Replies

1. 
   creativedestruction | Dec 15, 2020 06:58am | #1

   Bubble foil will not solve the problem. The foil Techshield surface is dropping below the dew point overnight and the chickens are providing the moisture that 'makes it rain'. I imagine the coop isn't airtight or conditioned, so you don't really have an easy path to raise the surface temp of the inside of the roof. Best case, a bare wood ceiling could closer track the overnight air temp and (mostly) stay above the dew point, but it could also safely absorb some moisture and dry back out during the day.

1. 
   Sheldon_E | Dec 19, 2020 03:51pm | #7

   Coop is sealed pretty well & ventilation is poor. I'm in the Pacific northwest, so little chance of wood drying out during the rainy season. Thank you for info on bubble insulation.

2. 
   Jon_R | Dec 15, 2020 08:04am | #2

   I'd look into increasing up-high ventilation (ie, fans) when the Techshield is at 100% humidity.

1. 
   dfvellone | Dec 17, 2020 08:56am | #6

   When I built my new coop (climate zone 6) I insulated the ceiling well. I also have vents all along the top of the N & S walls and though I close all N vents for the winter I keep the south vents open. Stays nice and dry inside. Never get moisture on the ceiling or windows.

   You never want an airtight coop. Chicken's respiration produces a lot of moisture and they need plenty fresh air. More important for their comfort is protection from drafts, that's why the vents go up high and not on prevailing wind side. Make sure the roost isn't directly under the vents, or is ample enough to allow them to move away from cold air dump.

2. 
   Sheldon_E | Dec 19, 2020 03:54pm | #8

   The coop is smaller, back yard type & no electricity, so no option for fans. I will look into adding vents. Thanks

3. Expert Member
   Michael Maines | Dec 15, 2020 08:07am | #3

   Sheldon, I have a flock of chickens. They can handle cold a lot better than they can handle damp air or cold drafts. I installed a louvred vent in one of the gables, which allows air exchange without being too drafty. My chickens have been fine down to -22°F with only a bit of frostbite on the largest combs. Do you have good airflow, or is your coop relatively well-sealed?

1. 
   Sheldon_E | Dec 19, 2020 04:00pm | #9

   The coop seems to be pretty well sealed, but ventilation is very poor. I will look into adding louvered vents. Thanks.

1. 
   DCContrarian | Dec 19, 2020 06:38pm | #12

   You may want to also look into a solar powered vent.

4. 
   maine_tyler | Dec 15, 2020 08:21am | #4

   Is ambient damp, or clear and cool? Where abouts be these chickens?

1. 
   Sheldon_E | Dec 19, 2020 04:02pm | #10

   In in the Pacific northwest, so damp and cold through winter.

5. Expert Member
   Peter Engle | Dec 17, 2020 08:34am | #5

   Coincidentally, there is a chicken story in the latest podcast from HeatingHelp.com.

   https://heatinghelp.com/dead-men-tales/the-surprising-stories-behind-heating-inventions

1. 
   Sheldon_E | Dec 19, 2020 04:03pm | #11

   Thank you