I bought my bubble wrap from Uline because I wanted their extra heavy, 1 inch bubble in 24" width, to allow me to install it wedged between the polybars on my GH. It wasn't the cheapest, but is so heavy, I have yet to burst a single cell, in spite of abusing it. The only downside was the need to buy so much: 2 rolls of 250 ft. each and I was fortunate in having a friend to split the order with me. So the total for the 250 ft. it took to entirely line my 12 X 16 X 12 ft. high GH was about $160.00 including shipping. However, it paid for itself in its contribution to incredibly cheap heating bills all throughout the winter and will continue to serve to help keep the GH cooler in summer. Stress: I'm confused by your description of an inside/outside of a solar pool cover. Mine is the same on both sides. I suppose they vary in design?

Ah, I understand. Your GH is also a sort of conservatory, so appearance and the ability to see out of it is also a consideration. But if it's in full sun, you may need to add some shade plantings in your garden, perhaps some that would add an asthetic value along with shade. If you have the space to fit them, you might also benefit by a pair of outdoor (wet location rated) ceiling fans, to mount under the roof vents. The pair in my GH operate with very little electricity, are silent and do a great job of keeping the air moving. Not very expensive either; less than $100.00 each at the local home center. (Hunter brand) BTW: Operating 2 ceiling fans, each turning in an opposite direction really DOES create a circular pattern of air movement, front to back, top to bottom.

Chills, yes its not getting removed any time soon. I was out patching it last weekend and at that point all the wood was good that I saw. But, this winter is so mild that its not a big test. I have so far put no opening at the top, for the reason that it would cause some heat to escape. If there is a reason to leave an opening I would like to know. The Italian-American method always seems to include a hole in the top with a bucket over it, so I did think about that issue but could see no reason. There is no rotting to worry about because it stays dry underneath. Also there will still be a little air coming in through the bottom on a windy day. I have some heavy patio bricks leaned up against some parts of the bottom to keep it from blowing away. That was not in the initial design but it blew off several times. I initially had only some ropes over it, but that doesnt keep it from blowing off to one side. My figs are planted in a closely spaced row (two rows actually), and so the covers are shaped like an elongated pup tent: there is a seam running along the top all along the 10' or so long "tent". Its more like an upside-down U than the upside-down V of a pup tent, because the figs are wide bushes. My figs were pruned to about 3-4' tall and thats how tall the tent is at the top seam. I'm not sure what I am going to do as they get bigger; I may try to make a taller tent or I may keep them as low-pruned bushes with renewal pruning: prune out some of the older canes at the base and let new ones come out the base. I read about that fig pruning method somewhere. I sealed the top seam with insulating tape at first, but that did not hold through the winds. So it is now simply stapled along the top seam, one staple every inch or two. That is holding well so far. The ends are simply stapled together as well. I can post some pictures if its not so clear from the description. Scott

I remember living in a house like that growing up. We cleaned and cleaned the bedroom and then found that the smell was comming from the headboard of the bed that was in contact with the exterior wall. Got rid of the headboard and kept all furniture 3" away from the walls. Now I know why it happens. insulating to the interior as described above or the foam injected into the blocks would be the only ways I would know to solve it. for climates where the vapor barrier is to the inside it would work, for climates where the vapor barrier is to the exterior..frame and insulate interior of walls. best of luck to you!