Top 5 Greenhouse Covering Materials

[@SimpleTek]

Let me know what kind of greenhouse covering you are using or planning to use and why!!!!!!

[@SimpleTek]

;)

[@technosaurus3805]

When covering the outside with corrugated plastic or twin wall polycarbonate, you retain the option to add a layer (or 2) of plastic film to the inside. This can allow the plastic to last much longer since it is out of the weather - especially if the outside layer has UV coating. Did you know that many of the political campaign signs that will be discarded in November allow sufficient light through for a greenhouse and have decent insulation value. Combine that with some free pallets and you can make a free gambrel style greenhouse 9.5ft tall by 11ft wide by any length. You can fill the pallet studs on the north side with free cardboard and cover the inside with another layer of signs (to keep the cardboard relatively dry) to get ~R-20 insulation. The clear PET from 2-liter bottles can be used for little windows. If you have a few dollars to budget, then cover the north wall with either Mylar emergency blankets or a reflective insulation blanket to reflect some light back. Rather than using raised beds, dig sunken walkways to tap into the ground's stored energy and keep sufficient water storage for thermal mass to help balance the night/day temperature swings. I painted my black watering pitchers white on 1 side and point the black side toward the sun in winter and the white side toward the sun in summer (when I remember to)

[@SimpleTek]

@@technosaurus3805 Fantastic advice!! Thank you so much for the input

[@ef3345]

Im in Maine and planning to use twin wall polycarbonate as a roof. What do you think about that?

[@SimpleTek]

@@ef3345 Twin wall polycarbonate is a durable strong fantastic material with about an R2 insulation factor - very similar to glass but less breakage possibility. it tends to be be transplant not transparent but that's all you need to grow plants! Great choice

[@Jasan57]

I'm impressed by the amount of relevant information and the 'good energy' in presenting it - Thank's

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you

[@DavidLaFerney]

I built my first 11' x 14' poly tunnel several years ago using what I already had - a roll of 6 mil "visqueen" from Lowes. The skin lasted exactly 2 years, and it was great. I moved it and rebuilt it this spring and used the same material again for the same reason - it's what I had. The benefits of having any kind of greenhouse are so great that you really shouldn't put it off because you are waiting to afford something better.

[@SimpleTek]

I totally agree - fantastic advice!

[@s.leemccauley7302]

Given the uncertainty of supply, having food and herbs like peppermint, ought to be incentive for a greenhouse now.

[@igitahimsa5871]

@David LaFerney Thank you for sharing your experience! You have helped me make my decision :-)! God Bless us all

[@ChrisLMartin]

Thank you. great information. We live in N.W. Montana and on the side of a mountain getting more snow and colder temps, snow shedding, very short days into the winter but still wanting to grow at least 10-11 months out of the year. So this information is important for use. We are planning and will be building ours this summer 20x40 and unless something changes will be using double wall plastic inflated. Thank you again.

[@SimpleTek]

That is awesome!

[@charlesward8196]

I bought a prefab greenhouse with single wall polycarbonate that was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter (SE Montana). I had to move it on the property after two seasons that required taking it apart. I took advantage of the move to put it on a block foundation, add power, lights, and ventilation, and most importantly, covered the greenhouse with Solexx twin wall. I put the original single wall polycarbonate back on OVER the Solexx and secured it all to the wooden frame, much like the greenhouse at 08:30 in this video. I mostly use the 8x16 greenhouse for starting seeds for the main garden season, and growing greens like lettuce, kale, chard and spinach under domes for winter salads with supplemental heat from heat mats. I also. Have close to 100 gallons of water in 5-gallon pails and milk jugs for thermal mass. Today is sunny and with the outside temperature of 25 degrees, the inside temperature is 74 degrees at 1:30 in the afternoon. The low last night was 13, and the low inside near knee level was about 27 degrees ( I was tracking the air temp on the water jugs) The peppers and the eggplants that I held over from last season as an experiment, that were sitting on the heat mats are OK, but a couple that were not on heat mats got frosted, though if I had remembered to cover them, they would have been just fine. Again, looking at the greenhouse pictured in the video at 08:30, my door faces east the right hand side faces north. My vertical sides on the north side are insulated with 1” foil faced bead board, and the whole north roof is faced with aluminized Mylar bubble sheet. I am still working on improving the systems.

