What is Solexx Covering?
The 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.

Can I buy the Solexx greenhouse covering separately?
Yes. Purchase Solexx panels in 4' x 8' and 4' x 12' sheets (the actual the size is slightly larger) or you can buy continuous rolls of the twin-wall paneling. You can use them to build a custom greenhouse or to cover an existing frame. The frame supports should be spaced approximately 2' apart. In addition to the Solexx covering, we sell H-channel to join the panels, U-trim to seal the open flutes, and galvanized screws to attach the covering to your structure. The panels come flat but can be rolled in a cardboard drum for UPS shipping. After shipping, the panels easily unroll and become flat once again.

How do I install the covering?
Screw directly through the paneling and into the frame using 1" wood screws or 3/4" drill screws when going into a metal frame.  Screws should be about 6" apart around the perimeter and 18" apart in the center - generally about 32 screws for each 4' x 8' panel. Heat and cold will cause some contraction and expansion, so you will want to install the covering on a mild day.

What is the best direction to apply Solexx panels and rolls?
Solexx glazing has a UV additive throughout the material, so all sides of the material are protected from the sun. They can be applied with either side exposed. Attach the glazing either horizontally or vertically, but you get the strongest support when the flutes run perpendicular to the frame. We recommend the framing or trusses be no more than two feet apart to best support the panels.

What do I do where the panels come together?
There are two options: H-Channel or overlapping.  H-Channel is used to join the long side of the panel together and should run perpendicular to the greenhouse studs. It is meant to float between the panels to allow for expansion and contraction, so no screws go through the H-Channel.  The H-Channel is held in place by attaching screws 2 1/2" above and below it.  A second option is to overlap the panels.  Solexx panels are designed with an extra 1 1/2" so you can overlap the panels by shingling them.

How do I cut Solexx glazing?
The material can be easily cut to size using a utility knife or a sharp kitchen knife.

How far will the panels curve? What do I do at the peak of my greenhouse?
The panels are very flexible and curve easily around tight radiuses. In fact, the material can be folded over peaks and around corners for a water-tight seal.

The greenhouse covering is not clear. Isn't it too dark inside to promote growth?
No, actually the 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 for growth. The panels diffuse the light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating "hot spots" and shadows.

Does the covering break down in the sun?
Solexx has a UV additive throughout the material the extrusion process. Solexx is covered by a 8-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for over twenty 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 panels are easy and inexpensive to replace unlike polycarbonate greenhouse panels. In high sunlight areas, the life of the panels can be extended by using a shade cloth and/ or placing the greenhouse in a partially shaded area.

Will the greenhouse covering discolor?
No. The 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 the 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.

How does the greenhouse covering hold up in snow and cold weather?
Solexx greenhouses are undamaged after being covered in several feet of snow and exposed to subzero temperatures for most of the winter. Snow tends to slide right off the slick paneling material. Many greenhouse materials yellow from the sun or cold but Solexx is resistant to yellowing.

How can I heat my greenhouse?
The greenhouses can be heated with propane or electric heaters with thermostatic controls. In mild conditions, 5-gallon covered black buckets filled with water will trap the solar energy during the day and release heat for most of the night. Another option is adding rabbits to your greenhouse. Rabbits put out 8 BTU’s per hour which amounts to roughly 2.5 gal of fuel in 6 months. Rabbit manure also adds heat and makes a great non-burning fertilizer. For more complete information, there is a book available called Solviva by Anna Edey.

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 covering provides more insulation than most other hobby greenhouse materials (see chart below). 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.

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 Tripple 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 Factor 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.

What can I grow in my greenhouse?
There are numerous vegetables, herbs, flowers, tropical, exotics and cacti that flourish in a greenhouse environment. The book The Greenhouse Gardener's Companion is an excellent resource.

What type of glazing would be best in my area?
Solexx glazing is available in 3.5mm (Solexx XP) and 5mm (Solexx PRO) thicknesses. The 3.5mm panels are recommended in most areas as they provide more light transmission. The 5mm panels are used in very cold climates (for added insulation) and at high altitudes. The 5mm paneling is also recommended on many custom structures for extra support.

ABOUT THE GREENHOUSE CATALOG:

Where is the retail outlet?
The retail outlet and the factory are located at 3740 Brooklake Road NE Salem, OR 97303.

How long has The Greenhouse Catalog been in business?
We have been in business since 1974. We have been manufacturing and selling greenhouses since 1987.

What Are the Store Hours?
The store is open 8:00 am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday pacific standard time, Saturdays by appointment only.