How to Build a Roof for a Birdhouse Barn

Bird house barns are a cute way for birds to nest. While it is easy to build a base for the bird house barn, it can be more difficult to build the roof. A metal roof adds a unique and rustic look to a bird house barn. The process should take one hour or less to complete.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chop saw with panel blade Aluminum siding Ruler Gloves Goggle Marker Metal screws Power screwdriver Power drill Birdhouse barn Pliers Hammer Soldering iron Metal wire String

1. Purchase some aluminum sheeting to use as the roof of the birdhouse. To give it an authentic "barn" feel, use wavy sheets of metal. If you do not already own a chop saw and panel blade, purchase or borrow one for the project. Make sure you have all tools necessary to complete the project.

2. Measure the dimensions of the birdhouse barn. Allow enough extra width and height for an over hang off the sides of the barn. Decide how high you want the roof to go. Mark down the measurements and outline them in marker on the metal sheeting. You will want to make 2 equally sized pieces for the roof.

3. Lay the metal on the chop saw. Wear gloves and goggles while performing this step. Cut the metal around the outline that you drew on the metal sheeting. Be very careful handling the edges of the metal as they will be quite sharp.

4. Drill several holes into the walls of the birdhouse barn. Drill holes in matching places on the metal roofing pieces. Screw the two pieces of metal into the walls of the house.

5. Cut a small strip of metal wide enough to cover the top of the two roof pieces. Use pliers and a hammer to bend the metal piece until it has a rounded shape. Solder the rounded metal piece to the top of the roof where the two metal pieces touch. Let cool. Drill a small hole in the top of the bird house. Attach a metal hanger to the hole, so that the house can be hung from a tree.

6. Attach a piece of string to the hanger in the top of the house. Hang from a prominent location where you can enjoy looking at your bird house barn. Enjoy watching the birds build a nest in their new barn.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unfamiliar with using a chop saw, practice cutting the metal with scrap pieces.
• Be very careful when carrying the metal sheeting. The edges are sharp and can easily cut through clothing and skin. Never touch a soldering tool to your body. The burns can last for a very long time and cause serious injury.