Reflective Mylar liner for chicken coop

[supercoops]

Has anyone tried emergency "space blanket" in the winter to line the inside of their coop? Seems like it would be quite effective.

http://www.disastersupplycompany.com/shelter--blankets.html



The physics of radiation heat transfer works as a function of the temperature difference raised to the fourth power. For example, there is 16 times as much radiation heat transfer when you double the temperature difference between the emitting body and the receiving body. It doesn't matter much during normal weather, but it matters a whole lot during temperature extremes.

The difference between 70F and 0F produces 2,401 times as much radiation heat transfer compared to the difference between 70F and 60F: 70^4/10^4 = 2,401

 

[linuxman]

I use the insulation that is like bubble wrap with mylar on both sides. Kept the coop almost 20 degrees warmer.

 

[Blooie]

Has anyone tried emergency "space blanket" in the winter to line the inside of their coop? Seems like it would be quite effective.

http://www.disastersupplycompany.com/shelter--blankets.html



The physics of radiation heat transfer works as a function of the temperature difference raised to the fourth power. For example, there is 16 times as much radiation heat transfer when you double the temperature difference between the emitting body and the receiving body. It doesn't matter much during normal weather, but it matters a whole lot during temperature extremes.

The difference between 70F and 0F produces 2,401 times as much radiation heat transfer compared to the difference between 70F and 60F: 70^4/10^4 = 2,401

Depends on how you would be able to keep them from pecking at that nice, shiny wall in their coop. And I would think that those "space blankets" are only effective if they are trapping in the body's heat - which means direct contact or reflecting and amplifying an existing heat source. I ain't no scientist, but the additional problem might be that you'd be blocking off your ventilation and causing an increase in humid air in the coop. The mylar, bubble type stuff works because it acts as an insulator with the layers, holding air between them.

You are all now free to tell me I'm full of beans!

 

[vehve]

One problem would be possible drafts behind the space blanket, if there's nothing stopping those you would have a nasty point for condensation to build up and drip down into the bedding. The bubble wrap stuff would work better eliminating thermal bridges.

 

[supercoops]

I use the insulation that is like bubble wrap with mylar on both sides. Kept the coop almost 20 degrees warmer.

That's the result I'm looking for. When it's 33F outside and it's raining (100% relative humidity), it's 53F inside the coop and the relative humidity is 46%. That is quite dry. Here's the calculator:

http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/dewrh.shtml

I figured it by entering 53F in the "temperature" box, and 33F in the dew point box. Now with a R/H that low, I wouldn't be concerned about condensate at all. It would evaporate quickly. Did you have any condensate problems with the bubble insulation?

 

[supercoops]

Depends on how you would be able to keep them from pecking at that nice, shiny wall in their coop. And I would think that those "space blankets" are only effective if they are trapping in the body's heat - which means direct contact or reflecting and amplifying an existing heat source. I ain't no scientist, but the additional problem might be that you'd be blocking off your ventilation and causing an increase in humid air in the coop. The mylar, bubble type stuff works because it acts as an insulator with the layers, holding air between them.

You are all now free to tell me I'm full of beans!

That's OK Blooie. You have a good point. I wondered about pecking. It would not be a problem from the ceiling but it could be a problem for the walls. Therefore maybe consider the celotex sheathing with reflective foil facing (that's what "low emissivity means):

http://www.celotex.co.uk/products/ga4000

This is a common insulation product for housing. The shiny surface minimizes radiation heat transfer.

 

[Blooie]

That's OK Blooie. You have a good point. I wondered about pecking. It would not be a problem from the ceiling but it could be a problem for the walls. Therefore maybe consider the celotex sheathing with reflective foil facing (that's what "low emissivity means):

http://www.celotex.co.uk/products/ga4000

This is a common insulation product for housing. The shiny surface minimizes radiation heat transfer.

I did, really? Oh, those words are music to my ears!

Usually I start out wrong and get wronger as the day goes on!

 

[supercoops]

I did, really? Oh, those words are music to my ears!

Usually I start out wrong and get wronger as the day goes on!

Yes, I recall a male cardinal that used to flutter in the window and peck at his own reflection.

 

[tridentk9]

Ahh, I wanted to use this stuff to keep my house cooler. I'm more worried about heat. I moved instead ;-)

http://www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/ExternalPageView?pageKey=EXTERNAL_PAGE_3005

 

[linuxman]

I have not had a problem with pecking. The biggest problem I have had is being careful not to hit it with any kind of corner.