Please check with your horticultural
consultant for crop suitability of greenhouse film chosen. *Highlighted
items are a warranty condition. Greenhouse design must comply with
modern standards.
Guidelines for Duratough 2, Durashade
VL very light, Duraflex M rated shade factor & Polyweave
Greenhouse Films
UV Warranty liability shall not
exceed the materials invoiced amount
General
1. Duratough greenhouse film contains
slip additives to aid the installation process. This in time will
wash off or it can be removed by washing if necessary. Note: Wash
hands after handling film and before eating or preparing food.
*2. Avoid dragging the roll when
transporting, or on site, avoid rubbing the film against abrasive objects
whilst handling or unrolling, i.e. uneven or rocky ground.
*3. Do not leave film unwrapped and
exposed to direct sunlight & weather whilst in roll form.
If the Duratough is not being used immediately store it in its original
packing in a cool, dry, dark area. Do not store rolls on their ends.
Store away from any chemicals/solvents. Note, the Duratough U.V. warranty
applies from invoice date NOT installation date.
*4. Inspect all framework prior to
installation to ensure that structure is clear of abrasive surfaces that
may damage the film during installation or when in place. Use "Polyguard"
hot spot & anti-chafe protection tape where necessary.
*5. If tanalised/treated timber is
in contact with, or in the close vicinity of, the Duratough (i.e. framing,
battens tops of posts etc), ensure that the framework is painted with 2
coats of water based white paint. Do not use oil based paints. Wood
preservatives & in particular copper based products can contain petroleum
and other distillates which when in close proximity may shorten the films
life.
*6. Products manufactured from P.V.C.
(Poly Vinyl Chloride) should not be used in the close vicinity of greenhouse
films without adequate protection. "Polyguard" Protection Tape may
assist.
*7. Frame lagging tape i.e. "Polyguard"
white self adhesive felt, should be used at any film/frame contact point
to reduce abrasion and reflect excessive heat, especially on metal frames.
Ensure oily residue is cleaned off new metal framework.
*8. Avoid using a film holding system
that punctures the film during installation, i.e. nails, battens, staples
and tapes. If painted battens are used to hold down covers, Redpath
isolating batten tape should be used to prevent tearing. Preferably
use a purpose designed greenhouse film clipping system (e.g. Lockstrip)
to retain covers. Note: Modern Design Standards.
*9. For best results avoid
fitting Duratough in windy or rising wind conditions. Unless unavoidable
do not fit covers in very cold or very hot conditions as it may be difficult
to judge and obtain the correct film tension.
*10. Duratough should be installed
in a manner that places it under slight tension (A mechanical tensioning
tool is recommended to better avoid excess cover movement on the structure,
or ponding.) DO NOT OVER TENSION!! Note: Ambient air temperature
should be considered when tensioning Duratough. Note: If Duratough
is installed in unsuitable or unpredictable weather conditions, it may
be difficult to obtain a “flat” tensioned “finish & may require re-tensioning
at a later date.
*11. For Twinskin applications always
install a manometer air pressure-monitoring gauge and exhaust vent prior
to initially inflating, ideal pressure is dependent on greenhouse design
and film sizes. Twinskin covers should only have the "slack" removed
from them during installation with air pressure inflation providing actual
tensioning. (Note; always draw inflation air from outside).
Air pressure should be monitored monthly & allowances made for site-specific
weather conditions.
*12. We recommend that an experienced
greenhouse contractor install this film (especially roof covers) to ensure
correctness of tension and long term overall performance. Contact
your supplier or "Redpath" for your local contractors details.
*13. If painting the exterior surface
of Duratough for shading purposes, use compatible greenhouse shade paints
only. Note: allow the film to "weather" before applying paint
coatings to gain an improved surface "fix".
*14. In warmer climates "striping"
with a white water-based paint or applying a white reflective tape to the
top surface of Duratough at it’s edges will assist in the reduction of
excessive heat build-up at these points and extend film life. Ensure
there is an adequate Ventilation System to limit heat build-up inside the
greenhouse, including when the greenhouse is left fallow.
*15. Inspect your greenhouse film
monthly & maintain & repair any tears or holes promptly that may
appear over time through general wear and tear. Use specialised & compatible
repair tapes only.
*16. Avoid direct contact of pesticides
with the film when spraying. Evidence indicates that chemical contact
will shorten the life of greenhouse films especially if allowed to build
up to concentrated levels. PLEASE NOTE: Foggers and U.L.V.
misting units will increase chemical contact with film, and sprays such
as Banrot, Bromime gas, Bromoxynil, Chloropicrin, Chlorine gas, Chlorpyrifos,
Chlormaquat, Chlorothalonil, Chloride, Chlorine bleach, Copper sulfate,
Captan, Dithiocarbamates, Dienochlor, Diazinon, Fluvalinate, Hypochlorite
swimming pool chemicals, Iprodione, Methyl bromide, Methomyl, Mancozeb,
Metam sodium, Oxamyl, Pentachchloronitrobenzene (PNCB), Permethrin and
other synthetic pyrethroids, Pool chemicals, Sulfur, Formetanate hydrochloride,
Silver thiosulfate, Vinclozolin, or containing chlorine, bromide, fluorine,
copper, petroleum, oil or sulphur should be used with care.
*17. Clean your greenhouse film regularly
(inside and outside) using a compatible agent (no high % chlorine or petroleum
based cleansers) 6 monthly. Take special care to wash the condensation
collection points i.e. purlins, top wall rails and base rails as these
often harbour dirt and chemical build-up. Special care should also be taken
if the greenhouse is located near high outside spray use areas, i.e. Orchards
etc, or exposed to naturally occurring chemicals e.g. sulphur etc. Wash
off cleaning agents after application.
*18. Your greenhouse design must
be compatible with a modern style (Duratough) greenhouse film. (see
next page for basic design requirements), to extend film life. If
in doubt about the suitability of your greenhouse structure for this film
please contact your film supplier prior to installation. Redpath
offer no guarantee of structural or crop suitability without consultation.
*19. The anti condensation
agent used in most of these films, will in time “wash out”. The film
may then be treated with a product such as “Sunclear” to return the anti
condensate “reduced drip” performance of the film.
*20. Warranties/claims may
not be honoured for unpaid goods, & are controlled by the ***highlighted
conditions listed above.
