Shades and Windbreaks

Shades can be attached to pipe corrals or free- standing.  Windbreaks are designed to be attached to pipe corrals.  For options like exterior mounted feeders, closed gables, corner trim, etc, a loafing shed would be needed instead, but shades and windbreaks are the most economical product to shelter your horse. Free-standing shades are available in many sizes, and can be used for storage as well as animal shelter.  They generally are built on concreted 2 3/8" Sch 40 pipe posts with purlins supporting the roof sheeting.  All legs are concreted and we use more steel and more conservative sheeting spans than most competitors to resist wind and snow loads. Attached “Pipe-Framed” shades are constructed of an 1 5/8" or 1 7/8" diameter pipe frame, and can NOT be used in a freestanding installation without attaching to a pipe corral.  They are commonly 12' or 24' wide, and usually 8' deep.  These shades are designed for at least 3 legs to be attached to pipe corral panels.  8' x 12' shades generally do not require building permits.  Engineering is not available on larger pipe framed shades.  We recommend checking the requirements with your local building department.  We use tee-clamp connections between the legs and the frame (or L and T legs for side-by-side units), with the tee clamp welded to the leg to prevent slipping in the wind.  The legs do not attach to the top of corral, but extend to the ground next to the corral panel, to prevent the problem many manufacturer's have of the shades pivoting sideways off the corrals in the wind.  We also have a small eave overhang at the back for a better rain seal if installed with a windbreak.  We also support the sheeting with cross pipes in the frame, use a lot of screws, and 26 gauge sheeting so the sheeting will not blow off the frame.   Concrete locations depend on the size and application, if windbreaks are going to be added, at least a front leg will need concrete.    We can also supply hardware, legs, and advice if you have other manufacturer's shades that need to be reinforced.  We have over 30 years experience building shades for Antelope Valley and Mojave Desert wind, and build systems that will be trouble-free if we install them or you follow our recommended procedure during installation. Windbreaks are designed to be used with a pipe- framed shade and pipe corral panels.  They use an 8' tall frame, and are usually 8' (sidebreak), 12', or 24' wide.   They attach to the outside of the corral, and depending on the layout, at least one shade leg will require concrete.  If you would like more options such as a 12' deep shelter, closed gables, exterior mounted feeders, doors, engineering, or a free-standing shelter, please see our loafing sheds.  For an economical way to shelter your horse, shades and windbreaks are generally the best solution. Installation can be done by our crew, or we can provide a kit with installation instructions for do-it-yourselfers and contractors.  Due shipping considerations, KITS DO NOT HAVE THE SHEETING ATTACHED.