Sofia Martinez
When building a greenhouse, it is important to determine the size of the plastic film you will need. This will depend on the dimensions of your structure (length, width, and height) and the desired level of protection. You can use a greenhouse plastic film size calculator or measure the width and length of your greenhouse structure, adding extra length for overlap and to account for the arch's radius. You will also need to consider factors such as durability, transparency, weight, anti-condensation, and thickness when selecting the plastic for your greenhouse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Determining factors | Length, width, and height of the greenhouse structure |
| Tools | Measuring tape, rope, string, fixed object, greenhouse plastic film size calculator |
| Formula | A x (C + 2 to 4 feet) |
| Minimum thickness | 6 mil |
| Excess material | Add 4' to the width for safety and roll-up sidewalls |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring width and length
Measuring the width and length of your greenhouse is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Firstly, measure the width of your greenhouse structure. This can be done by throwing a rope over the structure and taking the end of the rope to the ground. Have someone mark the rope at the other side, ground level. Then, stretch the rope out straight and measure the distance to the mark. This will give you the width, but be sure to add some extra width to account for safety and/or roll-up sidewalls. It is recommended to add 4 feet to the actual width for this purpose.
Now, you can calculate the total length. This is done by measuring the height of the greenhouse and doubling it, then adding the structure length. For example, if your greenhouse is 7 feet tall and 20 feet long, the total length would be 7 x 2 + 20 = 34 feet.
It is important to consider the length of the pipes you are using to complete the hoop and your endwalls. The size of your greenhouse film is not determined solely by the length and width of the structure.
Additionally, you may want to consider the thickness of the plastic. Greenhouse plastic comes in various thicknesses, ranging from 3 mil to 11 mil. A minimum thickness of 6 mil is recommended to balance strength, longevity, and light transmission.
By following these steps, you can accurately determine the width and length of your greenhouse and choose the appropriate size of plastic film.
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Calculating total length
Calculating the total length of plastic film needed for a greenhouse involves several steps. First, measure the width and length of the greenhouse structure. This can be done by throwing a rope over the greenhouse, bringing it down to ground level, and marking the rope at the other side. Stretch the rope straight and measure to the mark to account for the arch's radius accurately.
Next, add some extra length to the width measurement to allow for overlap and to secure the plastic. It is recommended to add 4 feet to the width for safety and/or roll-up sidewalls.
Then, calculate the total length by multiplying the height by 2 and adding it to the structure length. This accounts for the plastic needed for the endwalls.
For example, if the greenhouse structure is 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, the total length of the plastic film would be calculated as follows:
Final width = 10 feet + 4 feet = 14 feet
Total length = (2 x height) + structure length
= (2 x 10 feet) + 20 feet = 40 feet
So, the total length of plastic film needed would be 40 feet long and 14 feet wide.
It is important to note that this calculation assumes a certain amount of excess plastic for safety and that the greenhouse has a symmetrical arch shape. Adjustments may be needed for more complex structures or unique designs.
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Required excess
When figuring out the size of the plastic you need for your greenhouse, it is important to consider any required excess to ensure you have enough material. While the size of your greenhouse film is determined by the length and width of your structure, you must account for the total length of the pipes used to complete the hoops and the end walls.
For example, if you require a minimum length of 90 feet, it is recommended to add an extra 8 feet of plastic to ensure you have enough material. This means you will need a plastic cover with a minimum length of 98 feet.
Similarly, to determine the required cover width, you can use the formula "X" + 4 feet. This accounts for safety and/or roll-up sidewalls. For instance, if "X" is 20 feet, you will need a plastic cover width of 24 feet.
It is also important to consider the thickness of the plastic, as this will impact the durability, light transmission, and insulation properties of your greenhouse. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, providing a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission.
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Greenhouse plastic film size calculator
To calculate the size of the plastic film you need for your greenhouse, you must consider several factors. Firstly, measure the width of your greenhouse structure. This can be done by throwing a rope over the greenhouse and marking it at ground level on each side. Stretch the rope straight and then measure to the mark to account for the arch's radius.
Next, determine the total length. Multiply the height of the structure by two and add this to the length of the structure. It is recommended to add an extra 4 feet to the width and 2 feet to the length to allow for safety and roll-up sidewalls.
The size of the plastic film you require will also depend on whether you are using it for a single or double layer. For a double layer, you will need to account for the total length of the pipes used to complete the hoop structure and the size of the endwalls.
You can refer to charts that provide recommended plastic film sizes based on the width and length of your greenhouse structure. These charts take into account the specific dimensions and the type of greenhouse, such as a hoop house, to suggest the appropriate plastic film size.
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Thickness of plastic
The thickness of plastic for a greenhouse is an important consideration. Polyethylene plastic is the most common material used to cover a greenhouse due to its low price, flexibility, and durability. It can last up to 4 years and comes in different thicknesses, typically ranging from 0.5 mil to 12 mil. A thicker variant will let less light through but will also be stronger. A thickness of 6-10 mil is ideal for a greenhouse, with 6 mil being a good balance between cost and quality. Polyethylene plastic is available in two grades: greenhouse grade and utility grade. Utility grade is cheaper and more readily available but may not last more than a year or two.
Another option is polycarbonate, which is more expensive, rigid, and has better light transmission. It can last up to 10 years and is shatter-proof, making it a good option for a permanent structure. Woven plastic is another variation that improves the durability of polyethylene plastic.
When determining the thickness of plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider factors such as weather conditions, greenhouse structure, budget, and plant needs. Thicker plastic may be more suitable for certain weather conditions and can provide extra durability. However, it is important to balance this with the amount of light transmission, as thicker plastic may let less light through.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to measure the width and length of your greenhouse structure. Then, add some extra length to allow for overlap and to affix the cover. Finally, measure the dimensions of the plastic and multiply these by adding at least 1” to each dimension.
Throw a rope over the greenhouse and take the end of the rope to the ground. Have someone mark the rope at the other side, then stretch the rope straight and measure to the mark. This will give you an accurate measurement of the arch's radius.
You should add a minimum of one foot to each measurement to affix the cover to the greenhouse. You should also add 2 to 4 feet to the C dimension (the span) to ensure a proper fit.
