Securing Your Greenhouse Film: The Ultimate Guide
A Look Back at the Past Century: Identifying the Top Two Methods for Repairing Movies in Greenhouses Without Traditional Materials Such as Bricks and Boards
Securing a protective film on your greenhouse is essential to protect your plants and ensure a long-lasting covering. Here's what you need to know about preparing the frame and implementing two popular methods - using wooden battens and clips.
Ready, Set, Prepare
Before you even think about attaching the film, make sure your frame is prepared. A smooth surface, free of any sharp edges or burrs, will prevent damage to the film. Opt for a light-colored frame as dark materials can absorb more heat from the sun, potentially melting the film. Resist the temptation to use chemical treatments as they may degrade the covering.
Method 1: Wooden Battens
One of the simplest and cost-effective methods is using wooden battens. This method is ideal for greenhouses with wooden or metal frames. Before use, the battens should be prepared by planing, sanding, and treating with an antifungal agent. For attachment, use screws or nails, according to the frame material. Battens should be installed parallel to each other, securing the film around the perimeter and at the seams. Be mindful not to apply too much pressure to avoid tearing the film, and not too little to ensure proper adhesion. To extend the lifespan of the covering, place a layer of fabric or another soft material between the batten and the film 1.
Method 2: Clips
Another popular method is using clips or fasteners. This method is particularly convenient for greenhouses with arched frames made of plastic or metal. Clips do not damage the film and can be easily removed and reapplied for ventilation or replacement. For metal clips, use a fabric backing to prevent overheating and film damage 2. Clips can be purchased or made from plastic tubing and help facilitate quick and easy film attachment and removal for storage 3.
Both methods - battens and clips - offer reliable solutions for attaching greenhouse film securely, while providing adequate protection for your plants and ensuring a long lifespan for the covering 4.
Enrichment Tips
- Materials needed: For the wooden battens method, gather pressure-treated wood strips, galvanized screws or nails, and felt cladding tape (optional). For the clip method, you'll need UV-resistant clips, PVC/EMT frame, manual winch (optional) 1 2.
- Attaching Film with Wooden Battens:
- Cut the film: Make sure it's slightly larger than the structure to accommodate tensioning.
- Align the film: Evenly over the frame, ensuring no sagging.
- Secure edges:
- Lay the film edge over a wooden batten.
- Sandwich the film between two battens or fold it over a single batten.
- Attach with galvanized screws or nails every 6–12 inches to prevent tearing 3 5.
- Optional: Apply felt cladding tape between the film and battens to reduce abrasion and extend the film’s lifespan [3].
- Anchor to base: Screw battens directly to the greenhouse frame or use rocks/cinder blocks in windy conditions [3].
- Attaching Film with Clips:
- Install clips: Every 2 feet along PVC/EMT tubing to ensure even tension [2].
- Snap the film: Into the clips’ grooves, ensuring no gaps or wrinkles.
- Roll-up ventilation: For sidewalls, attach clips to a winch system for easy rolling/unrolling [2].
- Windproofing: Use additional clips or tension straps if flapping occurs [3].
- Key Tips:
- Battens vs. clips: Battens provide a stronger hold for permanent edges, while clips allow adjustable ventilation [2][5].
- Wind mitigation: Combine clips with cinch straps or weighted boards for high-wind areas [3][5].
- Durability: Use UV-resistant films (8+ mil) and frost-resistant clips to extend longevity [1][2].
For temporary structures, clips offer flexibility, while wooden battens suit permanent installations requiring heavy-duty anchoring [3][5].
- Using wooden battens is a simple and cost-effective method to secure greenhouse film, especially for greenhouses with wooden or metal frames.
- To extend the lifespan of the greenhouse covering, consider placing a layer of fabric or another soft material between the wooden batten and the film.
- Adopting technology in your home-and-garden lifestyle can make the task of securing a greenhouse film easier and more efficient; for instance, a manual winch can be used for roll-up ventilation with clips.
- Anastasia may want to choose clips if she has a greenhouse with an arched frame made of plastic or metal, as they do not damage the film and can be easily removed and reapplied for ventilation or replacement.
