Using a Tarp To Replace Cover on ShelterLogic Shed for horses

[goddom]

We were trying out some shelterlogic canvas garages as shelters for horses because they are relatively cheap compared to a wooden one (especially these days!) and quick to put up. The first one we tried it got blown over in the wind and destroyed. Luckily no horses were injured. They were inside the barn at the time, but it did take out one fence post. The second one we put up I anchored with t-post at each leg and secured them to the shed with metal hose clamps. Then the horses and the wind destroyed the canvas cover.

Instead of just scrapping this thing or buying another cover that I imagine would be $200 or so, I decided to just use a tarp. Seems to be working OK, and if it gets ripped or destroyed its only going to be $50 to replace. You can see how what I did in the video below.

I am a little concerned about snow load, but I have some ideas to help mitigate that.

 

[ponytug]

Sorry to hear about the wind damage to your shelters. We have had a shelterlogic run in for close to fifteen years. Six screw anchors driven in to the point of maximum resistance have held it down in up to 100mph gusts, but we don't have the flat space for sustained wind that you do. Ours is the 18x12x10' (LxWxH) hoop version (like a Quonset hut) where the cover goes to goes ground level.

We had two covers fail due to sun exposure/aging, after seven or eight years of use. (Supposed lifetime 2-3years, so no complaints.) The third time around we upgraded to their PVC long life version.

I like what you did to fasten the tarp. Smart!

Overall, we like it. The horses are ok with it, though they aren't wild about wind noise; I think that they would prefer your taller version. The cows adore it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[goddom]

Sorry to hear about the wind damage to your shelters. We have had a shelterlogic run in for close to fifteen years. Six screw anchors driven in to the point of maximum resistance have held it down in up to 100mph gusts, but we don't have the flat space for sustained wind that you do. Ours is the 18x12x10' (LxWxH) hoop version (like a Quonset hut) where the cover goes to goes ground level.

We had two covers fail due to sun exposure/aging, after seven or eight years of use. (Supposed lifetime 2-3years, so no complaints.) The third time around we upgraded to their PVC long life version.

I like what you did to fasten the tarp. Smart!

Overall, we like it. The horses are ok with it, though they aren't wild about wind noise; I think that they would prefer your taller version. The cows adore it.

All the best,

Peter

Thanks! Yeah, I think if a couple of the horses didn't kick through the sides or chew on the cover it would have lasted a lot longer.
That allowed the wind to just tear them up over time.

I think the shelterlogic are a good value. I am sure there are more durable shelters, but they would cost a bit. Glad you had lots of luck with them!

 

[scaredychicken]

I've about given up on shelterlogic structures - 3 down in 3 separate wind storms, in the past 15 yrs. Each were 10 ft X 20 ft. They are great for temporary use, and cheap. But I don't want repeats of the same.

1) collapsed in the wind, equipment was inside - a mess, a few items destroyed, but minimal damage. we salvaged most of the structure
2) wind picked it up and tossed it like a kite some 200 feet away, through the trees and power lines, landing on the edge of an open field on my neighbours property. I retrieved it the next day, many of the pipes destroyed, bent. general storage items were wrecked.
3) this one was the strongest, thickest tubing, strongest cover, it was used to cover hay - completely destroyed. I might have enough to salvage about 1/2 a structure.

I need something more permanent, and am therefore saving for a 30 x 40 barn.

we don't get a lot of wind, but probably 2-3x per year it gets intense.
we have had the shelters in sheltered locations, protected from open wind, rain, snow
snow tends to roll off before it needs to be cleared off
the shelters were anchored with the corner anchor pins, and with 8 cinder blocks, and rope along the length.

I'm glad that you are having better success with them than I have. It looks like you have a solid plan to keep it upright. Personally, I believe that strong tarps with heavy weave are better and more durable than the original canvas that the structures come with.

 

[goddom]

I've about given up on shelterlogic structures - 3 down in 3 separate wind storms, in the past 15 yrs. Each were 10 ft X 20 ft. They are great for temporary use, and cheap. But I don't want repeats of the same.

1) collapsed in the wind, equipment was inside - a mess, a few items destroyed, but minimal damage. we salvaged most of the structure
2) wind picked it up and tossed it like a kite some 200 feet away, through the trees and power lines, landing on the edge of an open field on my neighbours property. I retrieved it the next day, many of the pipes destroyed, bent. general storage items were wrecked.
3) this one was the strongest, thickest tubing, strongest cover, it was used to cover hay - completely destroyed. I might have enough to salvage about 1/2 a structure.

I need something more permanent, and am therefore saving for a 30 x 40 barn.

we don't get a lot of wind, but probably 2-3x per year it gets intense.
we have had the shelters in sheltered locations, protected from open wind, rain, snow
snow tends to roll off before it needs to be cleared off
the shelters were anchored with the corner anchor pins, and with 8 cinder blocks, and rope along the length.

I'm glad that you are having better success with them than I have. It looks like you have a solid plan to keep it upright. Personally, I believe that strong tarps with heavy weave are better and more durable than the original canvas that the structures come with.

Yeah, I had one ShelterLogic shed just fall apart at the seams. Literally. The seams just started to split and I couldn't send it back for warranty because I had bought it and let it sit for like 1-2 years in the box before putting it up....

Hopefully this works well enough. If not I will tear down and build a better shelter.

 

[oldballs]

So far I am please with my Shelterlogic. It is the 12x24x8 top of the line that they sell. I installed it in 2015 ....on my 3 acre somewhat protected property. To my knowledge it has endured some heavy winds over 4-5 days at a time right at 30-60 mph and some heavy wet snows.

I anchored it at five places per side about a foot deep...into gravel. The only defect that I have found is the zippered door. The zipper didn't last very long with me.

Right now it stores two CUT Kubotas, one Case L&G tractor and a chipper shredder.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[goddom]

Yeah, I think in general they do well. I had one shelter that lasted 5-6 years even with the horses kick holes in the side. The larger one is just more susceptible to the wind I think. Glad to hear its working well for you.

 

[PEJ5]

This company makes replacement covers.

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Ideally, buy a new one of theirs and you'll be better off. No worry about snow load in the winter.

 

[California]

How about the similar structure but with aluminum lap siding? Far more expensive?

 

[goddom]

How about the similar structure but with aluminum lap siding? Far more expensive?

I have thought of that. It is quite a bit more expensive, and I have heard of horror stories if you don't have it well secured. But if secured well, I think it would last a long time and be a good option. I haven't priced one out compared to building a wood shelter.