Run/Pen roofing material

[Sammster]

I'm trying to decide on roofing material for the chicken run. We are adding to our existing, pre-fab run, which has a tarp-style roof. The addition does not come with a cover. Ideally, I'd like to cover the whole run, extention and all, in one roof.

Initially, I considered PVC panels, but customer reviews complain that it crumbles, quickly. That will not do. However I read a thread here that said metal roofing, though durable, can retain too much heat. I live in Michigan, and we have relatively few days of 100° heat - but they do happen. I do have a powerful, outdoor fan in the run that I use when it's hot out. I also have a misting-sprinkler I use when I think it's warranted. I could use some input, here.

 

[Tookie]

I've used corrugated metal roofing in my coop and run since I first starting keeping chickens. I've never had a problem with it and I think it would be a good choice!

 

[aart]

Ideally, I'd like to cover the whole run, extention and all, in one roof.

Would help to see your coop/run, in order to make a viable suggestion.
Is this just for shade or for rain/snow too?

I also have a misting-sprinkler

Misting doesn't do much in our humid environment.

 

[Sally PB]

I used polycarbonate for the roof of part of my run. That stuff isn't cheap, but it's designed for use in green houses, so it's held up to the sunlight without getting brittle. This particular kind is 83% light transmission, but it can get pretty hot under there.

In a few weeks, I'll hang some kind of light block fabric to help cool it off.

 

[Krugerrand]

I use landscape fabric for shade Spring through Fall. Rain drips through, but much of it sheds off. Then, I swap out for plastic sheets in the winter.

My neighbor passed on some free metal roofing to me. So, I use that for a section of it now year round.

 

[Sammster]

Oh, yes - I also use shadecloth on the south and west sides of the pen in the summer, after I remove the winter vinyl

 

[Sammster]

I use landscape fabric for shade Spring through Fall. Rain drips through, but much of it sheds off. Then, I swap out for plastic sheets in the winter.

My neighbor passed on some free metal roofing to me. So, I use that for a section of it now year round.

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Thank you for sharing. Very nice of your neighbor

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I live in Texas and have a metal roof on my run and it does not retain heat. When I go out to do chicken chores it is much nicer under there, much like standing in the shade under a tree.