Putting windows in a run-in shed

[RhythmNCruise]

I have a three-sided 12X12 run-in shed that basically looks like this

It’s been used for hay storage, so it’s been left as-is with a temporary wooden “floor” and a tarp secured over the front to keep hay nice and dry.

At the first of the year, the run-in, my horse, and I will be relocating and the run-in will be his main shelter. I don’t worry about the cold that much where I am (eastern NC), but the heat and humidity are awful in the summer and my guy suffers from anihidrosis when it gets brutal. He needs a place with shade and good ventilation (and optimally a fan, which I will work on as well).

I would like to put decent-sized windows at least in the back of this shed, and I’ve even thought about putting one on each end of it. Would that be too many? I want to make it as cool as possible, but I don’t want to invite more sun in either. The windows would have shutters that could be closed during the wind/rain when needed.

I’d like opinions on where would be best to locate the windows and how big and how many.

Thoughts?

[CHT]

When you say window. are you really meaning an opening, or do you mean a glass window?

Taking a board out along the top 1/4 might be enough to increase ventilation without being too complicated. (if the planks are horizontal). Another idea might be to create a simple windbreak elsewhere like most cattle farms have. That way he still has the solid shelter for wind and to escape bugs.

[Bluey]

@RhythmNCruise

I have a three-sided 12X12 run-in shed that basically looks like this

It’s been used for hay storage, so it’s been left as-is with a temporary wooden “floor” and a tarp secured over the front to keep hay nice and dry.

At the first of the year, the run-in, my horse, and I will be relocating and the run-in will be his main shelter. I don’t worry about the cold that much where I am (eastern NC), but the heat and humidity are awful in the summer and my guy suffers from anihidrosis when it gets brutal. He needs a place with shade and good ventilation (and optimally a fan, which I will work on as well).

I would like to put decent-sized windows at least in the back of this shed, and I’ve even thought about putting one on each end of it. Would that be too many? I want to make it as cool as possible, but I don’t want to invite more sun in either. The windows would have shutters that could be closed during the wind/rain when needed.

I’d like opinions on where would be best to locate the windows and how big and how many.

Thoughts?

We have a three sided cattle working shed and it has a window cut in the back for airflow, especially when we are branding, so the smoke goes out the window.
We just cut an opening, framed that same siding that came off the hole and added two hinges on top.
We open it and prop it open when we want air in there, a real window not needed.
Since it opens up, it shades the opening from sun and rain and snow.

Maybe you could do something like that yourself?

[SusanO]

I don’t know which direction the shed faces but I would not put a window on the south side. Likewise on the western side unless the angle of the shed shades it from afternoon sun. I would also consider which direction the prevailing breezes blow to take advantage of any air flow during the summer months. I think you need to consider these things before making a decision on location of windows and how many.

[ASB_Stars]

My sheds are sitting with their closed back to the North. I cut windows on the right and left (east/west). I trimmed them so that they wouldn’t get shewed, etc. and I made window covers (plywood) to go over them in the late Fall and winter. I screw those in, and it works just fine. I did make the covers larger than the opening, to try and keep the wind out.

[RhythmNCruise]

All good stuff, guys. Thanks.

Yes, I mean openings, not actual windows.
I had thought of the idea of having a hinge up top and the ability to prop it open. That could provide airflow and also act as a little awning to keep rain out if it’s hot and rainy (which it frequently is).

My thought is to keep the back facing north so that in winter there is protection from the northerly wind, but it’d be nice to have an opening there as well to allow that refreshing northerly breeze to blow through when it graces us with its presence during the hotter months.

I like the idea of windows on all three sides…fix them with the hinge on top and a prop that holds them up/open. Then I can easly close them if needed.

Hmmmm…yeesss…it’s all becoming so clear now…LOL.

[Bluey]

When we were finishing the barn, we had some material left over.
Some polycarbonate sheet ends, metal and trim.
We used it to add two windows for the wash room.
They are home made ones, hung on top and fastens with a bolt on the frames, or stay open with a little bent rebar that fits in the holes, just took the pictures:

[wsmoak]

My run-in is 12x24 and has a window on each side. The way it’s constructed we just cut inside the 2x4’s and it works. I did not make covers, it just stays open all year (middle GA so no extreme weather)

210501_8406 by Wendy, on Flickr

[Weezer]

It’s a good idea to set up windows so you have a cross breeze. For our area, east and west windows are best. We have a bit of an overhang off the sides so not much rain gets in. To close the windows, we just set up a track with pieces of wood and slide plexiglass across. Yes, some sun gets in but most of the shed remains shaded and the breeze is good. I basically never close the windows until winter. I also have two fans set up on a timer and my senior horses spend most of the day in there during the summer. The fans run at night too to keep the mosquitoes out.

[CHT]

With the propped up windows…you know that one day when you are late for something, you are going to show up and your horse is going to have managed to put his head in the window and the prop will have let go and it will trap his head. So make sure how ever you hold the door up, it is horse proof, and not going to close like a trap.

[Djones]

The propped open windows would be safer as windows that were like Dutch door tops…so they lie flat against the building when secured open or are swung shut. Otherwise I envision staples on the top the poll where a horse was grazing behind the shed then blammo.

[RhythmNCruise]

Good points being made about the propped-up windows.

[Weezer]

These are my simple plexiglass windows. This one is partially closed so you can see how it works. It just slides between two boards, with a nail on both ends of the opening to stop the window. Nails are behind boards so horses don’t snag them - although the windows are high enough that the horses don’t tend to reach for them. They’ve worked perfectly for the 11 years we’ve been here.

[Lucky_s_mom]

I have a three side run in for two horses year round. I live in northern Vermont. Run in is open to the northeast. I put three “windows” (open holes) in the long back side which faces southwest. Our weather usually comes from the northwest. The “windows” are each covered with two “doors” each made of wood, opening outward, and which have the ability to be fastened open with hooks outside. I leave them open 24/7 in summer and mostly closed in the worst part of the winter. They close with handles and join together tightly and stay shut. I close them to block winter wind. If it’s sunny and still, no matter how cold, I open them to bring in fresh air and sunshine. My carpenter thought I was nuts, but I love it and so do the horses. Totally recommend.

[Texarkana]

We built a 24’x10’ shed divided into 2 stalls at one farm we rented.

My husband cut very simple windows into the back (north side). He just framed it out with 2x4s, put the siding he cut out on a frame, and installed it on hinges.