polycarbonate, sun, and rain roof question

[Lulu-vt]

I have only had chicken wire on the roof of my run this winter. I am now replacing it with polycarbonate sun and rain roof. I have rafters 20 inches apart and perlins 20 inches apart. My question is, do I need to put hardware cloth over the rafters Perlin before I attach the polycarbonate? I would rather not because I work solo and it will be time consumingand fussy. Do you think the polycarbonate on top of rafters would make a secure rooftop? My concern is that a predator will climb the side and break through.

 

[TOMTE]

I don't know the answer because I am not a builder but I will say, if you can make your run and coop more secure, do it. Even if it's more work, it's well worth preventing predators from getting in.

 

[DobieLover]

I wouldn't bother. But what I would do is make sure that there are no openings greater than 1/2" above the top plates. So you'll want to use the ventilated closures in those spaces. And make sure you're securing through the top of the ridges and not the bottom. People often make that mistake. I would also take it a step further and pilot drill prior to installing each of the specialty screws.
Polycarbonate roofing is slippery. Any critter that gets up there is probably going to slide off. And if it's anything other than clear they're going to want to target the walls that they can see through as being the easiest way to get into your run. So make sure you have a 2-ft predator apron securely pinned to the ground all the way around your run.

 

[Lulu-vt]

I wouldn't bother. But what I would do is make sure that there are no openings greater than 1/2" above the top plates. So you'll want to use the ventilated closures in those spaces. And make sure you're securing through the top of the ridges and not the bottom. People often make that mistake. I would also take it a step further and pilot drill prior to installing each of the specialty screws.
Polycarbonate roofing is slippery. Any critter that gets up there is probably going to slide off. And if it's anything other than clear they're going to want to target the walls that they can see through as being the easiest way to get into your run. So make sure you have a 2-ft predator apron securely pinned to the ground all the way around your run.

it IS clear. but you’re right, it’s insanely slippery. the run has a full HC skirt and is covered on all walls up to the top.

 

[febane]

I have only had chicken wire on the roof of my run this winter. I am now replacing it with polycarbonate sun and rain roof. I have rafters 20 inches apart and perlins 20 inches apart. My question is, do I need to put hardware cloth over the rafters Perlin before I attach the polycarbonate? I would rather not because I work solo and it will be time consumingand fussy. Do you think the polycarbonate on top of rafters would make a secure rooftop? My concern is that a predator will climb the side and break through roofing services in Utah.

Polycarbonate is strong and should provide good protection against most predators, but determined animals (like raccoons) could potentially chew or claw through weaker sections or seams. If predator-proofing is a major concern, adding hardware cloth underneath would offer an extra layer of security. If you want to avoid the extra work, make sure the polycarbonate is thick, securely fastened, and overlaps well to prevent gaps. Also, reinforce entry points and check for weak spots along the edges where predators might try to pry it open.

 

[Blingchix6]

I have a clear polycarbonate roof over part of the run, no hardware cloth was used because it’s a lean-to roof and only runs on one side of the coop. In the summertime, I staple shade cloth to the rafters to keep it cooler in there; otherwise it’s like a hot humid greenhouse in there. I also have a high velocity fan that Ihang from the roof and that keeps the are moving in there. It’s dry all year long because it’s covered. Use washers on the screws that hold the polycarbonate roof in place….they will come loose and flap in the breeze when it gets windy in the winter.

 

[Blingchix6]

The front part of my run has clematis vines and they grow up and cover the run in leaves and flowers. Keeps it cooler in there too

 

[febane]

I have a clear polycarbonate roof over part of the run, no hardware cloth was used because it’s a lean-to roof and only runs on one side of the coop. In the summertime, I staple shade cloth to the rafters to keep it cooler in there; otherwise it’s like a hot humid greenhouse in there. I also have a high velocity fan that Ihang from the roof and that keeps the are moving in there. It’s dry all year long because it’s covered. Use washers on the screws that hold the polycarbonate roof in place….they will come loose and flap in the breeze when it gets windy in the winter.

thank you so much for your suggestion