In my greenhouse, ventilation is obtained through doors and louvers in each end. Other greenhouses are ventilated by doors and side drop vents.
If at first you can't afford to build a regulation glass greenhouse, try one of the transparent plastic types. The investment is low, and growing plants in any kind of a greenhouse is a good way to gain experience.
Those who have had experience with plastic glazing are generally agreed on the following resume: "Plastic glass has exceptionally high strength, with low weight, is shatterproof, translucent to light, resists weathering, is not attacked by rodents or termites, will not rot, and transmits approximately only 40 per cent as much heat as glass." The last point means that plastic greenhouses are usually cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Polyethylene, Vinyl, Renolon, or other types of transparent plastic costs little, depending on thickness. Such plastic is easily attached to the greenhouse framework and all puttying is avoided. It's possible to construct a small 6- by 8-foot free-standing greenhouse for little money providing, of course, that you do all the work.
The modern, improved plastics successfully resist strong winds and heavy snow, and transmit up to 98 per cent of the sun's visible light energy'as much as passes through good glass. Some plastics also transmit up to 80 per cent of the ultraviolet rays, which is greater than through glass.
Two layers of plastic?one inside, one outside of the glazing frame?with an inch of space between them, provide excellent insulation, thus decreasing the cost of heating.
Transparent plastic usually deteriorates rapidly and must be replaced every year or two. Certain new plastics being marketed are said to last up to 5 years.
The corrugated types are expensive. However, these have a long life, never need shading, and are not damaged by hail, snow, or such pests as termites. They admit up to 85 per cent of the sun's visible rays. They are not ideal for the real sun-loving crops?annuals, geraniums, cacti, etc.?but fine for orchids, African violets, anthuriums, rex begonias, ferns, and similar plants requiring medium- to low-light intensities.
Ventilation for plastic greenhouses is somewhat of a problem. Most of them are ventilated through hinged sash on the walls
rather than the roof, but a better system is to have sliding panels in the gable ends to allow more thorough ventilation.
Corrugated plastic, slightly rust-tinted in appearance when new, darkens as it ages, gradually shutting out some of the light.
Building the Transparent Plastic Greenhouse
You can use plastic on any type of greenhouse structure? lean-to, span, partial span, or free-standing.
If you are using plastic as temporary glazing (until you can afford glass), you will want to construct the greenhouse frame so it will eventually hold glass. However, if the whole thing is to be but a temporary arrangement for a season or two, you can cut construction costs by building with low-priced, smaller-dimension lumber.
The sheet plastic comes in 100-foot rolls in widths of 10? to 20 feet. It takes two people to put it on. One tacks the plastic at one gable next to the top of the greenhouse. The other holds the roll of plastic, releasing enough to cover three or four sash bars while pulling tightly on the roll. The first person then tacks on lath down to within 8 inches of the bottom of the strip of plastic.
The second length is placed under this 8-inch lap, so there is a lap of about 6 inches, and the second length is then tacked in the same way. If the lap is about 6 inches and the plastic is pulled tight, there is no need to seal the laps since they will stay together even in strong winds. If you want a double layer covering?and it's advisable?the inside layer can be attached with paper disks and tacks. Be sure to allow an inch or so between the layers for "dead air" insulation.
Plastic, as a substitute for glass in greenhouse glazing, is here to stay, but it is still in the experimental stage. It probably always will be, as long as new materials and different uses continue to appear, so you will have to keep yourself abreast of new developments. Two types of plastic generally are used: smooth transparent sheets of polyethylene and vinyl film, and corrugated and special types of plastic such as Fiberglas, Al-synite, Mylar, Filon, and Corrolux.
Commercial builders are finding the smooth film plastic increasingly useful, especially when they want economical, rapid construction for additional plantings or a quick seasonal crop and aren't too concerned with the lasting qualities of the glazing. The more expensive corrugated types have great endurance. Tests indicate they may last 25 years without deteriorating.
Advantages Of Using Plastic
1) Plastic Wall Tile Panels have an insulating backing and can reduce heat loss and your heating bill.
2) Plastic Wall Tiles can be cut with scissors or a craft giving an accurate cut with no risk of breaking.
3) Plastic Tiles are lightweight – quick and easy to buy on line or carry home.
4) They cover 12” square at a time and are quick to cover the wall.
5) Plastic Tiles can be used over existing ceramics.
6) Plastic Tiles reduce condensation so there is less mould growth.
7) Plastic Wall Tiles are flexible making them ideal for boats & caravans.
8) Plastid wall tile panels offer a hard, glazed surface with glazed edges providing a neat finish to walls and window sills; they can even be bent around outside corners.
9) No special tools are required for cutting or installation of Plastic Tiles.
10) They are self-spacing ensuring a perfect even fit every time.
11) The plastic tile panels can measure 305mm x 305mm (12” x12”) each and thus quickly cover whole wall areas.
12) You don't have to chip off your old ceramic wall tiles or call in a professional tiler.
13) Considering materials, labour and finish, plastic wall tiles are less expensive than other alternatives.
14) When choosing tiles, it is important to remember that glazed ceramic wall tiles in kitchens and bathrooms can be particularly difficult to paint due to their very smooth, non-porous surface.
15) If you want a ceiling that lasts for a long time, you can use plastic ceiling tiles. Plastic ceiling tiles are great for added insulation. You may find that your energy consumption decreases considerably when you install them. Plastic is commonly used for insulating windows and doors. So, it can do wonders on ceilings as well.
16) Small sink splash backs in cloakrooms, baby changing areas, utility rooms and en suites can all be tiled with wall tile panels and drip dry / be wiped clean. They are easy to clean – simply wipe them with a damp cloth or you can use warm water with soap / a detergent, then rinse and wipe dry.
17) Because plastic wall tiles are light weight and flexible they are ideal for boats and caravans where there may be some movement on the walls, and they mould over slightly uneven wall surfaces in the home too.
18) Polystyrene plastic wall tiles (such as Bakelite polystyrene, Catalin Luxtred, Plexon M, Styron) is not damaged by water, oil, alcohol, vinegar, or the usual household acids.
19) Vinyl plastic wall tiles (such as Vinylite, Saran, Geon, Marvinol, Ultron, and Monsanto vinyl butryol) are tough. Ordinary household chemicals will not harm them and they resist damage from acid, alcohol, food, ink, and dirt; but be careful not to spatter them with moth preparations.
20) You don't have to chip off your old ceramic wall tiles or call in a professional tiler to DIY with plastic wall tile panels.
21) Plastic wall tile panels have a high gloss finish, which can maintain its look for years.
Both Gerald Mason & Wellington Farnleys are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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