How to Get the Most Out of Your Greenhouse Poly

GGS-Greenhouse-Poly

Photos by GGS Structures

Growers who operate in poly greenhouses should consistently take stock of their complete poly maintenance and management systems. Greenhouse-grade poly is designed to be weather and UV resistant, and therefore it should last a long time under the right conditions.

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GGS Structures, in a recent post on its web blog, offers a series of tips designed to help growers get the most out of their poly.

Use Cool, Dry Air to Inflate Your Double-Layer Poly

The air you use to inflate your greenhouse poly matters.  Use air from outside that is cooler and drier — it will reduce moisture from building up between your layers of poly, and will also prevent greenhouse chemicals from coming in contact with inside film layers.

Upgrade Your Inflators

Attach air deflectors to your air inflation fans — they will prolong the life of your greenhouse poly.

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Space Out Your Layers

A good rule of thumb for air inflation levels in double-layer installations is to have 4 to 8 inches of air space between the layers. The only way to really know if you have the correct air pressure is to use a manometer. Air pressure between the two layers should be .2 to .45 inches on cold, windy days.

Protect Your Greenhouse Poly from Harmful Chemicals to Increase Lifespan

Greenhouse poly is ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized, meaning it’s resistant to the deteriorating effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, certain chemicals like sulphur and chlorine can deactivate the ultraviolet inhibitors in the poly and shorten its lifespan. Keep harmful chemicals away. Sulphur burners, which are used in some greenhouses for disease prevention, are a common source of sulphur buildup on poly surfaces.

Just Say No to PVC Pipe

PVC pipe is not compatible with UV-stabilized greenhouse poly, and may void your poly warranty.

Use White Latex Paint on Your Structure to Reduce Heat Buildup

Growers can reduce heat buildup on greenhouse frame members coming in contact with poly by applying white latex paint. Painting the frame members along with poly lock channels will reduce surface friction and reflect excessive heat that accelerates poly degradation.

Information for this article comes from the GGS Structures blog post “6 Sure-Fire Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Greenhouse Poly.”

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