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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Best coverings

new_to_co__7700_feet

7 years ago

Planning on building
a semi cold frame/greenhouse shortly. At this point I will use
rolled poly sheeting. In a couple years, or whatever, I hope to use
something more permanent. Question: Can I use the cheap rolled
poly at the local Home depot, or should I go UV protected greenhouse
material, at much more money? What is a reasonable expectation of
life for both? I am in CO. at about 8,000 feet. Thanks for
any and all thoughts.

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Comments (5)

oakhill (zone 9A, Calif.)
7 years ago
Most UV protected greenhouse polyethylene comes with a 4 year guarantee. Most non UV protected (construction grade) material has no guarantee and lasts from 3 mo. to one year.
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
7 years ago
Get the greenhouse poly. The cheap stuff is a waste of money.
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PRO
Circo Innovations, Inc.
7 years ago
Use Greenhouse poly like this. If using on PVC pipe use felt tape so the PVC doesn't react to your poly and void your warranty. Usually the plastic will last 4-5 years with direct contact but use paint or felt tape to make it last longer. Fasten the poly with ABS snap clamps.
apg4
7 years ago
Forget the rolled poly stuff...it simply won't last and you'll not be happy with an improvised 'fit'. I used a 6x8' ShelterLogic for 6 or 7 years, replaced just last winter for a 10x10x8' high unit by the same folks. (I think it was just $150 or so "on sale" at Northern Tool.) This is my 'temporary' GH, intended just to keep the frost off hardier plants for which there isn't enough room in the stick-built, 10x16' main GH. Shelter Logic has a wide range of products - up to circus tent size. The units are well-engineered and the fabric will last, well, until you outgrow it.... The earlier one sloughed off a 17" snowfall the first year, unlikely with a home-engineered and -built unit.
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Advance Greenhouses
5 years ago
There is also a reinforced polyfilm available that has a rip stop cord in it. This will help to increase the lifetime expectancy of the film.

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