Filling gaps in siding on coop

Willowynd · #1 07/07/08, 01:26 PM

We decided to recycle some stockade fence and use it for siding on the new coop. It looks like a log cabin as we ran it sideways- very cool! The problem is there is gaps between the boards and we want it weather tight since we are in an area that gets really cold winters. Can anyone think of something I can use to fill the gaps so it will be weather tight?

mamita · #2 07/07/08, 02:54 PM

is it tight enough for caulking? sounds really nice, like their own litte log cabin! my neighbors use a silicone caulking in the large cracks of their log home. just a thought.

cc-rider · #3 07/07/08, 03:06 PM

I did exactly the same thing!!! I used the cheap fencing boards and put them horizontal. I can't figure out how to post a picture on here, but if you go to: http://www.tisawee.com/Chickies.htm
you can see the coop.

I tried caulk, but it made a terrible mess and the boards eventually shrank away from it. I ended up using felt paper (tar paper??) and lining the inside of the coop with it between the studs. The last two pictures on that web page shows a "before" and "after" putting the tar paper up. I just stapled it on. It's been that way a couple years now.

I think I'm going to redo it....still using tarpaper, and this time I'm going to put white styrofoam insulation in, too, and then vinyl side (free!) the inside of the coop to keep the insulation from being pecked. The tar paper has held up ok, but in a couple places the wind has caught it and torn it, or a mouse got in. ugh.

I really love the look of it, however!!

Willowynd · #4 07/07/08, 04:24 PM

I love it! I will post photos of mine when it is done. I am not sure if tar paper will work as my plan is to hang wire rabbit cages on the outside and have attached indoor compartments on the inside using the back of the coop wall for the back, with a peep hole...so they would be able to chew any tar paper behind thier nest boxes. I wonder if blackjack in a tube would work?

Old Vet · #5 07/07/08, 04:40 PM

Most any chinking will do Put something inside and use concrete or mud or caulking and use it to make it relay look like a log home.

Cloverbud · #6 07/07/08, 05:07 PM

I "wallpapered" over the gaps in my chicken coop with those new woven-type feed bags. Free stuff is good!

MELOC · #7 07/07/08, 05:44 PM

i can't think of much that helps now, but if you build again, why not run the siding vertically? you can then leave a small gap and add a "batten" board between them. if you are running short stuff, you can 45 degree the ends so the top board drains water over the bottom board.

Shinsan · #8 07/07/08, 07:23 PM

CC, Your chickens really are spoiled: That's a great coop!

Willowynd · #9 07/07/08, 10:43 PM

Concrete will hold? That is cheap enough and chew proof! If it will hold, then I found my answer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Vet

Most any chinking will do Put something inside and use concrete or mud or caulking and use it to make it relay look like a log home.

Willowynd · #10 07/07/08, 10:46 PM

See...it is not ME building. It is DH and DH does not follow directions very well. He decided to run it horizontially to look like a log cabin...after I told him to run it vertically. So now I am supposed to come up with a solution.

Willow

Quote:

Originally Posted by MELOC

i can't think of much that helps now, but if you build again, why not run the siding vertically? you can then leave a small gap and add a "batten" board between them. if you are running short stuff, you can 45 degree the ends so the top board drains water over the bottom board.