Chloe Zhang
Greenhouse plastic is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its low cost and ease of installation. However, stretching the film can be a complex process. It is important to stretch the plastic tightly to prevent wind from causing damage and to reduce wear and tear. The ideal time to install greenhouse plastic is during warm and calm weather, as this reduces the potential for loose plastic. The process of stretching the plastic involves pulling it from the middle of each side and working outward, using fold lines to keep it square, and securing it with snap clamps or spring wire. For larger greenhouses, ropes can be tied to each corner to help pull the plastic over the structure.
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What You'll Learn
Use ropes to pull the plastic over the greenhouse
When installing greenhouse plastic, it is important to choose a calm day with warm temperatures. This is because the plastic expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, and installing it in warm weather reduces the potential for loose plastic when the weather gets hot. It is also important to have enough helping hands—a minimum of two people, but preferably four.
For very large greenhouses, it is recommended that you use ropes to pull the plastic over the structure. First, take four strands of rope (more may be needed depending on the length of the greenhouse) and run them across the greenhouse, ensuring that both ends touch the ground on both sides of the structure. Then, take a rock or golf ball and wrap it in the plastic film's end. Tie a knot around the rock or ball with the rope, being sure not to poke a hole or risk tearing the film. Repeat this process for the remaining ropes, ensuring that the knots are tight and secure.
Now, go to the other side of the greenhouse and begin pulling on the ropes to bring the plastic sheeting across. It is important to pull in unison to avoid the plastic bunching up. If this happens, have someone get on a ladder inside the structure and push up the plastic. Once the plastic is in place, ensure that it is equal lengths on both sides.
After installing the plastic, it is important to periodically check the tightness, especially after cold and warm days, as loose areas can lead to rips, stretching, and tears. You can re-stretch the plastic if necessary by pulling it down to increase tension and then using drywall screws to anchor the film to the baseboards.
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Smooth the frame and remove sharp edges
Smoothing the frame and removing sharp edges is an important step in preparing your greenhouse for plastic installation. This process helps prevent excessive wear and tear on the plastic during and after installation.
Whether your greenhouse frame is made of wood, plastic, or metal, it is important to smooth any rough spots or abrasions. This can be done by sanding down rough areas or using tape to cover abrasive spots. By doing this, you will prevent the plastic from catching on any sharp edges, splinters, or nails, which could cause tears or punctures.
When smoothing wooden frames, pay extra attention to any areas where wood splinters may be present. Sand these areas thoroughly or use tape to cover them completely. For metal frames, check for any sharp edges or protrusions that could pierce the plastic. Sand or cover these areas to create a smooth surface.
If your greenhouse frame is made of plastic, inspect it for any uneven seams or sharp edges that could potentially tear the plastic. Use a soft cloth to smooth out any seams, and cover any sharp edges with tape to create a uniform surface.
Remember, taking the time to properly smooth the frame and remove sharp edges will help ensure the longevity of your greenhouse plastic and prevent unnecessary damage.
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Secure the plastic with spring wire
To secure the plastic with spring wire, start by pulling the plastic tight. Spring wire, used in conjunction with a lock channel, forms a tight and secure attachment to your greenhouse covering. The PVC-coated spring wire is sometimes referred to as wiggle wire because you will need to wiggle it back and forth during installation.
Next, wiggle the spring wire back and forth into the channel. Each section of wire is 6.5 feet long, so you will need to cut the wire to fit using bolt cutters or a metal saw. Start in the centre and work outward to the sides.
When installing the wire, pull the plastic as you go and take out any slack. Repeat this process on the other side, pulling the plastic tight and securing it with spring wire.
Once completed, you will be able to see where you can re-tighten the plastic by removing a section of spring wire and pulling from the bottom.
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Work with at least one other person
Working with another person is highly recommended when stretching greenhouse plastic. This is because the process is intricate and requires multiple tasks to be performed simultaneously.
Firstly, one person can smooth out any rough spots or abrasions on the greenhouse frame. This is necessary to prevent wear and tear on the plastic. Tape or sanding can be used to smooth the frame.
Next, the plastic should be pulled tight. One person can climb a ladder and push the plastic up if it begins to bunch. The other person can pull the plastic from the ground, starting at the middle of each side and working outward. It is important to pull the plastic tight enough to prevent water from accumulating and to stop it from flapping in the wind. However, overstretching should be avoided as this could cause the plastic to tear.
Once the plastic is pulled tight, it can be secured to the frame. One person can hold the plastic in place while the other attaches it using snap clamps, screws, nails, staples, or spring wire.
It is best to perform this task on a calm, warm day to ensure the plastic does not become loose.
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Install in warm weather
When installing greenhouse plastic, it is recommended to do so in warm weather to prevent the top cover from becoming loose. A sunny day with a temperature of around 70 degrees is ideal, as the plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Before installing the plastic, ensure that the greenhouse frame is smooth and free of any rough spots or abrasions. This can be achieved by sanding down any uneven areas or using tape to cover them. It is also important to choose a calm day with minimal wind, as wind can cause damage to the plastic during installation and make it difficult to achieve the correct tightness.
To install the plastic, start by pulling it over the structure. For very large greenhouses, it is recommended to tie ropes to each corner of the plastic and throw them over the structure, ensuring equal lengths on both sides. Pull the ropes in unison to bring the plastic over the frame. Once the plastic is in place, it can be secured using spring wire and lock channel, which is the industry standard for properly securing greenhouse plastic.
To install the spring wire, begin at the peak ends of the greenhouse structure and pull the wire to take the slack out of the plastic. Work outward from the center of each side, using broad downward pressure to prevent white streaks from forming in the plastic. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the structure, starting at the center and working toward each end. The wire is installed by wiggling it back and forth, allowing the bend to be tucked into the channel. Cut off any excess wire with bolt cutters or a metal saw.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic should be pulled tight enough to prevent wind from blowing it around, which could cause rips and tears. However, overstretching the film could cause it to tear on cool days.
Start by pulling the wire to take the slack off the plastic, then work outward from the middle of each side. Use the fold lines in the plastic to keep it square. Repeat on the other side.
Warm temperatures are ideal for stretching greenhouse plastic, as this reduces the potential for loose plastic when the weather gets cold. A calm day with very little wind is also preferable, as this will make the process easier and prevent damage to the film.
