How to Winterize a Barn

Preparing for winter extends beyond your home. You must also winterize your barn to prevent it from succumbing to harsh winter wind, snow and cold. Winterizing a barn is a relatively easy task, which be done in conjunction with winterizing your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Complete repairs on the exterior of your barn including roof repairs. Also, complete repairs of fencing near the barn. If you do this before winter, you won't have to disturb your barn in the colder months.

2. Cut back branches of trees or large bushes that are near your barn. One serious ice-storm could bring trees down onto your barn.

3. Place insulation in attic areas in your barn. Also insulate pipes that come into the barn.

4. Stock up on blankets for horses and smaller livestock who spend the winter outdoors.

5. Winterize heated areas by covering windows with plastic on the inside and caulking around windows and doors.

6. Create cozy and warm sleeping areas for farm cats or dogs who winter in the barn.

7. Maintain a supply of veterinary medicine in case you are unable to reach the veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Winterize farm equipment too. Check your tractor's fuel and antifreeze levels. Also, lube your tractor's engine.
• Allow faucets in your barn to drip water throughout the winter to keep them from freezing.
• Don't completely seal off your barn. If you have animals in the barn, they need ventilation. Instead, try to minimize direct drafts.