01-30-06 Special Called City Council Retreat Meeting of La Porte City Council

Browse Search

adjoining runs. A variation of the concrete -block approach is to cover the surface of the • demising wall with ceramic tile. This technique combines the durability of a concrete wall with a dressier finish. To ensure a well -finished look, trim and bullnose pieces should be used at all comers, top edges, and the base of the wall. Another way to use ceramic tile on a concrete -block substrate is to use glazed concrete block, in which a heavy ceramic glazing is integrally attached to an ordinary concrete block through a sophisticated firing process. Although expensive, the finished product is quite durable and easy to clean. Glass block also works well in run enclosures to create a more friendly environment. Cleaning characteristics are similar to glazed block. Modular Runs - Generally, modular runs consist of an aluminum or stainless -steel frame with solid in -fill or cage "rod" in -fill panels. The metal frame and in -fill system usually looks nicer than a concrete -block run. The panels can vary in color and configuration to provide visual variety. The system easily combines with raised -flooring systems to keep dogs off the run floor. Care must be taken during installation to seal hidden surfaces. Panelized Kennel Fencing - One of the oldest and most -effective methods, the panelized fencing system, combines a smooth chain link with a galvanized metal frame that is smaller than that commonly found in chain -link cyclone fencing. Unlike typical chain link, the fabric of the panelized system doesn't have any burrs, because the material is electro-galvanized, not hot -dipped. Furthermore, dogs can't climb it as easily as chain link, because the gauge, or thickness, of the wire is smaller and the spacing of • the mesh tighter. Finally, the fabric is laced to the framework more tightly than chain link and is flush -welded without hub connections, which prevents dogs from getting caught on the edges. Fencing can be more difficult to clean than solid walls. Drainage systems The most contentious aspect of constructing a dog run is likely to be the drainage system. An effective system makes the runs easy to clean, using minimum staff time and effort. Possibilities include: Single Drains in Each Run - This is the simplest solution and, in shelters with fewer than a dozen runs, is often the least expensive. Generally, you set the drain in the center of the run at the back and slope the floor a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot to the drain. Unless you're using a raised -flooring system, consider installing grates or covers over the drains to keep dogs from stepping into them. This specification requires that your staff pick up any solid waste before washing down the run. A Trench Drain Behind the Run - One of the more recent innovations locates the two - foot wide trench drain, equipped with a flushing floor drain, behind the runs. All runs drain into this trench. For cleaning, your staff accesses the trench through the end runs in the bank of cages. Generally, no more than ten runs should face on a trench. 40 The flushing floor drain in the trench presents a unique advantage. A small water line is stubbed into the floor drain. When solid wastes need to be washed down the drain, you simply open a valve. Although the floor drain can be expensive, it is an 3