Do you think I can add a roof to this run? And any advice?

[Farmer Mike S]

This is my coop and run. I'm talking about the exterior run which doesn't have a roof. I'm starting to realize the obvious flaws of having a run without a roof, as I lose the space for chickens to go during rainy and snowy days. So I'm thinking about adding a corrugated plastic roof.

Now the issue is that when I designed this, there was no intent for a roof, so I have concern over the load it can bear. The run measures 8x4x6. The 4 posts on the outside are 2x4s. The 2x4s that run across the middle are flush with the posts, and the 2x6's on the bottom and 2x4's on top run on the outside of the post. That triangle in the middle offers no support, it was only put there for style.

As I mentioned I'm considering working with either corrugated plastic or metal. I plan to make the roof flat and on about a 30 degree angle. To do this I plan to run 3 2x4's off the top 2x4 in the back (high enough to make a 30 degree angle), and then run a 2x4 off the top of those parallel to the current one. I would then run 2x4 rafters across, and then attach the corrugated plastic to that.

I know this run can hold the weight of the plastic/metal, but what I'm concerned about is potential snow accumulation on top and wind resistance. But do you think it can handle that? If not are here any improvements you recommend structural wise? And also does anyone have advice on my plan or working with corrugated plastic/metal?

 

[jetdog]

I used the clear corrugated roofing and the snow slides off surprisingly well, you could frame it the same way you did on your coop roof, but i will tell you that after I bought an installed it I saw the I metal at Lowe's and it was cheaper than the plastic, beef up the framework on the run and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Baileys Birds]

You might also take a look at the Ondura roof panels - very strong but also very lightweight; relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Lowe's carries it, not sure about Home Depot. You might also want to take into consideration the direction of predominant prevailing winds; maybe consider framing your roof with the "low" side facing that direction if at all possible if you are concerned with wind uplift.

Good luck, and please post pictures when you're done.

 

[aart]

You might also take a look at the Ondura roof panels - very strong but also very lightweight; relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Lowe's carries it, not sure about Home Depot. You might also want to take into consideration the direction of predominant prevailing winds; maybe consider framing your roof with the "low" side facing that direction if at all possible if you are concerned with wind uplift.

Good luck, and please post pictures when you're done.

Good point....also what side will be better for the rain and snow running off of it.

 

[Mountain Man 60]

Use the metal and set up a gutter feeding a 5 gallon water bucket with nipples. If your structure is not sufficient sink 4X4's 3 ft deep to support the structure and snow.

 

[Kimmom2five]

Yes our Home Depot carries it. It was about $20 a sheet. I was looking at it for when we build our coop.