Horse Stall and Horse Barns: FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about Triton� Horse Stalls and Horse Barns
Read our FAQ page for quick and helpful answers to some frequently asked questions. Click on a question (or just scroll down the page) to see our answer. We've included some links back into our web site and to external web sites where you can find more information on horse stalls and horse barns.
General Form and Function Questions
- What are Triton Stall Systems�?
- How easy are Triton Horse Stalls to install?
- How do I install Triton Horse Stalls?
- How do I install Triton Horse Barns?
- How do I modify, add on to, or move Triton Horse Stalls?
Advantages over Conventional Horse Stalls
- How do Triton Horse Stalls and Horse Barns compare for function, safety and appearance?
- What if a horse kicks a horse stall?
- What about cribbing?
- What kind of maintenance does my Triton� Horse Stall require?
- Will my stall mildew or collect mold?
Durability
- What are Triton Horse Stalls made of?
- How tough are Triton� Horse Stalls?
- Does sun and weather affect the stalls?
- Will it chip, peel or rot?
- Does the metal expand?
- What is the advantage of hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication?
- How does Hot Dip Galvanizing compare to paint and powder coat?
- What About Corrosion Prevention with Treated Wood, Dissimilar Metals?
Value and Financial
- Will Triton Horse Stalls enhance my property value?
- Can I order horse stalls online?
- What is the warranty on your horse stalls?
- How "Green" is Hot Dip Galvanizing?
More Questions
General Form and Function Questions
What are Triton Stall Systems�?
They are stalls based on a modular design concept which provides maximum flexibility in laying out a barn. Triton� stalls turn into a permanent modular barn with our galvanized roof truss system. All panels are heavy-walled, solid-welded, one-piece frame construction. The stalls are designed with the safety of both horse and owner in mind.
We also offer our horse stalls kits form where the stall frames are not welded into a single component. Horse Kit stalls offer further possibilities for customization, typically involving more labor but with the possibility of some cost savings. Our brochure illustrates our kit stalls used with lumber framing.We have Custom Euro Stall Fronts to build personalized barns and we offer almost everything you may need to complete and maintain your equestrian facility.
How easy are Triton Horse Stalls to install?
Installation requires no special skills; anyone can do it! While assembly can be accomplished by a single individual, a assistant is helpful to make the task easier (especially carrying parts to the building site and holding the first horse stall panel frame upright while tilting the second frame is tilted up and clipped in place).
Standard Stall panel frames are all-welded and are assembled into free-standing floor plans using the provided connector clips to join the stall frames into a rigid structure (no tools required). Next, the 2x6 tongue and groove lumber is trimmed to length (typically with a circular saw but a table saw or hand saw can be used) and dropped into the "U" channels of the stall frames. Finally the hardware options such as sliding doors, feeders, and grills for vented horse stalls are installed with simple hand tools (adjustable wrenches or a socket set). No nails and no metalwork required. Click here for installation details.
How do I install Triton Horse Stalls?
First, determine the location and floor plan to be used. Inside an existing building or on a paved site, Triton horse stalls may be installed directly on the floor or over an array of stall mats on an existing floor. When ordering stall mats for a new or existing horse barn, we recommend choosing stall mats tailored to fit inside each stall as this allows the stall mats to be lifted if needed and it reduces the effective step over height at the stall door.
Outside, or inside a building with a dirt floor, the surface should be graded, and if required for drainage raised, before installing Triton stalls. Crushed stone dust or crushed concrete are suitable materials to use to raise the grade level.
For permanent installation, concrete piers, perimeter concrete beams or a full concrete slab make an excellent foundation. You may request customized holes (drilled before galvanizing) in the stall frame to suit your needs.
Stall panel frames are tilted into place and held by clips top and bottom. Next, the 2x6 tongue and groove lumber is trimmed to length and dropped into the "U" channels of the stall frames. Finally the hardware options such as sliding doors, feeders, and grills for vented stalls are installed with simple hand tools. Click here for installation details.
How do I install Triton horse Barns?
Barn construction starts with stall assembly (described above; click here to read). One difference is that a metal column, taller than the stall panels, is placed at each location where stall panels meet to support the roof. The one piece upper stall retaining clip is replaced by one clip per panel, each bolted to the column. Columns and support struts bolted above the stall panel "H" section vertical members vary in length to match the pitch of the roof rafters that they support. For a gable roof, the pairs of rafters are connected at the peak to complete each roof truss. Horizontal purlins bolted to brackets factory-welded to the rafters complete the roof support structure.
Assembly requires no special skills and is accomplished with simple hand tools. Some type of ladder or step ladder is required to reach the top of the roof.
There are a wide variety of roofing systems that may be applied directly over the roof structure. Choices may depend on cost, the need to match existing structures and personal preferences.
The simplest roofing scheme is to secure conventional roofing panels to the purlins with screws. An underlying layer of insulation is recommended to reduce heat gain in summer and condensation in winter. Additional components may be used to cover the ridge, eves, soffit and rake as desired. Gutters and downspouts are available to improve drainage. Ridge vents and cupolas are offered to enhance appearance and to increase ventilation.
