Are Harbor Freight’s Twinwall greenhouse panels really indestructible?
The Harbor Freight website currently describes the twinwall, 4mm polycarbonate panels included with the kit as “UV coated polycarbonate panels, nearly indestructible." Because I’ve been maintaining a blog about constructing these affordable greenhouses, I emailed Harbor Freight customer support in early May.
Is your Harbor Freight greenhouse ready for the Sun?
Your Harbor Freight greenhouse should now be ready for many years of growing in the sun. 1 Person Made This Project! diverdale made it! Did you make this project? Share it with us!
Do Harbor Freight greenhouse panels blow out in wind storms?
One of the things we kept reading about the Harbor Freight greenhouse was that the panels would blow out in strong wind storms. Reviewers said that the clips holding the panels in work very effective, and that purchasing additional clips was a good option.
Is the Harbor Freight 6x8 greenhouse kit worth it?
The 6x8 Harbor Freight greenhouse kit can be a true bargain with its $299 price tag and an always-available 20% off coupon making it the least expensive aluminum framed/polycarbonate paneled unit on the market. But the entry level cost brings with it some challenges which are well documented on a number of gardening sites.
How thick are Harbor Freight greenhouse panels?
The Harbor Freight website currently describes the twinwall, 4mm polycarbonate panels included with the kit as “UV coated polycarbonate panels, nearly indestructible."
What panels are best for greenhouse?
Polycarbonate plastic is considered as one of the best greenhouse covering materials. This plastic is a twin or double-wall made of Polyethylene plastic. If maintained properly, this type of covering can last for ten years or more. Year-round gardening is easy because of the heat and humidity-retaining feature.
How do you put panels on a Harbor Freight greenhouse?
2:073:52Harbor Freight Greenhouse Panel Clip Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere push it. And then this thing is just dangling. And you can just push it in place. Like thisMoreThere push it. And then this thing is just dangling. And you can just push it in place. Like this kind of hard with one hand oops so i've hooked it under there. And you'll see right here.
What thickness polycarbonate is best for a greenhouse?
3mmWhen selecting your polycarbonate greenhouse sheets we recommend a minimum gauge of 3mm for adequate rigidity. This is because some customers have told us 2mm thick polycarbonate can be 'too bendy' particularly on larger panel sizes.
How thick does the plastic need to be for a greenhouse?
6 milWhen selecting a plastic greenhouse covering, you should choose a thickness of at least 6 mil. This is the benchmark standard set by the NCRS because it is meant to last 4 years or longer. There are other sizes available with more or less thickness, but 6 mil is the average thickness of a heavy-duty greenhouse film.
Do greenhouses need a clear roof?
A greenhouse roof does not need to be clear. A clear roof has its benefits, such as direct sunlight for seedlings, but opaque roofs are an option as well. Opaque roofs provide diffused sunlight which is better for environmental control within the greenhouse.
How do I stop polycarbonate greenhouse panels blowing out?
Keeping Wind Out of Your GreenhouseGlazing repair tape on both sides of overlapping panes offers extra protection against wind.Foam tape helps make a better seal when the roof vent is closed.Make temporary repairs to damaged greenhouses to keep the wind out until you can buy replacement glazing.
How do you seal a Harbor Freight greenhouse?
2:384:50Harbor Freight Greenhouse Weatherproofing & Securing PanelsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we got these self-tapping screws to secure the panels. Down after we've sealed. Them. SoMoreSo we got these self-tapping screws to secure the panels. Down after we've sealed. Them. So basically after you put them up we've put one in the center to secure that down on the smaller windows.
How do you attach polycarbonate sheets to a greenhouse?
Use screws with neoprene bonded washers to fasten polycarbonate to greenhouse. Use ½″ washers with corrugated polycarbonate and 1″ washers with triple wall polycarbonate. Do not fasten screws within ½″ of the edge of a polycarbonate sheet. When fastening screws, do not tighten below the surface of the panel.
Is acrylic or polycarbonate better for greenhouse?
While a few years ago, glass would have been the cheapest material for greenhouse construction, this is no longer the case. Acrylic will be your most cost-effective choice for a greenhouse, followed by polycarbonate, which leaves glass in the last place!
Can you use clear corrugated panels for greenhouse?
TUFTEX SeaCoaster Crystal Clear panels should not be used for greenhouse applications.
Is twin wall polycarbonate good for greenhouse?
4mm Twinwall polycarbonate is an ideal replacement for broken glass panels in your greenhouse. Thermally superior and 200x stronger than glass, polycarbonate is much lighter weight and easier to handle. UV protected on one side.
Why is ventilation important in a greenhouse?
Greenhouse ventilation is important because temperatures in the greenhouse far exceed the outside temperatures during the summer months due to the warm air that gets trapped inside.
Does Harbor Freight greenhouse blow out?
One of the things we kept reading about the Harbor Freight greenhouse was that the panels would blow out in strong wind storms. Reviewers said that the clips holding the panels in work very effective, and that purchasing additional clips was a good option.
Step 1: Constructing the Base
A) Lay out 4 foundation piers. The HF greenhouse can be built on any number of “foundations”. I chose to erect mine using the 4-pier technique but other foundations are just as effective and directions for laying out various foundations are provided in the assembly instructions.
Step 2: Support Structure (Benches and Shelving)
A) A 48" long 2x4 is screwed to the inside of the base at each corner. Use a level to make sure the 2x4's are perfectly vertical in each plane. I used treated lumber throughout the interior construction but common lumber would suffice since it will have minimal contact with the elements. B) Add a 75" vertical door post and horizontal bench support.
Step 3: Aluminum Framework
A) You can now begin to assemble the aluminum framing pieces following the directions in the greenhouse kit. The aluminum pieces are fastened at various points to the 2x4 bench/shelving structure with 1" round head screws in order to stabilize the framework .
Step 4: Opening Up the Doorway
When the aluminum framework is complete, use a saber saw or reciprocating saw to cut through the aluminum base plate and finish the cuts you made earlier in the front 2x12 sill to open up the doorway section. You can also use an angle grinder, as I did, with a metal cutting blade to cut the aluminum base piece.
Step 5: Benches and Shelves
I used wire shelving (available at hardware and building centers) for the benches and shelves. You can use wood but the wire shelving creates fewer shadowed areas which reduce sunlight to the plants. The top shelf is two side-by-side units each 12" wide. They rest on 2x2's which are screwed to my 2x4 framework for support.
Step 6: Apply the UV Resistant Skin
Each clear polycarbonate panel in the HF greenhouse kit will be covered on the exterior side with 6 mil UV resistant plastic.
Step 7: Attach Hinges to Door
A) Put together the aluminum door frame following the instructions in the HF manual. Do NOT install the door hanging hardware (pieces labeled 14 & 19 in my kit). Remove the rubber seal which will most likely be pre-installed on each side of the door frame.