[@SimpleTek]

thank you for the update - please keep me informed as you go forward!!!!! Good luck!

[@mikedee8876]

nice, unbiased.....I use a double poly stretched over an aluminum frame.....the poly is easily replaced.I got it free, as it needed some work...some torn panels, some bent aluminum, but it has been functioning now for 2 years. Its a 10x12.

[@SimpleTek]

That's awesome!

[@targeted4truthjahsun]

Thank you for clarifying covering materials. Excellent and concise. Thanks.

[@SimpleTek]

You're very welcome!

[@franciscosilver6644]

A lot of rain this summer in my zone. I need to make my choice soon. Your video helped me a lot. Thanks!

[@SimpleTek]

Glad I could help!

[@kempison1]

FYI, My father built a greenhouse using corrugated semi-clear (tinted, summer temperature was too hot) corragated plastic sheets. We fastened the sheets to the roof timbers using corrugated molding strips like these from Lowes - Tuftex Wood Solid Roof Panel Closure Strip. Over the years only had sheets loosen up a few times. Installation wasn't too bad.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the reply! I really appreciate the real world input on this!

[@retiredlogman]

I use a corrugated Lexan in a Greca pattern from Amerilux. It is called soft lite and disperses the light so you do not have any shadows and it penetrates the canopy at multiple angles so you obtain much more growth lower on the plant. I used it on our first greenhouse and am now installing it on our second greenhouse which we are building.

[@SimpleTek]

very cool!

[@IHGChick]

Since the minimum order on this stuff is 31,600 sq ft, you must have a heck of a greenhouse! Congratulations!

[@alph8654]

I have 2 greenhouses covered with a single layer of poly. In Tn i can grow lots of cool weather crops in the fall, winter and spring, without heat. If it makes it to next April it will be on 8 years. If not i will replace it. I bought the poly in 2013 and bought a long enough roll to cover the first one twice for about $200.00. I bought it from Amish in South West Ky in Elkton, KY. They have a high volume of sells so they can sell cheaper than some people.

[@SimpleTek]

that's awesome

[@WillieStubbs]

I was even thinking about using stretch wrap. I've seen pallets sitting outside covered in this stuff and it lasts years. It clings to itself and you can make several layers wrapped around whatever frame you have.

[@SimpleTek]

it can last if it's UV protected plastic

[@arthurr8670]

If the structure isn't too big, it could be a good cold hoop house. The plastic is generally only used in the winter and cut off in the summer. Maybe it can last longer, I know that stuff is strong in multiple layers.

[@igitahimsa5871]

@Willie Me too, considering the same material.. God Bless us all

[@markanderson4447]

Love this information it brought up the option of using Solex again. Thanks, show us more like this.

[@SimpleTek]

Thanks, will do!

[@jowi929]

I'm just planning on building a huge Greenhouse this here so perfect timing thank you.

[@SimpleTek]

;)

[@willowraven4567]

Thanks for this information 👍 I'm now another step closer to my greenhouse build 🥔🥦🍓🥕🍅🥒🍆🥬

[@SimpleTek]

Glad to help

[@donk.5730]

Great video Sir. I like your list of pros & cons of each material. Polycarb.-looks like it's my choice, until the single layer-corrogated plastic comes in 2 layers. Keep it up, post more for beginners like me. Cheers, & Tx.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you soo much for the kind words!

[@MrVailtown]

I used the big box store corrugated panels for a chicken coup. Got clear & smoke panels both for testing. Placed a clear then smoke alternating over sleeping/roost areA. Idea of smoke was to draw warmth from winter sun. Worked very nice n chickens liked it & I was happy, provided winter sun to get girls up n moving n happy. I'd reach in & be quite nice even on 20° days. We get snow & of course would always melt off of smoke colored panels first. After 3-4 years , one day had a hard hail storm. Some hail measure 3/4" in width. The clear panels it punched a few holes in, (not many) & next panel which was smoke received No holes. Both panels were the same thickness and size installed same way. The smoke survived with out holes, but clear not as well. Realize in a green house only clear be used. Just what I learned.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the information!

