Chloe Zhang
Fitting plastic for a greenhouse frame can be a challenging task. There are various methods to attach plastic to a greenhouse frame, including using rope, grommets, clamps, and wiggle wire channels. The type of attachment method depends on the frame material, design, and thickness of the plastic. For example, snap clamps are suitable for temporary attachments or interior partitions, while rope and grommets provide a secure attachment. It is recommended to install greenhouse plastic during warm temperatures to reduce potential loosening when the weather gets hot. Additionally, the end walls of the greenhouse, which bear the most wind load, should be secured with multiple layers of wire in the lock channels.
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What You'll Learn
Using snap clamps for temporary attachment
Snap clamps are a great, inexpensive option for temporarily attaching plastic to your greenhouse frame. They are simple to use and can be easily removed and reused. They are ideal for creating roll-up sides on hoop houses, high tunnels, and greenhouses. Snap clamps are compatible with PVC and EMT metal conduit and can be used for temporary or permanent installations. They are also suitable for use in high-wind areas.
To install a snap clamp, position the materials at a desired angle, ensuring one end of the clamp is closer to the frame than the other. Then, push the end down onto the frame and repeat for the other end until it snaps over the pipe. It is recommended to place clamps every 2 feet to provide maximum strength and stability. You can also protect your frame by lining the clamps with electrical tape.
Snap clamps are available in standard sizes that fit 1.315 OD, 1.66 OD, and 1.90 OD outer diameter tubing. They are designed to push over the top covering and onto round tubing. If your structure has a different type of tubing, other hardware options are available.
Snap clamps are a versatile option for attaching plastic to your greenhouse frame. They are easy to use and provide a secure hold, making them a popular choice for many gardeners and farmers.
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Burying the plastic in a small trench
You can also use ground anchors, pegs, or stakes to secure the plastic. This method helps to prevent the greenhouse from blowing away in high winds and ensures its stability.
Another way to secure the plastic is to use a combination of rope and grommets. This involves creating holes in the plastic using grommets, which allows you to thread the rope through them and tie it tightly to the frame.
Additionally, you can use snap clamps to attach the plastic to the frame. These are inexpensive and great for creating roll-up sides on hoop houses, high tunnels, and greenhouses. However, they are only suitable for structures with specific tube diameters and round tubing.
Finally, you can use spring wire to attach the plastic to the frame. Begin by securing the plastic across the baseboards, including the horizontal door and door frame pieces at the bottom. Then, secure the plastic to the top with a second layer of wiggle wire in the end wall hoop lock channels. Work your way up the door, door frame, and uprights to the top of the hoop, pulling the plastic tightly towards you as you work.
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Using rope to attach plastic to the frame
Using rope is a straightforward and cost-effective way to attach plastic to your greenhouse frame. It is ideal for smaller and semi-permanent structures. This method is also suitable for greenhouses without roll-up sides.
First, set up your greenhouse plastic roll at one end of the greenhouse. Fold the ends and tie a firm knot around a nub multiple times to ensure it is secured. Then, fold the plastic back on itself and tie another knot around the underside of the nub. This creates a smoother "pulling handle" to pull the plastic across the greenhouse.
Next, run the rope tied to the nub across the greenhouse structure to the other end. One person can hold the rope at the end with the plastic roll, taking pressure off the plastic, while the other pulls the plastic over the centre of the greenhouse.
To attach the plastic to the frame, you can thread the rope through metal grommets and tie it tightly to the frame. Alternatively, you can use snap clamps to secure the plastic to the frame.
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Using snap-in PVC pipe clamps
Snap clamps are a simple and inexpensive method of attaching plastic to a greenhouse frame. They are ideal for creating roll-up sides on hoop houses, high tunnels, and greenhouses. Snap clamps are also suitable for temporary attachments or interior partitions.
Snap clamps are only available in standard sizes that fit onto 1.315 OD, 1.66 OD, and 1.90 OD outer diameter tubing. They are designed specifically for attaching plastic to round tubing.
To install a snap-in PVC pipe clamp, you will need to first position the plastic film or covering over the PVC pipe frame. Then, take the clamp and angle it so that one end is closer to the frame than the other. Push this end down onto the frame. Repeat the process for the other end of the clamp until it snaps over the pipe. It is recommended to place clamps every 2 feet to provide maximum strength and stability for the frame.
To remove the snap-in PVC pipe clamp, insert a flathead screwdriver into either end and pull up on the clamp. This type of clamp features a cutout on both ends to facilitate this removal process.
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Using spring wire channels and spring wire
Spring wire channels and spring wire are a popular method for attaching plastic to a greenhouse frame. This method is also known as U Channel, C Channel, zig-zag wire, or Lock Channel. It is made of aluminium or galvanised steel and is secured to lumber, round steel tube, or square steel tube.
The first step is to secure the channel to the greenhouse frame. This can be done using self-tapping Tek Screws, which attach the channel firmly to the framing. The spring wire is then used to secure the plastic to the channel. The spring wire is wiggled back and forth over the plastic and into the channel, creating a firm hold. This method is very secure and makes it nearly impossible to pull the plastic out.
Spring wire channels and spring wire are a good choice for attaching plastic to a greenhouse frame as they are easy to use and create a strong, durable hold. The spring wire attaches across the full area of the plastic, creating a thorough covering that helps to protect the greenhouse from high winds and regulate temperature and humidity. This method is also less likely to damage the plastic during installation.
In addition, spring wire channels and spring wire are a cost-effective option, especially when compared to other methods such as rope, which can be pricier depending on the size of the greenhouse. Spring wire is also a good choice for those on a budget as it is less expensive than lock channels but is still durable and hardy, withstanding wind, rain, and snow.
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Frequently asked questions
Poly Lock Channels are the most popular attachment hardware on the market. Other options include snap clamps, spring wire, rope, grommets, PVC clamps, and screws.
The best greenhouse plastic is UV-stabilized plastic sheeting made of 6 mil or thicker polyethylene plastic. It is affordable and can provide cover for many years.
A warm, sunny day is ideal for installing greenhouse plastic as it expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. A temperature of around 70 degrees is recommended.
The endwalls bear more wind load than the curved length of the roof, so it is important to secure the plastic in multiple places. Begin by securing the plastic across the baseboards, including the horizontal door and door frame pieces at the bottom. Then, secure the plastic to the top with a second layer of wiggle wire or spring wire in the end wall hoop lock channels.
