollow Structural Steel). All connections are bolted connections with oversized grade 8 fasteners.

Q: Do I need a building permit?

A: In most cases the municipality where you live will determine this. These buildings are fully engineered and we provide a generic drawing for the permit process, however if you require site specific engineering it can be done at our engineering office. A $900.00 fee will apply. (This is not usually required)

Q: Do I need a foundation?

A: Yes, any building is recommended to have a foundation for ballast. Every kit includes instructions for a simple pour in place concrete piling system. If you wish to anchor the building in a more temporary fashion there are a number of solutions we can recommend. (Concrete pad, screw piles or duckbill anchors) Please discuss with a sales rep to determine what you will require.

Q: Do I need to use the wood stall walls on the outside of the building?

A: No. Painted steel cladding can also be installed in place of the wood. The same channels that hold the wood in place will hold horizontal lumber to act like strapping.

The cost is approximately the same for the painted steel cladding material but expect a labor increase when choosing this option.

Q: Do I have color choices?

A: Yes. We recommend using a light color fabric on the roof to take advantage of the abundant natural light; however available colours are white, tan, green, red and blue.

You can also paint or stain the exterior wood as you wish. The cupolas are also colour coded to fit the above schemes.

Q: Can I put this up myself?

A: Yes.

We caution that the 24 series is not something you should attempt if you have limited mechanical and construction experience. The top connections are 20+ feet in the air and a man-lift or safe scaffold is mandatory for safe installation. The 16 series is possible with some basic equipment.

Concise assembly manuals are included with every kit, as well as telephone support from our tech center. Please consult your sales rep for more details or to schedule our factory trained installation experts

Q: Are these buildings safe for my animals?

A: These buildings are more comfortable in the summer and healthier in the winter, than conventional buildings. Fabric buildings do not promote mold, bacteria and disease like wooden structures. The fabric roof covering allows abundant natural light to pass through into the building, and we use our eve-thru fresh air induction system to introduce fresh air without drafts. This reduces condensation and ensures a steady supply of fresh clean air. The cupola options are also functional to exhaust the animal’s breath and any humidity that comes from waste, bedding, perspiration etc. The functional loft door option is also helpful ventilating in extreme heat conditions. All these features make our buildings the perfect habitat for livestock.

Q: Can I add a second storey loft?

A: Yes. We offer kits to provide a storage loft. These lofts are pre-engineered to fit our barns however our mezzanine models are based on the weight you will be storing (stairs and safety rails must be included in weight load). The loft door option can be faux or functional to assist with hay or bedding handling.

Q: Can I afford one of these barns?

A: The fabric hybrid system results in a cost of approximately two thirds that of a comparable wood structure with even more savings resulting from the labour and the foundation. Our sales reps will be glad to assist you in arranging financing terms suited to your budget. With the ease of construction and quality of the materials, you can’t afford to not have one.

Q: How long are delivery wait times?

A: Typical lead times vary with the season and the factory order board. We do our very best to keep all models in stock during the summer months, however it is highly recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment. Call a sales rep to reserve your BARNinaBOX today.