[@sunnyday5621]

2 years ago I used the corrugated panels on the outside of a framed greenhouse. Sealing all seams with silicone. The first summer day with low humidity, I used insulating 3 mil clear plastic and stapled to the inside of the frame. with the clear tape to seal all edges. I used a clear silicon exterior caulking adhesive and staples to attach. This seems to be working well. The air gap is the width of the 2x4 I have no idea what the R value is. I think because there is no wind stress on the plastic, it still looks brand new. Because I waited for the low humidity, I am not having any discoloration between. This is only on the sides, as I use the ends for ventilation. I am still working on having both on the ends. Hope this helps. BTW it was tedious to build, as I matched the hills and valleys carefully on the ends, so they could be completely sealed with the silicone and not allow moisture between the layers.

[@SimpleTek]

That sounds awesome, thank you so much for the detailed description of your greenhouse!

[@leeames9063]

Did you think using foam pipe installation for the ends so that foam material will form with the shape of the panels there by no longer need to match "hills and valleys" would work?

[@sunnyday5621]

@@leeames9063 Foam pipe insulation is an open cell foam, so I think you may have trouble with it fogging up as it will allow humidity to get in. Just my opinion.

[@elsagrace3893]

Commenting. I love this vid. I’m thinking of the corrugated option with an inside poly liner to create an air pocket.

[@SimpleTek]

I like that idea

[@johnmeinhardt]

I had that very idea in mind just as I was reading your post- :)

[@targeted4truthjahsun]

Let us know how it goes.

[@amechealle5918]

My uncle used the corrugated panels. He used them for a 5x5 greenhouse and doubled the corrugated panels by making a 3/4” gap between the panels. It was nice and warm and I’m considering doing the same at our house. P.S. at our previous home we made a 2x3 greenhouse with used windows that we got from the habitat for humanity restore store.

[@SimpleTek]

That’s awesome

[@nailtips8235]

Can’t wait to cover mine.

[@SimpleTek]

:)

[@ameerabbas24]

Thanks for sharing your valuable information with us, 👍

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@dennisshoemaker2789]

Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zachb8012]

Nice breakdown. Looks like polycarbonate panels are likely the best choice for my plans for off-house cold climate Winter solarium. I want to be able to the walls off in the Spring but leave the roof as a shade in the Summer. I may look into using the corrugated panels on top of the double walled panels as a way of protecting the roof from moisture, depending on flashing options.

[@SimpleTek]

interesting!

[@carlcummings5941]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information.

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathleenhuguenin7791]

Imagine the weather in the area like wind storms, hail, etc. would determine what material a person would use. Recycle old windows or use more than one option within budget until afforded then wearability can be monitored like a test to see what would be best. Glass is so beautiful! Did not know there were so many options until now.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@divawarrior6402]

Thank you for the information! I'm looking at converting a wooden gazebo that needs the roof (shingles and some corrugated panels) replaced anyway. I'll look further into Solexx as well as double layered polycarbonate.

[@SimpleTek]

Good luck!!! Prices are all over the place now after the pandemic

[@stevejacobson8958]

Hello there love your Greenhouse material video

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you soo much!

[@drrussdc]

Corregated panels are pretty common in some parts of Montana. I was thinking of affixing poly on the inside spars to create an air gap.

[@SimpleTek]

great idea

[@NakedProphet]

Was gonna suggest same

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Good video. Need to learn how to keep plants in winter. Moved from CA to Texas. It’s a lot different and I hate when my plants die. So this information is very needed currently.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@kathieswan3830]

Thank you for the video. Very interested in various greenhous/year round growing options.

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dragonflyacrylics2542]

Thanks for the information and happy growing👍👍👍

[@SimpleTek]

u2!!!!

