TUFTEX PolyCarb panels are a durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional glass and plastic greenhouses. These panels are made with a polycarbonate thermoplastic polymer in an octagonal-wave profile, making them 20 times stronger than 5 oz. fiberglass corrugated panels. They are designed to withstand direct sunlight in outdoor environments.
To install greenhouse plastic on PVC, it is essential to coat it with a protectant, as pesticides and chemical sprays can break down the plastic and void the warranty. Overspray from a reputable source is recommended.
TUFTEX PolyCarb panels can be cut with a circular saw with the blade in backwards, and some panels can be cut with tin snips for the front and back. Tuftex Cold Frames are a protective covering and passive solar-energy collector for growing plants when cooler temperatures outdoors can adversely affect plants.
TUFTEX PolyCarb panels are ideal for small shelter projects, under decking drainage systems, siding, seasonal gardening protection, small greenhouses, awnings, and more. However, it is important to be careful when selecting poly sheets as they may block UV light, which may not be ideal for a greenhouse.
In summary, TUFTEX PolyCarb panels are a cost-effective and durable option for greenhouse and garden applications. They are designed to withstand direct sunlight and are ideal for small shelter projects, under decking drainage systems, siding, seasonal gardening protection, small greenhouses, and awnings.
📹 GREENHOUSE Roof BUILD (TUFTEX PANELS)
Building and installing the greenhouse ROOF! Justin’s Channel: https://bit.ly/2eX4iVs Greenhouse plans: https://bit.ly/2FzFGUg …
Can you use PVC plastic for greenhouse?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular greenhouse plastic due to its durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. It also offers excellent light transmission properties, converting sunlight into energy for plants, promoting healthy growth. However, PVC has a significant environmental impact, as improper disposal can leach harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, it requires more energy to manufacture than other plastics, further exacerbating its environmental footprint. Despite these drawbacks, PVC remains a popular choice for greenhouses in regions prone to severe weather.
Can I use painters plastic for a greenhouse?
6 mil contractor plastic is not suitable for greenhouses, high tunnels, or hoop houses due to its lack of UV stability. It will quickly break down if exposed to sunlight and wind. Other options include high tunnels, all high tunnels, peaked high tunnels, mobile high tunnels, round hoop houses, caterpillar tunnels, backyard greenhouses, greenhouse covers, polycarbonate, polycarbonate, shade cloth bulk, shade cloth finished edges + grommets, sidewall components, auto roller motors, and hardware.
What is the best plastic for a greenhouse?
Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used greenhouse plastic due to its competitive price and excellent mechanical properties. It is easily incorporated with additives to improve its characteristics. PE is classified based on density, with low-density being the most common. Medium-density plastic is used in small tunnels and mulch, while high-density plastic is used for pipes, bottles, caps, containers, irrigation, and drainage parts. Low-density polyethylene is the most commonly used in agriculture, offering four-year durability and resistance to sulphur. It can be yellow or colorless.
Is Tuftex good for a greenhouse?
TUFTEX 6MM Multi-Wall panels are adaptable and appropriate for a multitude of applications, including greenhouses, office partitions, pool enclosures, window replacements, skylights, canopies, carports, pergolas, and sun rooms.
Does PVC degrade greenhouse plastic?
PVC electrical conduit can out-gas chlorine, destroying UV light stabilizers in polyethylene greenhouse film, causing it to degrade. Materials that can cause wear to greenhouse film include PVC pipe, PVC tape, oil-based paints, chlorine-based disinfectants, and certain pesticides. To prevent premature wear, manufacturers recommend covering surfaces with white acrylic latex paint or non-PVC tape, and not in direct contact with these materials. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in the warranty on the film being void.
There are differences in tolerance and installation requirements between manufacturers, so it is recommended to consult with your greenhouse film supplier and film manufacturer. Some growers wrap PVC pipe with old poly film, but this may create a habitat for pests and diseases. After consulting with the plastic manufacturer, it is suggested to cover the conduit with polyethylene pipe insulation, which is readily available and inexpensive.
Can you use PVC roof panels for greenhouse?
PVC roof panels offer greater flexibility than fiberglass, rendering them an appropriate choice for curved structures such as greenhouse roofs. In contrast to fiberglass and plastic panels, which lack fire resistance, PVC roof panels exhibit high corrosion resistance. Both panels demonstrate high resistance to corrosion; however, neither panel exhibits fire resistance.
What are the disadvantages of a PVC roof?
PVC roofing membranes are a popular choice for commercial flat roofs due to their durability and longevity. Made from two layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and reinforced with polyester, they can be used in a durable roofing system. However, they may face additional repairs once the roof reaches ten years old. PVC is not as effective in cold climates and has a higher cost. It is suitable for low-slope and flat roofs but not for higher pitches.
Additionally, PVC membranes may not perform as well in cold climates due to its UV resistance. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific needs and conditions of your building when choosing PVC roofing membranes.
What size PVC do you use for a greenhouse?
