I've got an existing run, about 4' wide and 5' long. I'd like to expand the run and add a roof. The catch? I'd like to leave the existing run in place if possible. The second catch? I'm lazy and really don't want to dig post holes. The current run sits on the ground and is attached to the coop at the top and bottom. I'm sure I'm over thinking this, but here are the constraints:
Here's the current run. You can see it isn't very sturdy. You can also see my shower curtain and PVC pipe roof that currently graces it. (In its defence, it has held up for two winters).
I want to expand the current run about 3' forward (where the pavers in front are currently) and add a corrugated plastic or metal roof. The final size of the run will be 5' wide and 7.5' deep. This will bring it even with edge of the shed next to it and will make the roof exactly 8' long so I shouldn't have to cut anything.
Here's my current plan:
Does this seem like this will work? As you can tell, I have no building knowledge. Is there a better way?
- I want to leave the existing run in place
- I have a 2' easement between the run and the property line (chain link fence) that the coop / run is currently sitting on, so I can't go much further back
- I really, really don't want to dig holes for posts
- We get snow and occasional high winds
Here's the current run. You can see it isn't very sturdy. You can also see my shower curtain and PVC pipe roof that currently graces it. (In its defence, it has held up for two winters).
I want to expand the current run about 3' forward (where the pavers in front are currently) and add a corrugated plastic or metal roof. The final size of the run will be 5' wide and 7.5' deep. This will bring it even with edge of the shed next to it and will make the roof exactly 8' long so I shouldn't have to cut anything.
Here's my current plan:
- The new roof will be 6' tall and slope to 4'(the height of the current run).
- build a run (3'x5') out of 2x4s that looks pretty much like the other one and put it in front. The door will stay where it is (connected to the coop) but will be 90 degrees off
- .
- use 2x6s for rafters since they can span 8' without supports and use 2x4s for purlins
- add some more 2x4s to the back of the current run so it can support the rafters.
- use ground ties to keep the whole thing from blowing away
Does this seem like this will work? As you can tell, I have no building knowledge. Is there a better way?