Maya Ellison
Attaching plastic film to a greenhouse is a delicate process that requires careful preparation and the right tools. The process can be challenging, especially in windy conditions, but it is also rewarding as it is the final step before growth can begin inside the greenhouse. There are several methods for attaching plastic film to a greenhouse, including stapling, nailing, screwing, and using spring wire and lock channels. The choice of method depends on the type of greenhouse frame (e.g., wood or metal) and personal preference. Proper measurements and preparations are crucial to ensure the plastic film is securely attached and to avoid tears and rips during installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic film, spring lock wire, locking u-channels, self-tapping screws, staples, duct tape, spring wire, poly lock channel, tek screws |
| Preparation | Measure the length and width of the structure, accounting for pipes and endwalls. The plastic film should have 2 extra feet around the structure on the ground. |
| Installation | Pull the plastic film over the structure, being careful not to tear it. Attach the locking u-channels to the frame using self-tapping screws. Place the plastic film between the locking u-channel and the spring lock wire, wiggling the wire into the channel. Trim any excess plastic. Staple the plastic to 2x4 boards to hold it down. |
| Tips | Work with the wind when unfolding the plastic. Use soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls on the end to avoid tears. Have helpers near the endwalls for a seamless process. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the plastic film
Preparing the plastic film is a crucial step in the process of attaching it to your greenhouse. Here are the detailed instructions to help you prepare the plastic film effectively:
Firstly, determine the required size of the plastic film by measuring the length and width of your greenhouse structure, including any additional length needed for roll-up sides or a double layer. Order the plastic film accordingly, keeping in mind that it's easier to work with larger sheets. When your plastic film arrives, carefully unroll it on the ground, ensuring the label is visible from inside the greenhouse. Take caution to avoid any sharp objects like wood splinters or nails that could tear the thin plastic film.
Before you begin lifting the plastic film onto the greenhouse, unfold it properly by pulling its corners. If your plastic film has been folded for packaging, it should unfold smoothly as you pull. Two people can grab opposite corners and begin lifting the plastic over the hoops of the greenhouse. Work with the wind to avoid the plastic being pushed onto the ribs, which can make the task more challenging. Use soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls on the end to guide the plastic gently over the structure.
Additionally, if you plan to install insect netting for your roll-up sides, ensure you have the necessary spring wire and lock channel components. You will need enough spring wire to run the length of your hoop house four times. The lock channel and spring wire method is the industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic, providing a tight and secure attachment. If you're using this method, have the spring wire and lock channel components ready to install along with your plastic film.
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Secure with lock channel and spring wire
Lock channel and spring wire is the industry standard for securing plastic film to a greenhouse. This method is simple, economical, and effective. It can be used with a variety of materials, including poly plastic, shade cloth, and wood or metal frames.
To begin, you will need to attach the locking u-channels to the frame of your greenhouse. This can be done using self-tapping screws, such as Tek Screws, which are designed to drill through the channel and into the frame beneath. If you are using a metal frame, you will need to use self-tapping Tek Screws.
Once the locking u-channels are in place, you can pull the plastic film over the greenhouse, ensuring that it overlaps the channels. The plastic film should be pulled tight, but be careful not to pull it too taut, as this may cause it to tear.
Next, you will need to secure the plastic film with spring wire. The spring wire is inserted into the locking u-channel, pinching the plastic film in place. This is done by "wiggling" the wire back and forth into the channel. Each section of wire is 6.5 feet long, so you will need to cut the wire to fit in certain places.
Finally, you can trim any excess plastic film once all the sections are secured. It is recommended to attach the plastic film at all corners and in the middle of each wall first, to limit the wind picking up the plastic during the process. Then, you can go back and attach the sides.
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Staple the plastic to the structure
Stapling is a budget-friendly method to attach plastic film to your greenhouse. However, stapling alone may not be the best option as the plastic may tear in the wind. To avoid this, you can staple the plastic to a 12-foot-long 2x4. This will hold the plastic down as you lay the board along one side of the house. You can then measure how many feet you need to go up one wall, over the rafters, and then down the other wall. Add an additional foot of plastic and wrap and staple that to another 2x4. You can also add an extra layer of support by stapling with a nailed 1x2 on top of the nails.
Before stapling, make sure there are no sharp edges or wood splinters, as the plastic will find them and tear. You can also stretch and install the plastic yourself, even on a windy day, by using 2x4x12s as anchors.
If you are concerned about the waste created by stapling, you can use screws with rubber washers instead. This is a better option with a lower chance of tears, and it doesn't cost much more to install.
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Use duct tape for repairs
While duct tape can be used to attach plastic film to a greenhouse, it is not ideal. Duct tape does not stick well when it is wet, and it degrades and turns into powder when exposed to sunlight. As a result, it is not a good long-term solution for attaching plastic film to a greenhouse.
If you must use duct tape, it is recommended to use thick "Gorilla Tape", which is more resistant to water and sunlight. However, even with this type of tape, it is likely to be poked through and will not hold up as well as other methods.
A better alternative to duct tape is greenhouse repair tape, which is specifically designed for repairing tears and attaching plastic film to greenhouses. This tape is more resistant to sunlight and weather conditions and will provide a stronger and longer-lasting hold.
Another option for attaching plastic film to a greenhouse is to use lock channel and spring wire, which is the industry standard for properly securing greenhouse plastic. This method creates a tight and secure attachment, and the plastic can be easily removed and reinstalled without causing damage.
Additionally, some people use staples or nails to attach the plastic film to the greenhouse. This method can be effective, but it is important to ensure that there are no sharp edges that could tear the plastic. Using screws instead of nails can make it easier to remove and replace the plastic if needed.
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Pulling the plastic over the frame
Two people should then grab a corner of the film on opposite ends and begin lifting it over the hoops of the greenhouse. It is important to work with the wind when unfolding the plastic, otherwise, the plastic will be pushed onto the ribs, making the job more difficult. Soft-bristled brooms or poles with a tennis ball on the end can be useful at this stage. Take care to avoid getting caught on corners, boards, or hardware to prevent rips. Having helpers near the endwalls to aid in unrolling and unfolding can make this process smoother.
Once the plastic is fully unrolled, it can be attached to the frame. If using a wooden frame, the plastic can be stapled or stapled with a nailed 1x2 on top of the nails for added support. Duct tape can also be used to repair any tears that may occur. If using a metal frame, the plastic can be secured using a Poly Lock Channel and spring wire, which is the industry standard for properly securing greenhouse plastic. The Poly Lock Channel must first be attached to the metal frame using self-tapping Tek Screws, which are designed to drill through the channel and the steel tubing beneath. The plastic is then placed between the Poly Lock Channel and the spring wire, and the wire is "wiggled" up and down into the channel, pinching the plastic into place. Any excess plastic can then be trimmed.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need the plastic film, spring lock wire, and locking u-channels. If you are attaching the plastic film to a metal frame, you will also need self-tapping screws.
Measure the length and width of the growing structure you wish to cover. Account for the total length of the pipes you will use to complete the hoops and the endwalls. Roll-up sides will require an extra 4 feet of plastic.
First, attach the locking u-channels to the greenhouse frame. Then, unroll the plastic film so that the label is visible from inside the structure. Pull the plastic film over the edges of the greenhouse and carefully place the plastic between the locking u-channel and the spring lock wire. Wiggle the wire into the locking u-channel to pinch the plastic into place.
It is a good idea to have a roll of greenhouse repair tape on hand to fix any small tears that occur.
Some alternative methods include stapling, stapling with a nailed 1x2 on top of the nails for added support, or using duct tape.
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