Maya Ellison
Plastic is a popular material for greenhouses because it is lighter and more affordable than glass. However, plastic greenhouses are susceptible to tears from wind, hail, tools, and even birds. Tears in the plastic can cause temperature and humidity fluctuations, unwanted light exposure, and wind damage to plants. To prevent tears in greenhouse plastic, gardeners can use tape, rope, bungee cords, and glue to reinforce the structure. Regular maintenance, such as seasonal checks and cleaning, can also help extend the life of the plastic and avoid future tears.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Clean the plastic with soapy water, avoiding bleach and limiting sulfur |
| Maintenance | Check for tears seasonally and tighten ropes and cables |
| Repairs | Use tape, rope, bungee cords, or zip ties to secure tears |
| Materials | Choose thicker, multi-layered plastic with UV protection, such as SolaWrap |
| Installation | Avoid over-stretching the plastic and ensure a proper fit |
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What You'll Learn
Use strong tape designed for greenhouse plastic
Plastic is a popular material for greenhouses because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and durable. However, plastic greenhouses can occasionally tear and will need to be repaired to maintain a consistent temperature inside the structure. One way to repair a tear in greenhouse plastic is to use strong tape designed specifically for greenhouse plastic repair.
There are several types of tape available for repairing tears in greenhouse plastic. Some tapes are made from clear polythene film with a high-tack acrylic adhesive, while others are made from clear poly patching tape. Both types of tape are designed for interior and exterior applications and are UV-protected to prevent deterioration. When using tape to repair a tear in greenhouse plastic, it is important to clean and dry the area around the tear before applying the tape.
To effectively patch a tear in greenhouse plastic, it is recommended to delay repairs until the sun is shining so that both the plastic around the tear and the tape are warm. The area around the tear should be thoroughly cleaned with glass cleaner or a mild soap and water solution, and then dried. Once the area is clean and dry, a piece of tape should be placed over the tear, extending a few inches beyond the damage on both the inside and outside of the plastic. The tape should stick to itself through the hole for a more secure repair.
It is worth noting that some users have reported mixed experiences with the adhesion of certain types of tape. While some find that the tape works well, others have reported that it peels off within a day of application. To avoid this issue, it may be advisable to choose a tape with a strong adhesive specifically designed for greenhouse plastic repair, as this type of tape is expected to have a stronger adhesion. Additionally, it is recommended to check taped repairs every 6-8 months to ensure the tape is not coming loose.
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Secure the roof with bungee cords
To prevent tears in greenhouse plastic, it is important to ensure that the plastic covering is tightly secured to the structure. One way to do this is by using bungee cords to secure the roof.
Start by measuring the length and width of the greenhouse roof to determine the appropriate length and tension for the bungee cords. It is important to ensure that the bungee cords are tight enough to hold the plastic securely in place.
Attach one end of the bungee cord to the top crossbeam of the greenhouse structure. You can do this by hooking the bungee cord directly onto the beam or by using a carabiner or similar attachment. Pull the bungee cord down diagonally to the bottom corner of the structure and attach it to the base. This will create tension that holds the plastic tightly in place and helps to prevent tears.
You can also add additional bungee cords across the sides of the structure. Attach the bungees diagonally from near the top to the bottom corner on both sides, as well as across the back of the greenhouse. This will further stabilize the structure and prevent twisting motions that could lead to tears in the plastic.
By using bungee cords to secure the roof and sides of your greenhouse, you can add rigidity to the structure and reduce the risk of tears caused by strong winds or weather conditions. It is a good idea to periodically check the tension of the bungee cords and adjust as needed to ensure that the plastic remains tight and secure.
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Avoid friction and make frame repairs
Friction is a common cause of tears in greenhouse plastic. To avoid friction, ensure that the plastic is pulled tightly over the structure. Plastic that is loose will blow around and wrinkle in the wind, making it more prone to damage. You can also use tape to avoid friction. Apply tape along the main stress lines to reinforce the plastic and the structure. There is tape specifically made for greenhouse plastic, but you can also use box tape or duct tape.
