sealing stable mats... gaffa tape experiment?!

[darksecret99]

I put my stable mats in a couple of weeks ago (making my like SO much easier!), all the joins are butted up really tight, and there are no visible gaps. BUT the wee is still managing to seep through somehow (and I am still using bedding) because there is wet underneath, which is leaking downhill out into the stable next door (making me rather unpopular!!!)...

I dont want to permanently seal the mats (cos I am at a livery yard, and want to be able to take them if I move)... do you think gaffa tapes along the joins would do the trick? Not sure if it will stand up to my horse's big feet or all the wee....

I guess theres only one way to find out though, so I will do an experiment this w/end... unless anyone else has already tried and failed?!

Its gonna STINK when I lift them!!!

 

[MagicMelon]

Did you put them in yourself or get the stable mat people to do it? If the latter then definately get them back as they shouldn't be doing that.

Otherwise, you could try the tape. Not sure if it would work to be honest, I think it'll just peel off when it gets wet. Couldn't you use that liquid rubber stuff and pour it along just the gap where it leaks (rather than sealing the whole lot)?

 

[*hic*]

I'd try bathroom sealant: lift one mat, run good bead of sealant along edge of mat left on ground. Put mat down. Actually, having worked out that that would be good I might have to try it on mine!

 

[custard]

Which way does your stable drain? For mats to work well the concrete floor needs to have a slight slope preferably to a drain or to the door so liquid can run out and be swilled over once a week or so. They also work well laid over a flat hardcore floor so the wee just soaks away into the ground.

If the floor is flat then unfortunately you either need to screed it with a slope (may not be an option as not your yard) or use more absorbent bedding to soak up the urine that would otherwise 'pool' underneath, this is what makes it smell so bad.

If it's running into your neighbour's box what is the partition made of? If it is brick or breeze block you could consider re pointing the join between the stables thus sealing the gap but I don't think sealing the mats themselves will actually help, sorry

 

[elles]

When the guy dropped our mats off he suggested that we seal with gutter sealant. It never really dries so bedding does stick to it, but it seemed to work well!

 

[darksecret99]

The floor does have a slope, but it slopes towards the front corner, where the partition does not quite reach the floor... allowing wee to seep next door! I'm using easibed, which is supposed to be super absorbant.... but i guess no bedding will absorb all the wee instantly, so theres always the chance of some getting through...

Ok... well Plan A: gaffa tape - dissolves in horse wee (didnt even last 1 night)!!

Plan B: silicone sealant - peeled off the top where it had squeeged out, but fingers crossed its doing the job between the mats! I will keep you posted!

A strong adhesive or gutter sealent will be plan C!

If anyone else tries the silicone sealent, be warned, silicone on the bottom of your wellies makes them very slippery!!!

 

[Tia]

Ahh your stables sound like they were never designed properly, to be honest.

The floor should slope away from the front of the stable to the back and there should be a drain there to take away the excess liquid. Rubber mats are supposed to allow the wee to go underneath and then drain away. I guess the only way you are really going to sort out this problem to a certain degree, is to put loads of bedding down.....which sorta defeats the object of having rubber matting

.

Good luck though.