pictures might help? and what about putting gromets on the plastic at the bottom ends and securing it to a base frame? not 100% picturing what plastic you have..is it like thick vinyl? and clear? how was it originally attached to the frame?

Well, I have a outlet 'close' by.... 35 miles one way (but that's where I grocery shop, so no big deal.) They have 10' and 20' UV protected 6mil greenhouse plastic, rated for 4yrs that they will sell to my spects. So that's what I was thinkin' that I'd get. (I only mentioned the heavy vinyl to describe the original structure, sorry to confuse you). The original structure did use grommets and such, I just hadn't thought that it would be what I wanted, as although it kept out the weather I'm not sure how I would make it 'tight' (i.e. retain some kind of heat and not just have a heater warming the great outdoors..........) I don't have picts right now, but, after this monsoon moves on I will put some of the metal frame up and post them...........T

Check out what angelialyn did. http://www.afreshdesign.com/woodlandspringfarm.htm
Very detailed pictures at the bottom of this site. Hope this helps.
Bernie

I suspect that the frame of your carport has a fairly wide span, and depends upon the tensional-strength of the vinyl tarp to keep it rigid. This span is too much for 6-mil plastic. That means that you will have to construct some sort of wood frame with purlins (probably two-foot spans) to help hold down the plastic.

There are metal C-fixtures to mount metal tubing and PVC against wood, and your local big box store will carry them in the size you need. Or, you can use galvanized straps. With a wood frame secured against the metal tubing, stapling the plastic down is a simple matter.

That said, if you encountered a wind substantial enough to rip your carport free and transport it some distance, I'm doubtful if 6-mil plastic will offer you enough strength. Sturdier fabric might be in order. I use heavy reinforced UV plastic on my gh, which allows me eight-foot spans.

-Bruce

Hey, thanks for the link, she's got pretty much what I had in my head (cut in 1/2, up against my shop wall) that I wasn't able to articulate.......
Bruce:
"I use heavy reinforced UV plastic on my gh, which allows me eight-foot spans." ??
Have any links to explain the difference? I had understood that I was pricing GH plastic, golly, now there is reinforced? Also, we have lived in this house 4yrs, the flying shed happened the first yr and so far we get about 1 sizable wind event a yr (sizable being in my frame of reference 25+ mph sustained 40+ gusts for 6 or more hrs.) Otherwise there's not much wind, just a breeze on a day to day.....Frankly I don't know enough about GHs to be to be dangerous yet, and that's generally my goal(lol) Thanks

I used ordinary 6-mil dropcloths for years, in my ignorance, not knowing that there was anything better. Here in the Florida sun it would crystallize in about 5-6 months. I wish I had all that money and time back replacing it twice a year!

You, of course, have a local source for UV-treated stuff, but even still, the billowing and flexing that occurs with wind is enough to loosen 6-mil and pull and tear away from whatever attachment you use. If you wanted to add a second-layer of plastic inside your structure for insulation, the UV-treated 6-mil would be perfect.

The link below takes you to FarmTek's 5.2-ounce all-purpose fabric. It is wonderful stuff, and like iron. It only requires a fraction of the number of staples to hold it down, and will add structural strength to your project. It's about 11-mil, and has fibreglas "tapes" woven in the fabric that adds strength, and diffuse light to a nice, even translucence.

When I said that I have eight-foot spans, I must qualify that a bit. It won't support itself without sagging on a horizontal span that wide, and I used wood lattice on my roof underneath it. (I wish I'd used wire fencing, and someday I'll swap out the lattice...cuts down too much light.) On my walls, I've strung a nylon rope around my studs at the four-foot level as a poor-man's purlin, and this adds a small amount of support...though not much.

It's likely more expensive than the 6-mil material you priced, but it will last a good deal longer, and never let you down.

-Bruce

Here is a link that might be useful: 5.2-ounce fabric at FarmTek