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Chimney Fan Ventilation Systems for Barns

For ranchers, cattle-raisers and others in the agrarian industry, the proper care of animals is not just a priority, but a matter of protecting their livelihood. Often, these precious animals are kept in barns that must be properly monitored for air flow and quality. Chimney ventilation systems are one method for addressing these very pertinent concerns.

  1. Needs for Ventilation

    • The primary need for ventilation in barns is to protect the health of animal occupants. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, animals, particularly cattle, emit moisture through a number of biological processes. These include basic growth as well as excrement. The latter lets off potentially harmful gases like ammonia that should be routed out of the barn by a properly functioning ventilation system. Chimney systems are particularly useful if air has to be routed out of the ceiling such as when several barns are adjacent to one another or if concrete walls have undesirable holes or ruptures.

    Features

    • A basic ventilation system should have three core components. The first channels fresh air and delivers it into the structure. The second removes the stale air. A third component then regulates the ratio of the previous two air-flows to provide an optimum environment. Chimney systems will often have ceiling inlets and discharge cones placed on the barn's roof. Other prominent features of installed chimney systems include dampers, fans for air-circulation as well as sealing materials. The sealant is placed around all necessary cones and inlets to secure them. In some cases, insulation may also be used. (see ref. 1 & 2)

    Providers and Costs

    • There are a number of agrarian technology companies that provide ventilation systems for barns and other related structures and environments. Gro-Master is one that specifically manufactures chimney-ventilation systems. You can find other producers such as FarmTek and EnviroTech that supply a variety of assemblies related to chimney systems in the United States. When considering costs, you need to gauge weather patterns in your area. If you have cold or extended winters, remember that a ventilation system kicks out the heat so your heat bill will certainly increase. Match these considerations with quotes obtained from the ventilation manufacturer to ensure the lowest, most efficient operating costs.

    Considerations

    • One of the problems with ventilation systems is that they must often be operated continually and they can produce a rather high noise level. Don't break any local or state laws pertaining to noise regulation. Routine upkeep of your chimney ventilation system should ensure that those noise levels are kept to a minimum. Additionally, remember that undesirable noise levels are not just a legal or neighbor issue, but one which may affect the health of your animals and workers as well.

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