Greenhouse Essentials: Plastic Film, Fittings, & Ventilation
The right materials to build a greenhouse are crucial for successful growing seasons. Buying quality greenhouse materials will ensure a stable structure for years to come. The last thing anyone wants is to go through the installation process and do it again the next year because something breaks or falls apart. Jiggle Greenhouse offers high-quality, long-lasting building materials for greenhouses and hoop houses. There are several must-have materials to build a greenhouse and several other components along the way.
Greenhouse Plastic:
Plastic Grow Film:
Grow film is one of the most essential elements of a greenhouse. It's what creates the vital "greenhouse" effect! Selecting the right grow film matters. A 6 Mil (0.006") thickness improves longevity and withstands rough weather. Thinner films tear more easily and fail sooner. Look for UV-stabilized options, which resist sun damage and last longer. Jiggly Greenhouse films include a 4-year warranty for added peace of mind and performance assurance.
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Light Deprivation Film:
Light deprivation (Zebra) film features a dual-sided design: white on one side, black on the other. In summer, place the white side outward to reflect heat and cool the greenhouse interior. The black inner side absorbs UV light to regulate exposure. In winter or colder months, reverse the film, black side out, to harness more sunlight and naturally raise internal temps. This smart, seasonally adjustable film adds year-round climate flexibility.
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Greenhouse Fittings:
EMT Conduit:
EMT stands for "Electrical Metallic Tubing" and is favored for being both lightweight and simple to handle. It is most often used to install roll-up sides on greenhouses due to its easy maneuverability and low weight. The conduit is mounted horizontally on each side of the greenhouse, typically around hip height.
Greenhouse Cross-Connector:
Also known as Purlin brackets, these connectors are used to join the hoop and purlin pipes together. They are among the most frequently used components in greenhouse framing. Each cross-connector is made from durable galvanized steel and secured with two bolts for a strong, stable connection that holds up in outdoor conditions.
Clamps:
End rail and line rail clamps are essential for securing frame rails to one another. They provide strong, dependable connection points for the entire structure. Available in a wide range of sizes, these clamps can fit many different pipe diameters, making them highly versatile for custom greenhouse builds and upgrades.
Brace and Tension Bands:
Brace and tension bands are critical for fastening and reinforcing both posts and the overall greenhouse framework. Constructed from heavy-duty galvanized steel, they resist corrosion and provide strong, lasting support. These bands help anchor the structure, especially in high-stress areas, making them vital for stability and durability.
Wood to Steel Adapters:
These adapters are useful when building greenhouses that combine different framing materials. Designed to connect round steel tubing with wood framing, they are typically made from galvanized pressed steel. They come in multiple sizes and use set screws to secure the connection, offering strength, precision, and structural flexibility.
End Wall Bracket Adapters:
End wall bracket adapters strengthen the connection between structural posts and support beams. Made of hot-dipped galvanized steel, these brackets resist rust and wear over time. They work with both metal and wood frames and are easy to install, helping extend the service life of any greenhouse my relieving pressure and providing support.
Floor Flanges:
Floor flanges are used to securely anchor the base of a greenhouse to hard surfaces like concrete or wood. These sturdy, pre-drilled fittings create a strong, level foundation and are ideal for both commercial greenhouses and backyard setups. Their durability enhances overall frame stability.
Greenhouse Plugs:
Greenhouse plugs seal the open ends of steel tubing, keeping out rain, snow, insects, and other debris. They help extend the life of the frame and create a clean, finished appearance. These simple yet effective components also improve safety by covering sharp or exposed pipe edges.
Post Drivers:
Post drivers make it easier and safer to drive posts into the ground during greenhouse installation. They prevent mushrooming and damage to the post tops. Investing in a post driver saves time, increases precision, and helps preserve the structural integrity of your framing system.
Aluminum U-Channel:
U-channel locks are essential for attaching greenhouse grow film to the frame. These durable channels are fastened with Tek Screws and run along the sides and ends of the greenhouse. To secure the plastic, lay the film over the channel and press spring lock wire into place. This creates a tight seal and prevents the plastic from shifting in wind or weather.
Tek Screws:
Tek Screws are self-tapping fasteners with a hex head that simplifies installation. These screws are ideal for securing aluminum U-channels to metal greenhouse frames. Their washer heads distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of pull-through. These high-strength fasteners make installation easier and more secure.
PVC-Coated Spring Lock Wire:
Also known as Jiggly wire or wiggle wire, this product is used to secure grow film into the U-channel. The wire is installed by jiggling it into place, locking the plastic tightly. Jiggly Greenhouse wire features a white PVC coating that increases durability by up to 50% and absorbs less heat. It is backed by a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee for long-term performance.
Structural Tubing:
Structural tubing is the core support for any greenhouse. It forms the main framework and provides critical load-bearing strength. Galvanized steel tubing resists corrosion while maintaining excellent rigidity and durability. This makes it ideal for withstanding heavy winds, snow, and long-term exposure to outdoor elements.
Greenhouse Ventilation:
Snap On Clamps:
Snap-on clamps are designed to secure greenhouse plastic to EMT conduit, allowing smooth operation of roll-up sides. These clamps snap firmly over the conduit to hold the plastic in place without tearing or loosening. They are a key component in manual sidewall ventilation systems that use crank winches for airflow control.
Powered Ventilation:
Powered ventilation fans are used to improve airflow and regulate interior conditions. These fans can be mounted in different configurations to suit greenhouse needs and are often equipped with adjustable misting and fogging functions. A garden hose connector is included, and these units are popular in larger commercial greenhouses.
Manual Hand Crank Winch:
This manual winch is used to raise and lower the roll-up sides of a greenhouse, helping regulate air flow and temperature. It connects directly to the EMT conduit and rolls the plastic sheeting upward as you crank. Sidewall ventilation is a proven method to improve crop health by increasing fresh air circulation.
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Building a greenhouse starts with selecting high-quality, long-lasting materials that suit your structure’s size, climate, and goals. From polycarbonate panels to framing and fasteners, our guide walks you through essential components for durability and performance. Whether you're assembling a DIY kit or customizing a commercial setup, our experts are here to help every step of the way. Not sure what materials are best for your project? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable, friendly representatives for any questions or if you would like to place an order.
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