Sofia Martinez
Pulling plastic on a commercial greenhouse is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. It is essential to choose a calm, warm day for the installation to prevent the wind from causing issues and to ensure the plastic is loose enough to accommodate temperature fluctuations. Before beginning, it is crucial to measure the greenhouse frame to purchase enough plastic material and to prepare the necessary tools, such as ladders, bolt cutters, push brooms, and tennis balls or golf balls to protect the plastic. The process typically involves unrolling the plastic lengthwise, securing the corners, and pulling it taut over the structure, using techniques like lock channels and spring wire to avoid puncturing the plastic. Helpers are often needed to manage the plastic and ensure a smooth installation.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a calm, warm day to pull plastic
Pulling plastic on a commercial greenhouse is a meticulous process that requires a calm, warm day for optimal results. The absence of wind on calm days ensures that the plastic can be smoothly unrolled and positioned without the challenge of wind interference. A calm day also minimizes the risk of the plastic being blown away or entangled during installation, even with a team of helpers.
Additionally, warm temperatures are ideal for pulling plastic on a commercial greenhouse because they help prevent loose plastic. Since greenhouse plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes, installing it on a warm day reduces the likelihood of looseness when temperatures rise. Warm temperatures also aid in pulling the plastic taut, reducing movement during inclement weather and minimizing wear and tear on the plastic and tunnel framing.
To further ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to unroll the plastic early in the morning on the chosen calm, warm day. This proactive approach helps to mitigate any potential challenges posed by wind later in the day. Having a team of helpers is also advantageous, as they can assist in managing the plastic, ensuring it stays compact, and securing it in place.
When pulling the plastic, it is crucial to keep it taut and smooth. This can be achieved by working with a partner and using tools like soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis ball ends to guide the plastic over the structure. By pulling the plastic tight, you can minimize movement during windy or inclement weather, reducing the stress on the framing and extending the life of the plastic.
Overall, choosing a calm, warm day to pull plastic on a commercial greenhouse is essential for a successful and efficient installation process. By avoiding windy conditions and leveraging warm temperatures, you can ensure that the plastic is securely and smoothly installed, reducing the potential for looseness and extending the longevity of your greenhouse covering.
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Prepare the necessary tools and materials
Pulling plastic on a commercial greenhouse requires careful preparation and the right tools to ensure a tight and secure fit. Here is a detailed list of the tools and materials you will need to prepare before beginning the installation process:
Tools and Materials:
- Plastic Sheeting: Choose a suitable plastic sheeting material, such as polyethylene, which is commonly used for greenhouses due to its versatility, light diffusion properties, and cost-effectiveness. Ensure you purchase enough material to cover your greenhouse frame with some extra allowance.
- Lock Channels and Spring Wire: Lock channels, also known as Poly Lock Channels, are the industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic. Spring wire, or "wiggle wire," is used in conjunction with the lock channels to create a tight and secure attachment. The PVC-coated spring wire is wiggled back and forth into the channel, firmly holding the plastic in place.
- Hardware: Depending on your specific greenhouse structure, you may need additional hardware such as self-tapping Tek screws if you are attaching the plastic to a metal frame.
- Ladders: Have at least two ladders available to facilitate the installation process and safely reach all areas of the greenhouse. For taller structures, consider renting a scissor lift.
- Cutting Tools: Bolt cutters or a hacksaw can be useful for cutting spring wire to the appropriate length.
- Brooms: Soft-bristled push brooms or poles with tennis balls tied to the ends can help guide the plastic over the structure without damaging it.
- Repair Tape: Have a roll of greenhouse repair tape handy to fix any small tears or rips that may occur during the installation process.
- Measuring Tools: Before purchasing your plastic sheeting, measure your greenhouse frame to ensure you buy the correct amount. Also, measure any end wall openings and fan, shutter, and door openings to cut the plastic to the appropriate size.
- Protective Gear: When working at heights, ensure you have the appropriate protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves.
- Helpers: Enlist the help of several people to assist with unrolling and pulling the plastic taut. This will make the process safer and more efficient.
By gathering all the necessary tools and materials beforehand, you will be well-prepared to begin the process of pulling plastic on your commercial greenhouse, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
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Measure the greenhouse and plastic sheeting
To pull plastic on a commercial greenhouse, it is essential to measure the structure accurately to ensure a proper fit for the plastic sheeting. Here is a detailed guide on measuring the greenhouse and selecting the appropriate plastic sheeting:
Measuring the Greenhouse:
First, determine the length and width of the greenhouse structure you wish to cover. This includes accounting for the length of the pipes used for the hoops and endwalls. If you plan to have roll-up sides, add an extra 4 feet to the measurement. Measure the distance from the hip board to the ground on each side, as well as the height and width of the endwalls. These measurements will help you calculate the total surface area of the greenhouse.
