Hi! We just built an outdoor wash rack and was wondering if it’s better to leave it as it is or add a roof overtop it. There’s no trees or shade it’s a completely exposed wash rack, but since it’s just for washing does it really need a roof? Or would it be more practical to add one?
Mine had gorgeous trees so I had nice cover and a breeze until a couple of hurricanes wiped the out. Since I’m in FL , then my wash rack was in the bright blinding sun. It was fine in winter but in the rest of the year it was like being in a tanning bed trying to wash a horse.
So I got one of those sun shade awning things at Lowe’s and put that up. It works great
I guess my point is without knowing w hey ere you are and what the weather is like there it’s kind of hard to say
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Is a roof needed? No.
Would it be nice to have a roof or shade sail overtop if you’re somewhere that gets hot and sunny in the summer? Yes.
Mine was outside uncovered in Florida, but surrounded by big oak trees and always shaded. My current boarding barn’s is outside and uncovered, in the beating sun. Perfectly fine, no one has had an issue. Last summer BO put up a shade sail of her own accord, which made it much nicer to use in the middle of the afternoon. But I’m so pale I say my skin is translucent, and the sun seems to kill me more than most other people.
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When I had my own place the wash rack was outside, and the last place I boarded had an outdoor wash rack. The current place I board has an outdoor and an indoor. I live in eastern NC where the heat and humidity get outrageous in the summer, and I had no issues using outdoor wash racks for many years with no roof. I usually ride early in the morning or late in the evening anyway to avoid the heat of the day, so I’m not standing out there in the blazing afternoon sun. Even so, I just turn the hose on myself now and then if I need to, lol.
But sure, a roof would be nice! I often thought that at my farm. Never acted on it, but definitely thought about it.
We have 3 wash stalls at my boarding facility; no roof and no one has ever even asked/suggested. Several boarders who ride in the evenings requested and got a good outdoor light. Depending on time of day each of the ends get some shade, but not the middle. Central Fla here and really dont care re the roof.
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That’s gorgeous.
Mine is un covered at the end of the barn, sorta south facing with decent tree cover. However…I wish it had a roof for the reliable shade and my bottles, shelves etc wouldn’t get baked by the sun and full of leaves, etc…
Mine is outdoors, no roof. Shade provided by being on the eastern end of the barn, under a huge elm tree, which results in at least partial shade at any time of day. Works fine in this climate (just came inside from using it, in fact).
I think the answer to this is some what going to depend on where you are.
I am in the Northern part of the country. My outdoor wash rack does not have a roof and I never even thought out putting one on it.
Now, I wish I had a fully indoor wash rack with heat for those times something needs rinsing during the winter months, but that is not ever going to happen.
@2tempe those are lovely wash stalls.
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I could see value in a roof if there’s ever a chance you’d be using it in less than ideal weather, say to cold hose a fat leg in November, in the rain.
Btdt.
