#Collaborative post
Installing and securing plastic sheets outdoors is a great way to protect your patio, garden, or other outdoor living space from the elements. But if you don’t do it properly, you risk not only potential damage to your plastic sheeting but also harm to yourself or others.
In this guide, we’ll go over the steps you need to take before and during the installation of plastic sheets for outdoor use so that you can ensure a secure, safe fit. Whether fixing something or building a polycarbonate greenhouse from scratch, this guide is full of must-know information.
Gather Materials
Before beginning the installation process, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials. These include:
- Plastic sheets
- A measuring tape
- Pencil
- Nails/screws (depending on what type of attachment method you want)
- Hammer/screwdriver/drill bits (depending on what type of attachment method you want)
- Weatherproof caulk or sealant
Measure Your Area and Cut Your Plastic Sheets
Next, measure your area and mark down exact measurements with a pencil. Once you have done this, cut your plastic sheets to size based on these measurements. Make sure that each corner is as square as possible; otherwise, it will be more difficult to attach the plastic securely in place.
Attach Your Plastic Sheets
Depending on where your plastic is being installed, there are different methods of attaching it in place. For example, if installed onto an existing patio surface made out of concrete or brick, then hammering nails into the surface may be enough to hold the plastic in place. If however, installing it onto wooden decking or some other material with less structural integrity such as vinyl siding then screws would work better as they provide extra grip and strength for holding the plastic sheet in place. Whichever method you choose make sure that you sink each nail or screw into the surface at least 1 inch deep so that it won’t come loose over time due to wind or other factors.
Secure Edges With Caulk/Sealant
After attaching all four sides of your plastic sheeting in place using nails/screws it’s time to apply a weatherproof sealant such as caulk around any edges where water may enter through gaps between the material and the surface underneath. This will help keep moisture out while also providing additional protection against UV rays which can cause cracking and discolouration over time if left unprotected.
Before applying any caulk or sealant, you should make sure all surfaces are clean and free of dust, dirt, grease, or other contaminants. You’ll also want to examine the fit between where two pieces of plastic sheeting meet to ensure there are no gaps that need filling before sealing. Once surfaces are clean and prepared, apply a bead of caulk along all edges where two pieces of plastic meet. Make sure to press down firmly so that the caulk completely fills any small gaps between them. If caulking directly onto wood surfaces, follow up with a light coating of paint or varnish to protect against weather damage.
When using a sealant instead of caulk on overlapping plastic sheets, apply it generously along overlapping edges while pressing down firmly; this will help create an airtight bond between them. It’s important to check for air leakage around seals by running a lit incense stick around each joint after letting the sealant dry overnight; if smoke is drawn in anywhere then you know there’s an imperfection in your seal which needs remedying.
Final Thoughts
Installing and securing outdoor plastic sheeting is a simple project that anyone can do with a little bit of patience and planning beforehand. By following these steps closely you should be able to create an effective barrier against wind rain sun etc., ensuring many years of use from your outdoor space without having to worry about wear and tear from exposed elements like snow sleet hail etc.. Just remember always use weatherproof sealants along any edge gaps for extra protection!