Anyone use expanded PVC for coops?

[HenOnAJuneBug]

not sure how the edges would work if exposed to rain/snow-should probably be sealed or covered.

Depends on if it's open or closed cell foam. Open cell foam will absorb moisture; closed cell foam won't.

 

[aart]

Closed cell foam

Depends on if it's open or closed cell foam. Open cell foam will absorb moisture; closed cell foam won't.

Ehhh...some can if exposed to enough moisture frequently.
All products are different, best to keep edges covered.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Is expanded pvc the same as corrugated plastic? I'm working on a plan to fully enclose my run for winter. (Really forever then add bigger run in spring but don't tell the hubs).

I was wondering the same thing. If it is corrugated plastic, I don’t think it would work for long term without being replaced. But, I don’t remember it being that expensive either. I bought a couple of sheets of it when I had guinea pigs. Made them a large run/cage decorated with soft fleece. I have some left over pieces and think it would work well for a winter enclosure or temporarily in certain situations. But, I think chickens could peck through corrugated plastic. I don’t think it would make a solid enough coop though.

 

[aart]

Is expanded pvc the same as corrugated plastic? I'm working on a plan to fully enclose my run for winter. (Really forever then add bigger run in spring but don't tell the hubs).

Not the same thing.
Corrugated plastic might work good for winter wind breaks,
if you can get it in large enough sheets,
but not strong enough for snow loaded roof panels unless totally supported.

 

[GemmaA]

Great response, thanks!
Well, those websites are not always accurate or great with details.
$50 for a 1/2" x 4' x 8' sheet?
Expanded is probably the right(or close to it) term.
Closed cell foam, so not particularly absorptive, with a solid exterior exterior finish so waterproof. Probably not UV protected so hard to say how long it will last outside.
Would love to see really close up pic of a cut edge if possible.
They actually use this stuff on one pre-made coop I've seen, charge and arm and leg for it. Might work good for coop if you support it sufficiently, tho not sure how the edges would work if exposed to rain/snow-should probably be sealed or covered.

Yes, $50 for 1/2" x 4' x 8' (or 4 x 6; need to double check what we bought!)

I never considered how well it will hold up to UV. It is supposed to be suitable for outdoors but I've not been able to find anything so far about the effect of long term UV exposure. Going to have to keep looking!

I took some pics of the edges, both cut and uncut. Also the product sticker for one piece.

Uncut:

Cut:

Label on smaller piece:

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@GemmaA that looks almost like what they make decking out of. Like a poly wood? My husband and I thought that would be a great thing to make a coop out of. A little pricey though, but would surely would hold up and be easy to clean.

 

[aart]

I took some pics of the edges, both cut and uncut. Also the product sticker for one piece.

Great pics. Looks like the word is 'cellular' to distinguish it from solid PVC(Polyvinyl chloride).
You'd think it would be UV protected if it's meant for exterior use and that they'd label it such.<shrugs>Dunno.
Would love to see some of your reptile enclosures made from this stuff.

looks almost like what they make decking out of. Like a poly wood?

Nope, the plastic lumber is made from Polyethylene (usually HDPE).

 

[GemmaA]

This is the double stack enclosure my husbeast made. His first attempt at a double stack and using this cellular PVC material. There are things he plans to do differently on his second attempt, which will be the same height but with 3 enclosures. The doors/fronts are made with acrylic and is the most annoying part of the whole build! We need to suck it up and invest in specific acrylic cutting tools.

Without the acrylic, the build cost is about $200. I'll have to ask him how much he pays for the acrylic pieces. Not inexpensive but a huge savings over buying from a store, and these are big enclosures so our pets have lots of room.

This enclosure houses our adult jungle carpet pythons. The triple stack will house our 2 Merauke blue tongue skinks, and our venerable old lady ball python. All of the enclosures are set up to be bioactive.

 

[aart]

Cool, but ewww<shudder>...snakes give me the heebiejeebies, even pics of them.I Know most are harmless and I do find them fascinating(along with spiders) but<shudders>it is.

Yes, acrylic is tricky to cut/fasten.
Are the bottoms of each enclosure the PVC, with no other supporting structure/framing?
What does 'bioactive' mean....live plants?

 

[GemmaA]

Cool, but ewww<shudder>...snakes give me the heebiejeebies, even pics of them.I Know most are harmless and I do find them fascinating(along with spiders) but<shudders>it is.

Yes, acrylic is tricky to cut/fasten.
Are the bottoms of each enclosure the PVC, with no other supporting structure/framing?
What does 'bioactive' mean....live plants?

I understand! Reptiles are not for everyone. We do outreach at local schools to try and encourage children not to be afraid.

Yes, the main frame, including base, is made of the cellular PVC with no additional support. The top of each tank is press/peg board for ventilation.

Bioactive means plants and soil and insects that eat up waste. In a balanced bioactive tank, we don't need to do more than spot clean; the insects eat up the reptile poop and any other waste products. We just maintain humidity, water the plants, and make sure there's enough substrate for the insects to live in. Its a nifty system!