Helpful hints for building coops

[jvls1942]

We can sometimes get something similar. They call it road base. Basically when they tear up old asphalt roads, they grind it up. It makes a very nice clean (not dusty) surface. My bil had his driveway done with it. It has held up nicely for two winters, so far. It is not always available, though.. We tried to get some, but never got a call back from the trucker who did the bil"s..
.....jiminwaUSAu.......

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Road base makes better driveway than RCB - its the tar/oil they used in the asphaulting process. Muck more resistant to water penetration and plant growth. Not, sadly, real good for use in the barn under the animals though.

 

[jvls1942]

I did a little research on box blades .
I think I could have done the driveway without getting new granite.. I will be keeping my eyes open for a used one or one I can beg, borrow or steal..
I am laying plastic down in the corner where the porch attaches to the house. going to put granite on the plastic to direct water farther away from the house foundation..
down to about 2 yards of stockpiled granite.
........jiminwaUSAu.......

 

[aart]

I am laying plastic down in the corner where the porch attaches to the house. going to put granite on the plastic to direct water farther away from the house foundation..

Make sure the plastic is slanted right before adding gravel.

 

[jvls1942]

Now you tell me.
but we did bank up some dirt before we put the plastic down and covered it with granite.
If nothing else, no weeds will grow there for a long while..
the granite stock pile is gone.
.....jiminwaUSAu.......

 

[aart]

but we did bank up some dirt before we put the plastic down

Hopefully enough to get the drainage that I assume you are needing.

 

[jvls1942]

I think we have the plastic pitched plenty to keep the water from backing up.
I don't want to, but in the future I can put up rain gutters to catch the water from the valley and direct it further from the house. I don't think this will be necessary, though.
........jiminwaUSAu........

 

[mapurcel]

Hey all, I’m looking for some help. Does anyone have any idea what I could do to lock my coop door? I had to add 1/2 inch thick trim in to cover the gap in the wooden panels.

HOWEVER, now I think I’ve ruined my chance for a sliding bolt/padlock set up :/

Do you think that I can still use 90 degree padlock eyes or no?

 

[jvls1942]

If I am understanding the situation.
just put a shim under the locking mechanism to bring it flush to the new siding. ?
......jiminwaUSAu......

 

[aart]

I think we have the plastic pitched plenty to keep the water from backing up.
I don't want to, but in the future I can put up rain gutters to catch the water from the valley and direct it further from the house. I don't think this will be necessary, though.
........jiminwaUSAu........

I hate gutters, luckily this house has large roof overhangs and excellent grading...
....so no gutters to clean or repair after ice season.

If I am understanding the situation.
just put a shim under the locking mechanism to bring it flush to the new siding. ?
......jiminwaUSAu......

Yep.....
..... or put the 'gap closer' on the inside of coop, will also act as a door stop.
@mapurcel Seeing the door open and the latch you want to use could garner more possible solutions.