Run roofing?

[artsvarc]

We are in the process of our coop and run. I'm debating on run roofing material: tin, smokey polycarbonate or matching shingles.

Half of the run will be solid roof (5-8 ft-ish), the other half wire.

Here's my question: if I did plywood and shingles, is the 2x4 header board sufficient? It's on joist hangars.

Aesthetically: which would you choose?

 

[DobieLover]

We are in the process of our coop and run. I'm debating on run roofing material: tin, smokey polycarbonate or matching shingles.

Half of the run will be solid roof (5-8 ft-ish), the other half wire.

Here's my question: if I did plywood and shingles, is the 2x4 header board sufficient? It's on joist hangars.

Aesthetically: which would you choose?

Where are you located?
What is the span of your run?
In a nutshell, a single 2x4 with that span from post to post isn't going to support any type of solid roof, even polycarbonate. You need a beam on both sides and rafters 24" on center to attach roof decking or purlins to depending on which style roof you choose.
I used plywood and shingles on my run because I wanted something that will last and be durable.
I used polycarbonate on the roofs over the dust bath area and brooder run because I wanted lots of light in those spaces and they are small relative to the run.

 

[artsvarc]

Forgot to post location, that would help. We are in Iowa. Run space is about 10x16. Do you think if I double the 2x4 beam, that should be good? Of course there will be crossbraces at the necessary locations.

 

[twendt]

I would put an "lean to" angle into your build to help the rain and snow run off. I put OSB down and covered that with tar paper and metal roof. A little over kill, but will last for years. If you have "RESTORE" close to you they are a good resource for cheap building material. I did get my materials at Menards.

 

[DobieLover]

Do you think if I double the 2x4 beam, that should be good?

Nope.
I used double 2x6s sitting ON the support posts that are 8' on center.
The beam to beam span is 12' and I used 2x6s for the rafters.
At 10 ' you've got a 20% wider distance between posts. You would need at least a double 2x6 beam for both sides but I'd have to check span tables to make sure. Even though you don't plan to roof all of it, the distance between your posts is 10' and you have to span that.

 

[artsvarc]

Nope.
I used double 2x6s sitting ON the support posts that are 8' on center.
The beam to beam span is 12' and I used 2x6s for the rafters.
At 10 ' you've got a 20% wider distance between posts. You would need at least a double 2x6 beam for both sides but I'd have to check span tables to make sure. Even though you don't plan to roof all of it, the distance between your posts is 10' and you have to span that.

Thank you for your input. I'll have to reconfigure some things.