AZ ranch
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Kyle_in_Tex
Super Star Member
When you order your polycarbonate, make sure you specify whether or not you want UV blocker.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Don't you need purlins going across your rafters for the poly panels?
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
I’m still honing my search for panels. Hopefully they will be 4x10, in which case I’ll put a 2x4 at the top and bottom.
I’m trying to keep it as open as possible to keep anything from blocking the sun.
The rafters are 12 ft long, so I’m thinking of putting a 12 inch strip of plywood across the top and bottom to fill in where the 10 ft panel doesn’t cover.
My neighbor suggested 2 rows of 6 ft panels but I don’t see any point in having polycarbonate panels beyond the bird blocks, as well as having a purlin right in the middle of the roof.
Kyle_in_Tex
Super Star Member
I know there are 4 x 8 sheets, but I've never needed 4x 10 so you may have to go to a distributor. I would recommend some purlins. Mainly to keep it from warping over time. Make sure you predrill it first, then don't tighten your fasteners too tight, where it dishes the plastic.
How are you going to join the sheets? Does it matter if it leaks rainwater? Are you going to put a rainfall collector inside? Sorry for so many questions.
Check with Interstate Plastics. Not sure if they have a distributor there or not. I can get you a contact number for Austin area if you need it. They can usually cut custom lengths. You can cut it with a carbide tipped diablo blade on a table saw.
How are you going to join the sheets? Does it matter if it leaks rainwater? Are you going to put a rainfall collector inside? Sorry for so many questions.
Check with Interstate Plastics. Not sure if they have a distributor there or not. I can get you a contact number for Austin area if you need it. They can usually cut custom lengths. You can cut it with a carbide tipped diablo blade on a table saw.
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
Home Depot has Lexan sheets with “H” profile strips to go between the panels and “U” profiles for the ends. But they only carry 6mm in that brand. They have Ejoy panels in 10mm, which I’d rather have, but they don’t carry any profiles or connectors. Go figure. So I haven’t finalized which panel or size yet.
And if I can’t get 10ft panels, should I settle for 8 ft or use 8 footers and cut up a panel into 2 ft wide strips to get my 10 ft? Just makes more seams.
One company online had what I wanted but then wanted $550 for shipping. Ouch. So I’m still looking.
I already cut a dozen 2x4’s at 22 1/2 inches that I was going to put midspan to prevent warping. Just haven’t put them in yet.
Yes, I will put a gutter at bottom edge and put a barrel just inside.
I prefer that there are not any leaks.
And if I can’t get 10ft panels, should I settle for 8 ft or use 8 footers and cut up a panel into 2 ft wide strips to get my 10 ft? Just makes more seams.
One company online had what I wanted but then wanted $550 for shipping. Ouch. So I’m still looking.
I already cut a dozen 2x4’s at 22 1/2 inches that I was going to put midspan to prevent warping. Just haven’t put them in yet.
Yes, I will put a gutter at bottom edge and put a barrel just inside.
I prefer that there are not any leaks.
Kyle_in_Tex
Super Star Member
Polycarb and acrylic aren't cheap. That brings up a good question. What do the greenhouse people in your area say to use? Diffused light might be better, and the insulating effect of the Ejoy might be even the best? I'm not sure, but I'd research it. Will you have a plan to partially shade it in the heat of summer?
Polycarbonate is more flexible, while acrylic seems tougher, but will crack or chip. Kind of like it is a brittle version of polycarbonate (but they have different recipes).
There is a huge plant nursery near me, they use white visqueen to limit heat, and they have huge fans on each end of the greenhouses. It is susceptible to hail and high winds.
Polycarbonate is more flexible, while acrylic seems tougher, but will crack or chip. Kind of like it is a brittle version of polycarbonate (but they have different recipes).
There is a huge plant nursery near me, they use white visqueen to limit heat, and they have huge fans on each end of the greenhouses. It is susceptible to hail and high winds.
jyoutz
Super Member
Do you have any steel building companies near you? They do carry clear panels for skylights and greenhouses. Another though is to check with greenhouse supply companies.
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
Eddie, is this what you meant by purloins? I always intended to put 2x4’s in between the rafters, but I’ve always heard that referred to as “blocking”.
So I have 2x4 blocking at the center of the span. Then I put 30” of plywood at the top and 18” at the bottom. That leaves 96” for my panels, that just ordered.
So I have 2x4 blocking at the center of the span. Then I put 30” of plywood at the top and 18” at the bottom. That leaves 96” for my panels, that just ordered.