Coop Insulation--fiberglass R13 roll vs 4x8 Insulated Sheathing

[garyat1965]

We want to insulate our 8x12 coop for the Michigan winter and are having a debate as to which type of insulation to use--fiberglass R13 roll or 4x8 insulated sheathing.

The big question is: has anyone experienced a problem with mites getting into fiberglass insulation? The fiberglass R13 would fit nicely between the studs while the 4x8 sheet would require cutting to fit, and wouldn't fill up the wall cavity like the fiberglass would, as the fiberglass is 31/2"thick.

For those of you who have the standard fiberglass insulation in your coop walls--any problems with mites?

As always, thanks for your help and counsel!

 

[Chicken Chat]

All three of my coops are insulated with fiberglass insulation. I have never noticed a problem with mites in the walls, but I also have DE sprinkled in my bedding and I dust the chickens if I find anything on them after routine inspections. I have plywood over the insulation so the chickens can't get to it. ( I recently cut some squares out of the plywood to install electrical outlets, so I got a good look at the insulation, and noticed nothing irregular.) You should be fine. I agree with you that the batting would be easier to use than the sheets.

 

[elmo]

I just insulated my new coop last month. I used the fiberglass batting to insulate under the roof, then had enough left over from the roll to insulate nearly all of the walls. I used the foam board insulaton to finish up the job.

The fiberglass batting goes up pretty easily until you have to cut it to fit in any spots that are irregularly shaped. Then it's nasty and messy with lots of little bits of fiberglass blowing around...do wear goggles, facemask, long sleeves, etc.

The foam board goes up easily, too, but it's a lower R value than the fiberglass batting.

You could have a problem with mites whichever one you use. You'll need to cover any insulation with something to stop the chickens from pecking at it. Whatever you use, just caulk the seams to prevent mites from getting behind your wall board. That should do it.

 

[Schultz]

I also picked up a helpful hint from anouther BYCer. If you use the fiberglass batting, dust it well with DE (Food grade diatomacious earth) To prevent any mite infestation. Personally, on the new additional coop that I am in the process of building, I am both dusting the batting with DE and caulking all seams.

 

[Ahab]

You really need to cover the fiberglass batting; it isn't mites infesting it that'll become a problem so much as moisture (and, consequently, mold) from your respirating poultry. I'd cover it with six-mil polyethylene film, and then cover that with something the chickens won't damage and that's easily cleaned, like the 4x8-foot sheets of cheap vinyl wall covering you find at lumberyards in the covering-the-bathroom-wall-with-something-water-resistant section. But in case, you'll have to provide high ventilation openings to vent the respiration, especially over the winter.

 

[woodmort]

My 25-year old coop is insulated with fiberglass in walls and ceiling--never a problem with mites but mice sometimes pull the fiberglass out an use it to build nests--one was under the water heater. If you decide to use sheathing just make sure the chickens can't get to it--they eat that stuff.