Roof of chicken coop

[Mahem Mary]

Hi. My husband wants to build the roof with materials left over from our house roof. I read elsewhere that metal roofs are better - worrying a bout predators. Any suggestions?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Only thing I would caution with metal roofs is condensation can be an issue if you're in an area that gets fairly cold in winter. So you'll need extra ventilation or something to keep the metal separate from the ceiling of the coop to keep that from being a problem.

Also what type of predators are in your area? That might make a difference, though I would wager a standard roof that's well secured should be enough in most cases.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What materials do you have? Are you talking about shingle, tile or? From a predatory standpoint, proper installation would yield no real difference, imo

 

[BannanaWolf]

A metal roof in my are area would be good but not sure about yours. Any thing would work as long as it has insulation and ventilation. The insulation is kind of optional depending where you live.

 

[makmm]

If you do a metal roof I would still sheet (put plywood) under it and not just run nailer boards (1x4s that you fasten the metal to). Sheeting will help insulate if you have colder winters and provide some extra strength. Metal is also very good for shedding snow in the winters.

 

[blackdog043]

There is no problem using your left overs and making a regular house type roof. There are plenty of coops built that way. If you do go with metal, put plywood down first and the metal on top, so it doesn't sweat and drip down in your coop.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Wish i heard about the dripping sooner. But it seems to me i had no problem with that in TN. I used either plywood or metal roofs but not both. Same in the barn.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

We have a shingle roof on our coop. No problems. What predator issues are you concerned about?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Raccoons and other critters want in your house attic as much as they want in your coop. A nice attic is a great place for them to raise their young. I don't know how your husband plans to install that roof but if he follows the same basic construction techniques the roof will be fine. What materials are you talking about, covering and underlay?

Any roof needs to be firmly attached. The previous owners installed a metal roof with short smooth nails on an outbuilding. A strong straight-line wind ripped it off one night. Materials and construction techniques make a difference, but a proper roof properly installed will work great.

In my mind there is a big benefit in using materials you already have instead of spending money on something else as long as they are suitable. I don't know how that new coop is built of where it is situated, but the house and coop having the same type of roof may be more physically attractive.