Refer to our brochure to see more features that are available to complete your Triton horse barn. Popular selections include aisle doors, walk through doors, windows and Dutch doors.
How do I modify, add on to, or move Triton Horse Stalls?
Triton horse stalls are completely modular and assembled with clips, screws and bolts (no welding, nails or adhesives). Consequently assembly is a fully reversible process and the entire barn can be disassembled and shipped to a new location for reassembly. The ability of hot-dip galvanized steel to withstand rough handling without rusting helps maintain a like new appearance throughout the life of the structure.
Adding on to an existing set of stalls or barn may require some disassembly (removing the components forming an end wall, for example) prior to building the expanded structure adding in new components. The modular design of Triton stalls ensures that new components are compatible and interchangeable with the original components.
Internal changes are simple. For example a
stall front can be added to convert a wash rack into a new stall or a stall
divider can be removed temporarily to convert two smaller stalls into a foaling
stall.
Advantages over Conventional Horse Stalls
How do Triton Horse Stalls compare for function, safety and appearance?
Triton Horse Stalls provide all the features and options you expect of modular horse stalls: Easy installation, Safe and secure containment for the horse, Convenience of sliding doors, Easy access feeders and waterers, Ventilation and visibility choices, and so on.
One major differentiating feature is our hot dip galvanized finish which provides attractive appearance, zero maintenance and a dramatically extended useful life expectancy. This makes Triton Stalls the lowest lifetime cost winners.
Triton horse stalls are designed with the safety of both horse and rider in mind with an exceptionally strong structure, no nails or protrusions to injure a horse, correctly spaced grill bars, recessed latches and a sliding door guide and stop system that extends much less than one inch into the aisle.
Our standard horse stalls feature the traditional beauty of southern yellow pine boards surrounded by durable non-rusting non-fading metal frames and grills. We offer a choice of panel alternatives including wire mesh for added open area and polycarbonate composite panels for a smooth surface and even easier cleaning. Our European style horse stalls are available in a variety of designs to provide old world charm and modern appearance.
What if a horse kicks a stall?
Our stalls absorb most horse kicks and everyday impacts with little or no visible damage. 2x6 tongue and groove lumber is heavier and appears more rigid than plywood, and is less likely to be challenged by a horse. In the event of a severe kick a board can break (although that will take a very heavy impact) and the if that board is no longer serviceable it can be replaced. The welded steel frame is especially tough and will bend, absorbing energy, rather than break. The stall is designed for the safety of both animals and riders.
What about cribbing?
Horses get no satisfaction from cribbing metal stalls. It has no taste, provides no salt or slivers and, of course, no tasty but usually harmful paint chemicals. Some horses may scratch at it a bit, but usually give it up quickly because they can�t taste it and can�t chip off slivers.
What kind of maintenance does my Triton� Horse Stall require?
Virtually no maintenance is needed. This hot-dip galvanized stall system is impervious to deterioration from moisture, temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposure and the wear and tear from time itself. You'll never have to scrape or paint your stalls again, unlike any wood or powder coated finish. From the day your stall is installed, all traditional maintenance stops. As with all equine products, our stall will become dirty when exposed to the elements and animals, but pressure washing with a mild detergent and water should be sufficient to keep your stalls looking new.
Will my stall mildew or collect mold?
Mildew grows wherever there is high humidity.
It doesn�t grow on the stall itself, but on the dirt and dust which sticks to
the stall and gives the mildew a medium to grow. You can get rid of it by using
a pressure washer, or simply scrubbing with soap and water using a sponge or
brush.
Durability
What are Triton horse stalls made of?
Triton Horse Stalls are made of galvanized 14-guage (or heavier) steel tubing and U-channel that is welded into a solid frame. Then, after fabrication, the assembly is thoroughly cleaned and dipped into a flux-protected bath of liquid zinc (>98% Zn) to give the best rust protection in the industry. Our hot dip galvanizing process meets or exceeds the ASTM A123 specification, which guarantees minimum coating thickness and other properties to ensure effective corrosion protection.
How tough are Triton� Horse Stalls?
When hot dip galvanizing is done properly, it is the best long-term protection in the horse industry. It allows us to have a 25 year corrosion-free limited warranty on our product. Our track and trolley system is also maintenance-free. The track is galvanized, and the trolleys are made from high strength Delrin� material which does not require grease or oil.
The heavy gauge welded steel frame provides great physical strength. The 2x6 lumber adds additional strength and stiffness to the structure making it impervious to normal contact from horses. In the event of a disaster such as impact from a fast moving vehicle or a falling tree, the structure will bend rather than break or shatter, helping protect any animals and people inside from more serious harm.
Does sun and weather affect the stalls?
Triton Stalls are designed to withstand normal weather when installed correctly. In fact, Triton Stalls will withstand most anything Mother Nature can throw your way (excluding things like tornados). Weathering tests have shown Triton� Stalls have an anticipated weathering life of up to 80 years. Hot dip galvanizing is the best weather protection in the industry.
Will it chip, peel or rot?
During the life of the product you should not expect to find surface peeling, chipping or rot. Your stall is covered by a 25 year limited corrosion warranty, and a 10 year limited warranty from animal damage, depending on product and application. Click here to see more information on Triton� Stalls Limited Warranties.
