Do I have to get the bench frames and/ or are they removable?
SOLEXX GREENHOUSE COVERING
What is Solexx Covering?
The twin-wall plastic Solexx greenhouse covering is made of high-density polyethylene extruded with the structure of corrugated cardboard but with the enduring qualities of plastic. The covering is insulated and can withstand virtually any weather condition.
The greenhouse covering is not clear. Isn't it too dark inside to promote growth?
No, actually Solexx greenhouse covering transmits 70-75 percent of the available light. Most plants only need 40 percent light to grow, but 70-75 percent available light is the optimal growing range. Even on cloudy or rainy days there is usually enough light in the greenhouse for growth. The Solexx greenhouse panels diffuse the light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating shadows and hot spots to prevent plant sunburn in your greenhouse.
Does the greenhouse covering break down in the sun?
Solexx greenhouse covering has a UV additive added throughout the material during the extrusion process (not just a coating like polycarbonate). Solexx is covered by a 10-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for over 20 years and there has been minimal UV breakdown. All plastics do eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, however, the greenhouse panels are easy and inexpensive to replace. In high sunlight areas, the life of the greenhouse panels can be extended by using a shade cloth and/ or placing the greenhouse structure in a partially shaded area.
Will the greenhouse covering discolor?
No. The greenhouse covering will not yellow, mold or mildew. The material will not scratch so you will not have the "cloudy" appearance as with other types of greenhouse paneling.
How do I clean Solexx greenhouse paneling?
Solexx can be rinsed or wiped clean without worry of scratching. The glazing is impervious to chemicals, so you can safely wash it with a mild detergent.
What type of Solexx greenhouse glazing would be best in my area?
Solexx greenhouses are available with either 3.5mm (Solexx XP) or 5mm (Solexx PRO) thicknesses. The 3.5mm greenhouse panels are recommended in most areas as they provide more light transmission. The 5mm greenhouse panels are used in very cold climates (for added insulation) and at high altitudes.
SOLEXX GREENHOUSE KITS
Who developed the greenhouses?
The greenhouse kits were developed by Mike and Bev Perry. Mike and Bev hold degrees in Plant Science and Biology. They developed the Solexx greenhouses after working with the twin-wall corrugated plastic in several applications. Both Mike and Bev witnessed accelerated growth with a product designed for tomatoes and decided to make a greenhouse for their personal use.
How Are The Greenhouses Shipped?
Most greenhouses are shipped UPS. The 8' Garden Oasis greenhouse kit comes in four boxes, two 8' x 7.25" x 5" boxes, one cardboard drum approximately 2' in diameter and 4' long, and a small box for the Louver. You can easily fit the greenhouse kit in the back of a truck or roomy sports utility vehicle.
What makes Solexx Greenhouses different from the other greenhouse on the market?
One of the most unique features of Solexx greenhouses is the greenhouse covering. The Solexx greenhouse provides highly diffused light (the best type of light) to your plants so they will have optimal growth. University testing has shown that plants grow best under diffused light. Another feature that makes Solexx different is the built-in bench frames. With almost all other greenhouse kits, benches are a large additional expense. Strong full-length hanging rods are another great feature.
The greenhouses come in a kit? What does that mean?
The greenhouse is sold unassembled. This helps us to keep shipping costs and greenhouse costs low. Each kit comes with complete written instructions and computer generated drawings. The framing is pre-cut and color coded for convenience. Of course, you can call our toll-free customer service line if you need help.
How long will it take to assemble the greenhouse?
The 8' units can usually be assembled in a weekend or two using common household tools. Much of the greenhouse can be put together with one person.
How do I prepare my greenhouse site?
You can place your greenhouse on your lawn, over bare ground, on a gravel base, over a wood deck, on a concrete slab, or a brick patio. Very little site preparation is required for your Solexx Greenhouse. Simply find an area in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight (southern exposure is best) and level the ground. Lay down greenhouse flooring over the surface to prevent weeds in your greenhouse while allowing necessary drainage. Pour about 3" of compacted 1/4" gravel base on top for added drainage and a sturdier floor. And of course, don't forget to tie down your greenhouse once it's in place!
