Alexei Volkov
When it comes to greenhouse plastic, determining the right size is crucial to ensure effective coverage for your structure. The process involves calculating the width and length of the material required, along with considering any excess needed to avoid coming up short. Two primary methods can be employed: the first focuses on acquiring all the necessary plastic in a single piece, while the second entails determining the pieces needed for the end walls and top cover separately. Various factors, such as the material of the frame, expected weather conditions, and application of the sheeting, influence the thickness of the plastic selected, with thicker plastic generally offering greater strength. Additionally, features like UV inhibitors and string reinforcement can enhance the durability of the greenhouse cover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pieces required | 2 or 3 pieces |
| Method 1: One piece of plastic for end walls and top cover | Calculate the width and length of the material plus any excess to ensure you have enough |
| Method 2: Separate pieces for end walls and top cover | Calculate the width and length of the material for each section plus any excess to ensure you have enough |
| Thickness | 3 mil to 12 mil (most common is 6 mil) |
| Factors affecting thickness | Material of the frame, application of the sheeting, and expected weather conditions |
| Shade cloth measurement | Measure from hip board to hip board and add 2' extra to the length and width |
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Width and length of the material
The width and length of the material are crucial factors in determining the size of greenhouse plastic you need. There are two methods to calculate the required size:
Method One: One Piece of Greenhouse Plastic
This method involves calculating the size of a single piece of greenhouse plastic that will cover both the end walls and the top section of your structure. To do this, you need to measure the width and length of your structure and add some excess to ensure you have enough coverage. For example, if your structure is 22 ft wide by 22 ft long, you would need a piece of greenhouse plastic that is at least 22 ft wide by 22 ft long.
Method Two: Separate Pieces for End Walls and Top Cover
The second method involves calculating the size of separate pieces of plastic for the end walls and the top cover. This is more complex and may require more plastic, but it can be useful if you want to customize the fit of your greenhouse plastic. For this method, you will need to measure the width and length of each end wall and the top cover separately. For example, if your end walls are 11 ft wide by 22 ft long, you will need two pieces of plastic in that size. For the top cover, you might need a longer piece of plastic, such as 32 ft wide by 74 ft long, depending on the design of your greenhouse.
Additional Considerations
When determining the width and length of the material, it is important to consider any required excess to ensure you have enough coverage. You don't want to be short of greenhouse film, so adding a little extra is generally recommended. Additionally, if you are using a shade cloth, it is recommended to measure from hip board to hip board and add 2 ft extra to both the length and width to ensure proper coverage.
Example Calculations
As an example, let's consider a greenhouse with the following dimensions:
- End walls: 11 ft wide by 22 ft long each
- Top cover: 32 ft wide by 74 ft long
Using Method One, you would need a single piece of greenhouse plastic that is at least:
- Width: 32 ft (width of the top cover)
- Length: 74 ft (length of the top cover) + 22 ft (height of the end walls) = 96 ft
So, the minimum size for one piece of plastic would be 32 ft wide by 96 ft long.
Using Method Two, you would need:
- Two pieces of plastic for the end walls: 11 ft wide by 22 ft long each
- One piece of plastic for the top cover: 32 ft wide by 74 ft long
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One piece or two?
Greenhouse plastic comes in a variety of sizes, and the size of your greenhouse will determine whether you need one or two pieces of plastic.
The first step in determining the size of greenhouse plastic you need is to measure the length and width of your greenhouse. You should then add a few extra feet to these measurements to ensure that you have enough material. The size of your greenhouse film is also determined by the length of the pipes you are using to complete a hoop and your end walls.
If you want to use one piece of plastic for your greenhouse, you will need to measure the width and length of your greenhouse, as well as the height of the end walls. You will then need to find a piece of plastic that is wide enough and long enough to cover the entire structure. This method is relatively simple and will result in a more durable greenhouse as there will be fewer seams.
Using two pieces of plastic for your greenhouse will require more measurements and calculations. You will need to measure the height and width of your end walls and then cut two pieces of plastic to size. You will also need to measure the length and width of the top cover and find a separate piece of plastic that is large enough to cover this area. This method can be more cost-effective, as you can buy smaller pieces of plastic, but it will result in more seams, which can lead to rips and tears.
