Are Your Curtains Ready for Winter?

Take a few minutes now to save hours of headache (or brain freeze!) when it gets cold.

When was the last time your barn curtains were closed? February? March? In BC, barn curtains are open most of the year. With our mild and humid climate, our focus is usually to maintain airflow to optimize production and cow health. But when those wicked winter storms come rolling off the North Pacific, it’s good to know that we can batten down the hatches.

Things to check before it gets cold:

1. Does your curtain roll up? Better to find out now that a shaft or gearbox is on its way out. If you are using a ventilation controller, run the curtain up and down to its end points to ensure adequate coverage of the opening.

2. Are they clean? Discoloration is one thing, but chunky dirt and grime affect the ability of the curtain to roll up and cause degradation of the fabric. In addition, clean curtains allow better light transmission, which Denis tells me increases production. 

3. Any rips or tears? These can be patched if caught soon enough, preventing a runaway tear that would necessitate total replacement.

   

4. Are straps and ropes tight? The fabric can degrade quickly when left flapping in high winds.

5. Winches tangle free and tensioned correctly? Ensure that cable tension is even between all winches when the curtain is at the halfway point.

6. While you’re at it, look at your exhaust fans and check that all louvres close completely when the fan is off.

To Summarize:

Curtain System Inspection

• Test curtain roll-up and listen for unusual noises.

• Inspect shafts and gearbox; lubricate if needed.

• Run curtain to end points to ensure full coverage.

Fabric and Fastener Checks

• Patch small tears promptly.

• Replace worn straps and ropes.

Winch and Cable Maintenance

• Check cable tension at halfway point.

• Ensure winches are tangle-free.

Ventilation Review

• Inspect exhaust fans and confirm louvres close fully.

If you notice anything that requires parts or a service technician’s attention, please reach out to our service line at

1-866-601-5532!