[@paulcapell5676]

i built a dyi 8x20 greenhouse .I bought a ''used'' 30' clear pool cover , its like buble wrap and Its strong. I also used , ''used'' patio doors as the window around the sides. Last summer and into January the plants were great. How long it will last here in Canada is yet to be determind.

[@SimpleTek]

cool idea!

[@BigJack1]

I covered my wife's DYI 10 x 9 greenhouse 20 years back with corrugated fiberglass panels. It was great then. We moved from SC to TN and brokedown house and used panels again when raised. Moved again in TN, discarded panels at that time, but they were still good. Have just re-assembled frame of house this month and will go back to some corrugated panels on sides and poly on top. Thanks so much for you channel.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the info!!!!!

[@maxchill308]

Thank you for making this. I suggest for your research on corrugated plastic panels and a space between layers, to try experimenting with a combination of drilling matching holes in panels, stacking something like rubber washers for garden-hose connects as spacers in between, and for a pass-thru fastener using an aluminum pop-rivet. Inexpensive and easy. I have a growing/greenhouse project in my mind for the future to address current threats to our society's food security by being tethered to long, complex supply chains spanning multiple continents. A second job the panels can do is be used to recover the distilled water condensate where convenient. Best of Health to you.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you do much for the ideas!

[@maxchill308]

@soaringtractor Thanks for the info, since I posted, I've been dreaming about a project to build a human terrarium/edible jungle to hang out in during the Winter days when there's 3-5 feet of snow outside.

[@leahcim38]

I love all these videos. Great info to help in the cold NH climate.

[@SimpleTek]

Glad you like them!

[@veeknitqueensolo7177]

Now this is what I like to see, everyone can get behind this and construct their own greenhouse 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@klosiemorris9896]

I can wait to build my 1 in South africa

[@SimpleTek]

@@klosiemorris9896 I'd love to see pics or video of the build!

[@allen4353]

With grand Soler minimum coming we will all need to use green house to lengthen in the growing season. A vidio on framing the green house would be interesting. You. Would use the poly panels for the outside and add a airgap and second layer of poly sheet on the inside of the frame where it would last longer.

[@SimpleTek]

We’re way past the Min, much closer to the max now.

[@donniebettencourt161]

Very useful information. Thank you sir. Have a wonderful day.

[@SimpleTek]

So nice of you

[@baldieman64]

Some interesting options to consider, but at the moment, I'm leaning towards Box Profile GRP Fibreglass roofing sheets. They are absolutely bombproof, reasonably priced and have pretty good light transmission. Like you, though, I'm trying to figure out a way of achieving a reasonable level of thermal insulation for cheap - that isn't bubble-wrap.

[@SimpleTek]

@@baldieman64 interesting

[@klosiemorris9896]

Thank you for your great greenhouse news I'm planning to build me 1 with plastic seats for Cannabis grow

[@SimpleTek]

That's awesome! Thank you for the kind words!

[@samanthabarrett7650]

Corrugated doubled or over poly. Maybe the fan will help if double the corrugated. Great informative video. Thanks.

[@SimpleTek]

thank you!

[@geronimo4511]

Hi there I suggest doubling up corrigated sheets using rolls of self adhesive neoprene which can be bought in a variety of widths and thicknesses. small pieces off the roll could be used as spacers mid sheet and run the roll full width to end seal the doubled sheets

[@SimpleTek]

Thanks for the tip!

[@carolriedy-steele3728]

Try building with two layers of clear corrugated sheets. Build similarly to house leaving air space in between. Where the outside is horizontally hung and the interior is vertically hung it seemed to baffle the cold air. I also used sticky window foam insulation on overlapping edges that I was screwing together on exterior walls.

[@SimpleTek]

cool

[@polly8844]

Wonderful video, very informative thank you.

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennisservaes]

this is interesting and I also like your other videos and the idea of cheap geothermal video using automobile radiators. I would like you to cover venting and thermostatic controls thanks

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@glenparker234]

If you want double wall corrugated, use 1”x1” wood spacers between the panels to provide the air gap. That should give triple the strength without making the panels excessively heavy.

