Supports for covered run

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I was talking about the roof. Adding diagonals at the top of your 4x4s to any overhead 2x4s spanning the top.
DH is a GC and I double checked with him before posting. But we're in a no-snow climate, so you may need even more than that depending on how much snow you get.

Oh right, I got it. Do you know if there’s a recommended length for those diagonals?

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

If you're adding a roof eventually, and you do get snow, you'll definitely want that support.

Well, none of our poultry related housing is made for snow. So I’m out with snow scrapers on poles if there’s more than a few inches (like Snowmaggedon of 2021!). Snow is fairly rare in my area of Oklahoma, but we seem to still get plenty of ice storms…

 

[aart]

You don't want to span more than 4 ft with a 2x4 if you can help it,

It depends on the application.
Much to define before making such a declaration.

What will the roofing be...will it have to carry a snow load?
Then the walls need to be built to support that roof.

 

[Gizabelle]

Oh right, I got it. Do you know if there’s a recommended length for those diagonals?

From what I understand, its not so much based on a certain length of diagonal, but the height of your posts. You'll want to start the diagonal 2/3 to 3/4 up the post.

 

[Gizabelle]

It depends on the application.
Much to define before making such a declaration.

What will the roofing be...will it have to carry a snow load?
Then the walls need to be built to support that roof.

Just going off my husband's recommendations. He's been running a remodeling company for years. But yes, the more info the better.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

It depends on the application.
Much to define before making such a declaration.

What will the roofing be...will it have to carry a snow load?
Then the walls need to be built to support that roof.

We occasionally get snow but ice storms are more of an issue. If it’s snows, I’m usually outside brushing snow off since our roads will all be closed anyway. At this point, I’m leaning towards shade cloth over the roof and maybe West side panels. If some guineas want to regularly roost in the run, then I may add some tin or plastic panels over a favored roosting spot.