REDPATH GREENHOUSE FILM INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
To be read in conjunction with
a)
Redpath greenhouse film handling guidelines
b)
Redpath Lockstrip installation guidelines
c)
Redpath supplier’s statement in current catalogue
General:
1) If possible fit covers on a calm warm day approx. 15ºC avoid windy or rising wind conditions.
2) Closely inspect all framework to ensure that it is clear of any objects that may cut or damage the film during the
installation process.
3) Generally a team of 3
persons’ is sufficient.
4) Take advantage of early morning calm conditions and have film unwrapped ready to roll out, all ladders, planks in
position and rolls ready to go the day before.
Installation Techniques:
Individual greenhouse designs each have their own preferred or simplest film installation technique. Please contact
Redpath or a skinning contractor for any specific advice you may require. The following information lists some of the
common techniques used but this information is not all-inclusive for all situations. Note: Take usual safety precautions
if working off the ground.
Distribution of Film over Framing:
Option A)
Construct a “goal post” type frame which can be rested against the end wall of structure with the roll of
film mounted on th
e “crossbar”. The film may then be reeled out over the full length of structure. Please
ensure film is laid with ‘internal side’ facing down.
Option B)
Unroll the film fully beside the structure and refold lengthways into a long tube. Lift end into gutter and
walk the roll the full length of the gutter (taking care not to snag it) and then pull the film over the
structure.
Option C)
Place the roll on the ground at the end of the bay to be skinned. Place a pipe through its core and sit it
on blocks. Unreel the film vertically up the end wall and have a person feed the film over the building
apex whilst pulling the film along the structure from the far end using a rope.
Option D)
On rack and pinion ridge vented structures it is usually possible to open the ventilator into a horizontal
position and roll the film along its length and then from there, position film as required.
Helpful Hints:
In all instances take care not to snag the film on the greenhouse framing when sliding it into position.
Temporarily install rope/s lengthways on top of rafters or arches to assist with supporting the film and to prevent the
film from sagging between roof trusses.
If the film is printed on one side “internal side” or “face down” – this side should face toward the ground.
Tensioning Plastic:
The increasing use of wide sheet film (above 4 mtr) on today’s greenhouse designs generally requires that a
“mechanical tensioning” technique be used by a suitably experienced installer.
This technique includes the following steps…
1) Distribute the film as outlined previously,
2) Clip off one end and also the first 2 metres along each side at the same end, avoiding wrinkles & creasing,
3) Fasten other end of film to a pulling bar or beam (see fig. 1),
4) Using ratchet straps
– attach the pulling bar to an immovable object, (e.g. fence post/tractor),
5)
Apply tension lengthwise to the film by tensioning pulling bar, (adjust angle as required),
6)
Clip off the sides of the film beginning at the films’ centre on each side, and working to the ends, Note: Whilst
clipping sides, pull any soft lengthways wrinkles from film.
7)
Clip off the pulling bar end of film, whilst relieving film tension,
Note: When using a mechanical tensioning method and to best estimate the greenhouse film finished tension,
experience indicates that allowances need to be made for ambient air temperature and weather conditions, the
“stretch ability” of the type of film being used, whether it is a single or twin skin application and the films
width that is being installed. If in doubt please contact Redpath.
© Redpath Ideal Greenhouses Pty. Ltd.
