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

[loubapache]

Quote:
These special screws are very nice. I just bought the panels and screws from Menards. The manufacturer is Amerilux.

http://www.ameriluxinternational.com/polyCorrugated.htm

Normally you need to pre-drill the hole slightly large than the screw so the panel can move a little for thermal expansion and contraction. The special screws I bought have a special feature, i.e., when screwed in, the top part enlarge the hole a little so no pre-drilling is required.

 

[definetlydeb]

Thanks....I have never heard of Menards??? We live in the middle of nowhere....closest Lowes is 45min....hmmmm, I need to find if there is one close.....HMMMMMMM...Thanks again!!!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I would strongly suggest you NOT do that.

First, because it will be WAAAY too hot in summertime, and chickens are not all that heat-tolerant.

Second, because you will need to INSULATE it in wintertime to avoid condensation->humidity->frostbite, and once insulation is on then you obviously aren't getting much light through it

And third, because metal roofing is significantly cheaper and more durable.

I know in winter we need to increase light

You want your transparent or translucent panels in the WALLS (e.g. windows) not in the roof.

.we have installed vents which can be open in summer months

If you have only small vents, you will have overheating problems in summer; and if you close your vents in the winter, you're likely to have big frostbite problems. You need GOOD ventilation YEAR ROUND. Good meaning NOT involving 6x12" vents or those little round holesaw-type soffit vents -- you want great big ol' openings, the winter-type ones ideally being atop the usually-downwind walls but you'll need much more than that for summertime. You might take a look at my ventilation page (link in .sig below) for some more on this topic.

of course obviously there ARE people who shut their chickens up tight all winter, but notice that they mysteriously tend to have frostbite problems EVEN THOUGH they dangerously run heat lamps in the coop all winter...

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????

You can use the clear roofing panels FOR window covers, you know! (Framed in wood, with the corrugation gaps blocked with filler strips)

But honestly, hardware cloth covered "holes" (assuming you mean real big holes, like 4 feet by four feet or whatever) are all you really need for windows, with some sort of preferably-transparent closure panel hinged onto them. Fancy house-style double-hung windows are nice I guess but certainly not necessary and actually having a hinged panel over a 'hole' has some ADVANTAGES b/c it can open all the way in summertime as opposed to house type windows mostly only open half.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​