Coop roof ventilation

[goldenyears]

I’m finalizing plans on 4x8 coop with attached run and need advice. Can I place rafters on top of side walls to create a ventilation gap of 1-1/2” under the entire roof perimeter? Essentially it’d be wall, rafter on top, then roofing connected to the rafters. Hope my question is clear - it’s clear in my mind!

 

[Ted Brown]

No reason why not, I would use rafter ties (Simpson Strong Ties) to attach each rafter both ends to secure the roof to the sides. You will need to check that sufficient ventilation openings result.

You will also need to use hardware cloth to seal the openings from critter intrusions.

 

[DobieLover]

I’m finalizing plans on 4x8 coop with attached run and need advice. Can I place rafters on top of side walls to create a ventilation gap of 1-1/2” under the entire roof perimeter? Essentially it’d be wall, rafter on top, then roofing connected to the rafters. Hope my question is clear - it’s clear in my mind!

That is standard construction to lay the rafters on top of the wall but they don't lay plate style so the gap would be 3.5" high as shown below.
This is how it comes out with hardware cloth to secure it.

These vents work best in combination with ridge and/or gable vents.

 

[goldenyears]

That is standard construction.
This is how it comes out with hardware cloth to secure it.
View attachment 2028562
These events work best in combination with ridge and/or gable vents.
View attachment 2028563

 

[goldenyears]

I’m ordering a bunch of Simpson stuff. Made an auxiliary bench with their product and am a believer. The pictures are extremely helpful as I tend to be a visual learner. I appreciate the great tips! Thanks .

 

[Ted Brown]

... ventilation gap of 1-1/2” under the entire roof perimeter?

I am sure this was not intended but just in case... Rafters are always 2" by 4" or 6" or whatever AND are placed on their 2" edge (really 1 1/2" as noted) The gap produced will be 3.5" or 5.5" or... (2" by 4" will be sufficient given your intended size).

A small point but will impact (positively) the amount of ventilation provided.

Another small point but will save you time and effort. I would attach the hardware cloth to the top sill on the wall before the rafters go on. Leave enough width on the cloth to enable you to wrap it up and over the rafter ends before you put the roofing sheets on. Bending HC for every opening after the rafter and sheets are on is a pain as is stapling it in place.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If I'm envisioning it correctly, when I do that I get a 3-1/2" gap if I'm using 2x4's. If they are holding up the roof beam a beam on edge is s lot stronger than one laid flat.

These are 2x6's.

 

[goldenyears]

Lol. I was mulling over attaching the hardware cloth and was considering fashioning individual screens for each opening, then fastening screen in each space.

 

[goldenyears]

I was planning on osb with Ondura corrugated panels on that. I’m a Toolmaker, not a construction guy! I’ve got a small store-bought coop as a Plan B if new one isn’t ready for the new flock this spring (they’ll forgive me, right?!?)!

 

[DobieLover]

Lol. I was mulling over attaching the hardware cloth and was considering fashioning individual screens for each opening, then fastening screen in each space.

That's exactly how I did it. Cut it and bend it to fit the opening then use a pneumatic stapler to secure. I covered the section of hardware cloth that was stapled to the wall with trim.