Tarp for Roof

[Carwile Chicks]

So, I'm going to use a tarp covering for my 10x10 chain link run (converting a dog run into a pen). I will have a chicken coop inside built for 5 girls.

Questions: How do I keep water from puddling on the top when it rains? We are in South Carolina

Thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

You don't. Best you can do is minimize puddling with a slope or an arch. Tarps are fast, convenient, and temporary. I use them myself.

We'd need to see pictures of your set up to give you the best advice on how to support your tarp to encourage water to run off rapidly and not puddle/pool too badly. No amount of tension will do so (physics) - it will just accelerate the speed at which they eyelets rip out of the tarp, and the material itself starts splitting.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

Basically, a tarp can be like "fabric shingles" over top of a supporting structure like an arch made from cattle fencing, a plywood roof, etc. It can't be a roof all by itself. It also isn't predator-safe.

If you're really just wanting to shade the run, hang it on the west-facing or south-facing wall to block afternoon sun.