Building Coop, Roof Question...Inputs PLEASE!!!!

[definetlydeb]

GOOD MORNING ALL....Ok...so the DBF is working on building my coop for my flock of 6....we live in PA, right up close to the NY line....with that being said, winters are winters....EEK!!! Anyhoo...in building the coop, he has asked me about the roofing material....and was told by a friend to use the clear roof sheets...not sure of the name, but to my knowledge...looks like sheet of tin, but is light in color to let light in, (does that make sense, I know someone knows what i am trying to describe)...I am wondering, is that a good item to use??? I know in winter we need to increase light, would this be the trick to helping??? We live very close to a creek, and have lots of wildlife on our property, coyotes, hawks, deer, skunks...you name it, we have it here....so my concern is wondering if this will hold in winter....I have done a lot of blabbling here....so I am going to leave it to you all to give me your input.....we have installed vents which can be open in summer months, but due to costs, are not putting in actual windows with glass this year, we are doing the hardware cloth covered holes...so to speak, with closures....so I know they need light, would you recommend using the clear roofie things???? We are installing a fenced in run also...just sayin!!!! Thanks in advance for all your help!!!

 

[zookeeper15133]

Hi! The stuff is called Tuftex. You can get it in crystal clear, smoked, translucent or opaque. Translucent is much cheaper than clear or smoked. It is very smooth so the snow will slide off as long as your pitch is great enough, at least 4/12. What about summer, if you get the clear it will get very hot if your coop isn't shaded. I have a combination of clear and opaque on mine. Good luck!

 

[definetlydeb]

HI and THANKS....My Ladies coop will be planted under a nice huge shade tree, so I am not so concerned about the shading in summer...but that is great...I am thinkin' that is the way we will go....and see what summer brings as far as the coop getting to hot. Thanks so much for your input, I am very thankful and EXCITED!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!!

 

[PoultryPedia]

Money-saving tip: You can sometimes find used windows in the dumpster behind a store that sells glass and windows. These usually either have old wood frames, or are metal-framed storm windows. If those kind of windows would work for you, you could give a look. I've gotten a lot of free windows for coops that way.
If you think the situation would be such that you would need to ask the store owners' permission to take windows, I'd wait til you see a window you like in the dumpster & then ask--otherwise they might try to sell you a new window instead of keep a lookout for you for old ones. The dumpsters I've salvaged from have been located where it didn't feel discourteous to just help yourself. Happy dumpster diving!

 

[AlienChick]

And to add a note about the cost of windows . . .

not sure what your budget is, but we bought "screened basement windows" for $19 at Lowes.

To open, you gotta unlatch them and they slide out. They come with a bug screen, so all you'd need to do is attach your hw cloth to the frame.

This is how they look:

 

[chuckzoo]

My coop and run are also shade by a huge oak tree in the summer. I went with the clear and it provides much needed light during winter. Even though the leaves are off the tree is is still a little darker under the tree because of all the branches.

Do make sure you pitch it enough to get the leaves and snow off quickly.

Here is a pic;

 

[loubapache]

These "plastic" panels have different grades/quality/pricing.

The best and most expensive is polycarbonate. It usually comes in either clear or translucent. I do not know where you are but Menards have them on sale this week for $18 (2'x8' panel). I am picking up 12 of these (the clear ones) for my run in about an hour. My run is not in full sun plus we have long winters so I am going with clear.

The cheaper ones are made of either PVC or fiberglass.

If you are concerned about predators, you can staple some 2x4 welded wire onto the rafter/purlins first before putting the roof panels on.

 

[chuckzoo]

You also get a twin walled polycabonate sheet which I wish I had gone with. It is smooth on top, does not have the waves, but is completely flat. It is also extremely strong. Polygal is one of the manufactures.

Leaves snow etc would slide off much better. I am going to have to pitch mine higher because I am getting leaves trapped since I have it between two fences.

When you buy the polycarbonate sheets they also sell a self tapping screw that had a washer on it. Although these are a little more expensive they are easy to work with.

 

[geekgurl]

Definitely get the special screw with the neoprene washer for this type of roofing material. The neoprene washer seals that hole so no water will get into your coop.

Cheers,
Melissa

 

[definetlydeb]

AlienChick....Nice Coop....Chuckzoo...Yours is too!!! Well, thanks for all the input everybody!!! So much info...what to do....my main concern is having happy and safe birds...you all have given me lots to relay to the DBF, Thanks so much for your time and help, I trully do appreciate it!!!! Off to share with the DBF...see what he says!!!!