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How to waterproof a chicken coop's concrete?


Keeping the concrete floor of your chicken coop dry is important for the health and comfort of your flock. 

Wet conditions can lead to mold, bacteria, and foot issues for the chickens. Waterproofing the concrete is the best way to prevent moisture from seeping in from the ground below. 

Here are some steps to take to properly waterproof a chicken coop's concrete floor.

Supplies Needed

  • Concrete primer
  • Waterproofing sealant
  • Paint brush or roller
  • Clean rags
  • Concrete cleaner or etcher
  • Rubber gloves and eye protection

Steps to Waterproof the Concrete

Clean the Concrete Surface

  • Remove any dirt, dried feces, or debris from the concrete with a stiff brush and shop vacuum.
  • Use a concrete degreaser to remove any oil stains or residue.
  • Etch the surface with a concrete etcher or acidic cleaner. This will roughen up the surface to allow the sealant to bond effectively.
  • Rinse thoroughly and allow the concrete to fully dry.

Apply Concrete Primer

  • A primer is essential to creating a strong bond and preventing delamination of the sealant topcoat.
  • Pour the primer into a paint tray and use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even layer over the entire surface.
  • Allow the primer to dry completely as recommended by the manufacturer. It should have a slightly tacky feel when dry.

Apply Waterproofing Sealant

  • Carefully read and follow the application instructions for the sealant.
  • Begin applying thin coats of the sealant with a brush, roller, or caulking gun, depending on the type of sealant used.
  • Apply 2-3 thin coats rather than one thick coat, allowing proper drying time between coats.
  • Spread the sealant across the entire concrete floor as well as a few inches up the side walls.
  • Allow the final coat to cure fully before allowing chickens back in the coop.

Recommended Sealants

Sealant Description
Epoxy Long-lasting, durable, good for moisture-prone concrete
Polyurethane  Flexible, resistant to chemicals
Acrylic Economical, easy to apply and clean

Allow Sealant to Fully Cure

  • Follow the recommended curing time for the sealant, which is usually 24-48 hours.
  • The sealant should be fully hardened before chickens are allowed back into the coop.
  • Placing boards or mats over the sealant can protect it while the chickens acclimate back into the space.

Perform Routine Maintenance

  • Inspect the sealant a few times per year, especially after extremely wet weather.
  • Look for any cracks, peels, or areas of lost adhesion.
  • Reapply sealant to any problem areas. Scrape away old sealant first.
  • A full reapplication may be needed every 2-3 years.

Useful Resources on Concrete Chicken Coops

Properly constructing and maintaining a concrete chicken coop requires some research and planning. 

Here are some helpful resources from The Chicken Renters blog to cover various aspects of working with concrete in chicken coops:

With the right information, building and caring for a concrete chicken coop doesn't have to be difficult. Check out these in-depth articles for valuable insights.

Waterproofing the concrete floor of a chicken coop takes some work but is well worth it for keeping the coop dry and comfortable. 

Be sure to use the proper concrete preparation, primer, and sealant for a long-lasting waterproof barrier. With routine inspection and maintenance, a high-quality sealant should hold up for years. 

Just be sure to keep the chickens off the floor while the sealant cures! A dry coop is a healthy coop.

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