Problems with New Run Need Advice Please!?

[gfcm]

We built our run and now that it's almost finished, I can see where we are going to have some issues.

I realize now that I want at least a partially covered run for shade, protection, and inclement weather.

Problems:

1. I see now, that run off from the coop when it rains/snows will cause some issues. It's on an incline, but I still don't want it any muddier than it has to be, if at all. Not sure if gutters can be installed on this type of roof? We've never installed gutters before, so not sure how and what type.

2. He put the posts in level (for the most part), and even if we put a tin roof on this it will need to be sloped for the same reasons as above. (Sigh) Is there a way we can build up the one side by the shed so that the roof will slope away from the coop? (Preferably without having to take this thing apart)

We were just going to wire the top with chicken wire, but that won't work for the reasons stated above. I need to do something pretty quickly, as we do have hawks in the area. Right now, I have a cage covered with white material to shade the chicks during the heat of the day. It gets full sun about 3-4 hours per day. I've also been using frozen water in milk jugs during that time.

3. Also; even on the part that will only be wired with chicken wire, I see we'll have to add more braces/wood to staple the wire to. I don't know why we didn't consider that. Doh!

Never again will I buy animals before my setup is ready and better thought out! Lesson learned...
This pic shows the side of the run that butts up to the coop and the top construction. The run is 32' long and the width is roughly 7' 9"

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

In the picture are we seeing the long or short side on the run? If it were me..I would attach the roof directly to the building, probally about 2 ft down from the eaves, but placing it high enough to give a good slope when the other side attaches to the far side of the run. That way only part of the run would be roofed and the rest can be wire.

 

[gfcm]

I never thought of attaching to the building---that's a great idea! In the pic, the long side is next to coop, so the short side is in the center of the pic.

I'm thinking it's going to be expensive to cover the whole thing. But from what I've read in the forums, it'll be a cost we won't regret.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Yes, they can; but because you have no vertical fascia board, you are likely to have to install blocks or a board, of appropriate thickness, onto the top of the wall to give you something to nail or screw the gutters INTO. Google "installing gutters" or something like that to get a sense of how it works. I'd recommend the type that takes screws, NOT the 10" aluminum spikes. Because your roof is steep, if you get serious snowfall (or occasional wet snows of more than just a couple inches) I'd suggest adding strapping to the top surface of the roof as well.

Roof-wise, the crucial thing is to design the whole supporting structure, from roofing right down to the ground, to support the weight of the roof plus snow accumulation (you may need to beef up the existing run frame); and to provide sufficiently close spacing of trusses-or-rafters and purlins (nailers) to adequately support the roofing so it doesn't sag or buckle.

Best arrangement will depend on climate, roof size, etc.

If you want a temporary solution (til snow season) use shadecloth (NOT a tarp) or something similar like burlap.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[bryan99705]

Keep in mind also that if you ever get snow, it often slides off it large chucks.....

Maybe a seriously overbuild flat roof in the danger area, maybe 4 ft wide and length on the coop's width. The posts should be strong enought to support it.

 

[confusedturtle]

Installing gutters is actually pretty easy, I installed 30ft of rain gutters on the back of our house myself while hubby was deployed. It's tricky if you have to do it alone but do-able. Im not 100% sure how you would do it to that style of roof though since there is no (now I get super technical with my girly terms for things) long trim board thingy to attach it to as of yet. You are going to want the gutter to drain away from the coop side so you dont want the gutters to be perfectly level, I believe you slope it down 2 inches for every 10 feet of length, but google it to be sure. Measure where would be putting the rain gutters at and chalk line it so you have a guide to go by. I could be wrong so I hope someone corrects me or you can google and find the actual numbers to use. You could either attach a block of wood on the outside of the building where each stud is or just attach a long one (2x4) the length of the building that is along the chalked line you will be using for the gutters. Tell the guys at Home Depot/Lowes/wherever how many feet of gutter you will be covering and they will get you all of the supplies you'll need. Make sure you get enough caulk and gutter seamer mate, seamer mate is like a super glue for aluminum gutters I think it actually dries as hard as aluminum but again i could be wrong. Google how to do it, they will tell you exactly what you will need

I need to go pick up my kids from school but if you need more help let me know and I will do my best to help