Securing polycarbonate greenhouse

Hi,
We purchased a aluminium framed greenhouse with polycarbonate which we put up a few weeks ago and has been ok so far, but yesterday in the strong winds a few of the panels flew out. Does anyone have any ideas on how to secure the panels to the aluminium frame? They are currently held in by several clips along the frame but the panels do still move around a lot. Could do with some kind of waterproof glue or sealant to apply all around the panels but not sure what to use. I've included a photo below to hopefully help as it's hard to describe, but the metal clip does not actually hold the panels is place, I think it's just supposed to stop it from detaching completely

Thanks
Aimee

 

Photo below

 

Try some clear sealant on the frame. I have just moved my greenhouse which I inherited from the previous owners ofvthe house and all the panels had sealant on them. Bit of a nightmare to remove, so will probably hold polycarbonate in.

Rusty

 

Thanks Rusty, if it's a nightmare to remove then it seems to have done the job! Will give that a go thanks

 

Yes it was I broke about 4 panes removing. It looks like normal clear sealant to me.

Rusty

 

I have had no problum with the polcarb in my greenhouse using the same clips , but my greenhouse is in a sheltered area in the garden

 

I have read about this issue before, and also read that people have used silicone to seal he panels in. My greenhouse is glass but I do have a polycarb coldframe and I watched it in the storms at the end of last year.

The panels literally billowed inwards under wind pressure so I can imagine the clips in your photo would not hold against that.

In the summer I plan to run some batons behind the panels (on the inside) to help stop the billowing and the panel popping out, one across the middle of each panel would I think be enough for me.

If you did that to your greenhouse you would get the added advantage of having extra fixing points inside for tying plants or supports to. Just bolt straight through the polycarb, greenhouse frame and baton to secure, then seal around the polycarb edges.

Steve...

 

If you use silicone go for the low modulus neutral cure one, it's not quite as easy to find but it allows greater movement and sticks well to polycarbonate.
Alternatively if it says its for use with polycarbonate, then that will be ok.

 

Now that's a great tip..

Steve...

 

From the photo it appears the clips may be upside down. I have the same type of greenhouse with the same clips and have not lost a panel in seven years. When installed correctly the clips fit so tight that they press into the panel and hold it secure. You might check the installation of the clips prior to applying any type of sealant. My greenhouse has survived a few hurricanes and several winter storms without any problems.