Saturday, September 23, 2006

PVC Greenhouse: Wrapping the greenhouse

So now you have the frame complete (except for the door which will come later). You are ready to wrap you greenhouse.

The supplies I used were:
- 1 - 20' x 25' - 4 mil plastic sheeting (note: this year I'm going for 5 mil)
- about 50 snapclamps (various sizes)

Snap clamps, pictured below, are these need litte device that are used to clamp tarp and plastic sheeting to pvc pipe.













So, before you unroll your huge plastic sheet makes sure you either have a non-windy day or a buddy. The thing will blow around and you'll never get that big thing onto you frame.

Open up your tarp. Take one edge and insert it under the greenhouse to the half point. Now take the tarp and roll it up one side of the green house, over the top and back down the other side.Tuck the edge under the greenhouse. Have the two edges meet in the middle under the greenhouse.


You now have the plastic sheeting forming a big tube around the greenhouse with plenty of slack on both ends. You can now attaching the plastic sheet to the rib poles using the correct sized snapclamps. You can place about 3 per rib. Start by the door, completing and entire pole on ight then left, and work your way back. Two important tips: First, if the tarp is too tight applying the snapclamps can tear the plastic. The tarp has to be loose enough that is can wrap around each rib then add the clamp. The second is that winter winds will put stress on you sheets where they meet the clamps. Consider adding a small patch of duct tape to the sheeting where it meets the clamp. (I have never done this but will for this winter)

Now, you have to wrap the end of the trap around the frame. This takes a bit of creativity but is like wrapping a giant birthday present where the tarp is wrapping paper. Standing outside the greenhouse, I took all the excess tarp from the right side and wrapped it around the rear until it met the the leftside. Now bring the left excess over to the right. make sure the trap is alway laying in such a way that rain will run off, and not into, the folds of your tarp. Secure the sheeting strategically with more snap clamps. Tuck the extra at the bottom under the greenhouse and also secure with snapclamps.

The method above gives you overlapping layers of plastic sheeting. Not as pretty as if you cut the sheet to fit perefctly but it lasted all winter and was quite air tight.

Take your time and you'll end up with something like this:



(Nice picture...right? truth is, that sheet is wrapped a bit to tight and did not leave enough slack around the snap clamps. I has plenty of tearing that year and learned to leave the sheeting a little more baggy)


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19 comments:

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boysana said...

hey there

wicked blog, I am loving the idea and seriously considering it. I have a question regarding wrapping the 'house', I have never worked with PVC but for the sheeting/wrapping would it be possible to double wrap for better insulation? Would this be able to clamp?

Just thinking cause it could possibly be stronger as well though I am not sure how much more heat efficient it would make the greenhouse.

If it is possible adami then give me your final specs of the frame and I can do a rough calc....

Kindest regrards

B

Easytimes said...

boysana,

You can use 2 layers of plastic but will need to inflate then with an inflation blower to get insulation. Another option is to add bubble insulation to the inside of the greenhouse.

May said...

Yours is, by far, the easiest and most informative way to build a greenhouse that I've come across so far. I think tough times are ahead in 2009, and I'd like to be prepared and know that I've got enough food to feed myself and my family during the turmoil. Thanks! I REALLY appreciate the effort you've put into this blog :)

Natan said...

I happened across your blog looking for instructions on a pvc greenhouse, I'm a senior in high school looking to make one of my own and since my school lacks budget, also out of my own pocket. I would really appreciate any advice you could give me. Right now I think a 6(W)x8(L)x6(H) is a good size and the height is without a slanted roof in case of rain. Please e-mail me back ASAP

Yooy16 said...

How do you make the door?

Unknown said...

Thank you for your blog, it is quite helpful. Regarding the snap clamps, how do you know which size to buy? I am using the cold frame plan found free online at http://www.pvcplans.com/ColdFrame.pdf and it has you use 1-1/4" snap clamps for 1" pvc pipe, and 1" snap clamps for 3/4" pvc pipe. I find that counter-intuitive and wonder if it is a mistake... Any input from the expert?

tln787 said...

Can you send me a complete list of material you used I want to build this this year and not really sure what all you used thanks Chris

tln787 said...

one more thing did you finish the door if so how and material used sorry im not great with hands on things and this is the first time ive built any thing so thanks for the help

Unknown said...

Can this be used during the summer for protecting from insects and squirrels? Most of the plans are always for spring seedlings.

Deuce said...

Thanks for sharing

Mr. Naveen said...

Nice blog created by the blog owner its looking so attractive and have a quality to attract a visitor very easily. I like your post to its very effective and your blog template is according to your blog. PVC STRIP DOOR, FLEXIBLE PVC STRIP.

Reese Delorey said...

this is a great article. i've got some ideas for pvc greenhouses with watering integrated into the framing. you can see one article Here - The Self Watering Greenhouse, and there's another good one at PVC Innovation World

Very cool stuff.

bird lady sebastian fl said...

is there another frame inside the frame? I see info on base, ridge beam and rafters but no mention of the rest of the structure. Can you please either email me or post on blog the rest of the info?

Unknown said...

wonerful project...thanks for sharing your ideas.

Unknown said...

Nice post! Most people know a greenhouse is used to grow plants. A greenhouse improved pest control, and help in regulating temperature, humidity, and water distribution, all of which can promote and encourage good plant health and lead to maximum production.Thanks for sharing it.

PVC Sheeting

Unknown said...

Greenhouse is the best place for plants and flowers to keep them fresh and green. It should be organized and well decorated to look beautiful too.

Unknown said...

Very cool blog. I enjoyed reading about how you constructed your greenhouse. I have made quite a few greenhouses. I think i will make yours. Thanks again

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