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 tape 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!!!

 

[Chex]

Hmmm, not sure if it would last once it got wet, no idea really! I had the same problem, but I sealed round the stable with that foam stiff to keep it all contained and just had to lift them and disenfect the stable every now again - not a nice job

 

[PapaFrita]

Perhaps you could try that rubbery, flexible sealant you can get to put around car windscreens. I'm sure when it came to separating the mats you could quite easily, or at least slice through the sealant easily with something like a stanley knife.

 

[suestowford]

[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps you could try that rubbery, flexible sealant you can get to put around car windscreens.

[/ QUOTE ]

I did try this on mine, after I had had the same problems as OP. Unfortunately once the mats have been wee'd on, the surface isn't as pristine as when they are new and I suspect that is why I had such problems sealing the mats. I gave up in the end and just settled for lifting them & washing underneath every so often.

 

[Imonone]

I dont think the tape would work. Can you not swap stables with your downhill neighbour.

In our experience the wee always gets under the mats, even with v.absorbent bedding.

 

[darksecret99]

Hmm... all the stables are on a slope, so unless I swap with the person on the end, I would have the same problem... and she has the biggest stable at present, so I dont think she would want to swap!!

I might be able to seal the gap between the two stables instead so it doesnt leak out.... might still give the gaffa tape a try though (it used to hold my old car together, so it might work!!)...

I can always buy the neighbours a bale of bedding or two as a peace offering if my experiments dont go to plan!!