SOLEXX™ INSTALLATION GUIDE Getting Started Installation Maintenance Technical Support Disclaimer Adaptive Plastics Inc www.AdaptivePlastics.
Getting Started Maximizing Insulation To maximize your greenhouse insulation, attach Solexx on the outside of the frame so it covers all the metal surfaces. Exposed metal pipes and polycarbonate metal framing reduce the insulating capacity of all greenhouse coverings by acting as a conductor in transferring the outside cold into the greenhouse. Since Solexx attaches to the outside of the frame, the greenhouse’s ability to conserve energy is optimized.
Solexx Width Selection Currently there are four widths of Solexx offered to commercial growers 49.5”(1.26m), 52”(1.32m), 65”(1.65m), and 77.5”(1.97m). The 49.5” (1.26m) wide material is most often used when the Solexx is run horizontally. See the chart below for the best width for your structure for vertical installation. These widths were developed to ensure a sufficient overlap between panels and sufficient overhang during installation. Greenhouse Recommended On-Center Width Solexx Rolls Width 4 ft.(1.
Squaring Before attaching Solexx, it is important to make sure your greenhouse frame is as square as possible. Do not use the Solexx paneling to square your structure. Solexx rolls may not be perfectly square. Expansion and Contraction We recommend installing Solexx paneling when the temperature is around the average local annual temperature or a little warmer. If this is not possible, store Solexx in a heated area near the average annual temperature before it is installed.
On the first pass, use light pressure to score the panel and set the path the knife will follow for the second pass. The second pass should be done with more pressure to cut through the panel, while making sure the knife is following the score line of the first pass. Caulking the Panels In order to achieve the high performing R-values listed for Solexx; the two open ends of the paneling must be filled with a ¼"(6mm) bead of clear 100% silicone caulking.
Bending Panels It's not necessary to cut Solexx when installing over roof peaks or around corners. You can score the panel using a straight edge and a blunt tipped object such as a Phillips screw driver, (be careful not to cut the panel) and then fold the panel along the scored line. Solexx paneling can be scored in either direction, either with the flutes or across the flutes.
repeated until you approach the end of the greenhouse. The last step is to install screws on the final rib of the greenhouse allowing for a 1” (2-3cm) overhang over the end wall. HINT: To attach screws to the top of the structure, we recommend lashing two boards to the back of an extension ladder. The boards need to be wider than the distance between the two bows you will lean it against.
you will be overlapping with the panel above it first). Attach the next panel above the first so it overlaps (like a shingled roof) the panel below it by 1-1½” (3-4cm). Attach screws 4-6” (10-15cm) apart along the greenhouse supports where the panels overlap. The process is repeated until you approach the peak of the greenhouse. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the greenhouse. The last step is to install the top cap where the two sides meet at the peak.
