Roof construction and covering - the bane of my existence!

[Ballerina Bird]

To answer the OP's question about books and resources, these authors came and gave a workshop in my town a couple of years ago, and they seemed very smart and practical. The book they wrote has plans (which I imagine include roofing instructions) and is oriented toward a green/environmentally friendly build:

http://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Chicken-Coop-Step-Step/dp/1603429808

 

[Ballerina Bird]

I lived in a 14th century thatched cottage in the UK and we have more than a few here in the village. The house in devon was quite a menagerie and there were critters living in that roof I'd not like to meet up close. Our first night there, one of these crawled out of and (back into, thankfully) a crack in the ceiling over our bed. Needless to say we moved to a room without a cracked ceiling

OMG, that is so gross! I'm going to have nightmares now.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The chickens would love that free protein. I bet they'd have a great game of keep-away before that was eaten.

 

[Hermit House]

If you are really looking at something different, you could consider using 2 ltr bottles (repurposing what you/family/friends/co-workers/kids' classmates drink from)...

That's more than a little awesome, PaintedChix. Definitely one to keep in mind.

To answer the OP's question about books and resources, these authors came and gave a workshop in my town a couple of years ago, and they seemed very smart and practical. The book they wrote has plans (which I imagine include roofing instructions) and is oriented toward a green/environmentally friendly build:

http://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Chicken-Coop-Step-Step/dp/1603429808

Nice one BB! I think I had an earlier version of this book - just the designs with no idea how to build them. This looks much more useful. I'da loved the chance to pick the authors' brains.

 

[BDutch]

Wow, what great reactions on my post for a green roof.

The picture i posted was not mine but i do have a green roof (sedum) on a shed for our bicycles and garden tools.

We have it for 10 years now and never had a problem with leaks or unwanted weeds between the sedum.

I dont know about availability in the states.

If you use EPDM do use the proper glue or you can get serious problems with a leaking roof. Best way to make a green roof is with a light slope. If you make it flat you need a lower situated gutter for the rain to drip out of the ground.