This video details the construction of a chicken coop roof using reclaimed, free pallet wood shingles. The creator outlines the process from shingle preparation, including pre-treatment with boiled linseed oil for durability, to the multi-layered installation on the roof. Key steps covered include the essential application of an ice and water shield and proper drip/rake edge, followed by the strategic use of composite decking for rot-resistant furring strips with drainage holes. The video emphasizes fundamental roofing principles such as shingle overlap, staggering, sufficient nail penetration, and ensuring good air circulation beneath the roof, offering practical advice for DIYers constructing small, cost-effective roofs while acknowledging limitations compared to professional installations.
Building a Pallet Wood Shingle Roof: A DIY Guide
0:00 Introduction: The video showcases a newly built chicken coop roof constructed entirely from free pallet wood shingles.
0:34 Important Caveats: The creator advises viewers to check other related videos for more detailed specifics and acknowledges that a pallet wood roof is a DIY solution, not a superior alternative to professionally installed, expensive roofs.
1:58 Shingle Preparation & Overlap: While shingle-making specifics are covered in other videos, the creator emphasizes the benefit of more overlap (ideally 50%, e.g., 8 inches for a 16-inch shingle) between shingles for better performance.
2:39 Shingle Pre-treatment: Shingles are pre-treated by immersion in boiled linseed oil using a flat-bottom 24-gallon tote, then stood up to drain and dried on pallets for 1-2 days before installation.
4:37 Essential Roof Preparation: Critical steps for a successful roof include properly installing a self-healing ice and water shield (which seals around nail penetrations) and correctly installed drip edges (top and bottom) and rake edges (sides).
5:31 Durable Furring Strips: Leftover composite decking, ripped into 1-inch strips, is recommended for furring strips due to its rot resistance, although pressure-treated lumber is a less durable alternative.
6:28 Furring Strip & Underlayment Details: Wee holes are cut every 3-4 inches into the furring strips for drainage. Additionally, 3-inch strips of ice and water shield are placed under each furring strip for extra sealing where nails and screws will be concentrated. Furring strips should overhang the roof edges by 1 inch.
7:21 Shingle Installation Techniques: Shingles must be staggered in courses to prevent vertical alignment of joints. Different thicknesses of shingles can be used but only within their own dedicated courses.
8:22 Proper Nail Length: Nails must be long enough (e.g., 2.5 inches for a 1-inch furring strip) to ensure full penetration through the shingle, furring strip, and underlying cladding.
8:55 Double-Width First Furring Strip & Side Skirt: The first furring strip at the bottom of the roof should be double the standard thickness. The 1-inch overhang of the furring strips allows for the later addition of a "skirt" on the sides of the roof, preventing sideways rain and ensuring good air circulation.
10:26 General Principles for Success: The video highlights that the success of the roof relies on adherence to core principles, such as ensuring good air movement beneath the shingles and secure attachment to withstand wind, noting that specific details might need to be adapted based on local climate and roof pitch.
11:29 Call to Action: The creator acknowledges the niche nature of the video (pallet wood shingle roofs for chicken coops/sheds) and encourages viewers to engage by liking, subscribing, commenting, and considering other forms of channel support.