Waterproofing a birdhouse

[Aggrajag]

Hi all,

Just made a couple of 6.5mm birch plywood birdhouses which, despite following an online pattern's advice, seems to me on reflection to be a bad choice of wood for outdoor use.

What's an economical way of protecting it from the rain?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mind_the_goat]

An umbrella ?

I'll get my coat....

 

[Aggrajag]

I'll get my coat....

Raincoat surely?

 

[AJB Temple]

Slates. Cut to size with angle grinder Overlap at top and seal with bitumen sealer.

 

[AndyT]

The bit of roofing felt that was left over from doing your shed, you know, the bit that was too good to chuck, that you kept because it might come in useful... What do you mean, you threw it away?

 

[ColeyS1]

One tin of exterior polyurethane varnish, or yacht varnish. Stain it first if you don't like the natural colour

Coley

 

[RobinBHM]

Maybe an artificial slate as they are thin and easy to cut.

 

[n0legs]

How about wrapping it in flashband?
Sticks to anything, waterproof, easy to form, durable and the reflective quality might keep the heat from the sun out. I can't see it being harmful to the birds either, might be wrong but the birds here don't mind it on my roof.

 

[yetloh]

I have done something similar with left-over pvc pond liner.

Jim

 

[Andrewf]

Do they need to be waterproof. A bit of water won't bother the birds. They will be glad of anything. Might not last long but will do the job.

 

[Aggrajag]

Thanks everyone, think I'll go with Coley's suggestion of varnish. I read online about using teak/linseed oil (on the outside only to protect the birds from harm) so I guess one of those methods will work.