Polycarbonate greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular. Every gardener should be aware that only proper installation is not enough for long and trouble-free operation, as well as which polycarbonate is better to use for greenhouses.
It is important and in time to carry out repairs of the structure., thereby prolonging its service life and avoiding serious or irreparable damage. Planned minor repairs are always cheaper than replacing entire structural elements.
In time spent service will allow to use the greenhouse within several years. How to repair a greenhouse made of wood with your own hands from polycarbonate?
How to conduct a scheduled repair?
Routine maintenance of greenhouses begins with the inspection of the entire structure. Inspection carried out twice a year. The first time is in the spring, before the beginning of the planting of plants, the second - at the end of the season, in the autumn. Also do not forget about the care of a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter.
The best time for such work is a clear and sunny day without precipitation. This will protect parts and components from unwanted moisture, which can lead to further failure.
Inspection will require careful examination of all structural elements of the greenhouse. First of all, you need to carefully examine the coating itself for the presence of haze, blistering, cracks, dents or any other deformations.
Behind the coating is inspected frame. It is necessary to check whether it has not suffered during the idle time, whether the sediments have washed away, whether the frame products are evenly installed. On the details could appear corrosion, then they need to be cleaned and covered with a layer of paint.
When inspecting the frame, an ordinary level is useful. They can check the position of the building, It should be positioned horizontally.
Polycarbonate panels are cleaned with a sponge or cloth with warm water and detergents without alkalis or other aggressive substances. After - rinse all with clean water.
Strength check
It is important to make sure strength and stability of the greenhouse. If it is necessary to reinforce a polycarbonate greenhouse, it will be optimal to install strapping rings around the perimeter. If necessary, strengthen the frame, then you need to strengthen the area at the base of the building and in the center.
You can also mount bearing columns that will take on the main load. It is recommended to install them along the entire greenhouse with equal intervals of at least one meter.
Surface preparation
Surfaces of even the highest quality materials begin to deteriorate over time. Therefore it is important pay attention to cleaning surfaces. Corrosion, mold and other formations over time can lead to irreparable damage to parts.
At the first sign of such flaws, the problem area should be carefully cleaned with fine-grained emery paper, then coated with an antiseptic composition, paint coating or anti-corrosion enamel.
It is recommended to periodically paint the entire frame. This will not only keep it intact and protect against corrosion, but also improve the appearance of the entire greenhouse. Best suited paint for exterior work, resistant to high humidity, different temperatures and the effects of fertilizers and chemicals.
Sudden breakdowns and unplanned repairs
However, even with regular inspections and preventive measures, the likelihood of any failure cannot be completely excluded. Depending on the nature of the problem, you need to select the appropriate solutions. It is necessary to carry out the repair of the greenhouse made of polycarbonate with your own hands as soon as possible in order not to aggravate the problem and to have time to prepare the greenhouse for the new season.
Repair the greenhouse with their own hands will help the video below.
Basement destruction
The appearance of such a problem is unlikely, but if such a thing has happened, you can correct the situation.
The base of the greenhouse of timber is particularly susceptible to destruction, therefore, it will need to be replaced periodically, unlike the concrete foundation. In such a situation, the structure is completely dismantled and assembled on a new basis. It is preferable to make the foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse.
If the concrete foundation has cracked, then it is also possible to fix it. First you need to do a tunnel in the place of breakage. We must try to do everything as carefully as possible, so as not to increase the crack.
After that, you need to fill the gap with a solution. It is necessary to fill in solution up to the moment when it will cease to be absorbed.
Frame faults
Being the basis of the design, the frame is subjected to the greatest loads. Breakage may be caused by material brittleness., its wrong installation, violation of the position of the frame due to undermining with water. In case of untimely maintenance, cracks and other deformations may form in the parts. Often frame breakage associated with the effects of heavy snowfall or gusting wind.
Bent metal parts can be straightened, and the burst boards can be replaced or nailed on top of them. To avoid breakdowns in the future, it is better to strengthen the place of the malfunction.
Like other works, it is best to carry out frame repairs on a clear and dry day at temperatures above zero.
Broken panels
Damage to the coating does not always require replacement and you can fix it yourself.
Polycarbonate panels may slightly change their shape under the influence of temperature. In this case, it is enough to reinstall the panel, leaving a small gap.
If on the polycarbonate surface formed turbid and darkened places, then you need to believe that the sheet was set protective layer out. However, if the damage appeared on a large area, then the panel is recommended to be replaced.
If moisture appears in the comb, then the coating must be dismantled, and then blown and dried well.
The most difficult and unpleasant breakdowns are cracks. But such damage can be corrected. Such cracks are filled with silicone or roofing sealant.
However, if the hole is large, then the only way out will be to replace the entire panel. At the same time, if the panel is rectangular in shape, then you can cut the damaged fragment, and in its place install the whole, while strengthening the seams.
But in the case of structures with arched or other complex shapes, it will be necessary to replace polycarbonate in the greenhouse. At the time of replacement, the polycarbonate surface can be closed with a film, but it should be borne in mind that this is only a temporary measure.
Conclusion
Modern technology presented very convenient and practical material for greenhouses. Now you yourself can make garden greenhouses from polycarbonate with your own hands. Such greenhouses can serve for a long time and efficiently, but subject to simple advice and regular inspections and scheduled repairs.
Regular checks will save you from big expenses in the future. Most problems can be fixed with your own hands and do not require large expenditures.
