- 1). Calculate the correct square footage of poly film you will need to cover the roof and end sections of your greenhouse. Measure the width, height and length with a tape measure. Allow an extra 12 to 18 inches of width along the bottom. This will lay flat on the ground for better drainage. Cover it with decorative gravel or stone. Allow an extra 12 inches of film to secure the top of the end sections.
- 2). Install poly on the ends of the greenhouse first. Cut the film with a utility knife to fit the dimensions of the end wall. Attach a layer on the inside and outside. Overlap and staple it to a wooden strip attached the top of the end arches. Secure the poly with wooden slats or weatherproof plastic batten tape fastened with staples or small nails to the wood frame end section.
- 3). Prepare the stainless steel or aluminum ribs by painting them with water-based white paint to reflect sunlight and prevent heat buildup. Prop ladders against the greenhouse ends and hoist the two rolls of poly to the roof of the greenhouse. Set up ladders on the inside of the greenhouse so your helpers can unroll the poly the entire length of the greenhouse. According to the folds and manufacturer's instructions, face the poly with the correct side facing up. Put a bar or stick through the cardboard tube at the center of the rolls. Unwind the poly and drape it down the sides of the greenhouse. Make sure it's centered and straight before attaching to the bottom of the greenhouse.
- 4). Stretch and align along the bottom of the greenhouse. Secure 12-inch cedar planks with stakes along the length of the bottom of the greenhouse. With a screw gun and wood screws, attach aluminum strips with pre-drilled holes to the middle of the planks. Stretch the plastic over the strips and secure it with another fitted interlocking strip tightened with wing nut screws. Alternatively, you can secure the bottom edge of the poly with aluminum strips with wiggle wire running down the center or use a double row of wooden or non-PVC plastic strips.
- 5). Attach your blower fan to the bottom layer of the poly. Cut two squares of plywood with a hole in the center and sandwich them between the sheet of poly. Hang the blower from the greenhouse ribs and use a flexible tube to connect it to the plywood. Make sure it's properly inflated to prevent too much stretching in hot weather, or sagging in cold weather. Install a vent to let out excess air.
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