Multi wall poly carbonate on greenhouse

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by TMAK, Aug 19, 2016.

  1. TMAK

    TMAK Tommy

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    Hi everyone. I'm looking for some advice from you lovely people (again)
    I have just put together a second hand aluminium greenhouse frame that I picked up at a reasonable price. And now I need to glaze it.

    I have sourced a company that supply multi wall polycarbonate and cut it to size. The main question I have is about the direction of the lines / tubes ( I'm sure there is a technical term) do these have to run vertically. Is there any major dissatvantage in running them horizontally. I will be able get a lot more cut from the sheet this way.

    For the same price I can get 4mm running vertically or 6mm running horizontally.

    Thanks

    Tommy


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    • Ian Taylor

      Ian Taylor Total Gardener

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      I have twin wall polycard in parts of my greenhouse , I have them running vertically 4mm, I'm not sure you would be able to fit 6mm if your using glazing clips.
       
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      • TMAK

        TMAK Tommy

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        Cheers for reply Ian. How do you find the 4mm. Is it reasonably sturdy. Does the poly block out much light.


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        • Ian Taylor

          Ian Taylor Total Gardener

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          I find it ok but my garden is quite sheltered, I put the polycard on the shady side of my greenhouse and the rest is glass, so can't really answer your question but it does ok for me.
           
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            Should be fine with the tubes going horizontal. Might be an idea to tape the ends, stops insects getting in and leaving a mess.
             
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            • TMAK

              TMAK Tommy

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              Brill cheers lads. I'll soon be up and running.


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              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                I have a greenhouse which was all twinwall polycarb and the tubes run up and down. The reason I believe they are done this way is because when sliding them into the frame, they do not bend going up and down but would most likely be a pain to put in sideways. Taping the ends would also be a good idea as @Zigs suggested. I have replaced all of my panels with clear single polycarb but only for cosmetic reasons. Oh, forgot to mention, there was plenty of light coming through with the twinwall.
                 
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                • TMAK

                  TMAK Tommy

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                  Cheers Lori


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                  • TMAK

                    TMAK Tommy

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                    That's a good point about bending. Did you silicon yours in


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                  • Jiffy

                    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                    I would have the tubes running vertically as if any water/condension that may get in can run out the bottom
                     
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                    • Ian Taylor

                      Ian Taylor Total Gardener

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                      Mine aren't siliconed in, held in by glazing clips
                       
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                      • CanadianLori

                        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                        No, the channels on my Palram hold the panels very tightly. They don't use clips at all. I did at one time silicone the bottom of the panes because the base channels are slightly larger and I wanted to stop air flowing freely - the silicone was not needed to hold in the panels themselves.
                         
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                        • TMAK

                          TMAK Tommy

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                          Well I just ordered it. Roll on Thursday for delivery. I ordered the majority with the flutes running vertically but with the size of the sheets I had to order some panels with horizontal flutes. Can't wait to get it up. I have the frame up for nearly a week looking at me teasing me !!! Going to run a power lead from the house this weekend and I'll be ready for off [emoji1][emoji1][emoji1]


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                          • daitheplant

                            daitheplant Total Gardener

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                            It`s a pity you didn`t let us know you were glazing with polycarb BEFORE placing the order. I use a company which sells packs of 10 4ft x 2ft 4mm twinwall polycarb for about £30 plus delivery.
                             
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                            • TMAK

                              TMAK Tommy

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                              Thanks @daitheplant. It's done now. I'm in ireland so they may not have been able to deliver. The sheets for mine were 700mm which is kind of unusual too.
                               
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