There’s no denying that barns and outdoor storage sheds for related equipment to manage your animals or land can get mighty dirty over time. And that may not take as much time as you might think, depending on where the structure is placed, the region it’s kept, the materials it’s crafted of, and what type of animals are retained there.
The needs of every barn are different, and that’s what makes getting a professional opinion about pressure washing barns so essential. There are additional interior and exterior cleaning protocols to get the job done properly and create a safe livestock environment. We’ll talk about some of these considerations and more in this short post.
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What You Need To Know About Cleaning Inside Barns
Whether you have a barn for dairy cattle, goats, horses, or other livestock, routine cleaning is necessary to meet specific standards, particularly if the animals are intended for breeding or food production. Because animals can harbor and spread illnesses and require a clean environment, professional pressure washing can be an effective solution when performed properly.
Whether doing a self-cleaning or a pro is hired, it’s essential to start from the top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, follow up with any gate bars and then proceed to clean feeding areas, water dispensers, and any incoming lines. The final step to cleaning the inside of a barn is to wash the floor to remove all organic matter.
Barn Disinfection With Pressure Washing
Once the interiors are completely cleared of debris, it is essential to proceed with thorough disinfection right away for optimal results. Dampness assists the disinfectant solutions with even distribution that takes advantage of the low microbial counts at the time.
A basic power washing can remove some pathogens, but depending on the animals or contents within a barn, the best disinfectant can vary. It’s also pertinent to dry the barn thoroughly and to keep the area well ventilated to eradicate any potentially harmful inhalants and stagnant water that can resource pathogens.
Pressure Washing Outside the Barn
In typical situations, an outdoor barn washing will start from the roof, proceed to the gutters, continue to the siding of surrounding installations outdoors. Cleaning the materials outside the barn help remove dirt and other buildups that can source stains and potentially diseases and other pathogens. How often one needs to clean a barn depends on environmental factors, the type of livestock present, and the materials employed during construction.
Common types of barn siding material include:
Metal: Industrial strength aluminum and other types of sheet metals.
Board and Batten: Commonly used for barns, board and batten can be crafted of fiber cement like Hardie plank and pest-resistant woods such as cedar and pine. These are low maintenance materials that can last for decades and clean easily with pressure washing.
Vinyl Siding: Vinyl is easy to keep clean with pressure washing and maintain their hues indefinitely. This material can last for years and doesn’t harbor pests and bacteria.
Professional pressure washing companies like Squeegee Squad know the best way to clean barns, what chemicals to use and how to safely get the task completed without any damage to the structure.
Additional Areas to Clean In and Around The Barn
If any gutters surround the barn, they must be cleaned routinely to keep the siding and foundation protected from water damage. Seasonal gutter cleaning or bi-annual cleanings are advised in most cases. Cleanings are an excellent time to clean windows and double-check them for any leaks, breaks, or potential compromises. Squeegee Squad pros have the tools and experience to handle these routine tasks, including window cleaning.
Find a Location Near You For Expert Barn Cleaning
Inside and out, barns need a routine cleaning, and there is a location near you to help with these periodic projects to keep your livestock and structures safe for occupancy. Don’t forget to ask about our window and gutter cleaning services when scheduling a free consultation.
Schedule Your Pressure Washing Appointment Today!