What kind of roofing?

We are getting ready to add the lean-to roof and we don't know what type to put on it. Our budget was blown weeks ago, so something cost effective is key. We are in Kentucky, where summers reach over 100 (plus high humidity) and we get our fair share of snow in the winter-- it's a 4x8 coop, but will obviously need an overhang. What do my fellow BYCers use? And what materials are needed? Right now, it has nothing- no rafters, no plywood... So it really is a blank canvas. Post pictures of you have them! Thanks!

Try the habitat for humanity restore. I get unopened bundles of shingles for $5 each. For a sq/ft it beats out all other roofing and siding options here. Even used stuff is difficult to come by for a better price.

I am the queen of re-cycling, from garden beds to patio brick, if I can get it used for free or very little that is the way I go. Not that I can't buy everything retail, I just like to see how cheaply I can make things for, so I can teach others how to get what they need without going broke.So here are my favorite haunts, go to habitat for humanity's re-sale store I bought left over roofing felt and roofing adhesive, nails, doors, windows (broken windows have good frames still), latches, paint and other materials for a fraction of the cost of retail. Really for the price of 1 item retail, I bought almost everything I needed for a project. Many items are new, donated from stores, great place. Then I check the discount bin at the big box hardware store, I bought vinyl roofing panels for $3 each because a couple of inches of the corners were broken. They were in the regular roofing area, I got a salesman and pointed out the damage and asked for a discount, they don't match, but it's a coop not my home.You can also post on freecycle in your area, people regularly give away extra building materials and you can post a wanted post too. It's all free, just need to pick it up. I also get pallets, they make great frames, are free and it is hardwood, just make sure the wood isn't treated or cedar, and of course put up plywood on the outside. Last but not least is Craigslist for used materials, great place for hardware cloth, fencing poles and lumber.

Yes recycling is the best because you are not only helping the planet, but you are saving money. Any type of roofing you can find in a junkyard, or a friend that might want to discard it will save you money and time as shingles are very easy to install and are very efficient.

The only problem I see with metal is it sweats and drips water. Plus it does rust. (I live at the coast, everything rusts)

I wonder about using a sheet of exterior grade sheeting like T111. And paint it. hang slightly higher on 1 side for drainage.

I do love to up cycle stuff, but my time is more valuable gold! So if you find something you like, go for it. Just remember not bring in any existing "issues", like mites ...

Your current structure looks like you have a pretty good handle on things. Nice structure. I can not believe how fast the cost adds up, ask me I know!

Good luck!

I used roofing panels from Home Depot. They are some sort of plastic. They had a couple different brands. Sorry but I can't post pictures right now.

Jucodeo said:

[COLOR=333333]CluckyInKY, I would recommend any type of side metal or shingles from a barn or shed to use,[/COLOR]
[COLOR=333333]On our newest roof extensions, I used the side metal from two garden sheds that I got for free. Works great, Easy to use, And it was free. Our other breeding pens have corrugated metal roofing I get damaged at Lowes for a deep discount with clear fiberglass corrogated roofing as skylights that i also pick up damaged at a deep discount.The cheapest way is to use any shingles lying around the house or buy some of the metal roofing at Lowes or any other construction store on sale and discount. Hope this helped![/COLOR]
[COLOR=333333]Justin [/COLOR]

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When you get damaged goods at Lowe's is there a special discount bin? Or do you ask a staff member? I've checked out our damaged bins- but no good finds yet.

Leigti said:

I used roofing panels from Home Depot. They are some sort of plastic. They had a couple different brands. Sorry but I can't post pictures right now.

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Did you use clear or no? Is it a corrugated material? Thanks so much for your help!

Jucodeo said:

Yes recycling is the best because you are not only helping the planet, but you are saving money. Any type of roofing you can find in a junkyard, or a friend that might want to discard it will save you money and time as shingles are very easy to install and are very efficient.

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A junk yard is a great idea! Thank you. I have checked our local carpenters salvage store, habitat for humanity, free cycle, and Craigslist- all with no luck. I have a job where I drive all over western ky & southern Indiana on a daily basis- so I've been looking everywhere! Chicken raising has really taken off in my area, so I'm sure others are trying the same thing.