We have a fairly large hoophouse aka high tunnel frame but no cover. It would be nice to get this set up but we don't want to get into a cycle of replacing a plastic cover every few years. And because of the curved frame recycling windows won't really work. The other day I came across a mention of a greenhouse cover material called Solexx. Apparently it is relatively expensive but may last 25 years and the warranty is for 10 years. It also can be bent 90 degrees so it would bend around the frame.
Has anybody ever used this stuff and can offer an opinion on it? Or what alternatives do you suggest that won't lead to a lot of plastic waste every few years?
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I've used a clear (in contrast to frosted) version of this stuff in solar shop heaters, it has been durable for the last 4 years and performed well,
Those that have tried many options, tell me I have opted for a Cadillac product when there were Chevy options available.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently patient fool!
I hate people who use big words just to make themselves look perspicacious.
Hi Andrea; Yes ! Awesome stuff!
We have it on our greenhouse.
Been quite a few years now. They sell it in a roll 49.5" wide and if you search you'll find it shipped for free(up to 100')
It is everything they claim, lets great light in. We do have to use shade cloth in the summer though.
Recently we had a fire and a section of the solexx melted. The new piece was a "brighter" shade showing that ours has changed over the years.
I highly recommend it!
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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
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Hi Andrea; Here is some photo's from the fire.
And here is a link to that thread permies.com/t/141375/art/takes-moment
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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!
Bruce, I will look into solawrap. That's a new one for me.
And Thomas, it sounds like the solexx is all that it claims to be. And that fire, yikes! That must have been terrifying. So glad you didn't lose the whole building.
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I used Solexx on my little greenhouse. Haven't had it long enough to speak to longevity, but installation was mostly easy. I did find sealing the open-channel edges a bit tedious, and I was not wholly successful. I used caulk and it was hard to get in solidly. Will make another attempt at sealing this spring when it is warm enough. I know they sell edges, but I carefully manage my budget, and the addition of edging didn't fit my price point for the greenhouse.
Just the other day, I was thinking ... about this tiny ad:
permaculture thorns, A Book About Trying to Build Permaculture Community - draft eBook