Condensation on inside of coop roof - first winter in CA

[Howard E]

Apparently, I missed the part about the first roof being metal. This one being polycarb plastic. FWIW, when I built my Woods coop, the front part.....the scratch shed......is covered with the same type of plastic roofing. I used opaque to let in defused sunlight, but not clear so it would not get too hot in the summer.

On most mornings when there is dew or frost, both sides will be wet. Inside not nearly as bad as the outside, BUT, this is directly above the wide open scratch shed where it really doesn't matter. Part above the birds is plywood roof decking, and is almost always dry.......regardless of conditions. No condensation there.

Point being I think poly behaves much like metal does. But you do not insulate under poly like you would metal. I think it would be good for runs or something like how I did it, not sure about using it as the roof covering for most houses. And jury is still out on longevity. Warranty says one thing, but warranties for these type uses are mostly worthless. Real world experience is what will matter most.

 

[~KH~]

I just went out this morning to see the condensation level, and the inside/underneath is dry while the top has condensation.

I'll have to keep an eye on how the polycarb performs - I ended up using it because I needed something that was not too expensive, and would also not be a reflective eyesore to the neighbors behind us (they have a 2 story house - and although these lots are larger comparatively for where we're at, they're tiny compared to where I'm from and so having something that was nice to look at was important). I also didn't think the weather conditions here necessitated overbuilding the roof (moderate weather with little wind most of the time).

 

[Ridgerunner]

Mary and Howard - I guess I'll see how often we end up with that much humidity and fog this winter and then decide if insulation is warranted.

I think this is the right approach. Around here it is seasonal, spring is a lot worse than any other time of the year. You can spend money and something often more valuable, time and effort, fixing something that just isn't a problem.

My test would be smell. If it smells you have a problem and need to fix it. If it doesn't smell, what's the real problem?

Howard, I think you are right. Metal and plastic are good heat conductors, wood is a good heat insulator. Metal and hard plastic cool off easily, wood not nearly as quickly. So metal and plastic are going to be much worse about condensation than wood.

 

[peeper89]

You just need a little more ventilation

this good idea!