Frequently Asked Questions About Solexx Greenhouses

• Solexx Greenhouses

• Solexx Products Shipping

• Solexx Greenhouse Covering

• Solexx Accessories

Solexx Greenhouses 

It’s simple; it’s the Insulated Solexx paneling. Solexx Greenhouses are the only greenhouses that have this specialized treated paneling.

How is the Solexx Paneling different from other paneling?

The Insulated Solexx paneling difference is the light diffusion. This allows light to shine throughout the total greenhouse and avoids the hotspots that other paneling creates. Since the covering is insulated, it also cuts down on heating and cooling costs. Diffused light has been proven by several blind university studies to be the best light for healthy plant growth.

Is there anything else that is different about Solexx Greenhouses?

Solexx greenhouse kits have built-in bench frames that are standard with every Solexx greenhouse kit you purchase. These are not included in most other greenhouse kits and can be an additional large expense. We also include full-length hanging rods to overwinter your favorite hanging baskets with every green house kit.

Are Solexx greenhouses able to withstand high winds?

Yes. The composite frame on your Solexx greenhouse is made from the same material used to make bridges. Having some “give”, along with the give in the paneling, allows it to perform excellent in wind and other weather extremes. The composite frame is also strong and durable; however, you must have your greenhouse firmly anchored. We have available for purchase the best tie-down kit for your Solexx green house. As long as your home greenhouse is secured properly, you shouldn’t have any problems or concerns. There are many clients that live in very windy conditions and experience winds up to 70 mph that have had great performance from their Solexx greenhouse.

Are the greenhouses easy to heat?

In a word, yes. Whether you purchase the 3.5mm or 5mm, the twin-walled glazing material provides more insulation than just about any other hobby or home greenhouse material. There are also heaters available that will meet any specific heating need you may incur. Most plants only require a 45-degree nighttime temperature. There are many people who are able to heat their greenhouse all winter for around $20.00 or less per month during the coldest months. Though the cost of heating your greenhouse is highly dependent upon what region you live in it will also determine what type of plants you choose to grow.

Are their ways to reduce heating costs for a greenhouse?

There are a couple of ways to reduce your heating costs. One is to use buckets or plastic jugs of water. You can wrap or paint 5 gallon buckets black and fill them with water. The water traps the solar energy during the day and releases heat for most of the night. This results in little or no heating costs. If you live in really cold climates you can line your greenhouse with a layer of Visquine or bubble wrap during the coldest months of the year. The other thing you can do (and this may sound crazy) is add rabbits to your green house. You will need to have enough room for some cages but these little critters put out 8 BTU’s per hour! That amounts to roughly 2.5 gal of fuel in 6 months. You can really go green and use the rabbit manure as it makes a great non-burning fertilizer.

How do I prepare the site for my greenhouse?

Though we suggest a gravel base for drainage purposes, all you need for a Solexx greenhouse is a level area. You can place the green house on your lawn, over bare dirt, over a wood deck, on a concrete slab, or a brick patio. There is little prep that will need to be done and the greenhouse kit can be easily accommodated.

What tools will I need to assemble the Solexx greenhouse?

All you need for assembly is a screwdriver, variable speed drill, sharp knife (or utility knife), a tape measure, step ladder, GE Silicon-2 caulk, caulking gun, clear PVC glue and a level.

Shipping 

All greenhouses and heftier items (including panels) are mostly sent UPS. Small accessories not purchased with a larger item are usually sent USPS.

How will my greenhouse arrive?

The greenhouse is sold unassembled to help keep both shipping and greenhouse kit costs low. Each kit comes complete with a set of computer generated drawings and written instructions. The frame is color coded for ease and convenience and of course, we’re always here to help.

The greenhouses are shipped in a couple long skinny boxes and an octagonal box for the rolled Solexx panels. The 8' Garden Oasis, for example, comes in five boxes: two 8' x 7.25" x 5" boxes, a box about two feet in diameter and four feet tall for the panels, one 24" x 12" x 12" box, and a small box for the Louver.

Solexx Greenhouse Covering 

I am interested in your Solexx polycarbonate covering. How do you install it?

Because your specially formulated Solexx greenhouse panels are more flexible than other twin-walled polycarbonate greenhouses panels, they not only bend around corners but can be easily screwed onto an existing greenhouse frame. We try an accommodate most sizes and have the covering available in 4’ x 8’ or 4’ x 12’ sheets in 3.5 or 5mm thicknesses. You can also order the Solexx greenhouse covering in continuous rolls up to 1000 feet so you can conveniently cover just about any size structure.

When designing a greenhouse frame, how much spacing should I leave between supports for the panels? How many screws should I use?

For maximum strength, we recommend support at least every two feet on center. However, the beauty of the Solexx panels is that they work well for many different custom greenhouse structures; both residential and commercial. We do recommend attaching screws every six inches on the perimeter of your structure and about eighteen inches apart for your supports. As a general rule, figure that you will need one screw per square foot of paneling. In extremely windy areas, you will want to increase the number of screws you use.

