harris: Policarbonate for shading (Read 265 times)

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harris
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Policarbonate for shading
« Thread Started on 25 Feb, 2008, 13:07 »Hi guys,

Currently planning to build a shadehouse for my new home.
I usually see people using black netting as a shade but the contractor suggest that I use translucent polycarbonate because it will block up to 50% of rays.

Has anyone see anybody using this polycarbonate before?
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #1 on 25 Feb, 2008, 13:16 »try looking at hongrui`s post titled `crude rainshelter for drosera` under this topic. it works for him & should serve you well. Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedharris
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #2 on 25 Feb, 2008, 13:23 »thanks tarence Link to Post - Back to Top LoggedThere is always room for another one...tarence
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #3 on 25 Feb, 2008, 14:06 »you are most welcomed harris « Last Edit: 25 Feb, 2008, 14:07 by tarence »Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedatmccmn
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #4 on 25 Feb, 2008, 22:51 »Harris,

Yes polycarbonate did take certain percentage of lights away. But this material has a setback. It couldnt take away the heat. Just for information purpose only.

Cheers,
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #5 on 26 Feb, 2008, 7:44 »Thanks AT,

In that case I'll put on some netting together with the poly. Link to Post - Back to Top LoggedThere is always room for another one...David
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #6 on 26 Feb, 2008, 9:44 »Hi Harris,

Just my view on this. I agree with atmccmn that heat might be a problem if you use polycarbonate. Not only that you've got to wash it often or dust and dirt will accumulate and block out more of the sun.

Since you live in Malaysia just like me, why not use shade cloth and let nature take care of your plants? I would suggest 50% shade cloth. I think shadecloth is also cheaper.
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #7 on 26 Feb, 2008, 10:47 »shade cloth s/be ok if you are only having neps but if you are planning to have droseras in the future, then polycarbonate will be much better as droseras need as much sun as they can get while being protected from raindrops. Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedjonathan
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #8 on 26 Feb, 2008, 11:24 »
Hi Harris...

Erm... if poly block out 50% of the light and also build up heat then is it still possible to grow droseras tarence? i notice droseras dun do well in heated place... even out door they need wind to cool the heat buildup...

Anyway it's just my 2 cent concern...

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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #9 on 26 Feb, 2008, 11:26 »
Quote: Thanks AT,

In that case I'll put on some netting together with the poly.

hello!

just to chime in with my view, if you're growing only neps and orchids (from your intro thread), i'd say to skip the polycarbonate and just go with the shade cloth. polycarbonate will block off the rain, which is good only if you have got rain sensitive plants. neps love the rain and i should think most orchids do too. Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedlooking for different forms of N. ampullaria, N. rafflesiana and N. xhookeriana.

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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #10 on 26 Feb, 2008, 11:35 »
Quote:
Erm... if poly block out 50% of the light and also build up heat then is it still possible to grow droseras tarence? i notice droseras dun do well in heated place... even out door they need wind to cool the heat buildup...


Jonathan,

atmccmn's first post mentioned that polycarbonate (PC) will not take away the heat, but PC will not cause heat to build up. unless its a greenhouse built entirely with PC on all 5 sides.

i'm growing my droserae under a PC shelter, with 4 sides exposed. so there's not much of a temperature difference between the sheltered area or unsheltered area. « Last Edit: 26 Feb, 2008, 11:36 by hongrui »Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedlooking for different forms of N. ampullaria, N. rafflesiana and N. xhookeriana.

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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #11 on 26 Feb, 2008, 11:40 »Gee hongrui, i was wondering when you`ll be chiming in to offer your comments. heheh.

Jon : i meant the setup as per what hongrui did for his droseras....i think poly permits more light to go thru` than 50% shade cloth tho. Link to Post - Back to Top Loggedhongrui
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #12 on 26 Feb, 2008, 11:56 »well... you responded to harris within 9mins yesterday ...
hahaha

so i didn't get to chime until this morning mah
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #13 on 26 Feb, 2008, 12:10 »Hi all,
I agree that PC can protect ur plants from rain, but its not good in terms of heat and air flow. I use shadecloth/ black net instead. It lets the air to flow in any direction + filter heavy raindrops to tiny little drops (which does not harm ur droseras). However, i personally let my drosera to tan themselves under the sun without any protection. They seem to be happy even after rain. They are tough plants actually. Predators! Link to Post - Back to Top Logged[Naj Grow List] --- [Naj Wanted List]harris
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #14 on 26 Feb, 2008, 12:15 »Thanks for the advice guys, I really appreciate it.

The poly will only be used for top cover and all 4 sides will be exposed. I've seen a brown coloured poly like the one they usually use at bus stops and planning to use the same one. Maybe I'll use netting on 1 or 2 sides depending on the amount of sun but there'll still be a lot of air flow around. I'm also planning to have automated watering system (got the setup from this website ). For the floor, about 4inches will be raised around the perimeter for me to create somesort of pebble tray to increase humidity.

Currently most of my collection are orchids. I only have 2 pitchers and 2 venus fly traps right now, but I'm already hooked and will be adding more to my collection . In fact has started bidding for some seeds from ebay! For sun loving orchids like vanda, I'm planning to put it closer to the cover/poly and I think I can do the same with droseras since they need full sun. Those that needs less sunlight will be put in middle tier and bottom.

That's the plan anyway. I'll post some photos when the construction starts.

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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #15 on 26 Feb, 2008, 12:34 »Harris,
Way to go! keep us update on ur project. Some pics will make it more fun and interesting
Mind to share sumthing about the watering system?
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #16 on 26 Feb, 2008, 12:46 »Hi,

I get the setup for automatic watering system from:

Projects>DIY-automatic watering system. posted by khairimhd.

Looks easy enought for me to try.


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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #17 on 26 Feb, 2008, 15:20 »Ooh, thot u got it from other sites
thanks for the clarification. Link to Post - Back to Top Logged[Naj Grow List] --- [Naj Wanted List]jonathan
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Re: Policarbonate for shading
« Reply #18 on 27 Feb, 2008, 6:19 »
Got it Hongrui & Tarence.... i was just wondering...... Thanks

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