Expanded Run Build

[aart]

"Encaging" an irregular structure requires even more work as HC does not easily bend. One is forced to bend, cut, tie together, critter proof various nooks and crannies in inventive ways.

Definitely tricky, can help to bend a stiff paper/thin cardboard pattern first.

 

[Ted Brown]

Definitely tricky, can help to bend a stiff paper/thin cardboard pattern first.

Size becomes an issue, I have put together 4' by 16' sheets and then bent the upper level over the roof frame and then bent that at 90 degrees to follow a wall.

So far I am doing big pieces along, up and over and patching in smaller bits (I settled on 4' by 16" pieces) with cuts and ties and wire as needed. I have the back and well walls pretty much done; roof/HC integration is slow.

15-20cm snow forecast for Sunday night.

 

[Ted Brown]

HC Pictures:

 

[rayrose]

How is expandable foam critter/predator proof?

It hardens like a rock, and will prevent small critters from getting
through those small areas. I have it my run, where the waves in the corrugated roofing leaves gaps, where it doesn't meet flush with the cross beams.

 

[aart]

It hardens like a rock, and will prevent small critters from getting
through those small areas.

IF you get the kind that gets really hard, not all do.
I wouldn't put it past rodents to chew thru it anyway.
IF it's in a place where the chickens can't get at it.

 

[rayrose]

IF you get the kind that gets really hard, not all do.
I wouldn't put it past rodents to chew thru it anyway.
IF it's in a place where the chickens can't get at it.

I sprayed it at the top seam between the ripples in the corrugated roof panels and the cross beam. Keeps out snakes and mice. Works like a charm. Hard as a rock.

 

[Ted Brown]

I sprayed it at the top seam between the ripples in the corrugated roof panels and the cross beam. Keeps out snakes and mice. Works like a charm. Hard as a rock.

I had not heard of a foam that is "hard as a rock". I do know there are different types of foam with differing characteristics. I found this:

"Cementitious Insulation

As the name suggests, this form of insulation comes from cement. This brings some of the properties of cement to the final product (i.e. it is extremely rigid and tough). One version of this spray contains magnesium silicate and is designed to harden in the same way as concrete."

I searched at 4 big box sites, none had this as a product nor was there any "hardening foam" hits.

Infill for profiled metal roofing along the edges is a common problem and I agree that the thought of spraying something along the edge as a critter defense is very appealing. None of the foams I am familiar with are tough enough to repel mice, rats, squirrels, etc. (I include the modern spray foams used for whole and partial (eg roof) home insulation.

I would love to be educated on the specifics of your experience.

 

[blueberry1]

I had a plumber tell me to stuff the hole with a bit of Brillo to help deter critters before foaming a hole. I’ve had squirrels chew right through regular spray foam.

 

[aart]

I sprayed it at the top seam between the ripples in the corrugated roof panels and the cross beam. Keeps out snakes and mice. Works like a charm. Hard as a rock.

What exact product did you use....link?

 

[Ted Brown]

I had a plumber tell me to stuff the hole with a bit of Brillo to help deter critters before foaming a hole. I’ve had squirrels chew right through regular spray foam.

When we built the house I live in we plugged every nook and crannie that we could find with steel wool. However, over the years it rusts, degrades, etc.. One can get stainless steel wool that would last much longer.

Thanks for reminding me, quite likely a bit of spray foam to hold the steel wool in place would probably work. Hmmmmmm...