Roof leak meatal shed/coop conversion

[LauraLGeorgia]

I have a metal shed that I'm trying to convert to a coop. The biggest issue I have is fixing/replacing the leaky roof. This is my shed . . it won't be on the foundation once I get it where I want it
View attachment 4099751
I thought about ditching the old metal roof and replacing it with wood, but I'm not sure the shed would support the weight?

I'm also open to suggestions on repairing/patching the leaks. A friend suggested using spray foam insulation, but I'm worried if it comes loose the chickens will eat it and get sick . . . . also it's insulation . . .I'm not sure it would prevent leaks indefinitely.

I'm about to embark on the same project... converting an old metal shed to a coop.
If they are small leak areas you can just use silicone caulk or leak seal. If it's bigger areas you could reinforce the existing roof with another metal roof on top. You could even put a layer of Styrofoam in between to insulate if necessary. Would love to hear what other challenges you may come across.

 

[redinator]

I'm about to embark on the same project... converting an old metal shed to a coop.
If they are small leak areas you can just use silicone caulk or leak seal. If it's bigger areas you could reinforce the existing roof with another metal roof on top. You could even put a layer of Styrofoam in between to insulate if necessary. Would love to hear what other challenges you may come across.

So far the weather has been stalling my efforts . . . my plan it to replace the small ridge cap with a longer, wider one as @StinkyAcres mentioned.

I plan to attach it by running 1x4's parallel (front to back) the length of the roof screwing those to the roof, then the larger ridge cap to those . . . anywhere I use screws I'll use the flex tape or silicon to seal the holes. I might run flex tape the full length and silicone the holes for extra leak prevention.

I plan to leave a gap between the exiting roof and the new ridge cap so heat can escape at the peak of the roof which will help with ventilation.

I hope that makes sense . . .I'd try to draw out my plans, but that would look like a 2 year old got a hold of crayons, so . . . lol.

 

[Airyaman]

Can you take photos of the roof and where it is leaking?

 

[redinator]

Can you take photos of the roof and where it is leaking?

Actually, now that I'm looking at the pictures . . .the roof maybe a lost cause.

 

[LauraLGeorgia]

So far the weather has been stalling my efforts . . . my plan it to replace the small ridge cap with a longer, wider one as @StinkyAcres mentioned.

I plan to attach it by running 1x4's parallel (front to back) the length of the roof screwing those to the roof, then the larger ridge cap to those . . . anywhere I use screws I'll use the flex tape or silicon to seal the holes. I might run flex tape the full length and silicone the holes for extra leak prevention.

I plan to leave a gap between the exiting roof and the new ridge cap so heat can escape at the peak of the roof which will help with ventilation.

I hope that makes sense . . .I'd try to draw out my plans, but that would look like a 2 year old got a hold of crayons, so . . . lol.

Same! I'm so impressed with people who have scaled blueprints! Mine is all in my head!

 

[Airyaman]

Actually, now that I'm looking at the pictures . . .the roof maybe a lost cause.

Yeah, those are not in good shape. Any idea on the age of the building? Looks to be galvanized. Is the rust on the top of the panels worse or better than the underside?

The purlins (the silver metal cross members the roof is screwed to) appear to be OK, so you could replace the roof panels and probably be fine. Rather than buy some from a big box store, find a lumber yard or supplier that can give you panels cut to the length you need. They will be cheaper and you won't have cut anything, just screw them in place.

Here's a place you could try:

https://adcometals.com/metal-roofing/residential-roofing-panels-and-siding/city/Covington/state/LA/

 

[redinator]

Yeah, those are not in good shape. Any idea on the age of the building? Looks to be galvanized. Is the rust on the top of the panels worse or better than the underside?

The purlins (the silver metal cross members the roof is screwed to) appear to be OK, so you could replace the roof panels and probably be fine. Rather than buy some from a big box store, find a lumber yard or supplier that can give you panels cut to the length you need. They will be cheaper and you won't have cut anything, just screw them in place.

Here's a place you could try:

https://adcometals.com/metal-roofing/residential-roofing-panels-and-siding/city/Covington/state/LA/

It's roughly 4-5 years old . . . the issue started when I neglected to clean the leaves off after a bad storm we had about 2 years ago.

I'll check them out, thanks.

ETA: the top is dark brown, so it's hard to tell where the paint end and the rust begins.

 

[Airyaman]

It's roughly 4-5 years old . . . the issue started when I neglected to clean the leaves off after a bad storm we had about 2 years ago.

I'll check them out, thanks.

ETA: the top is dark brown, so it's hard to tell where the paint end and the rust begins.

Yeah, if you left leaves on it then it rusted from the top. Leaves will trap moisture which is bad news for any roofing material, particularly on lower slopes like this shed. If you go with new metal panels, stick with Galvalume and make sure you clean the roof of leaves or anything else that can trap moisture.

 

[redinator]

Yeah, if you left leaves on it then it rusted from the top. Leaves will trap moisture which is bad news for any roofing material, particularly on lower slopes like this shed. If you go with new metal panels, stick with Galvalume and make sure you clean the roof of leaves or anything else that can trap moisture.

Any suggestions for increasing the slope of the roof?

 

[Airyaman]

Any suggestions for increasing the slope of the roof?

You'd have to be able to redo the whole roof support structure. The slope is fine, just need clean off roof from time to time.