Moisture in coop help!

[Rbrown369]

I noticed there’s lots of moisture in my coop mostly on the ceiling. Like condensation maybe? We have a large window for ventilation. But I noticed the water drops building up on the ceiling and dripping down and wetting the corner of the coop. I’m worried because it’s -4 CELCIUS some nights right now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I noticed there’s lots of moisture in my coop mostly on the ceiling. Like condensation maybe? We have a large window for ventilation. But I noticed the water drops building up on the ceiling and dripping down and wetting the corner of the coop. I’m worried because it’s -4 CELCIUS some nights right now.

Can you post some photos of the inside of your coop - ceiling, ventilation, etc.?
What type of roofing material is on the coop - metal?
Where do you live - country/state?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’ll get some pics , basically it’s a wooden coop with a large window probably 4 feet long on the front. That we can slide open.
we have a tin roof but We have a tarp sealing the roof and then the tin on top. There’s also a a little square door for them to go in and out.

Your tin roof is sweating on the inside right?
You need more ventilation.
A vapor barrier on the bare metal (inside) will also help - I put styrofoam insulation against the metal inside my coop - this helps keep it from sweating, but plenty of ventilation along the roof line important too.

 

[DobieLover]

Actually I think that’s what you meant by vapour barrier I have plastic tarp as the roof then the tin.

Pictures of your setup will help clarify.
So are you saying you basically have a plastic tarp ceiling with the tin roof over it and the condensation is dripping onto the plastic tarp? Regardless, you need to move the moisture OUT. If the window is open will it allow a breeze to blow across the roosting area? Do you have any venting in the soffit area? Do you have any gable end vents?
It would also be helpful if you could update your profile with your general location. That way it will display with all of your posts.

 

[Papmike]

The tarp is keeping the moisture in. Warm moisture hits the cooler tarp, condenses and drips. The window is high and in the front of the coop and a $10 register at the back right wall and 30cm off the floor will help. Crack the window and register to remove moisture. Adjust openings to remove moisture but maintain a tolerable temperature. Cold is easier on birds then moist interior.

 

[aart]

Ventilation may not cure this ill.
First, measure the humidity inside the coop and outside the coop.
If it's within 10%, not much you can do.
The big issue is, cold tin/tarp and warmerish air = condensation.

I have a standard roof of 1x boards under asphalt shingles, and tons of ventilation, still get condensation on underside of roof if there's snow on roof and thaw type temps.

I don't know why you put a tarp under the tin, but, bad decision.
Foam insulation under tin is the way to go.
Not sure of a quick fix either...might tack up some foam boards on underside of rafters,
but can't really see that part....and cant' see where you roosts are.

 

[aart]

The tin isn’t secured to anything yet just sitting on top.
and the tarp was done from the beginning because we just thought having a tarp screwed to the roof would keep water out if the tin leaked I guess. The building was built with no roof then we added some rafters and screwed a tarp on. We

Is the tin intact(no holes)?
Then I'd remove tarp, get some foam board up there, and attach tin properly before it blows off.
Wonders if the rafters are spaced correctly and installed on top of walls to create soffit venting front and back, that will improve you ventilation too.

Look up how to do rafters with overhangs, purlins on top of and perpendicular to rafters for attaching tin.

 

[Papmike]

It sounds like you need some ventilation ports in the peak of the coop. One in each end will help. We installed a wall/ceiling heating register (15x25cm) from building depot store. Just cut hole in wall and screw in register. You can open or close the unit depending on need.

 

[Papmike]

Are you talking about electricity to heat it? Not necessary in my opinion. -4C is not too cold for birds that have lived in your environment all year. I would not worry at -15 to -20 IF you get rid of the moisture. Looking at my previous post, make the opening for the register/vent on the opposite side of the prevailing wind to get ventilation but no drafts.

 

[aart]

The tin is intact we can just lift it off and then take tarp off. Then we’re gonna screw the tin. Properly to the coop and and I’m going to keep window open.

...and add some foam board under the tin??
The tin alone will condense moisture too.
Just taking the tarp out will not solve your condensation problem.