How To Seal Greenhouse Panels Made Of Polycarbonate?

John from Growing Your Greens shares his experience with sealing polycarbonate panels at Home Depot. He advises choosing the appropriate sealing method for your greenhouse type, such as metal (aluminum) tape, and ensuring all edges are thoroughly sealed to prevent air leakage. To seal the bottom of your greenhouse, use greenhouse fabric, caulk, silicone, or tape to prevent cold air from leaking in and damaging plants.

To secure polycarbonate panels, measure and cut the panels to size, ensuring they fit securely. Use screws/bolts, washers, and nuts to secure the panels to the glazing bars and frame. Apply a sealant along the edges of the panels to create an airtight and watertight seal. After installing the panels, seal the joints with silicone sealant.

Add plastic strips to reduce flexing and secure them in with W clips either side. All recommended methods include foil tape at the top of the sheet, vent tape at the bottom, and a polycarbonate U profile over the tapes. Clear silicone works well but needs to be applied when dry, just sealing top and bottom and stopping condensation being drawn up into inner sections.

In summary, John’s guide on how to water, bloom, re-bloom, re-pot, fertilize, and create ideal conditions for orchids and carnivorous plants is a valuable resource for those interested in greenhouse building.

How do you waterproof polycarbonate?

Effisus Easyrepair Tape is a fast and easy solution for sealing joints on polycarbonate sheets, creating a waterproof, moisture, and airtight barrier without additional sealing. It is ideal for sealing joints between polycarbonate sheets and other construction materials like metal, concrete, and plastics. Its main advantages include exceptional adhesiveness, permanent sealing of any joint or leakage point, and no need for accessories.

What should you not use on polycarbonate?

Avoid using sharp tools or benzene, gasoline, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride on polycarbonate sheet products. Manufacturer-approved cleaning procedures are recommended for polycarbonate, acrylic, and APET plastics. The UV-resistant surface treatment on one side enhances long-term weatherability, so periodic cleaning using appropriate procedures and cleaners is recommended. These procedures and cleaners are also suitable for the untreated interior surface of the polycarbonate sheet, as well as for acrylic and APET plastics.

Should I seal the ends of polycarbonate sheets?

Axiome Multiwall and Twinwall Polycarbonate sheets have a honeycomb structure at each end, allowing for the installation of polycarbonate sheet tape to seal off the open ends and add an anti-dust barrier to prevent debris from entering the flutes. However, it is essential to install an End Stop Bar or Drip Trim over the end of the sheets for sealing. Polycarbonate sheet tape is known by various names, such as Anti Dust Tape, Filter Tape, Breather Tape, or Aluminium Foil Tape.

Previously, multiple roofing sheet tapes were needed, but modern Polycarbonate Sheet Tapes are designed to accomplish multiple rolls and be an all-in-one Anti Dust Tape, eliminating the need for multiple separate tapes. This makes the installation of a Polycarbonate Roof a more efficient and hassle-free process.

How do you keep polycarbonate clear?

To clean polycarbonate, use a gentle detergent, warm water, and a microfibre cloth. Rinse frequently to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the material. Use antistatic cleaner to prevent dust buildup. Use soft materials to trap dirt particles and rinse frequently. Regularly clean polycarbonate, about once or twice a year for a polycarbonate roof. If you notice black or green deposits, clean the panels as soon as possible to prevent staining. This method ensures the material remains clean and prevents dirt and grit from scratching.

How to seal polycarbonate panels for a greenhouse?

Gorilla Tape or Duct Tape is a durable solution for sealing polycarbonate panels, providing protection and longevity. It can be applied strategically under straps or panel edges to combat harsh weather. Post-sealing maintenance tips include regular checks, quick repairs, clean seals, and seasonal inspections. Regular inspections ensure the seals are effective, and minor leaks can be addressed immediately. Regular wipes down sealed areas prevent dirt buildup and strengthen the sealant. Regular inspections at the start of each season help catch and address problems early.

What sealant sticks to polycarbonate?

It is recommended that 100 silicone sealants be used on polycarbonate sheets due to their durability, adhesion, and resistance to solar radiation, moisture, weathering, and temperature change.

How do you protect polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate sheets are protected by adding stabilizing components to raw materials or by drawing on a protective layer. They are widely used in construction, translucent structures, and building decoration. Cellular polycarbonate with UV protection is the most popular due to its use in greenhouses, conservatories, and canopies. UV protection helps prevent the loss of transparency, yellowing, and brittleness of sheets due to constant exposure to sunlight.

This destroys polymer bonds, causing plastic to lose its original characteristics like plasticity, resistance to mechanical stress, and bearing capacity. Over time, plates are destroyed, requiring new coatings and additional costs.

How do you finish the edge of a polycarbonate sheet?

In order to achieve a smoother finish, it is recommended that the surface be wet sanded with fine-grit sandpaper. In order to achieve a saw-cut edge, it is first necessary to sand the surface until it is smooth. Subsequently, solvent polishing with MEK or methylene dichloride may be employed in order to attain a glossy finish.

How to stop polycarbonate greenhouse panels blowing out?

To secure polycarbonate panels in a greenhouse, use strips of timber on each side of the panels and drill through them to secure shorter strips. If drilling is not possible, use screws with neoprene bonded washers to fix the panels to the greenhouse. Use a 1/2-inch washer with corrugated polycarbonate sheets and a 1-inch washer with triple-wall polycarbonate.

To prevent panels from blowing out, apply glazing tape to each side of overlapping panes to strengthen the panels. Use foam tape to create a tight seal when the vent is closed. If damage occurs, make temporary repairs to address any weaknesses and keep the wind out. Temporary repairs can help prevent the panels from blowing out and ensure a secure greenhouse environment.

How do you stop polycarbonate greenhouse panels from blowing out?

Glazing bars are crucial for securing panels in a greenhouse, providing a supportive framework that prevents bending or breaking. They should be evenly spaced and aligned with the frame. Position the polycarbonate panels onto the frame, ensuring no gaps to prevent heat loss and instability. Secure the panels with screws and anchors, and apply a sealant along the edges for an airtight and watertight seal against weather and moisture.

What destroys polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is susceptible to damage by common household solvents like Lysol, Pinesol, and Isopropanol alcohol. It is advised to avoid stronger chemical-based cleaning solutions. Softer dish soaps like Palmolive or Joy may be compatible with polycarbonate, but these are not guaranteed. To clean, use a mix of mild soap and warm water, use a clean, lint-free cloth, and avoid circular motions. Wipe up and down uniformly, especially with multi-wall polycarbonate, to avoid damaging the material.