Isn’t the paneling too dark to transmit light?

Actually, the Solexx greenhouse covering transmits 70-75 percent of the available light. Since most plants need only 40% and the optimal growth range is 70 – 80% the Solexx paneling is just right. Even on cloudy days, your greenhouse will have a pleasant, soft glow inside. The panels diffuse the light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating "hot spots" and shadows. Also, a bit less light transmission will help to keep your greenhouse from getting too hot during warm weather and reduce the need for additional shade to cool your home greenhouse.

Does the covering break down in the sun?

The Solexx panels are treated with a double UV inhibitor during the extrusion process and have an eight-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. These coverings have been tested and certified by an independent lab. The Solexx greenhouses have been studied in the field for well over fifteen years and there has been minimal UV degradation. However, all plastics do eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The great thing about your Solexx panels and rolls is they are easy and inexpensive to replace.

How do you clean the paneling?

The Solexx paneling is a very low maintenance covering and can be rinsed or wiped clean without worry of scratching. Since the panels are impervious to chemicals, you can wash them with a mild soap. It’s a good idea to do this a couple times each year to maximize light transmission. And most people prefer a clean greenhouse as well!

How does the paneling hold up in cold or snowy weather?

You will find the Solexx panels to be very durable. Solexx greenhouses have been undamaged after being covered in several feet of snow as well as being exposed to subzero temperatures for most of the winter. Snow tends to slide right off of the slick paneling material. Unlike many greenhouse materials, your Solexx panels will not yellow from the sun or cold.

What is H-Channel and U-Trim used for?

H-Channel is used to join the panels together on the long or you can overlap the panels. U-Trim gives the4’ ends of the panels a nice finished look.

What is the difference between polycarbonate and Solexx panels?

Solexx greenhouses are made with polyethylene. Polyethylene is much more flexible and is easy to cut to any size. Polycarbonate panels tend to be thicker, but have about the same insulation factor as polyethylene. Both materials diffuse light, but polycarbonate diffuses less (because it is more transparent), making the greenhouses much hotter in the summer. Polyethylene is very easy to clean and will not scratch like polycarbonate.

Is it easy to cut the Solexx Greenhouse panels?

Solexx panels can be cut with a simple utility knife. Because the material is so flexible, it’s also possible to bend it around many curves and corners on a structure.

Should I use 3.5 or 5mm paneling?

Solexx panels are available in 3.5mm or 5mm thickness. The 3.5mm panels are recommended in most areas because they provide more light transmission. The 5mm panels are used in very cold climates (for added insulation) and for areas in high altitudes. It is also recommended on many custom structures for added support. Both varieties are available in 4'1" x 8'1" sheets and 4'1" x 12' 3" sheets or continuous rolls.

Greenhouse Accessories 

We offer many Solexx greenhouse accessories and supplies to help make your gardening experience easier. A solar vent opener is available and can be set to automatically help regulate the temperature. The heaters that we offer can be thermostatically controlled to help you heat only when it’s necessary, keeping your costs low. Also, our exhaust fans all come with thermostat controls. This will help push out stale air as your greenhouse begins to get hot.

Which basic accessories will get me growing?

Gardening with a Solexx Greenhouse is easy with the right greenhouse supplies. Although we offer a full line of greenhouse equipment, we do have a few recommendations that will ensure success. First of all, you want to make sure that your greenhouse is properly anchored. We offer a Deluxe Tie-Down Kit, which includes four anchors—one for each corner of the greenhouse. On longer units, or in areas that have exceptionally high winds, you may want to purchase additional anchors (which are available individually.) Also, ventilation is a key factor. Two base vents (or more on longer units) placed on each side of the door will ensure good cross-ventilation. Eventually, a shade cloth is also a good investment. During those hot summer months, it will keep your greenhouse cooler and also increase the longevity of your glazing.

Where should I place the heater in the greenhouse?

We recommend placing the greenhouse heater in the back of the greenhouse, either at the end of the walkway or under the bench frames. It's best to leave some space around the heater so that the heat can fully circulate and so that none of your plants get too warm. Having a small circulation fan is a good way to ensure even heating in your greenhouse.

How should I place the vents in my greenhouse?

Typically, we recommend that you place a large louvered vent opposite the door, towards the top of the greenhouse. If you then place two or more base vents low to the ground (on either side of the door, for example), you get a natural ground- up ventilation. A solar opener can be attached to the louvered vent, in order to better regulate the temperature. We recommend that you close the base vents during cold weather. All of these greenhouse venting and cooling products can be found on our site.

Are there books that can help me get started?

We offer several greenhouse books to help you get started. One book that we see as absolutely indispensable is Shane Smith’s Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. It is loaded with information about greenhouses, specific plants, weed control, planting schedules… anything you would ever want to know. There are many great ideas that we use in our own greenhouses all the time.