Chloe Zhang
There are several methods for attaching plastic to a greenhouse, and the right one for you will depend on the specifics of your structure and location. If your greenhouse has a metal frame, you can use a Poly Lock Channel with spring wire, which is the industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic. You can also use snap clamps, which are inexpensive and great for creating roll-up sides. If your greenhouse is made of wood, you can attach the plastic with staples, nails, or screws. To avoid putting holes in the plastic, you can bury the edges of the plastic in a trench surrounding the greenhouse and weigh it down with soil or other materials.
Characteristics and Values Table for Attaching Plastic to a Greenhouse:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of People Required | 2 |
| Tools Required | Ladders, Scissor Lift, Bolt Cutters, Hacksaw, Push Brooms, Tennis Balls, Safety Gear |
| Plastic Placement | Unroll Lengthwise with Label Visible from Inside |
| Plastic Type | Poly |
| Attachment Method | Lock Channel and Spring Wire, Wiggle Wire, Snap Clamps, Staples, Nails, Screws, Duct Tape, C-Clips, J-Clips, Self-Tapping Tek Screws |
| Additional Considerations | Insect Netting, Wind, Anchors, Weights, Trench |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the plastic film and unroll it along the structure
When preparing to attach plastic to your greenhouse, it's important to choose a calm day with low wind speeds and warm temperatures. This will ensure that the plastic doesn't blow away during the installation process and that it expands appropriately. It is best to unroll the greenhouse plastic in the early morning to avoid having the wind work against you.
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and tools, including the plastic film, spring lock wire, locking U-channels, ladders, bolt cutters or a hacksaw, push brooms, and tennis balls or rope. It is also recommended to have a roll of greenhouse repair tape on hand in case of any small tears or rips during the installation process.
Now, let's move on to the step-by-step guide for preparing the plastic film and unrolling it along the structure:
- Measure the length and width of the growing structure you wish to cover, including the total length of the pipes or hoops. Account for any extra plastic needed for roll-up sides or a double layer.
- Prepare the plastic film by unrolling it lengthwise along the structure. Ensure that the label is visible from inside the greenhouse. Most plastic films are folded to facilitate easy unfolding as you pull the corners.
- As you unroll the plastic, be careful not to get caught on corners, boards, or hardware to avoid tears. Having helpers near the endwalls can make this process smoother, allowing for more slack.
- Once fully unrolled, ensure that the plastic film extends at least 2 feet beyond the structure on all sides, providing extra material to work with during attachment.
- If you're using lock channels and spring wire (the industry standard), attach the lock channel to the frame first. Secure it to the wood or metal frame using self-tapping Tek screws.
- After the lock channel is in place, you can begin pulling the plastic film over the edges of the greenhouse structure. Work in sections, pulling the plastic taut and securing it with the spring wire.
- Continue this process until the entire structure is covered, working your way from the centre to the ends of each side.
Remember to plan the installation process carefully, ensuring you have the necessary tools and helpers to make it a seamless experience. With the right preparation and execution, you'll be on your way to a functional and cost-effective greenhouse!
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Use lock channels and spring wire to secure the plastic
Lock channels and spring wire are the industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic. This method is simple, economical, and effective for installing greenhouse plastic and other coverings, including poly plastic and shade cloth.
To begin, you will need to attach the lock channel to the metal framing of your structure at the points where you want the plastic to be secured. The lock channel can be attached using self-tapping Tek Screws, which are designed to drill through the channel and the steel tubing beneath.
Once the lock channel is in place, you can install the spring wire. Pull the plastic tight and wiggle the wire back and forth into the channel. The spring wire will form a tight and secure attachment, holding the plastic in place. Each section of wire is 6.5 feet long, so you may need to cut the wire to fit using bolt cutters or a metal saw.
Spring wire is also easily removable, allowing you to remove and reuse the plastic covering if needed. Additionally, if you plan to install insect netting, you will need to place it in the lock channel with a separate set of spring wire before installing the plastic.