[@SimpleTek]

Good idea

[@elizabethrogers6897]

Thank you for the great video packed with good information for us first time builders.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@ryanmooregough]

Just a thought about air gap with corrugated plastic. What about corrugated plastic on outside and a poly roll sheet on inside of greenhouse to create the air gap.

[@SimpleTek]

great idea

[@free2binnh]

There are two types of rigid roof panels sold at Home Depot and Lowes, Palruf which you showed in the video, lacks the strength needed to be durable and is known to break under adverse weather conditions, not recommended for use in direct exposure to the elements. The other panel, Suntuf is designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, I used these panels on my Ana White barn style greenhouse in central Maine and have never had a problem with snow loads, etc. The Suntuf is also a UV protected panel and has a transmission rate of 90% in the clear panel. The polyethelene rolls if bought at Home Depot/Lowes is transluscent at best and seems to block the transmission of hig red light, the result are plants are elongated, not a good GH solution. The other option, Home Depot sells the double layered panels which you mentioned, good for non flexible applications. Here in New England home grown green houses are primarily used to extend the growing season and generally not used in the colder months of the year. The greenhouse can allow one to start the growing season well into April and at the other end into October.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the information!

[@brentlloyd7908]

Yeah, you need greenhouse plastic rolls not construction plastic, try a good garden supply store instead, also you want at least 10 mil plastic.

[@harlicelaver1087]

The last you talked about is easy place a spacer on the first layer and block off the ends. Just stager your spacers and that will help warm air flow between sheats.

[@SimpleTek]

good idea

[@bluethunder1951]

I just had this video pop up in my feed, it’s perfect timing as I’m in the process of deigning an three season 12’x20’ greenhouse, so far I’m leaning towards the corrugated panels 26”x8’ for the roof since we live in a high snow load zone. Im looking at using DURABLE REINFORCED TRANSPARENT PVC PLASTIC TARPAULINS PROTECTIVE COVER: Thick Material, High Temperature Heat-sealed, Firm, Tear-resistant, Durable. Transparency: 99%; Water Resistance Index: 100%; Thickness: About 0.39mm thick. I just have to research it a bit more. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@SimpleTek]

glad it helped

[@hoosier_turtles_and_tortoises]

I use corrugated plastic panels for my greenhouse. I doubled it up using spaces for my air gap. Works in Indiana cold winters.

[@SimpleTek]

That’s awesome

[@hoosier_turtles_and_tortoises]

@@SimpleTek I will say, I don’t grow much of anything in my greenhouse. I use it to keep tropical species of turtles and tortoises in through the winter. Same principles apply and channels like yours are where I send other turtle folks to learn.

[@SimpleTek]

@@hoosier_turtles_and_tortoises that’s awesome. I use mine mostly for my hot tub in winter

[@hoosier_turtles_and_tortoises]

@@SimpleTek I wouldn’t mind adding one for a hot tub myself! Lol

[@SimpleTek]

@@hoosier_turtles_and_tortoises hehe

[@o.v.mtrains4070]

Thank you for helping me with my school project, and your videos are enjoyable to watch

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words!!!!!!! I hope you get an A on your project!

[@monkeytrainer8135]

Thanks! The breakdown you gave was exactly what I was looking for.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@TheRoon4660]

I found your video very interesting and informative as well as very well laid out. I wish more documentaries that try to teach you something were so well done. I just subscribed.

[@SimpleTek]

Wow, thank you!

[@lancewilson2407]

I would love for you to make a video in the light quality data of the cargated roof panel... it's an awesome idea!!!

[@SimpleTek]

I might build one this summer!

[@josephhellstern949]

I used corrugated, I didn't know it was a thing.. 3 years in so far so good. We have lots of snow

[@SimpleTek]

that's awesome!