Choosing the Plastic Sheeting:
The size of the plastic sheeting depends on the measurements of your greenhouse. Greenhouse plastic comes in various thicknesses, colours, and additives to suit different needs. The thickness of the plastic sheeting is measured in mils, and the typical range is 3 to 12 mils. For commercial greenhouses, thicker plastic, such as 8 to 12 mil, is recommended for enhanced durability and insulation. Consider the climate conditions and the type of crops you plan to grow. If you are in a cold climate, thicker plastic will provide better insulation.
Unrolling the Plastic Sheeting:
When you receive your plastic sheeting, it is advisable to unroll it in the early morning to avoid windy conditions that can complicate the process. Ensure you have enough helpers to secure the corners of the plastic and guide it over the structure. Before unrolling, confirm that you have the necessary tools, such as ladders, bolt cutters, push brooms, and tennis balls or rope to protect the plastic and facilitate pulling it over the greenhouse frame.
Finalising Measurements:
Once the plastic sheeting is unrolled, it should have at least 2 extra feet of material all around the structure on the ground. This excess material will be used to secure the plastic tightly over the greenhouse. Work with the wind when unfolding the plastic to avoid it getting caught on corners or hardware, which can cause tears. Having helpers near the endwalls can make this process smoother.
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Secure the plastic sheeting to the frame
To secure the plastic sheeting to the frame of a commercial greenhouse, it is recommended to use lock channels and spring wire. This method is preferred over staples and batten boards because it does not puncture the sheeting, allowing for easy reinstallation and removal without damaging the plastic.
Begin by securing the plastic sheeting at each peak to square the plastic. Pull the sheeting until it is taut, and then attach it to the frame by wiggling the wire into the lock channel. It is important to ensure that the plastic is pulled tight to reduce movement during inclement weather, minimising wear and tear on the plastic and the stress on the framing.
The spring wire is installed by pulling the plastic taut and wiggling the wire back and forth into the channel. Each section of wire is typically 6.5 feet long, so you may need to cut the wire to size using bolt cutters or a metal saw.
Another method to secure the plastic sheeting is by using clamps. Commercial snap clamps can be used at each end of the plastic sheeting, allowing for easy opening and closing. PVC clamps can also be used, along with batten tape underneath to prevent the plastic from cutting.
When securing the plastic, it is important to choose a calm and warm day, as the plastic expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Working with a partner or a team is also recommended, as it can be challenging to manage the plastic sheeting and the tools simultaneously.
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Pull the plastic taut and install spring wire
Pulling the plastic taut and installing spring wire is a crucial step in ensuring the stability and longevity of your commercial greenhouse. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Prepare the Plastic
Before installing the spring wire, it's essential to prepare the plastic sheeting. Start by unrolling the plastic film lengthwise along the structure, ensuring that the label is visible from inside the greenhouse. This step is crucial as most plastic films are designed to unfold properly as you pull the corners. It's best to do this early in the morning or on a calm, warm day to avoid strong winds that can complicate the process. Aim for a sunny 70-degree day, as the plastic will expand, reducing the potential for looseness when the weather gets hotter.
Pulling the Plastic Taut
To pull the plastic taut, you'll need a helper. Both of you should grab a corner of the plastic film on opposite ends and begin lifting it over the hoops of the greenhouse. Work with the wind to avoid the plastic being pushed onto the ribs, making your job harder. Use soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls on the ends to guide the plastic and protect it from tears. Ensure there's at least 2 feet of extra plastic all around the structure on the ground.
Installing Spring Wire
The industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic is lock channel and spring wire. To install the spring wire, start in the centre of the greenhouse and work your way out. Wiggle the wire back and forth into the channel, securing the plastic. Cut the wire to fit using bolt cutters or a metal saw. Repeat this process on the sides, pulling the plastic taut as you go. Make sure the plastic is tight but not overly stressed. Up to two spring wires can be used on the same channel.
Finalising the Process
Once the spring wire is installed, finish securing the film by beginning at the top of an endwall and working down one side to the ground. Repeat this process on the opposite endwall and side, pulling the plastic tight and securing it into the channel. Trim any excess plastic, leaving at least an inch on the edges. This will ensure that your commercial greenhouse plastic is securely installed and ready to withstand the elements.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to pull plastic on a calm, warm day, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes, and installing it in warm weather reduces the potential for loose plastic when the weather gets hot.
It is recommended to have as many people as possible, but at least two people to grab and lift each corner of the plastic film.
You will need ladders (at least two), bolt cutters or a hacksaw, push brooms, and tennis balls or golf balls to protect the plastic when guiding it over the structure.
You can use lock channels and spring wire, pulling the plastic tight and wiggling the wire back and forth into the channel. This method is preferred over staples and batten boards as it does not puncture the plastic.
Measure the length and width of the structure you wish to cover, accounting for the length of pipes and endwalls. Roll-up sides will require an extra 4 feet of plastic.