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Bury the plastic in a trench with weights on top
Burying the plastic of your greenhouse in a trench with weights on top is a good way to secure it without poking holes in the plastic sheet. To do this, start by digging a small trench surrounding the greenhouse. Bury a portion of the plastic sheeting on one side and place weights on top to hold it down. Then, pull the plastic tight on the other side, bury it, and place more weights.
This method may not be suitable for windy areas, as the wind can easily displace the weights. However, if you double-layer the plastic, drive stakes through it, and then place weights on top, it may be able to withstand medium-strength winds.
To make your greenhouse even sturdier, you can use ground anchors, digging them into solid ground and strapping the greenhouse firmly to the ground. You can also mount the frame on wood and attach it with pipe clips, or bury the wood in a trench.
Another option is to use straps that go over the entire structure, including the cover, and tie it down to weights or anchors on the ground. This will completely limit movement and prolong the life of the cover.
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Use snap clamps to create roll-up sides
Snap clamps are a great way to create roll-up sides for your greenhouse. They are compatible with 1.315" roll bars, making them a cost-effective option for attaching greenhouse plastic. Snap clamps are easy to use and can be pushed over the top of the greenhouse plastic and onto the roll bar.
To install the snap clamps, start by unrolling your plastic film lengthwise along the structure. Ensure that the label is visible from inside the greenhouse when you attach the plastic. Once the plastic is unrolled, lift it over the hoops of the greenhouse. Work with the wind to avoid the plastic getting pushed onto the ribs, which can make the job more challenging.
After the plastic is in place, you can attach the snap clamps. These clamps are available in various sizes, so make sure you select the right size for your tubing. Attach the snap clamps every 2 feet along the greenhouse sidewall for maximum hold and security. Simply push the snap clamp over the plastic and onto the tubing until it snaps into place.
If you plan to install insect netting for added protection, you can place it over the plastic before attaching the snap clamps. This process will help you create roll-up sides on your greenhouse, providing ventilation and easy access to your plants.
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Staple the plastic and use duct tape for added support
Attaching plastic to a greenhouse is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation and the right tools. Here is a detailed guide on how to staple the plastic and use duct tape for added support:
Firstly, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials: plastic sheeting, staples, a staple gun or heavy-duty stapler, duct tape, gloves, goggles, and any other safety gear you deem necessary. It is also recommended to have extra hands available to help with the process, especially when dealing with wind.
Before you begin, carefully unroll your plastic film lengthwise along the structure, ensuring it is properly aligned. Most plastic is designed to facilitate easy unfolding as you pull the corners. Have two people grab a corner each at the ends 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 job more challenging.
Once the plastic is in place, start stapling it down. Line up the edges and tack it down tight, working from the center and stretching as you staple. Ensure that there are no sharp edges, wood splinters, or nails that could tear the plastic. Use duct tape over the staples for added support and to help prevent tearing.
Finally, check that the plastic is securely attached and make any necessary adjustments. Duct tape can also be used for repairs if needed. This method of attaching plastic to a greenhouse is simple and effective, but it is important to take your time and work carefully to avoid any tears or damage to the plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
The industry standard for attaching plastic to a greenhouse is lock channel and spring wire. The PVC-coated spring wire is also known as wiggle wire because you need to wiggle it up and down during installation. It is a simple and economical way to attach plastic to a greenhouse.
You will need bolt cutters or a hacksaw to cut the spring wire to length, ladders to reach the top of the greenhouse, push brooms to ease the plastic over the hoops, and safety gear such as gloves and goggles.
You can use staples, nails, or screws to attach plastic film to a wooden greenhouse. Line up the edges of the film, then stretch and tack it down tight, working from the centre outwards.
If you are attaching plastic to a greenhouse in a windy area, you may want to get some extra hands to help. You can also dig a trench around the greenhouse, bury the edges of the plastic, and place weights on top.
