Tarpaulin

[dalesponyrider]

I need to cover my hay stack with a Tarpaulin. There are so many different sorts, has anyone got any recommendations please. I do want something that will last!

Thanks.

[flintfootfilly]

If it's just to keep rain off in the short term ( a few days, a week or two), then I'd just opt for one of those woven-type tarps from farm supplies shops. They come in a whole range of sizes - from memory I think I've had some that were maybe 8 metres by about 5 metres (I used to hang them over the front of the hay barn to stop rain coming in, but there was always plenty of breathing space on the other side of the stack).

I think you'll need to think of something more substantial if you are hoping to store it for a longer period under a tarp. A friend near Catterick tried this one year with a tarp over, and lost all the hay because it sweated up and the moisture couldn't escape through the tarp.

So if it was longer term, I think it'd be worth coming up with a more substantial cover leaving plenty of space between the tarp and the hay for it to breathe. I've never tried anything like that, so can't think how I'd do it, but I guess more like a tent than just a cover.

Sarah

[zeldalithgow]

I wonder if you could make a frame with some old pallets, I've no ideas as to the best type of tarp to use. I would think that the better quality/thicker ones will be more difficult to move to get into the hay, our neighbour left a couple here and they were very heavy.

[tinkerdorisalison]

LInda, search on t'internet for Tarpaflex, they have all shapes sizes and types.

Probably best put pallets on the top first to let the air flow through.

[dalesponyrider]

Please can anyone tell me if they know anything about this firm?

www.devonshirestables.co.uk/dartmoor.html

I was going to use a tarpaulin but my Dad is worried about me and is thinking of helping me out! Aren't Dad's wonderful? Any comments, recommendations, advice welcome!

[harveydales]

It's got to be better in the long run than a tarpaulin system. I think you would always lose a proportion of your stack to moisture penetration and condensation. How good of your Dad. I don't know anything about the company you mention but it looks good. When I was thinking of a field shelter I nearly went with the Horncastle based company - Wolds Woods, I think? Only because they are local and I've seen their work. I've also seen some very flimsy looking stables and field shelters but the Devonshire ones look substantial enough.

I could have a word with Ruth's husband who owns a local joinery firm and might know which companies are good and which to avoid?

[dalesponyrider]

If you could, that would be great Pam!

Yes my Dad has totally surprised me. He told me that I could either borrow the money or else I could have it now and get the benefit before he dies when I'd get it anyway! He says his happiness now is seeing his children happy! How lovely is that?

[Debbie]

I am in awe of your Dad's love it makes me teary, but in a good way.

Holy cow! I looked at some of the buildings... redwood siding?! Forget that! I could see kicking out the ponies and hay and putting my own bedroom up in one of those. They look fabulously well built.