Opinions Sought Using Tin for Coop walls

[llamagirl]

Can anyone give me their opinion about using Tin Roofing materials to build a lightweight coop that is movable for summer?
I wanted to use materials that are lightweight but predator proof. Is using Tin a good idea or not?
I have already made the run and used 2x4's for the base and 2x 2's for the framing. I would like to do the same for the coop and use the tin for the walls and roof so it is lightweight thus, easier to move. I would make a sturdier permanent coop for winter. Please weigh in with pros or cons.

 

[ParkfieldFarm]

The only concern I see is that it may get very very very hot in the sun.

 

[Zahboo]

I use corrugated metal and corrugated plastic. I say go with the plastic. It's sturdy, but isn't as hot as the metal. Also, you can choose different colors to make it fun.

 

[Fanny]

I'm planning on building my coop with corrugated plastic (coroplast) - it will be a bit of an experiment, but I'm thinking it will be lightweight but still good for the winter too (with added insulation). This is the stuff that looks like corrugated cardboard, not the kind that looks like roofing material. You can buy 4'x8' sheets for around $10-$20 dollars (see here for a list of retailers in your region: http://www.guineapigcages.com/where.htm )... although I'm trying to find used signs that people are throwing away (car dealerships, gas stations, etc) - too bad it's not election time in my area!

I found this thread of someone who built an ice-fishing shack out of coroplast: http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=39216.0 It looks like he's been using it successfully for 3 years so far.

 

[Fanny]

One more note on the coroplast - it of course wouldn't be as predator proof as the tin, but would still be comparable to plywood. A determined rat or weasel could chew through either pretty easily. I think so anyway... no real experience to speak from!

 

[Intheswamp]

Coroplast comparable to plywood??? If it's the coroplast that I'm thinking of...I don't think so.

I could stab a knife through coroplast easily...not much of a chance of me stabbing it through plywood, though. You can take a utility knife and cut coroplast into whatever shapes you want to....the utiility knife would only be good for scoring the plywood. We've built rc airplanes out of coroplast and it's light and durable...just not as strong or durable as plywood. I really don't think it would be nearly as strong as plywood. Light...yes. Strong as plywood...no.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[isabrownmom]

We are still building our coop and haven't gotten to the roof yet but this coroplast has intrigued me. We were going to use a lovely green metal roof (costly) but why couldn't we put a sheet of coroplast over the plywood roof? How would you attach coroplast to the plywood so as to prevent leaking? Anybody have some answers for this newbie?? Thanks!

 

[Fanny]

Comparable only in that an animal could chew through either coroplast or plywood (as opposed to tin), you're right, plywood is definitely much stronger, but for it's thickness and weight coroplast is impressive.

As to the roof question, I'm planning on using coroplast for the roof as well though without plywood. Like I said though, I'm experimenting, and it's a small coop (3'x5'), so if it does leak, lesson-learned and I can fix it easily enough. I have seen coroplast (clear sheets) used successfully for greenhouses though without leaking. Would love to hear other's thoughts - my plan was screws and lots of silicone caulking.

 

[llamagirl]

Thank you for everyone who weighed in. I may try to get the coroplast and reinforce the outside with welded wire and hardware cloth.

 

[RendonRoo]

They make screws with rubber washers to seal them for these roof applications. I used the tin for the roof to my runs and on top of my coop addition. I used the metal because i know that the plastic is easily broken in a hail storm. The plastic is also much more expensive.