Glazing question - Polycarbonate windows and silicon

redser7

Hi - I hope this is a good place to ask about this.
I'm building a greenhouse. The window panels are 4mm twin-walled polycarbonate sheets. One problem with these is that in high winds they can flex and blow out of the frame. In some cases this can lead to total distruction of the greenhouse. Someone suggested to silicon the panels into the frame.
My question is, would a cheap general purpose silicon do the job? Or could this stuff harm the polycarbonate? Is there a special silicon I should use?

Thanks a lot!

redser7

After a bit more research I see Dow Corning do a sealant. Anyone know a distributor or shop in Ireland (preferably Dublin) that sells their stuff?
Thanks

muffler

martin123 is our resident expert on these matters and no doubt will be along soon

martinn123

muffler wrote: »

martin123 is our resident expert on these matters and no doubt will be along soon

Faint praise, should I be worried.

redser7 wrote:

Hi - I hope this is a good place to ask about this.
I'm building a greenhouse. The window panels are 4mm twin-walled polycarbonate sheets. One problem with these is that in high winds they can flex and blow out of the frame. In some cases this can lead to total distruction of the greenhouse. Someone suggested to silicon the panels into the frame.
My question is, would a cheap general purpose silicon do the job? Or could this stuff harm the polycarbonate? Is there a special silicon I should use?

Well first, 4mm twin wall poly, is really thin, and in my opinion not suitable for a greenhouse wall, having said that, I assume the frame is Aluminium, or similar.
Silicone will not damage the Poly, in any way, but it may not give a good bond between the Alum, and Poly, and Silicone goes off in about a year or so, so it's more a temporary fix. It's more a weather sealant than what you need.
I would look at some of the products like ''Tech7'' which is designed to bond different materials.

As an investment in a Green-house, I would avoid a product where you are concerned from the start, about its durability, and perhaps look at something stronger

PM sent with a link to one I use.

but Budget constraints, naturally dictate the quality of the purchase.

redser7

Thanks a million Martin. As you mention, it's all about budget. I'd love a Rhino but there you go.
I've been on to people who have these waltons GHs and with some modifications like this they are durable and problem free. Plus I have a fairly sheltered site for it. So fingers crossed!
Cheers

muffler

martinn123 wrote: »

Faint praise, should I be worried.

Not in the least. Each to their own and I knew you were more than capable of a good response to the query