How to install the greenhouse covering

Helpful hints for Solexx greenhouse covering application
Solexx greenhouse plastic is very strong yet flexible making it easy to work with and easy to apply. Because it is semi-transparent and diffuses light, it makes an ideal covering for greenhouses, end walls, light panels in barns..... the possibilities are endless. Following are a few helpful tips on how to install the greenhouse paneling:

1. Frame Spacing: When installing Solexx greenhouse covering, we recommend that the framing or trusses of your greenhouse frame be placed 16"- 24" apart.

2. Flute Direction: We've found placing your greenhouse panels so that the flutes run perpendicular to your frame provide the maximum amount of strength for your structure. When attaching the screws to plastic framing or wood, we recommend using our 1" screws with neoprene washers, which helps prevent water from leaking into the flutes. Our ¾" self-drilling screws are for installing greenhouse panels into metal framing. We suggest placing the screws about 18" apart on the stringers and about 9" apart on the perimeter. Be careful not to over torque the screws, or you may crush the greenhouse panel. The washers should just make a dimple in the plastic.

3. Cutting: Unlike most types of greenhouse paneling, corrugated plastic cuts easily with a utility knife or sharp kitchen knife.

4. U-Trim: On all exposed fluting (4' side of panels) we recommend you insert ¼" of GE Silicone II "clear" caulking into flutes, to prevent water intrusion. Slide U-Trim over the ends of the greenhouse panels for a permanent cap. Secure U-Trim with small zip ties by poking a small hole in the greenhouse panels with a large paper clip or small nail. Place each zip tie about one foot apart. Put caulking in all holes you create to stop water penetration.

5. H-Channel: When installing the greenhouse panels, you can join them together using H-Channel. This locks them into place and can help prevent water leakage. If H-Channel is difficult to slide on, spray grooves with a little WD-40 or Pam (vegetable oil). Also tapping on ends of H-Channel with a rubber mallet helps H-Channel slide on. Secure the greenhouse panels by placing screws into frame 1" from each side of H-Channel.

6. Folding: It's not necessary to cut corrugated plastic greenhouse covering when going over roof peaks or around corners. You can score the greenhouse plastic using a straight edge and a small blunt object such as a Philips screw driver (be careful not to cut the plastic), and then fold the twin-wall plastic along the scored line. The plastic can be scored either in the direction of the flutes or across the flutes.

7. Changes in Size: Apply twin wall paneling when the temperature is moderate (for your climate) to compensate for expansion and contraction.

8. Cleaning: Wipe down greenhouse panels with soap and water once a year for maximum efficiency of light transmission.

9. Other Applications: Although corrugated plastic panels do not have "building code certification" they have been successfully used for deck coverings, carports, swimming pool covers, porch enclosures, and wood storage. Some have had good results, although we have found that it is not always the most suitable product for these applications. Before installing or purchasing your greenhouse panels, talk to one of our helpful customer service representitives and we can give you helpful tips for installing your greenhouse panels.