Hi all, I am a newbie at this living in northern MN. I am building a 6x6 coop and am getting ready to insulate.I will of course have vents at the top, but was wondering about what type, R value insulation to use. Winters get down to -40 to -50f up here so I don't want to under insulate. Any ideas? Have a great day everyone!
I live in mid-Mich and found that keeping the wind/windchill out is best. They huddle up, least my 3 leghorns did the last 2 terribly cold winters. I used 1" foam insulation board, maybe only an R5 or 8. And sealed all the joints. I closed the coop door at night and opened around 8 or sun up daily. When I did the door I cracked a small window to vent. I also have roof venting that is not sealed, but the wind does not directly blow into there as I turn the coop a bit. This year I am tearing apart and redoing the coop as it is 3x5 and I'm growing to 9x5 as I have a bin in the garage full of chicks. I am going to use 1 1/2" of insulation with an air pocket in between or adding a 1/2" to what I have with a 1/4"-1/2" gap in between. The girls didn't pick at the foam as some said and only go in to lay and to roost. I also have one red heat lamp bulb I left on when temps dropped below 25*. I will add another when the addition is done.
Unless you get real think Styrofoam typically it will have less R value. Batt insulation on a 2x4 will only go up to R-15, which is what I used, but then you have to cover it. I used a very heavy plastic basically like a vapour barrier but more to keep the wind out then sheeted it with OSB. Basically its your call how you go, there are just a couple things to remember; proper ventilation to keep moisture low but not to cause drafts, and finding any holes or cracks where wind can penetrate and create a draft on the bird. Good luck!
Others will feel different but insulation makes no sense. You need sufficient ventilation to keep the moisture down which will nullify any insullation. It is important to place your ventilation where there will be no drafts where they are roosting.
Welcome! I have done it both ways here in southern Michigan, and prefer insulation in my coop. Plenty of ventilation is most important, but the insulated roof also helps with summer heat. Keeping the wind out in winter, and the coop cooler in summer, is a good thing. If you do insulate, remember that the birds will eat it, so cover with plywood or particle board. Mary
