Loafing Shed Build: Day One and Two

[EddieWalker]

What is a "rat guard"?

 

[alexsbuddy]

What is a "rat guard"?

Rat guard serves two purposes; provides a shelf for the bottom edge of the metal siding to sit on and keeps pests from entering. I use it as a shelf for the siding. Here is a close-up picture:

 

[alexsbuddy]

Thank you for the pics and details - this thread is an excellent "how to build a loafing shed" how to guide!

Thank you. Originally started the thread so I could refer back to it later....will be building another one later this year. First time building one and have learned a lot. When I finish I will post a copy of the material list and notes. Hope it will help others.

 

[arizona98tj]

Still enjoying your comments and photos. Thanks for taking the time to provide them. It is appreciated.

 

[EddieWalker]

Rat guard serves two purposes; provides a shelf for the bottom edge of the metal siding to sit on and keeps pests from entering. I use it as a shelf for the siding. Here is a close-up picture:View attachment 589112

Thank you. All of my experience with metal has been doing roofs. I've never installed it on a wall before.

 

[Fastowl]

No horses, just cattle. However, I will be installing 2x12 pressure treated boards horizontally along all three walls on the inside to keep them off the wainscott. I raise American Aberdeens and they are a very gentle breed and easy on the facilities. Having said that, I still build things fairly stout....really don't want to have to do it a second time.

Question: Are you concerned about pressure treated boards in there when you might have stock that chew on things? The boards are under cover and not in ground contact so not sure of the necessity of the pressure treated wood.

 

[alexsbuddy]

I guess I hadn't really thought about that, however, most farm buildings in my area are built using pressure treated wood for the posts, wainscotting, and exposed facias. All of these components will either be exposed to weather or are in direct ground contact. I did use pressure treated for the ridge beam as it makes for a stronger beam and will be less susceptible to drying out and becoming brittle. The girts, purlins, rafters, and rafters joists are all non-treated wood.

I am not concerned about livestock chewing on the wood, but must admit, I should research this further.

 

[goeduck]

Lots of good looking sheds !!!!

 

[EddieWalker]

Question: Are you concerned about pressure treated boards in there when you might have stock that chew on things? The boards are under cover and not in ground contact so not sure of the necessity of the pressure treated wood.

Modern treated wood doesn't have the arsenic in it that the old style used to. The reasoning to going to the zinc based treating method was to make it safe to animals, and if burned, not to contaminate the soil. Of course, if I remember correctly, it would take several tons of wood to leave a measurable amount of arsenic behind after burning it all in one pile.

 

[alexsbuddy]

Modern treated wood doesn't have the arsenic in it that the old style used to. The reasoning to going to the zinc based treating method was to make it safe to animals, and if burned, not to contaminate the soil. Of course, if I remember correctly, it would take several tons of wood to leave a measurable amount of arsenic behind after burning it all in one pile.

Thanks for the info. I thought I had read that somewhere.