Repair Damaged Greenhouse Plastic | Patch Holes and Rips | Single OR Double Layer Covers

Patch holes and rips in Single OR Double Layer Greenhouse Plastic www.tunnelvisi...
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Repair Tape (All standard sizes): www.tunnelvisi...
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4 Year 6 mil Clear Greenhouse Plastic (commonly the interior layer in double layer systems): www.tunnelvisi...
4 year 6 mil IRAD Greenhouse Plastic (commonly the exterior layer in double layer systems): www.tunnelvisi...
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Tunnel Vision Hoops LLC aims to be a friend to farmers, market gardeners, flower farmers, homesteaders, backyard growers, and local food enthusiasts.
Original music by Neil Hoefs

[@johnjohnston5580]

A thought that occurs to me regarding the removal of air bubbles is to use a small piece of plywood to hold one one side and use a j-roller, like you would use to apply Formica or veneer, working from the center out. Haven’t tried it yet but it seems like it could make the job easier and the result better.

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Not a bad idea, John, that might work. I’ve never done it myself, but if you or someone reading this tries it out, I’d love to know how it goes. Thanks for watching

[@patrick2360]

Thank You Very Much For Sharing This Information, I Sincerely Appreciate It 👍

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching, and for dropping a comment :)

[@ronmaes7642]

how to patch the inner layer of plastic on a double layer if its in the center of the roof

[@wifigrannyl.1354]

Great video. I guess I better get some tape before I need it & cant find it. Thank you.

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

It's definitely not something you want to wish you had. Always helpful to have on-hand. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@winkhink]

How do you fix a hole in the outer layer in the middle where you can't reach the outside.

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Good question. The way I have repaired a hole like that… without renting equipment, and this is going to sound crazy… is by: 1. Getting a straight ladder that is long enough 2. A couple feet in from one end of the ladder, I duct tape a 2x4 to the ladder perpendicular to the ladder. It must be a 2x4 that is longer than the bow spacing (so if the bow spacing is 4 ft apart I get a 2x4 that is 5 or 6 ft apart) 3. I then pad the 2x4 substantially where the 2x4 would make contact with the bows if I were to lean it against the structure. 4. I then lean it against the structure at an angle that allows the 2x4 to make firm contact with the bows 5. I have someone hold the ladder while I walk up it to pitch the hole. The angle of the ladder will vary, but it won’t be very steep, it is almost like I am waking up a ramp more so than climbing a ladder. 6. If the structure has two layers of poly one could turn off the blower fan and remove enough of the sidewall plastic where the ladder could fit between the layers to get tape on the other side of the hole as well… this might be riskier though because you would have to be very careful the 2x4 and / or ladder doesn’t damage the interior or exterior layer of plastic. I know that sounds crazy but that is how I have done stuff like this in the past… the safest way though, and what would likely make the most sense for most people, would be with a rented piece of equipment that can safely get someone up that high and close enough to the hole to repair.

[@BuddhasBotanicals]

Hello, I have a hole about 2 feet below the roof peak on a double layer plastic gothic style greenhouse that's 12' high. I can reach the inside with a ladder but any suggestions on how to reach the outside to tape hole? I also can't undo any wiggle wire as the hole location is pretty far away from the nearest wiggle wire? TIA for any help!

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Hi Brad, thanks for watching. It is possible to get to higher up plastic, but it can certainly be a big pain. The way I have repaired holes up higher… without renting equipment, and this is going to sound crazy… is by: 1. Getting a straight ladder that is long enough 2. A couple feet in from one end of the ladder, I duct tape a 2x4 to the ladder perpendicular to the ladder. It must be a 2x4 that is longer than the bow spacing (so if the bow spacing is 4 ft apart I get a 2x4 that is 5 or 6 ft long) 3. I then pad the 2x4 substantially where the 2x4 would make contact with the bows if I were to lean it against the structure. 4. I then lean it against the structure at an angle that allows the 2x4 to make firm contact with the bows 5. I have someone hold the ladder while I walk up it to pitch the hole. The angle of the ladder will vary, but it won’t be very steep, it is almost like I am waking up a ramp more so than climbing a ladder. 6. If the structure has two layers of poly one could turn off the blower fan and remove enough of the sidewall plastic where the ladder could fit between the layers to get tape on the other side of the hole as well… this might be riskier though because you would have to be very careful the 2x4 and / or ladder doesn’t damage the interior or exterior layer of plastic. I know that sounds crazy but that is how I have done stuff like this in the past… the safest way though, and what would likely make the most sense for most people, would be with a rented piece of equipment that can safely get someone up that high and close enough to the hole to repair.

[@BuddhasBotanicals]

@@tunnelvisionhoops thank you! It doesn’t sound crazy in this industry. I was envisioning something to that effect but like your model better. I’ll give it a whirl, thanks again.

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

You're welcome! And very true about the industry comment, lol. If you do try anything like what I do, please be careful... I only provide info on what I do so others can learn from it, but it is not a recommended course of action... just wanted to say that as an obligatory disclaimer... now that the disclaimer is out of the way, have fun and good luck!

[@bobaloo2012]

Very convenient the holes were right at the edge of the plastic. Now fix some in the middle...

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

lol, very true, those branches must have known I was trying to make a video. There were some in the middle of this structure too, but they were near the hip-rail so I was lucky there too... if I have the chance to do a video of some in the middle I will though.

[@mrcoffee6811]

When I've done repair on my greenhouse, I've used 6 mil tape. It's no sin if you use a heavier tape than the cover, it will just cost more. Also, I just put the tape on one side so if it's in the middle someplace, it will be easy to apply. I have my wife pressing from the other side. My greenhouse has "5 year" film, so as it ages, the longevity of the repair matters less as it will all come off soon. I have not used alcohol to clean the surface first but will do that in the future. Excellent narration describing how to do the work. I hate the YT videos that are completely lacking narration and are paired with a bad music track.

[@justnima535]

How do I know what kind of greenhouse cover I have, i.e., 6 mil or other? I bought a house with a greenhouse on the property so know nothing about its construction. Thx!

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

If you do not know who the greenhouse plastic was purchased through it may be very difficult to tell. If there are markings or a brand stamped on the plastic it could give you a clue. 90% of the structures out there are covered with a 6 mil greenhouse plastic though.

[@aberfeldynursery4891]

Very helpfull, will the tape works with any kind of greenhouse plastic? Ours is solarwoven, polyolefin? Thanks

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Thanks for the kind words. There is usually a specifically recommended tape for different plastic covers. The plastic cover you mention is very similar to our 9 mil and 12 mil woven plastic covering, which uses this repair tape, which is white: www.tunnelvisionhoops.com/woven-repair-tape-3-in-x-60-ft/ I would reach out to your supplier of the covering to see if they recommend something in particular, but if they don't you might be able to try this tape since we use it for coverings that look very much like the one you mention. Best of luck!

[@organixgirl]

Can I apply my second layer of plastic with the same wiggle wire from the first layer of plastic?

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Good question! You certainly can. I actually try to use one piece of wire to hold in two pieces of plastic for most of the structure perimeter.

[@berniesbend]

That's isopropyl not rubbing alcohol which is a good thing as rubbing alcohol which is designed to rub on one's body has oil in it so it doesn't dry out your skin. Tape doesn't stick to oil very well.

[@sirensynapse5603]

Link has no tape. :P

[@tunnelvisionhoops]

Hmm, I’ll double check that. Here is the link to tape: www.tunnelvisionhoops.com/poly-repair-tape-various-sizes/