I think it's an interesting concept. I went out and looked at their web site. It looks like nice stuff. I wonder how cost-effective it will be though. Do you plan on going all the way around the inside of the panels? I ask this, because the surface is not flat running vertical. It has a moisture gutter running from top to bottom.The only flat surface is along the tops of the side panels and the bottom of the roof panels. However, if you're talking about just using it where the panels meet the bracing, then I guess it wouldn't do much better than screws, IMHO. Good luck either way.

Tom

I had a look too. I am in the process of emptying my fridge so I did not find what I was looking for on the 3M site.

How does 3M Dual Lock stand up to UV?

UV is the killer for tape, coverings etc on greenhouses.

Verrry innerrresting! You'd probably need $150 worth of this stuff, but it would appear not only to secure the panels, but in addition would keep them from rattling (if all you do otherwise is a couple of screws i.e. no caulking). I don't like the idea of caulking my panels, I'd rather have the option to take them-out for various reasons.

I like this idea, why don't you be the guinea pig and give it a try bwright. Here's a link to the best pricing I could find:

http://www.fastenation.com/cartSpecify.tmpl?id=66&cart=1167669182238382

Good point about UV--I couldn't put my fingers on any info about this in the few minutes of research I've done.

well ten seconds with google found that the clear stuff is indeed UV resistant acrylic:

Here is a link that might be useful: 3M dual lock datasheet

I saw that and didn't realize the pics were of the tape--looked like something else.

Still I'm glad we have a smart-ass from down-under to jump-in with his brilliant put-downs everywhere. Wouldn't be any fun around here without one...

Hey laserfan,

Internet search basics 101.

First lesson:-
If you want to know something but can't be bothered to search for it just act dumb.

Sombody is bound to Google it for you!

;)

OK so it looks like the clear stuff is UV OK.

Thanks Nathan!

Everyone needs a smart-ass to keep the other donkeys in check.

I'm glad we have that clarified!

laserfan:

I am probably going to try the dual-lock along with screws both top and bottom on each panel. We are in a fairly high wind area and I don't like doing things twice. This forum has provided invaluable suggestions for me prior to construction.

Thanks to all!

See my post in Solis' thread about HFGH and wind:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/strucs/msg0113112919846.html?22

I purchased a few hundred stainless steel #6 x 3/4" screws and aluminum rivet backing plates, and screwed all the panels to the framework.

We have experienced some unbelievable wind this winter, along with several inches of snow, and the greenhouse does not budge. It's rock solid.

I have ordered a roll of the dual-lock stuff myself, not (necessarily) for the GH but to secure some acrylic panels as Storm Windows on a north room of our house! Should arrive today--I will report later.

After looking at my panels again, it seems the tape would work best at the panels' top-and-bottom, with screws at the middle piece(s), though I suppose the tape might be used there too...

laserfan:

A little off topic but after looking at your GH photos I am impressed with the shelf unit to the rear. Just curious if you have put together a material list, it looks like a great way to functionally reinforce the rear wall. I would appreciate the input.

bwright thanks for your comments--if you look at this thread you will find many details about the shelves:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/strucs/msg1109131729967.html?17

The vertical pipes and all fittings are 3/4" galvanized. All horizontal pipes (tubes) are 3/4" EMT thinwall conduit, and the shelves themselves are 2x4 cattle panel. If you have questions you should prolly ask in my other thread.

I got my dual-lock tape yesterday (the 5/8" low profile stuff) and may fiddle with it today. It's a little wide for my storm window application so will likely try to cut it lengthwise. It's hard to say out-of-the-box whether it has "the right stuff" yet but looks very promising.

Laserfan,

I cant tell how you attached your shelves to the back wall and side wall on the backside of your shelves, would you help me with that for I want to build mine like that just want to get it right.

Thanks alot

laserfan,

Re:
"bwright thanks for your comments--if you look at this thread you will find many details about the shelves:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/strucs/msg1109131729967.html?17

The vertical pipes and all fittings are 3/4" galvanized. All horizontal pipes (tubes) are 3/4" EMT thinwall conduit, and the shelves themselves are 2x4 cattle panel. If you have questions you should prolly ask in my other thread.

I got my dual-lock tape yesterday (the 5/8" low profile stuff) and may fiddle with it today. It's a little wide for my storm window application so will likely try to cut it lengthwise. It's hard to say out-of-the-box whether it has "the right stuff" yet but looks very promising."

Thanks for the help.

bwright

bwright I used the Dual Lock today to secure 4 acrylic "storm windows" to some north-facing aluminum windows today, and this stuff is the real deal! Backing comes-off easily, tape applies well, glue holds strong. I could slit the tape easily w/a utility knife where it was too wide. It holds the 0.100" acrylic very well; my wife and I give it four thumbs-up! Tho I haven't tried it yet on our GH polycarb panels, I'm certain it will work great to keep panels in place, even ours which are secure but which "rattle" in a wind. It will be nice to secure these at the tops and the bottoms especially.

Go to fastenation.com for a good deal on the tape.

>Posted by pcdur (My Page) on Wed, Jan 10, 07 at 13:16

>I cant tell how you attached your shelves to the back wall and side wall on the backside of your shelves

The ~24" EMT conduit pieces that attach to the back wall do so via 1" L-brackets welded into the ends of these pipes (12 places in all). You could drill and screw the L-brackets also I suppose. The cattle panels just lay on top of the pipes (I tied them down in a couple places w/galvanized wire) and in the back corners I had to get creative--in several cases the panel is simply supported with screws, in others I had to put-in some brackets. Maybe I will post pics sometime, but these ain't particularly clever or pretty.

laserfan,

Good to here the Dual Lock worked out i am also going to try it out.

Thanks for all the help.