Important Points in Building Silos 



It is a common mistake in building silos to construct 

 them without sufficient depth of foundation. In northern 

 states the frost line may be five feet from the surface, and 

 unless the wall is put down to this depth, the structure is 

 apt to be thrown out of plumb and possibly ruined at the 

 breaking up of winter. 



The weight of the silo walls makes little difference, but 

 the damage is most serious where cement or brick has 

 been used. Even with wooden frames there is no reason 

 why the foundation should not be five feet or more in 

 depth. The silo itself may be dug to any reasonable 

 depth in the ground, so far as preservation of fodder is 

 concerned. There is no material damage from water set- 

 tling at the bottom, most of the liquid being held in the 

 silage. This is merely a question of convenience, and it 

 would seem wise to make the cavity as low as it is neces- 

 sary to put the walls — that is, three to five feet. 



Farmers are turning from wooden silos to those of 

 cement and brick, in order to gain security, many of the 

 lighter structures having been destroyed by wind. They 

 do not gain security, however, unless the foundation is 

 right, and as the average cost is higher with cement or 

 brick, it seems like a foolish risk to have any but the most 

 durable work. 



In nearly every case where silo walls are seen to be 

 cracked or out of plumb, it will be found the trouble 

 started with a poor foundation. The necessity of making 

 repairs in a new silo is not only aggravating but it is 

 expensive, if thoroughly done. 



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