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| I can't decide whether to construct my hight tunnels from pvc or emt. I see a lot of back and forth but one thing I don't see discussed much is the issue with fittings. The grey pvc is available with the female end thu eliminating the need for a fitting, wich can make a huge price difference. The fittings to do a metal structure with the gothic peak are nearly ten dollars each. More than the pipe. If I understand correctly, the disadvantage of pvc is that it doesn't last as long and deteriorates the greenhouse film? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by Cole_Robbie none (My Page) on Fri, Feb 1, 13 at 13:31
| Belled ends make a stronger joint than a fitting. White PVC is also sold with belled ends, but the gray conduit has UV-inhibitors. Consensus is to paint pvc pipe with white latex to avoid poly degradation. Part of the reason I went with top rail is that the only expensive fitting I had to buy is the "purlin clamp" that goes at the top of the hoop. I paid $3.50 each. Top rail is about $1 per foot. |
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- Posted by veggievicki 7b (My Page) on Fri, Feb 1, 13 at 16:14
| Thanks for the feedback. I'm actually thinking about building four foot high sidewalks from cedar two by fours that I can get very cheap and put a PVC top I get an eight foot clearance for a fifteen foot span |
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| Hello veggievickie, you can try this site http://www.snapclamp.com/prices.htm |
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- Posted by steve_in_los_osos CA 10a/Sunset 17 (My Page) on Mon, Feb 11, 13 at 18:32
| I've read about the supposed poly degradation too. My experience so far (three years using unpainted 1" white PVC) is different. I can see nothing bad happening at this point. Perhaps next year since the film is rated for 4 years :-) In constructing an adjacent high tunnel I used the grey PVC conduit after recognizing its UV stabilizers. But I didn't paint that either. I should add that I do not live in a climate with hot summers, so that may have something to do with my results. The poly film itself contains UV inhibitors so that may also account a little for my results thus far. I figure that if the poly lasts its claimed 4 years, then I have gotten my money's worth without the nuisance of painting the pipes. |
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