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Bi-Fold Doors Turn Horse Barn Into Arena
Charles Longo built a horse barn that converts into an open-sided arena, by installing large bi-fold doors on three walls. The Maryland horse owner's 40,000 sq. ft. building has four 60-ft. doors and two 30-ft. doors built by Schweiss Bi-fold Doors.
Longo says it's like having two buildings in one. Since the do
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Bi-Fold Doors Turn Horse Barn Into Arena LIVESTOCK Horses/Mules 31-6-3 Charles Longo built a horse barn that converts into an open-sided arena, by installing large bi-fold doors on three walls. The Maryland horse owner's 40,000 sq. ft. building has four 60-ft. doors and two 30-ft. doors built by Schweiss Bi-fold Doors.
Longo says it's like having two buildings in one. Since the doors operate individually and can be stopped anywhere, they can be adjusted to any height according to the weather and time of day. The doors fold up and outward, creating a protected overhang for spectators or riders waiting their turn in the arena.
The doors are insulated since he uses the facility year round. Schweiss custom-builds doors to meet customers needs, explains Dick Hagen, who handles Schweiss' public relations. Besides insulation, doors can include windows of all shapes or walk-through doors.
"The doors use any kind of skin (siding material) the customer wants - steel, redwood siding, even stucco," Hagen explains. "Typically the local contractor puts it on but Schweiss will do it, too."
Schweiss doors are also raised differently than other bi-folds. Instead of mechanical cables, Schweiss developed and patented a Lift-Strap system, using nylon web with 29,000 lbs. tensile strength that wraps on a take-up spindle operated by an electric motor.
"The system is quiet, strong, durable and doesn't rust," Hagen says. "Sliding doors get worn on the bottom and soon they're hard to push open. Or in winter, freezing ice and snow can lock them shut. Bi-folds open up, so weather never bothers them."
An auto latch system and weather boot on the bottom keeps the doors snug to the building for weatherproofing and security. Doors also have hand cranks in case the electricity goes out.
Mike Schweiss, owner of the company, liked the Maryland horse barn design so well that he is building a horse arena for his daughters and their horses, which will also be used to show customers how bi-fold doors can transform a horse barn into an arena.
Costs for bi-fold doors vary according to options, but are about $110 to $130/linear ft., including installation. The Lift Strap System has a 7-year warranty.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Schweiss Bi-Fold Doors, P.O. Box 220, Fairfax, Minnesota 55332 (ph 800 746-8273; schweiss@bifold.com; www.bifold.com).
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