how to patch a hoophouse hole

tgplp · February 11, 2012

Hi guys!

So, some way or another, I ended up with a small tear in the plasti near the base of my hoophouse. How can I easily fix it? Would duct tape suffice? It's only a couple inches across, but I certainly don't want it to get worse.

Thanks,
Taryn

Fusion_power · February 11, 2012

Depends on the type plastic that you used. If it is greehouse poly, then best to get repair tape.

http://www.mortonproducts.com/page.cfm/1493

DarJones

delltraveller · February 11, 2012

I think duct tape or heavy duty clear packing tape might work. It helps if you clean the dirt off the surface, then clean it with rubbing alcohol. The tape adheres much better. Do that on the inside and outside surfaces and apply tape in both locations. That will really stabilize the area.

Wi-sunflower · February 11, 2012

My vote is for the clear packing tape over the duct tape. The duct tape doesn't hold very long when it gets hot and it tends to delaminate. The packing tape will also fail eventually, but will last longer.

My experience with the special tape made for repairs -- it isn't worth the high price as it fails in just about as quick a time frame. Of course that was from several years ago. It's possible there is better tape on the market now.

Carol

Fusion_power · February 11, 2012

I've used the greenhouse repair tape and it is typically good for between 2 and 4 years. Packing tape will not usually stick to new plastic because the mold lubricant is still on it. If you use dish detergent and water to clean the plastic first, it should adhere. Give it a try either way and see what works.

DarJones

biscgolf · February 12, 2012

i agree that the greenhouse repair tape is the way to go... worth spending a bit more to protect your larger investment. (i've used duct tape and packing tape too but they don't last nearly as long)

laspasturas · February 12, 2012

I would definitely recommend repair tape. Not only will it last a much longer than duct or packing tape, it will do a lot more to help prevent further damage. It's more expensive, but one roll will last quite a while.

Heritage · February 12, 2012

My experience has been similar to Carol's - I haven't had much luck with the tape marketed specifically for greenhouse poly repair (it's been several years since I used it, but I think it was a 6 mil repair tape @ $6/roll), and duct tape is worthless. I've had the best luck with the super-cheap, super-thin, clear packaging tape from the 99 cent store.

Whichever clear tape you use, clean and dry the surface(s) first, and apply to both sides of the plastic (inside and out). If it peels off in a year, just reapply.

Steve

tgplp · February 13, 2012

Thanks guys, I'll try packing tape first and see if it works!

Taryn

February 11, 2012	#1
tgplp Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pacific North West, zone 8a Posts: 510	how to patch a hoophouse hole Hi guys! So, some way or another, I ended up with a small tear in the plasti near the base of my hoophouse. How can I easily fix it? Would duct tape suffice? It's only a couple inches across, but I certainly don't want it to get worse. Thanks, Taryn

February 11, 2012	#2
Fusion_power Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,250	Depends on the type plastic that you used. If it is greehouse poly, then best to get repair tape. http://www.mortonproducts.com/page.cfm/1493 DarJones

February 11, 2012	#3
delltraveller Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 481	I think duct tape or heavy duty clear packing tape might work. It helps if you clean the dirt off the surface, then clean it with rubbing alcohol. The tape adheres much better. Do that on the inside and outside surfaces and apply tape in both locations. That will really stabilize the area.

February 11, 2012	#4
Wi-sunflower Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,591	My vote is for the clear packing tape over the duct tape. The duct tape doesn't hold very long when it gets hot and it tends to delaminate. The packing tape will also fail eventually, but will last longer. My experience with the special tape made for repairs -- it isn't worth the high price as it fails in just about as quick a time frame. Of course that was from several years ago. It's possible there is better tape on the market now. Carol

February 12, 2012	#6
biscgolf Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 353	i agree that the greenhouse repair tape is the way to go... worth spending a bit more to protect your larger investment. (i've used duct tape and packing tape too but they don't last nearly as long)

February 12, 2012	#7
laspasturas Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 57	I would definitely recommend repair tape. Not only will it last a much longer than duct or packing tape, it will do a lot more to help prevent further damage. It's more expensive, but one roll will last quite a while.

February 12, 2012	#8
Heritage Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,255	My experience has been similar to Carol's - I haven't had much luck with the tape marketed specifically for greenhouse poly repair (it's been several years since I used it, but I think it was a 6 mil repair tape @ $6/roll), and duct tape is worthless. I've had the best luck with the super-cheap, super-thin, clear packaging tape from the 99 cent store. Whichever clear tape you use, clean and dry the surface(s) first, and apply to both sides of the plastic (inside and out). If it peels off in a year, just reapply. Steve

February 13, 2012	#9
tgplp Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pacific North West, zone 8a Posts: 510	Thanks guys, I'll try packing tape first and see if it works! Taryn