[@brianpimental2948]

I really like your channel and have learned a lot. I live in Michigan and am looking to build a greenhouse that I can grow all year round. I will be using a hydroponic system and wanted to know if you have any design resources for the greenhouse.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you so much for the kind words. The only resources I have are google and the archives of my videos on KZbin

[@MervB1]

With corrigated plastic on the outside could we insulate it with bubble wrap on the inside, or even sandwich bubble wrap between two sheets of corrigated plastic. In Australia I'm sure I've seen uv protect bubble wrap sold as a posible green house covering.

[@SimpleTek]

Good idea

[@tanyacunningham-tp2fs]

thank you for making this video. My boyfriend family has an old carport and had a idea to make it into a green house but all i heard of is them using plastic but i want to make it more sustainable and wont brake easy.

[@benjustbenwilldo2215]

I really like this and am planning a build.

[@SimpleTek]

@@benjustbenwilldo2215 thank you! Good luck with your project

[@KLMN890]

Hi we currently have double wall poly carbonate sheets. So far working great

[@SimpleTek]

That's awesome!

[@frankd5119]

Corrugated roofing panels use ribs at the ends when using as roofing. I wonder if you can use that ribbing to double the corrugated panel to create an air gap for insulation and if it would be worth it.

[@SimpleTek]

it's a thing you should try!

[@frankd5119]

@@SimpleTek I was thinking that. I recently replaced my chicken coop roof from corrugate plastic to metal. I have some panels, but they're green, not clear. I'm going to experiment with them to check the temperature inside.

[@uchymata1]

How about using the poly rolls under the corrugated panels to add extra insulation since this panels already have a gap due to their shape. I wonder if this will prevent much light from coming through?

[@SimpleTek]

Good idea

[@waynesmith2947]

Air gap for corrugated plastic? Try bubble wrap maybe?

[@SimpleTek]

do you know of any UV treated bubble wrap - cause plastic without that will be lucky to make it one season

[@waynesmith2947]

@@SimpleTek I assumed the corrugated plastic would be UV treated and would protect the inner lining of bubble wrap.

[@waynesmith2947]

@@SimpleTek Usually used primarily as insulation in winter kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH2cmHxve5Vgbc0

[@ariloves10]

I always wanted to live in a Greenhouse. From this video I learned glass is best. Polycarbonate sounds 2nd best along with corregated panels or double layered poly.

[@SimpleTek]

Good choice!

[@jmscnny]

You can get foam profile inserts for the corrugated sheeting that will allow you to achieve an air gap between two sheets. It is used for draught and vermin proofing, vibration and noise control, air and weather sealing and watertight sealing.

[@SimpleTek]

the issue is transparency, would the foam profile insert allow light to come through?

[@billwernsing9360]

If you align the foam profile inserts with the beams of the supporting structure, you won’t lose any more sunlight.

[@prattsmark1]

Thanks for the great information!

[@SimpleTek]

You’re welcome

[@mulonru2965]

Very much enjoyed video and learned a bunch

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@magnusdons]

Hi Im building a geodesic dome with wooded battens. Which glasing material should be used? Do you have any videos on how to cover a dome? Cheers M.

[@SimpleTek]

I do - in my archives on Simple Tek

[@bearb.7406]

Thank you... I'm planning a new greenhouse this fall and you offered several suggestions I maddy be using... Good luck... ~Bear

[@SimpleTek]

Good luck!

[@thisandthat3205]

I used corrugated fiber glass panels from Home Depot. Inside the greenhouse I put layer of pool covering from Amazon. Pool covering is cheap because its not though to be used for a greenhouse. Anything for greenhouse is expensive. It's very durable too. There's 4 inch gap between the panels and pool covering since the greenhouse is made with 2×4 lumber.

[@SimpleTek]

Great idea!!!!!!

[@christinemurray1444]

Do you use the pool covering for shading?

[@magapefarmshomestead6453]

Ty for all your videos! But in my opinion etfeis the best greenhouse covering. It was used on the Eden project built in the late 90's and early 00's. It is still in use as a covering today. It may be a bit more expensive to get at the start but the long gevity easly compensates for that.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the information!

[@jeremynicoletti9060]

polycarb panels price has doubled since this release. I guess Home Despot/Lowes watch DIY vids, too.

