|
|
 |
The installation of the SoftStallTM system is quite simple. You don't have to be a "Bob Villa" to complete the installation successfully. Depending on your current stall condition, some preparation to your stall may be required before the installation begins.
Stall Preparation: The two requirements that are essential for the successful installation of SoftStallTM are:
|
(i)
The Stall Floor Must Be Level.
It does not matter what existing flooring in your stall is. SoftStallTM will work on anything as long as it is firma nd level. Wether it be concrete, asphalt, wood, A-gravel, screenings, clay, or dirt, the stall floor must be level.
If your existing stall floor base is A-gravel, screenings, clay, or dirt, the optimum situation is to level your stall floor 1 3/4'' below the barn isle way level. This will enable the SoftStallTM flooring system to be level with your barn isle way.
In instances where there is a a fixed base stall floor that is level with the barn isle way, a 2'' step up will be created at the stall entrance, this is of no consequence to the SoftStallTM flooring system or the horse.
(ii)
The Stall Walls Must Be Able To Accept Screws That Fasten The Top Cover.
Some stalls have old stone/cement walls that are not even. The solution is to secure a wooden strapping to this type of wall, (preferably a 2''x4'' starting at 3'' above the existing floor of the stall). This will allow the screws to secure the top cover firmly to the walls. Most Stalls have wood walls, this is ideal but make sure any rotten or broken wood is replaced before the installation. Once again, to secure the seamless, impermeable top cover correctly it has to be done so to the walls of the stall.
Stall Entrance:
As mentioned before, the SoftStallTM top cover must be secured to all sides of the stall, this includes the stall entrance. Most stalls have a 4ft. entrance and stall doors either swing or slide open. What is required here is that a 2''x2'' piece of wood be secured at the opening of the stall entrance. This will allow the top cover to be secured to it.
The ideal situation is to have the 2''x2'' piece of wood positioned so top of it is 1 3/4'' below the barn isle way. This will ensure that the SoftStallTM flooring system will be level with your barn isle way. In cases where concrete or asphalt are the stall base and are level with the barn isle way the 2''x 2'' piece of wood will have to be fastened on top of the existing base. This will create a 2'' step up into the stall, which is of no consequence to the SoftStallTM system or the horse.
Note: where concrete is involved you may need to fasten the 2'' x 2'' piece of wood with tapcon concrete screws. Where possible you can fasten the 2'' x 2'' to the posts of the stall if they are wood using either wood screws "toe-nailed" or an angle bracket.
Placing The SoftStallTM Mattresses:
The SoftStallTM Mattresses come in a 4' x 6' size. The wall-to-wall dimensions of your stall will determine how many mattresses you will require and what size they will be.
For instance, (see diag. below) a 12' x 12' stall will use 6 (4' x 6') mattresses, a 10' x 12' stall will use 5 (4' x 6') mattresses as will a 10' x 10' stall. Some individuals may prefer the mattresses to be tightly compressed to offer even more cushioning. This is an option and the customer will be required to purchase extra mattresses to do so.
It does not matter which way the mattresses are laid out, as long as they are flat and touch all four sides of the stall. In many instances a mattress or mattresses may need to be trimmed to fit your stall configuration. This also is a simple process. The SoftStallTM mattresses are sewn together in cells. To adjust the size of the mattresses all you need to do is cut the cell along the middle, (not along the stitching). Once you have cut along the length of the cell, open it and place the rubber pieces into a bucket. Next but the loose material on the opposite end and discard.
The loose rubber pieces you have collected can be spread over any areas you feel may be lower or apply them at the stall entrance for added support.
Securing the SoftStallTM Top Cover:
In most instances the seamless top cover will have been pre-cut for you. If this is not the case you can easily cut it yourself. Be sure or your wall-to-wall stall measurements. The SoftStallTM top cover comes in 13'3'' width roll yet any length is possible. You should allow for a minimum 6'' overlap on all sides of the stall wall. Even though the top cover attaches only 1 1/2'' up the stall wall. The excess will allow you for greater ease in fastening the seamless top cover to the stall walls.
Enter your stall with the top over rolled up. Unroll the top cover once in the stall and square it up by pulling or kicking it into position. (Note: The coated or rubber side ot the cover should face up.) Once squared up and in position walk around the perimeter of the stall stamping the top cover down with your foot to the edges of the stall.
Now you are ready to fasten the top cover to the walls of your stall and the floor of the stall entrance. This will be done with the supplied plastic strips. You will need screws that will suit your current stall condition, a drill and the appropriate screw bit, and an exacto blade to cut off the excess cover.
Starting in one corner of the stall, position the plastic strip against the top cover, on a slight angle where the top cover meets the wall. Drill a screw through the plastic strip until firmly secured to the stall wall. Moving in the same direction repeat the above placing a screw approximately every 4''- 6''. The Plastic strips are 8 feet in length. Wehn you need a piece that is shorter, measure your distance and score the plastic strip 2 to 3 times with the cutting blade at the distance desired, next bend the plastic strip and it will snap where you scored it.
Continue drilling the screws into the plastic strip moving in the same direction. When you come to a corner push the top cover and fold over, apply plastic strip in the usual fasion and drill in another screw.
Leave the stall entrance for last. Continue with all walled sides of the stall, you will notice that the top cover will begin to tighten on its own as you continue securing the plastic strips on the wall. Once the walls are done, the only area left is the stall entrance. The top cover will be turned up against the stall entrance post. Take your sharp cutting blade and using the stall entrance post as your guide, cut the top cover until you reach the 2'' x 2'' strap that you secured at the stall entrance. Repeat on the other side now once again secure the top cover by placing the plastic strip on top and drill in screws to the wooden strap.
Note: Not all inside walls are perfectly smooth or square, if a post of water pipe juts out from the wall treat the cover at this point in the same manner, as you would treat the top cover at the stall entrance. Cut the top cover on either side fo the obstruction and secure with the plastic stips. (This process will avoid wrinkling or twisting of the top cover and make for a nicer finish.)
Good, you have come this far! All you have left to di is trim the excess to cover. Once again you need a very sharp cutting blade. Apply pressure and cut along the top of the plastic strip all the way around the stall. (Note: Whenever you use a sharp cutting blade, use extreme caution to avoid personal injury. Do not leave cutting blade open and unattended at any time. This could result in personal injury or damage to the top cover.)
Congratulations! Now you have SoftStallTM the ultimate in stall florring for your horse and your convenience.
Should you experience any difficulties during installation or have any questions with regards to the installation, please contact customer service toll free at 866-333-7638.
Please Refer to the SoftStallTM video for the installation segment to visualize the process outlined above.
|