Does the metal expand?
It is normal for metal materials to expand and contract slightly with temperature changes. This has little or no effect on the appearance or structural stability. Metal expansion can be absorbed at the stall panel junctions. The amount of expansion is less than if you built with only wood which expands in damp weather. Triton� solid welded system holds the wood in the frame to ensure a strong and stable structure in all weathers and temperatures.
What is the advantage of hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication?
A hot dip galvanized finish is different from pre-galvanized metal that may be welded and painted after fabrication. With stalls made this way, the galvanized coating can be burned off by welding, then it needs painting after fabrication to protect the welds. The Triton� post-assembly galvanizing process allows the parts to be galvanized on the outside where you see them, and also on the inside and at joints where the rusting process can start in ordinary painted or pre-galvanized panels. Hot dip galvanizing coats everything, and seals the metal for the best rust protection.
How does Hot Dip Galvanizing compare to paint and powder coat?
The Zn (Zinc metal) in HDG (Hot Dip Galvanized) adheres to the steel that it protects with intermetallic bonding which is an order of magnitude stronger than the metal to paint or powder coat bond. The thickness of the Zn coat is determined by the characteristics of the steel and the galvanizing process and is much thicker than electro-galvanized or electro-plated materials. Zn coatings on bulk galvanized materials is generally controlled at the factory to be thinner than HDG Zn films.
The strong bonding and the elasticity of the HDG metal film helps ensure no cracks or separation occur as the metal is flexed or expands with temperature.
HDG film thickness is almost unchanged with long term exposure to the atmosphere while paint films deteriorate due to oxidation and erosion.
Paint and powder coat finishes tend to be thinner at corners and especially at sharp edges and these sites (and scratches and chips) are the places where the film fails and corrosion (rust) forms first.
Rust forms first where paint films have flaws. The thickness of rust is greater than the thickness of the steel consumed by the rust, so the growing rust tends to lift paint off the metal allowing the rust to progress further under the paint. In contrast the sacrificial galvanic action of Zn coatings protects the steel even when it is exposed by a scratch.
To learn more about HDG, go to the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) web site.
What About Corrosion Prevention with Treated Wood, Dissimilar Metals?
Stainless steel and HDG (Hot Dip Galvanized)
fasteners and brackets are recommended for use in contact with wood treated with
the newer preservatives, such as CCA or ACQ treated poles and boards. HDG
fasteners are used with HDG stalls eliminating contact between dissimilar
metals and a potential source of corrosion. Thus hot dip galvanizing has many advantages over alternate
materials.
Value and Financial
Will Triton horse stalls enhance my property value?
Of course, because they provide the best protection for both people and horses, long-term use, beauty and �class�. There�s little doubt farms and ranches go up in resale value when they�re equipped with Triton Stall Systems�.
Can I order Triton horse stalls online?
You can get a price quote and order wood and other stall accessories for barns, arenas, and shed rows on this web site. Click here to request horse stall, modular barn and arena data or click here for a free Quote.
What is the warranty?
All of our products carry a limited warranty on both corrosion and damage. Click here: Triton Stall Systems Warranty.
How "Green" is Hot Dip Galvanizing?
The factory galvanizing process meets EPA requirements. Galvanizing does not rely on volatile solvents which can be a source of hydrocarbon emissions when painting or repainting.
Compared to SS (Stainless Steel), HDG (Hot Dip Galvanizing) adds less metal to the steel to achieve corrosion resistance (typically 3% by weight for HDG compared to 10% to 30% for SS) and uses a more plentiful metal. Further, HDG allows the steel to be optimized for strength and the coating to be optimized for corrosion (rust) resistance. These factors reduce the demands on natural resources and on mining.
Compared to electroplate, paint and powder coat, HDG has a far longer life expectancy. This reduces the energy and materials required for maintenance and to manufacture replacement panels.
HDG steel is fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
More Questions
How do I contact Triton Horse Barns?
If you need to speak to a Sales Person or would like to speak to a Technical Representative about horse stalls for your application, call 1-800-918-6765. Or, click here to contact us by e-mail at info@tritonbarns.com.
What other products does Triton offer?
Triton Barn Systems offers a full range of building materials and hardware to support any equestrian facility. Our products include:
- Standard Horse Stalls
- Custom Euro Stall Fronts
- Horse Stall Kit (s)
- Portable Facility Stalls / Portable Horse Stalls
- Stall and Barn Flooring
- Stall Doors
- Stall Wood Options
- Horse Barns. See end views of common horse stall configurations or see end views of finished horse barns.
- Horse Barn Roofing, Siding and Trim
- Cupolas, Ventilators, Doors
- Horse Exercisers
- Sheep and Swine Fencing
- Fencing - We supply a full line of vinyl post and rail fencing, Advantaboard continuous rail fencing, and Centaur HTP, White Lightning HTP, and Hot-Rail electrified fence systems.
More questions?
If you�d like to speak to someone about Triton horse stalls for your application, please call 1-800-918-6765 or e-mail info@tritonbarns.com.