Help! Run roofing ideas?

[aart]

I used Tuftex SeaCoaster panels for my run roof. It has a 12/3 pitch so rain runs off and the little bit of snow we get isn't a problem. Depending on where your at in NC you may need a stepper pitch than I have, for snow. I'm 20 miles north of charlotte.

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Note the excellent framing under the Tuftex.

 

[Blingchix6]

No mater what you use to keep snow out, make sure it is fully supported underneath with framing strong enough to hold the snow weight.

Roofs have to be way steeper than you'll probably want to actually shed snow.

I've had wet snow stick enough to 14ga 2x4 fencing to almost crush it.

And no matter how strong you think it is, the snow will change your mind every time! My run has lots of support under the roof because that snow can get really HEAVY!!

 

[llombardo]

I was just thinking about this. I have heavy duty netting. Snow is hit or miss here, but when it comes it comes. I do believe I will be spending lots of time out there hitting snow off.

Is there anything that can be sprayed on the netting to cause the snow to melt when it hits?

 

[aart]

Is there anything that can be sprayed on the netting to cause the snow to melt when it hits?

Liquid sunshine?
Seriously, I doubt it.....
...or at least probably nothing you'd want in your chicken run.

 

[llombardo]

Liquid sunshine?
Seriously, I doubt it.....
...or at least probably nothing you'd want in your chicken run.

I actually just found a solution that is 2 pounds of Rock salt dissolved in a gallon of water. It states to use it as a prevention(if storm is coming) or directly on it. I definitely do not use rock salt because of the dogs, but dissolved in water and used that way I may consider. It would only take a few minutes to spray the netting.

 

[Folly's place]

Salting the run? And the chickens, and the soil? Not a good idea, IMO. Build to support the snow load in the first place, and have fewer regrets, and safer chickens.
Living is snow country, we pay attention to snow load and wind shear both.
Mary

 

[EngeFamilyFarms]

I have chicken wire over my duck and chicken pens. We just covered our 1500 sq foot turkey run today as well. We just zip tie them together and to the top of the fence. We have tons of coons and haven’t had any issues yet *knock on wood*

 

[Folly's place]

My first run had good framing, and the 2" diameter chicken wire over the top. It kept out raptors just fine, but wouldn't have protected from many other predators. It was cheap, and easy to shake off the small amount of snow that stuck to it sometimes.
Mary

 

[aart]

I actually just found a solution that is 2 pounds of Rock salt dissolved in a gallon of water. It states to use it as a prevention(if storm is coming) or directly on it. I definitely do not use rock salt because of the dogs, but dissolved in water and used that way I may consider. It would only take a few minutes to spray the netting.

Sounds to good to be true, eh?
You know what they say about that.

That might work to keep any water soaked into netting(I'm assuming 'cloth' rather than metal mesh) from freezing, but I seriously doubt it will keep snow from sticking to it, especially if the temps is below 10°F, when salt stops being effective.

Plus the salt may speed the degradation of the netting as it's very corrosive.

Give it a try, let us know how it works...but I'd be ready with some 2x2's 8' long with a slot cut in one end to prop that netting up when it starts to sag.

 

[llombardo]

Sounds to good to be true, eh?
You know what they say about that.

That might work to keep any water soaked into netting(I'm assuming 'cloth' rather than metal mesh) from freezing, but I seriously doubt it will keep snow from sticking to it, especially if the temps is below 10°F, when salt stops being effective.

Plus the salt may speed the degradation of the netting as it's very corrosive.

Give it a try, let us know how it works...but I'd be ready with some 2x2's 8' long with a slot cut in one end to prop that netting up when it starts to sag.

The net is...

• Polyethylene netting 3/4 in. mesh size

I asked about snow before I bought it and they said the snow will not like up--we all know how that goes.


It doesn't really snow here unless it's 32 or above. It may dip to freezing temps right after, so the key is to maintain it before.

The netting is propped up in some areas now, part of winterizing will be propping it up more, so it doesn't sag.

The people down the road have a mug thinner net, not really atrached but more just draped over the run and they had no problem with snow--go figure.