Helpful Hints

Hints for Solexx greenhouse glazing application
Solexx greenhouse covering is very strong yet flexible making it easy to work with. Because it is semi-transparent and diffuses light, it makes an ideal covering for greenhouses, end walls, light panels in barns... the possibilities are endless. The following contains a few tips on how to handle this revolutionary greenhouse paneling:

1. Frame Spacing: We recommend that the framing or trusses for your corrugated greenhouse panels be placed 16"- 24" apart in order to provide maximum support.

2. Flute Direction: We've found placing your greenhouse panels so that the flutes run perpendicular to your frame provides the maximum amount of strength for your structure. When attaching the screws to plastic framing or wood, we recommend using our 1" screws with neoprene washers, which helps prevent water from leaking into the flutes of the greenhouse panels. Our ¾" self-drilling screws are for installing the greenhouse panels into a metal greenhouse frame. We suggest placing the screws about 18" apart on the stringers and about 9" apart on the perimeter. (When purchasing screws you should plan on using about one screw per every square foot of greenhouse paneling.) Be careful not to over torque the screws, or you may crush the greenhouse panel. The washers should just make a dimple in the greenhouse plastic.

3. Cutting the Greenhouse Panels: Unlike most types of greenhouse paneling, corrugated plastic greenhouse covering cuts easily with a utility knife or sharp kitchen knife.

4. Using U-Trim: On all exposed fluting (on the 4' side of greenhouse panels) we recommend you insert ¼" of GE Silicone II "clear" caulking into flutes in order to prevent water intrusion. Slide U-Trim over the ends of greenhouse panels for a permanent cap. Secure U-Trim with small zip ties by poking a small hole in greenhouse panels with a large paper clip or small nail. Place each zip tie about one foot apart ideally. Put caulking in all holes you create to stop water penetration.

5. Attaching the H-Channel: The greenhouse panels can be joined together using H-Channel. This locks the greenhouse panels into place and can help prevent water leakage. If H-Channel is difficult to slide on, spray grooves with a little WD-40 or Pam (vegetable oil.) Also, tapping on the ends of the H-Channel with a rubber mallet helps the H-Channel slide on more easily. Secure the greenhouse panels by placing screws into frame 1" from each side of H-Channel, but note that you should never screw directly into the H-Channel.

6. Folding the Greenhouse Panels: It's not necessary to cut Solexx corrugated plastic greenhouse paneling when going over roof peaks or around corners. You can score the greenhouse covering by using a straight edge and a small blunt object such as a Philips screw driver (be careful not to cut the plastic), and then fold the greenhouse plastic along the scored line. The greenhouse plastic can be scored either in the direction of the flutes or across the flutes.

7. Changes in Size: Apply the greennhouse panels when the temperature is moderate (for your climate, like 55-70 degrees) to compensate for expansion and contraction of the greenhouse covering.

8. Cleaning Solexx Greenhouse Covering: Wipe down the greenhouse panels with soap and water once a year for maximum light transmission efficiency and to keep your greenhouse looking great!

9. Other Applications: Although corrugated plastic greenhouse panels do not have "building code certification" they have been successfully used for deck coverings, carports, swimming pool covers, porch enclosures, and wood storage. Some have had good results, although we have found that it is not always the most suitable product for these applications.

If you have any additional questions about Solexx Greenhouse covering, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-825-1925 or send us an e-mail.