I lost 2 panels before I posted a fix earlier this site. I ended up buying a lexan panel at Lowes, that are thinner and way more costly than the original. Since it was only a temp fix and had to be done, I paid the price. After drilling 1/8" holes 1 foot from the bottom and top (on the vertical supports), I threaded a 12.5 gauge galvanized wire (TSC) thru the holes in a horizontal fashion. Curled the ends over at each corner. Repeated the procedure for the front, back and top sides. Used a single self tapping screw in the vent window. Winds since then have not bothered the HFGH. I checked the prices for replacement panels, and if you order nearly any quanity, the base price is high and then you have to add in extra shipping and possibly a crate charge, which makes the whole deal too much for each panel. Figuring everything all together, it is just cheaper to first secure the panels with the method I mentioned above. If you have lost a panel(s), then order another kit when they are on sale. My first HFGH was $299 + $20 Ship. The second one was $329 + $62 to ship. That is still cheaper than ordering any panels from anyone. Plus I have extra parts forever, to - add-on, repair, replace, etc. As far as a base for my unit. I used 2 ea 4x4's PT stacked. Used the PT wood to allow the base to be leveled, with 1 to 1.5 PT showing above ground. At the corners and mid-long side, I sank a 4x4 PT down 2 feet in the ground, anchored with 1 bag of concrete in each of the 6 holes. All the base is bolted together with carrage bolts. On top of the base plate, I screwed in a 2"x7'x1/4" Poly Trim that is used around garage overhead doors. Use a sealer between the poly trim and the PT wood to stop leaks. It won't rot. Then I used stainless steel screws (2"#10) every 6 inches to fix the alum base to the poly trim and PT 4x4's. Everything else is per HFGH Instructions. Then I topped it off with the reinforcement I mentioned above. In the center of this frame, I tamped Stone paver sand and rock base, topped with 24"x24"x2" colored concrete blocks. There is a 60W Solar Panel 15 feet away that runs the fan in the greenhouse to help keep it cooler. It helps.

Joe, in case you didn't see it, Laserfan posted this information recently about a 4mm polycarbonate product now available from Tek Supply: "I notice today that teksupply is carrying 4mm in the (much higher quality with UV protection) PALRAM polycarb. Expensive as all get-out, but here you go. If you look at this page, be sure to download both of the pdf files there as they contain excellent information about both the product and it's application/handling/installation etc. that you will find valuable I'm sure. Link to Teksuppy 4mm page: laserfan" If we eventually do have to replace our panels, I'll at least give a more expensive option like this some careful thought, since I figure it will be a major ordeal to replace the panels in mine (I'll have to empty out the greenhouse, which remains stuffed year round.) I don't want to spend big bucks...but I'd rather not replace the panels very often, either, and I now know the HF panels may well have a limited life span in my climate. Sheri

HW cloth is stretched steel mesh used for reinforcing concrete shells. You might look at this new site called google.com - you can type simple questions like 'hardware cloth' and find websites, information and images really easily! Here is a link that might be useful: pictures of hardware cloth

Hello BearBryant (Roll Tide!) I haven't come across anyone yet with reports of how the Krylon spray product might work. I met one person who planned to use it over a year ago, but when I contacted him for an update, he said his build had been delayed. Since this thread, another HFGH owner posted to the thread linked below. Rtyu said he'd applied the Top Secret TS-100 coating mentoned above, three years ago, and was still very pleased to see no deterioration. You will find his posts close to the end of this thread: HFGH Polycarbonate Panels Failing, Part 2 Between the two products, I'd probably bank more on the Top Secret coating, because it's roller applied, and that will likely allow a thicker and more consistent protective coating than the Krylon spray product. Just a guess on my part, though.