How do I secure my greenhouse?
The most important accessory is a tie down kit. The greenhouses are lightweight and must be tied down. We have a tie down kit available, but you can use any method that will securely anchor the frame. Some methods include tying the frame to cement anchors or screwing brackets over the frame and into a deck.
What tools will I need to assemble my greenhouse?
You will need: a screwdriver, variable speed drill, sharp knife or utility knife, tape measure, step ladder, GE Silicon-2 caulk, caulking gun, clear PVC glue, and a level.
Will the greenhouse handle high winds?
As long as the greenhouse is firmly anchored you should not have problems with wind. The combination of a strong frame and flexible paneling works very well in adverse conditions. Many of our customers live on the coast and frequently experience winds of 70 mph. One customer in New Jersey has a Solexx greenhouse that had no damage from the impacting tree branches from a hurricane.
Will the greenhouses withstand heavy snow loads?
The greenhouses do well in snow. The greenhouse paneling is slippery so snow frequently just slides off the structure, and low temperatures will not harm the greenhouse plastic. If there is a snow build-up, the greenhouse can support several hundred pounds of pressure. Solexx greenhouses are undamaged after being covered in several feet of snow and exposed to subzero temperatures for most of the winter.
Is the greenhouse portable and/ or can it be disassembled?
The greenhouse is portable; it is easy to put onto a trailer for transport or move from one area of your yard to another for the best light. It is not suggested that the greenhouse be disassembled - the panels are attached to the frame with screws and once the screws are removed, realigning the panels to the pipe would be very difficult. There is also gluing involved in construction that cannot be disassembled.
How well does Solexx Insulate? What is the R-Value (R-Factor)?
Compare the insulation quality of Solexx to other greenhouse coverings on the market...
| Greenhouse Covering |
R-Value |
U-Value |
| 5mm Solexx Panels |
2.30 |
0.43 |
| 3.5mm Solexx Panels |
2.10 |
0.48 |
| 8mm Triple Wall Polycarbonate |
2.00 | 0.50 |
| Double Pane Storm Windows | 2.00 |
0.50 |
| 10mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.89 | 0.53 |
| 8mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.60 | 0.63 |
| 6mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.54 | 0.65 |
| 4mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.43 | 0.70 |
| Single Pane Glass, 3mm |
0.95 | 1.05 |
| Poly Film |
0.83 | 1.20 |
R-Value - the measurement of 'insulating ability' of the material. The higher the R-Value number the greater the insulation value.
U-Value - the measurement of 'heat loss' through the material. The lower the U-Value the less heat is escaping.
*Independent testing, Solexx with caulked flutes.
Is it expensive to grow all winter?
The cost of heating your greenhouse will depend on your area and what you plan to grow. Many plants require only a 45-degree nighttime temperature. The 3.5mm Solexx XP covering provides more insulation than most other hobby greenhouse materials. Many people are able to heat their greenhouse all winter for under $20.00 a month in the coldest months. Heating costs can be reduced by using buckets or plastic jugs of water or by lining the greenhouse with a layer of Visquine or bubble wrap in the cold months. To find out what size heater is right for your greenhouse, use our heater calculator.
What can I grow in my greenhouse?
There are numerous vegetables, herbs, flowers, tropical, exotics and cacti that flourish in a greenhouse environment. All of these plants can do well year-round in a Solexx greenhouse. The book The Greenhouse Gardener's Companion is an excellent resource.
Do I need to add greenhouse shelving to the bench frames and if so what works best?
We have greenhouse bench shelves specially designed to fit the Solexx greenhouses or you can design your own shelving to fit on top of the bench frames. For example the shelving can be made by using wood slats and 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth). There are many materials available but keep in mind that plants grow better when there is some airflow beneath the roots.
Do I have to get the bench frames and/ or are they removable?
The greenhouse bench frames are part of the structure of the greenhouse and give you 76-sq. ft. or more of growing area. If you do not want bench frames, consider another style such as the Early Bloomer Greenhouse.
If your still need some questions answered before your purchase, just call our toll-free number (1-800-825-1925) and ask to speak to a friendly customer service specialist.
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