The latest PVC plan offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize light and warmth. The plan uses 1-inch PVC pipe and fittings in the shape of an arch to create an efficient greenhouse. This design allows for minimal dead air space and allows light to enter at most angles, refracting more readily against the curved walls. The arched design maximizes light and warmth, with few corners, allowing for optimal light penetration and warmth retention.
The PVC Arched Greenhouse kit is fully expandable, allowing for easy expansion of the rear entrance. With a second kit and more arches, the greenhouse can be turned into a 25-foot greenhouse, reducing the cost of building a larger greenhouse. This innovative approach allows for more time and money for seeds, quality soil ingredients, and irrigation methods. Overall, the PVC Arched Greenhouse offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize their greenhouse’s potential.
Can I use construction plastic for greenhouse?
6 mil contractor plastic cannot replace greenhouse plastic due to its UV stability, which can quickly break down in sunlight and wind. Other options include high tunnels, all high tunnels, peaked high tunnels, mobile high tunnels, round hoop houses, caterpillar tunnels, backyard greenhouses, greenhouse covers, polycarbonate, polycarbonate, shade cloth bulk, shade cloth finished edges + grommets, sidewall components, auto roller motors, and hardware.
Which is better for a greenhouse, PVC or polycarbonate?
PVC and polycarbonate are both suitable for greenhouse construction, with PVC being more affordable and durable but lacking insulation, UV protection, and longevity. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers superior durability, insulation, UV protection, and aesthetic appeal. When choosing a material, consider factors like budget, climate, and desired appearance. PVC may be the cost-effective option for those who can compromise insulation and longevity, while polycarbonate is likely the better choice for those who value durability and energy efficiency.
📹 BUILDING A GREENHOUSE IN WINTER – TUFTEX PANELS
OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY: So now I am installing the TUFTEX panels on the sides of the greenhouse. TUFTEX PolyCarb …
Just completed the build here. The wife is thrilled to start her seedlings and herb gardens. I built ours on the back deck (since deer wiped us out last year) and used this same material. With the back door leaking warm air in the winter, it created a perfect spot to heat the greenhouse using conditioned air we were losing already!
On the foam end pieces, since I also am a one man show, I’ve found that the quickest way to go is snap a chalk straightline for the foam edge guide, then give a squirt of spray adhesive along side of the line, use both hands and anchor one end to the glue against the line while holding the other end up a little and then carefully and quickly work it onto the glue toward the other end along the line. Do this everywhere you need it first and it makes putting the panels on (almost) effortless buy comparison! Hope that helps on future builds.
Hi Doug, I have used these panels from Lowe’s to cover my raised deck over 16 years ago and they still are transparent today. I am looking forward to see you finish the log cabin for your mother as well. I know how it feels to work by yourself. All the projects that I work on are done by me, myself, and I…lol. I know that from time to time you have help from Gary and other people in you area. I really enjoy perusal your articles keep up the good work.
Hi Doug and Stacy. Great website! My wife and I watch your articles all the time. A little tip about the panels… you could save a little time by tacking down the support pieces on either end with a small nail, staple or 2 sided carpet tape to keep in in place while you drill your holes and screw it down. Because the nail or staple will be beneath the panel, it won’t be affected by the elements. Doing that will also keep it from flopping around while you are trying to work. Cheers!
Wow, in perusal you all these several months, I learned we were were homesteaders for 35 years. We didn’t call it that, because back then we considered homesteaders to be way back when the homestead act was enacted. We were just people who wanted a better way of life without all the things society expects you to fulfill. We lived at 4200′ elevation and had many, many exciting experiences in learning what we were doing, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. Life and death experiences made us have to move. Your greenhouse reminds me of our cook shack we made the first summer we were there. We camped there until our house was, not done, but we could move in. Thanks for the reminder of our yesteryear.
Here is a tidbit for you Doug about drilling your holes if you put the drill in reverse with your screw in it you can drill the material and the screw acts like a drill bit of coarse you put it back in forward when you drive the screw into the base material saves you predrilling all the holes. I always do this in wood boards close to the end this way it does not split the board when you drive a screw in it! Good idea “A”
Been enjoying perusal this build. My husband and I are planning on buying our homestead next year after years of urban homesteading. Due to school year and moving out of state we want to move in June which means not much gardening. So we plan to focus that first fall/winter on building a greenhouse, chicken coop, and whatever else needs done. We really like this design and will probably do something similar.
I live in Eastern Canada, we used that product for our Patio roof(20ftx8ft) as well as our side door of 12ftx8ft. We used that so light can get through it & it doesn’t shade our windows. It has survived 6 Canadian winters, & our recent Nor Easter storm (its like a hurricane, winds of 140 to 170 kph, but with ice and freezing cold temperatures) I didn’t bother using the foam spacer 7 just screwed the valleys with the rubber washer hex screws. never had a leak or problem yet.