[@monetroshi]

I swear they do cos even pvc tripled in price 😢

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Very useful, thank you, sir.

[@SimpleTek]

So nice of you

[@Sunflowers_and_sunshine]

Listen thank you ❤️ 🙏 for the information with what is going on in the world this makes sense

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@Sunflowers_and_sunshine]

I live in Canada.. it's -40 Celsius with the wind chill factor I really want to do this.. I'm a retired nurse buying a homestead is it possible to do this, without it costing so much. It's just me I need to feed me and my two children and three grandchildren..

[@SimpleTek]

@@Sunflowers_and_sunshine yes it is possible! I live 60 miles north of Winnipeg, Manitoba

[@Sunflowers_and_sunshine]

@@SimpleTek how expensive is it per month roughly

[@SimpleTek]

@@Sunflowers_and_sunshine lots of variables there

[@Charlotte333]

Great information, thank you!

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulswarthout9967]

Maybe it would be cost prohibitive, but if you wanted an air gap, for insulation purposes, using the corrugated plastic, you could just mount the plastic on the outside of the greenhouse frame as usual, and on the inside of the greenhouse frame. Personally, I like the idea of using a blower to blow air between layers of poly to achieve the same thing. I may have to try that with my small greenhouse.

[@SimpleTek]

exactly!

[@loneforest6541]

nice details

[@SimpleTek]

thank you

[@BigCroca]

we have an old carriage house on our property with our small 9x11 foot greenhouse next to it. We have a plan to demolish both and build a 30x50 foot greenhouse or a 60x35 foot greenhouse, our plan is either traditional or a hoop house on top of a box structure to make it much taller. We also might attempt a barn roof style, our requirements are that it must have a rectangular base, be around 30-60 feet tall, no more than that though (we plan on having palm trees in there so it must be tall, but not so tall it could shade the garden near it.) it must shed snow well, and last a long time. I was thinking glass because our current 9x11 is recycled glass, but ofc that’s too expensive, so then I was thinking polycarbonate, but that’s kind of expensive too right? I really want your opinion, and I don’t think the flimsy plastic wrap poly stuff would work for where I live where it gets down to -30 sometimes and we get 3+ feet of snow.

[@SimpleTek]

if you use greenhouse poly, use 6mill or great, UV treated, and DOUBLE AIR INFLATED. that is usually rated for 6 years but double air inflated it'll go ten years. the cost savings is ENORMOUS. as long as it's rated for your climates you'll be fine. I use it and we get -40'

[@BigCroca]

@@SimpleTek wow okay thanks! :)

[@BigCroca]

@@SimpleTek do you have links to where i can get the plastic?

[@SimpleTek]

@@BigCroca I bought mine from alibaba

[@BigCroca]

@@SimpleTek oh okay :)

[@FelicitousCitizenStruggler]

Thank you for sharing brother.

[@sherylougillett6703]

Can't wait to try it....

[@SimpleTek]

Have fun!

[@abogacorpattorney]

Thanks for the advice

[@SimpleTek]

;)

[@dannpurvis]

Great information. Thanks

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jdwilsun]

Excellent explanations!

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you SOOOO much!

[@niallwildwoode7373]

Additional info : polytunnel/hoophouse polythene can last 10+years if researched. I had some that lasted 15 years before I dismantled the structure. Also, never use corrugated plastic panels in areas of extreme cold or high winds. This stuff is really brittle if hit by flying debris, or flexed in sub-zero temps. The best bang-for-your-buck is the inflated doubled polythene. A high tec example is The Eden Project, Cornwall, UK, where their laviathan greenhouse domes hold rainforests and savanas. Well worth a visit.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you soo much for the info! My double inflated poly greenhouse withstands 100kph winds all the time without any problem

[@amandawoodstock6261]

Great information!

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you!

[@tvctun111]

I built a hybrid using recycled sliding glass doors and Windows with a corrugated plastic roof. I did have to replace the roof after about 7 years because i it wasn't adequately supported and sequered and that caused warping in the heat. It also became very brittle and fractured as I was removing the old panles. The price was great and I figure most of the issues were do to used error.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the comment!

