Looking for cheap run roof ideas

[Sabz]

Hi there,

This year my run smells like crazy. We've had so much rain...

I live in Quebec so we do have a lot of snow. I'm looking to find a cheap roofing idea that could go through winter (or be easy to remove).

Tarp is not an option, my house is surrounded by fields and it winds a lot, it would eventually tear.

Corrugated plastic is really not cheap, and I have a relatively large run (maybe 20*16, not completely sure). To be able to put on the plastic I would need a wooden frame so I can't see how I would achieve this under 400$.

Any brilliant ideas? Thanks.

If the run was not that large it would be easier, but I guess I never thought about roofing before. It's fun without a roof, it stays very cool because the air passes through the metal fencing I put on the roof to stop hawks. I'm afraid the plastic would NOT be cheap plus would turn the run into a sort of greenhouse..


Edit: I realize that what I said makes no sense. IF I want to keep that roof for winter, I can't avoid having some kind of wooden frame... so that might not be a fee I can avoid.. but maybe there is an option that would cost less than those plastic sheets?

 

[KlopKlop]

Be sure to keep snow load in mind with any option your pick. Is the current top flat? It is and you cover it, think about the weight of snow accumulation in the winter! Somebody correct me but I think a 4/12 pitch or higher is required to shed snow on permanent structures like a house or garage.

I'm not sure what stores are available near you in Canada but here in Minnesota I can get galvanized corrugated steel panels from the store for about $17 for 2x8 sheets but that is north of US$300 for your run plus you would need the framing under it.

A tarp that needs to be replaced every year or two may be the cheapest option

 

[Sabz]

The more I think about it, the more the tarp sound like a good option. Probably if I insert the tarp between pieces of wood that I screw together, it would hold.

There is no slope currently, since it's only wire. It doesn't need one. Given that I cover it, I would have to either raise one side or make a triangular roof by elevating the center of the run. Ouf.. lots of work.

I am not sure about the pitch I need but it's perfect on my coop roof. There was no snow buildup on it all winter, so I'll keep the same slope for the run.

If I go with a tarp, I wonder what kind of structure I'd need to support it. For my greenhouses I used steal wire (rebar) but they are only 4 foot wide. On a wide area like my run, I'd need something stronger..

 

[marcyflock]

Canvas drop cloths? Sturdier than the plastic tarps. In painting supply sections @ hardware stores. Sandwich between 1x2's should be ok. Spray with scotch guard to repell water.

 

[Sabz]

Oh, I like this idea!!! It looks less... hum.. redneck-ish then tarp hehehe. And the tarps make noises when there is too much wind and I really dislike it (I use them for greenhouses).

Good idea for the canvas drop cloths. Also didn't know a spray existed to repel water! Plus it is pale and porous, so I suppose it won't heat up as much as the plastic.

Thanks a lot!

 

[marcyflock]

You r more than welcome. Also a product in paint supplies that can be rolled on. Can't remember the name. No wet? Another spray is camp dry in camping supply stores.

 

[Sabz]

The only thing is that my coop is made of steal and the slope is OK. But steal gets warmer and is more slippery than cloths. So now I'm not sure about the slope I'd need if I would want to keep the cloth in winter.

Well.. I suppose it's not a disaster if the snow "breaks" it in winter.. worst case the chickens won't have a covered run and won't walk in the snow unless I put down towels or something like that! And that's what I did last year.

Yep, I think it's the best bet for cheap price. I hope I can find that here in Quebec. I'll send a pic if I manage to put it up.