Additionally, it is important to make repairs to the frame as needed. Spring wires may loosen in extreme weather, so look for ends that have popped out after big storms as the plastic in these unsecured areas can easily tear. You can use small cable ties or zip ties to attach the racks to the frame, adding more rigidity to the structure. If you live in an area with heavy snow loads, clear your greenhouse daily or as needed in winter. The constant weight can cause damaging stress and stretching, leading to a shorter lifespan for the plastic.
Another way to make frame repairs is to use plumber's glue on the inside of the plastic connectors during the build to secure the metal to the plastic. You can also add an additional connection from the top crossbeam directly to the base of the structure using a rope or bungee cord. This will create external tension to hold the frame together, rather than relying on internal friction. Adding bungee cords across the sides of the structure, ideally diagonally from the top to the bottom corner, will also prevent any large-scale twisting motion and stop the poles from popping out of the frame.
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Use thicker plastic with UV protection
Plastic is a popular material for greenhouses because it is lighter and more affordable than glass. However, plastic is susceptible to tears and deterioration over time. Thicker plastic with UV protection is one way to prevent tears in greenhouse plastic.
UV light, or ultraviolet light, is an invisible light that makes up at least 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the sun. UV degradation breaks down polymers in plastic sheeting, causing the plastic to become brittle, discoloured, and weak. This degradation can be prevented with UV-resistant plastic sheeting, also known as UV blocking. UV stabilizers are added to the resin during the manufacturing process to extend the lifespan of the plastic.
UV-resistant plastic sheeting blocks part of the infrared spectrum, which can help reduce common greenhouse pests like whiteflies, aphids, and gnats. Additionally, thicker plastics tend to have a more enduring lifespan. For example, 10 mil string-reinforced clear greenhouse plastic sheeting is engineered for demanding environments where extra durability is essential. This type of plastic sheeting includes a layer of string reinforcement between two layers of high-strength virgin film, plus an additional layer of molten polyethylene for added resilience.
When choosing greenhouse plastic, it is essential to consider factors such as climate, durability, lifespan, light transmission, and heat retention capabilities. Balancing these factors with the needs of your plants will help maintain a healthy and productive greenhouse environment.
One example of a thick, UV-resistant greenhouse plastic is SolaWrap, a transparent polyethylene film with integrated bubbles. SolaWrap has a total thickness of 324 mil, providing robust durability. It offers energy savings, UV protection, and prolonged growing seasons, backed by a 10-year warranty.
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Keep the plastic tightly stretched
Keeping the plastic tightly stretched is an effective way to prevent tears in your greenhouse. Plastic coverings that are loose are more prone to damage and can increase stress on the structure's frame. Wrinkled plastic that moves around in the wind will not last as long and will likely tear, so it is important to ensure the plastic is tightly stretched over the frame.
To achieve this, you can use bungee cords or ropes to secure the plastic. Attach these from the top to the bottom of the frame on the outside, pulling the plastic tight. You can also add diagonal cords from the top corners to the bottom corners to prevent twisting and stop the poles from popping out. Keep tightening these ropes until the poles cannot be gently pulled out by hand.
Another way to keep the plastic tightly stretched is to use zip ties or cable ties. These can be used to attach wire racks to the frame, adding rigidity to the structure and preventing collapse.
Additionally, when installing or repairing the plastic, ensure you are using the correctly sized plastic covering to ensure a proper fit. You can also use tape to secure the plastic and prevent tears. There is tape specifically designed for greenhouse plastic, which will be more effective than duct tape.
By following these steps and keeping the plastic tightly stretched, you can help prevent tears and extend the life of your greenhouse.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent tears in your greenhouse plastic caused by wind, you can add bungee cords or ropes diagonally across the sides of the structure from top to bottom. You can also use tape designed for greenhouse plastic along the main stress lines.
If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, you should clear your greenhouse daily or as needed during the winter. Constant weight from snow can cause damaging stress and stretching, leading to tears and a shorter lifespan for the plastic.
To prevent tears in your greenhouse plastic caused by friction, you can separate the plastic from constant contact with the frame by placing a layer of tape on the rib. You can also use plumber's glue on the inside of the plastic connectors to secure the metal to the plastic.
