Can polyolefin foam be used under the polythene cover to stop the wooden frame to cause any problem?

Hi all

I finished building my greenhouse/polytunnel. It is a wooden construction. I would like to lay something under the polythene cover (top of the frame) so that wood/nails/metal plate won`t rip the cover.

I have seen this cheap cover. I wonder if it will be safe to use with the polythene? I heard that some materials don`t go well with the polythene and cause chemical reactions and damage it.

I couldn`t add a link but it can be found on screwfix`s website.
(acoustic-polyolefin-foam-underlay)

And here is a photo of my greenhouse, i took it some time ago.

 

Looks great. I would try hotspot tape first. Used on polytunnels,various widths available,dont know how well it would stick to wood,should work fine imho.

 

to the forum @baris. No advice from me, but have to say I am in awe of your handiwork.
Where are you based?

 

You can get clear tape for sticking carpets down on your battens/frame (its very good) drape your Poly over your greenhouse and pull taut then using polypropylene strapping (pallet banding or similar) staple through this to hold everything in place...pull your poly sheet taut but not too tight to allow for expansion and contraction during climate changes. atb C

 

Don`t agree with that I`m afraid... when we covered the tunnels at work it had to be done on a hot day, and the poly had to be pulled taut! It loosens as the weather cools!

 

Well that would stand to reason @Tetters ....surely

 

How about using that tubular foam that is used for insulating outside piping? Sliced in half so that the polythene has something smoother to contact at the apex of the greenhouse? I found that the hotspot tape supplied with polytunnels was not that useful at the ends where the joints are and the contact is with square bits. It's fine on the rounded pipes, but on square section wood?
By the way @baris - that is too magnificent for a greenhouse - looks like something from an ancient scandinavian ship burial!

 

Hello @baris to GC and nice to have you with us

Nice piece of work there mate and it looks great, you definitely know your skill

 

"Anti-Hotspot tape" is used on tubular metal framed polytunnels, chiefly because when the climate warms, so does the frame which over time degrades the plastic cover. Baris's frame wont quite suffer with this and I would think that offcuts of plastic cover, folded over the wood frame and stapled at the side would suffice for protecting the top cover.

Baris, the foam you mention would need to be resistant to UV, as if it where not it would degrade and fall apart quickly. For others convenience answering this topic, here is the link to the foam mentioned by baris.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/acoustic...d=320976#product_additional_details_container

Some tunnel manufacturers recommend folded plastic between wooden side and base rails and the cover, I would think this is the best option for your frame.

Steve...

 

@Marley Farley Thanks
@Tetters Thanks I am in Inverness.
@CarolineL Thanks. I think those foams are expensive. I need to purchase lots of them.
@Gail_68 Thanks.
@Steve R That is a very good advice I feel so stupid now, I didn't think of doing that. I might even lay the foam I mentioned as a first layer then follow your advise.