Bubble wrapping the greenhouse.

I read somewhere (can't remember where) that bubble wrap is much more efficient if put on the outside of the greenhouse!! The glass doesn't get very cold so there is much less condensation, has anyone actually tried this?

Val

 

No, I have enough trouble getting it on the inside. I think there's be problems with it ripping off in high winds or being shredded by rose thorns. Or something.

 

Does that include polycarb or just glass?wouldnt that green fungus grow and block out daylight? ive googled now but cant find much
might be slug heaven as well

 

Bubblewrap needs to go on the inside as the additional "still air" gap between the glass and BW adds to the insulation value. Shade cloth goes on the outside so the heat can escape

 

Apparently you bend chicken wire over it to hold it in place and if that seems too much of a performance I'm sure a greenhouse packed full of plants would be a challenge to putting it on the inside!! What if you have shelving? do you put it behind that too? I don't think it's as daft as it sounds!!

Val

 

If you dont get an airtight seal on the bubblewrap the cold air will still get to the glass and it`ll be worthless as insulation :WINK1:

 

Hmmm, I have a feeling you could be right there!!!!

Val

 

Chicken wire would be good, if scratchy. And no it's not easy putting it inside either. I have a wooden greenhouse and I tack it on with a staple gun. There's a space behind the workbench which i can drop the buble wrap behind.
I think sheets of polycarb fastened on with those little double-glazing supports, maybe even lined with sections of bubble wrap would be easier, inside or out, but expensive.

 

I've re-used the same bubble wrap inside my greenhouse for years & years & years. I once left some bubble wrap outdoors over a hard winter and the frost/ice/snow completely knackered it.

 

What a sight that would make! Hey, if it works and it's cheap... I'd be worried the weather and different animals would pop the bubbles, though.

 

An example of a properly insulated GH but i'm not bragging
That was that cold period in the run up to Christmas in 2010. The temp never dropped below 7 degrees with a little bit of heat.

 

Thanks for this Robajobs, yes point taken, looks very nicely done!! Jeez I can't bear to think of the weather being like this again!!

Val

 

Hello Gemini and all,
I'm new to the forum, but I too am lining the Greenhouse with bubble wrap! Really trying to save more Cacti this year, the last 2-3 have been very bad. I Did it a few years ago, but after 2 years or so if falls to pieces, as it is only cheap bubble wrap and not UV stabilized. The end of the bubble wrap I buried to seal it, was still in the ground and intact, only the UV kills it.

I was going to get the good stuff, but someone gave me this roll free. My GH is only 6x7 and I had enough. My first thought was the outside would easy, but how well would it stay put!! with winds and heavy snow, etc. Would'ent look very nice/tidy covered in chicken wire? How easy? I have a fixed bench and a removable one too, so not so bad, Ali GH so use ALI PLUGS which twist thro' BW into the slots.....