[@chuckcassel5417]

Just a thought, many steel buildings have light panels in the roofs to utilize daylight. I'm going to a builder next week to source these panels. They are translucent , not clear.

[@SimpleTek]

keep me updated!!!!!

[@alph8654]

I think they will work, but do not really know.

[@eugenelynch9476]

I just watched this video today. I'd like to add to technosarus's comment, which by the way is an excellent idea. In addition to adding corrugated plastic on the roof, install a layer of plastic film 1st on the roof top, then install corrugated plastic on top of plastic film.Then drill 1 inch holes thru the roof trusses and side walls, install another plastic film layer inside for the roof and side walls, finally install blowers thru-out to add a layer of air to blow thru drilled holes similar to a double wall poly plastic film. Just a thought as I just bought an 20.5 acre property here in Monarch, MT and plan to build solar for my all year round 3 bedroom cabin which I will have 2 DIY Mr. Cool 24,000 BTU units for heating and cooling, 2 Mr. Heater propane wall mounted units kicking out 30,000 BTU for upstairs and downstairs, tin roof, gutters and downspouts for a rain water catch system. I will also instal in the green house geothermal & another DIY Mr. Cool 24,000 BTU dedicated to a solar system. Probably be in the summer of 2022 for the greenhouse build. I really have enjoyed this video and if anyone has any suggestions that would help me for my build I would love to hear them because I want to be able to grow year round vegetables and cannabis. Thank you.

[@SimpleTek]

I like it!

[@Jarjarjar21]

Wondering about combining corigated and polywraps ( the cheap roller stuff)...

[@SimpleTek]

good idea

[@Rambw249]

I was thinking about the same thing. Building a ridged green house with the corrugated plastic on the outside and on the inside secure poly like a vapor barrier. The 2x4s will provide the air gap and as long as you use the little corrugated end caps, it should be fairly airtight.

[@SimpleTek]

@@Rambw249 sounds good in theory!

[@DanTheMan77777]

Great video. Very informative.

[@SimpleTek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaishetty8586]

A clear teflon coated ( dust/dirt mitigation) outer layer with a light scattering inner layer spaced with an air gap is the best way to get max light in, and keep heat out. What you spend on the panel actually compensates itself by lower electricity costs. Cannabis is known to love bright lights.

[@SimpleTek]

If you can get that stuff cheap…

[@AkSonya1010]

I was just at Lowes and the price for a 4x10 sheet is: corrigated plastic $47 and multi-wall pannel polcarbonate is $54. For that alone I am choosing the poly pannel. Thanks for all your info.

[@SimpleTek]

Prices are all different now since I made the video

[@BKLevi]

Thanks for the tips

[@SimpleTek]

You’re very welcome

[@julianbolt]

Very useful, thank you.

[@SimpleTek]

Thank you for the kind words

[@roseliedke]

Hi! Hope you are well and love the videos. We are planning to building a greenhouse this summer using 16mm polycarbonate panels. I am aware that we need to tape/seal the top end of the panel but what do we do with the bottom end? Do we tape it with solid tape (same as the top end) or use the air flow tape and end cap that allows moisture to escape the panel? We are hoping to use the greenhouse in the winter months (living in Calgary) but are unsure of how to treat the bottom end of the panel as we want to keep as much R value as we can. Thanks so much in advance for your time!

[@SimpleTek]

Very good question, I haven’t used polycarbonate panels yet, it’s a good topic to explore in a future video

[@sun6v546]

I just did it for you , Mite . Thank you very much.

[@SimpleTek]

That's awesome

[@seventhunders9741]

I do think I need to use the local reg plastic roll , is 4 mm 25x 100 a good deal at 66.00 ? I'll b using steel rebar frame, feels like the steel is making a magnetic effects, any advise before i commit

[@SimpleTek]

always make sure it's UV greenhouse plastic - any other kind will deteriorate in the sun and last less than one season