In modern agriculture, plastic film greenhouses have become the mainstream of global greenhouse construction with their high cost-effectiveness, flexible construction, and strong adaptability.
Whether building a single-span greenhouse or a multi-span greenhouse, firmly and durably installing the greenhouse plastic film on the metal frame is a key issue.
This guide will systematically explain the selection of materials, fixing methods, and fan matching, and provide practical suggestions based on the engineering experience of Sichuan Green Triangle.
1. Correctly choose greenhouse plastic film
High-quality plastic film is the basis for successfully building a greenhouse. Commonly used film materials are polyethylene (PE) films, which have the following characteristics:
High light transmittance (>88%) promotes photosynthesis
UV stability, effective anti-ultraviolet aging
High tensile strength, wind pressure, and structural stretching resistance
Good thermal insulation, extending the crop growth period
We provide global customers with double-layer or single-layer films with a thickness of 150μm to 200μm (6–8 mil) to adapt to different climate zones and crop requirements.
For high-cold, high-radiation, and strong-wind areas, special membrane materials such as thermal insulation and defogging membranes, and diffuse membranes can also be recommended to improve the greenhouse’s environmental regulation capabilities.
2. Preparation of metal frame structures
Before installing the membrane material, the metal structure should be treated as follows:
The frame needs to be galvanized to prevent rust and avoid damage to the membrane material
Grind or cover sharp edges to prevent scratches on the film
The frame span, arch height, and membrane width need to be matched in advance
Green Triangle has its own metal processing factory, providing a full set of customized components such as green house metal frames, pipes, and basic accessories. Precision pretreatment has been done before leaving the factory, which can save more than 50% of installation time.
3. Three common membrane fixing methods (including advantages and disadvantages)
✅ 1. Spring wire + lock channel system
✅ Recommended level: ★★★★★ (preferred for long-term use)
Installation method:
Install the aluminum alloy or galvanized C-shaped lock channel at the key joints of the frame (top, ridge, sides, bottom), and then use stainless steel zinc wire or galvanized spring bar to press the membrane into the lock channel for firm fixation.
Advantages:
High wind resistance (resistant to level 10 wind)
The membrane material has uniform tension and is not easy to wrinkle
Easy to replace and maintain (5-10 years replacement cycle)
Suitable for multi-span greenhouses and automatic window opening systems
This system is the most commonly used standard configuration in our company’s exports to Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and other projects.
✅ 2. Snap Clamps
✅ Recommended level: ★★☆☆☆ (small greenhouse/short-term use)
Suitable for round tubes with a diameter of 1-1.5 inches, manual clamping of the membrane, no tools required.
Applicable scenarios:
Simple sheds, home greenhouses
Temporary clamping of film roll systems (such as side wall film rolls)
✅ 3. Wood strips + nylon ropes/baling tapes for film pressing
✅ Recommended level: ★☆☆☆☆ (budget-constrained projects)
Economic solution, use wood strips to press the film at the end of the greenhouse or in a simple structure and then fix it with ropes.
Disadvantages: poor wind resistance, easy to loosen, not recommended for use in the main structure.
4. Greenhouse fan and film body installation suggestions
When installing greenhouse plastic film, the reserved openings and reinforcements of the fan system should also be planned simultaneously.
Common greenhouse fan types:
Axial flow ventilation fan: installed on the side wall/rear wall of the greenhouse, with high heat removal efficiency
Circulation fan: installed on the top of the room to promote uniform air flow
Negative pressure fan + wet curtain system: used for forced cooling of large-span greenhouses
Installation precautions:
The membrane material at the fan opening needs to leave a margin to match the flange edge fixation
It is recommended to use rubber strips + a metal frame to press the film to improve the sealing
If an electric window opening system is required for ventilation, the membrane material should be fixed in a detachable manner (spring slot is preferred)
Green Triangle can provide customers with a one-stop supporting ventilation system, including fans, wet curtains, water pumps, window openers, etc., and provide layout plans and circuit diagrams.
5. Practical suggestions for the installation process (recommended for collection)
Steps Operation points
- 1: Lay plastic film in windless weather. It is recommended to operate when the temperature is high at noon to facilitate stretching
- 2: Fix from the top ridge of the greenhouse and unfold to both sides in turn to maintain symmetrical tension
- 3: Install the bottom film pressing groove and spring wire to ensure that the lower edges on both sides are tightly closed
- 4: Strengthen the corners, such as double-line locking or special corner wrapping
- 5: Check the tension of the membrane surface to avoid water accumulation or wind bulging
6. Why choose us?
As a professional one-stop service provider of greenhouse systems in China, we have the following advantages:
- Provide a complete set of plastic film + metal frame + supporting system output
- Customize a variety of spans and configurations according to crops + climate + budget
- Overseas dispatch service, project site guidance, installation, and solving practical problems
- Products are exported to more than 60 countries around the world, with rich experience and mature standards
- Own production + R&D team, fast delivery, good price, stable technology
Whether you are a grower, farmer, or engineering integrator, we can provide you with more efficient, more reliable, and more economical plastic film greenhouse solutions.
Conclusion: One step to build an efficient greenhouse system
Firmly installing greenhouse plastic film on the metal structure is the key to building a high-performance agricultural greenhouse. Using high-quality materials, scientific fixing methods and reasonable fan ventilation matching will significantly improve the service life and planting efficiency of the greenhouse.
☞Want to know more about greenhouse design, film material selection, and fan configuration solutions? Welcome to contact us, we look forward to building a new space for smart agriculture with you!