The thickness of the plastic is also an important consideration, with 6-10 mil being the ideal range for greenhouses. Polyethylene plastic is a common option, but it is less durable than polycarbonate plastic, which can last up to 10 years.
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Thickness
Greenhouse cover thickness is a critical feature of your polyethylene cover. Thickness is not the only factor that contributes to longevity in plastic sheeting, but it does correlate with durability. The strength of the plastic will generally increase with thickness.
The thickness of the plastic sheeting you need will depend on several factors, including the material of the frame, the application of the sheeting, and the expected weather conditions. For example, thicker films should be used on wood or metal structures, whereas PVC frames may require thinner plastic to avoid collapse under the weight. Thicker plastic sheeting should also be used in harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snow, rain, or heat.
Growers unsure of the thickness they need should consult experienced professionals. Greenhouse covers are typically offered in a range from 3 mil to 12 mil, with the most common thickness being 6 mil. It is important to note that "mil" is not a millimetre but a unit of measurement equalling one-thousandth of an inch. For instance, 0.006 could also be read as 6 mil, whereas an imperial millimetre is approximately 39 mils thick.
As a general gauge, 3 or 4 mil film is common for one-year use on narrow tunnels and overwintering houses. To increase durability without increasing thickness, growers can opt for string-reinforced sheeting. If additional strength is needed, such as in high-wind locations, a woven poly or nylon scrim-reinforced material should be considered.
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Strength
When considering the strength of the plastic for your greenhouse, it is important to note that the thickness of the plastic will determine its strength. The thicker the plastic, the stronger it will be. Greenhouse covers are typically offered in a range from 3 mil to 12 mil, with the most common thickness being 6 mil. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission.
If you require additional strength, such as in high-wind locations, you may want to consider a woven poly or nylon scrim-reinforced material. Woven plastic is incredibly strong and puncture-resistant, and it can withstand hail and flying debris. It also has the added benefit of providing two different levels of diffusion, depending on which side you choose to face outwards.
Another way to increase the strength and durability of your greenhouse cover is to use string-reinforced sheeting. This can increase the life of your cover without adding thickness, which is important as the thickness of the plastic will also depend on the material of the frame and the expected weather conditions.
To properly secure your greenhouse plastic, you can use lock channel and spring wire. This forms a tight and secure attachment, and the PVC-coated spring wire is sometimes referred to as wiggled wire due to the installation process.
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Excess material
When determining the size of greenhouse plastic you need, it's important to consider having excess material to work with. This is because you don't want to be short on plastic film when covering your greenhouse.
For example, if you're using Method One, where you aim to get all the required plastic in one piece, you'll need to calculate the width and length of your greenhouse structure, plus add some extra length to account for possible missteps. This will ensure that you have enough material to cover both the end walls and the top section of your greenhouse.
Similarly, with Method Two, where you determine the pieces for your end walls and top cover separately, you might need two or three pieces of greenhouse plastic. In this case, you would calculate the width and length of each end wall and the top cover separately, again allowing for some excess material to avoid coming up short.
When measuring for a shade cloth, it is recommended to measure from hip board to hip board and then add 2 extra feet to both the length and width to ensure adequate coverage.
It's worth noting that the thickness of the plastic sheeting is also an important consideration, as it contributes to the strength and durability of the material. Thicker plastic is generally stronger, but it's important to consider the material of the frame, the application of the sheeting, and expected weather conditions as well. Consulting an expert can help you evaluate your specific requirements and ensure you have the right amount and thickness of plastic for your greenhouse.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to determine the width and length of the material, plus any required excess to ensure you have enough. You can either get all the required plastic in one piece or get separate pieces for your end walls and top cover.
Measure from hip board to hip board and add 2' extra for the length and width.
Thickness is critical for polyethylene covers. The thickness of the plastic correlates with its durability and strength. Consult an expert to help evaluate your specific growing conditions.
Yes, UV inhibitors and string reinforcement can lengthen the life of your greenhouse cover.