That plastic sheet is good stuff, i have it on my porch roof, in summer both doors( front+back) have be open, its like a bloody oven!!, i call it my static tumble dryer!……great for drying clothes in around 30mins straight from the washing machine!. Great vid, great building skills. All the best matey
my hubby boo bear built me a greenhouse 16×16…only have been able to use it one year 😭. the plastic we bought literally disinigrated towards the end of that first season. we used treat 4×4 beams as the base all the way around…but thats the only treated wood we used. I see you say it must all be treated as it gets hot and damp inside and makes the wood go bad. I think we should tear it down to base and start over…oh hubby boo bear! 😀
Doug you are building all of these out buildings adjacent to each other but not connected, why? why not have the green house connected to a wall of the house so you can walk out without shoveling snow, it wold also be a wind break and warm that side of the house? I see the old farm houses here with wrap around verandas and most have a shed wing that goes off out the back and has a work shop, wood storage, a garage, an outhouse toward end and a chicken coupe attached or adjacent, must be some reason they did this.
I’m putting a greenhouse in my backyard. I also live in Pennsylvania. (Franklin County) I’m considering getting the large frame at Lowes or Home Depo. I think I would save money building it myself. I do everything by myself, but I’m really good at it! Haha I garden and can what I grow. I’ve always wanted to live self sufficiently, and there’s no better time to do it than right now. Any suggestions would be great. I loved your article! Thank you!
Love knowing the tuftex panel’s tolerances! We want to make a “sun room” on the back of the Mercantile for the learning center & use as a “sun therapy space” when Winter is still very much outside! Problem for us is WIND and cold destroying. Doug don’t forget to mention to the Northerners that those ribs control SNOW melt avalanches and also prevent ice dams that crush your buiding. (not perhaps something you worry about in Missouri ) 😀
We have long winters where it can be 5-10 degrees daily for a few months. I would like to do this idea for my enclosed deck so we can sit out there in the winter. I’d like to be able to get the temperature up to the point where it is 70 degrees on my deck in the winter. How cold does it get where you are in the winter? How warm does it stay in your greenhouse in the winter?
Is that material the same stuff that people are getting sick from? I know that there is some newer wall system that some company started a new market push for use in other things like greenhouses, but which is composed of a polycarbonate/vinyl compound that people are up in arms about, because neither the vinyl nor the polycarbonate should be around food (i.e. not only does it have the BPA and micro plastic issues, but it is not even a food safe certified one, but the company is pushing it). I would look into this to make sure, as I recall reading an article about people getting sick (stomach problems, cancer, migraines, liver/kidney issues, etc), who were very upset when they found out that the product they were sold was never certified to be used around food, gardens, etc. If it is that product, just note that you have to take extra care to collect/redirect any water/condensation on the inside and rain/water run-off on the outside, since it will be taken in by the plants and thereby you and your family. I have not researched TUFTEX, because we always avoid things like plastics, heavy metals, glyphosate and pesticides; but if it is polycarbonate/vinyl based, please be careful about any moisture that comes in contact with it, which may get to your vegetables. Plastics are great for many things, but certain types of poly’s and vinyls should be kept far away from any food or water source– especially the non-FDA approved types that are not specially food safe engineered!
Hi Doug. We are revisiting your tuftex green house build. It should last through our New Hampshire winters. After two years how has it fared? Anything different that you would have done? Our home is situated in the woods, with enough cleared land around the house for a green house and some raised beds.
Thank you, just the article I needed to watch! I’m going to build a garden shed with 4 foot high walls of corrugated metal panels, then a 4 foot section of clear panels such as yours. I was wondering if they could be installed horizontally instead of vertically, and now I know they can! You do some beautiful work.
I’m trying to get materials to re-build a greenhouse for a client. 20 years of wear and record snowfall caused his old fiberglass roof to collapse. I was making my list today and all I can find is this polycarbonate stuff, which would be fine, except, the old fiberglass was rated to last 30 years and I’m seeing reviews on Lowes website that say this poly stuff can fail in as little as 5. Anyone out there know? Doug, has this greenhouse held up over the years? I just don’t want to build something that caves in under 10 years…
I put those panels on the roof of my greenhouse last year, this year they ripped like paper in high winds. So brittle,I had to replace half of them. Not only did they blow away,but the ones that were still tied had big random holes. Really dissappointed with the quality. They don’t seem to weather well. I want to replace all of them next year, but still researching a strong material. I am in new England btw. Based on my experience I will not recommend these panels at all.
I’m always puzzled by people who build full green houses, when only the S and perhaps E and W sides need to be transparent. A greenhouse should be oriented longways toward the south, and the north wall can just be board, then tar or plastic sheet it and pile up dirt or compost against the north wall on the outside. The roof doesn’t need to be transparent either. Saves a lot of money.
ok sooo this article started out great ( Rooster and all being funny ok ) but now your putting on the panels ( ummm panels ) so now What ??, your not telling how or what your doing.. and why ?? ( maybe we would like to no the size or how you started this project ( and what you used ) do we have to guess ??? ( why your using it and what are they called ( you cant call them just panels ( we are newbies ) and came to you for ( inspiration ) to how to and what not too doo) urg,