You may recall back in December or so of 2017 we tried an experiment to enclose our wheelhouse, using a plastic material glazing called FlexOGlass. If you're interested, that thread is about here. We used stainless steel snaps and gorilla tape edging to put together the panels and affix them to our wheelhouse structure.
We were quite impressed with the FlexOglass. The stuff was incredibly clear and seemed quite strong. In fact, the first month the panels were up--in face we didn't even have them all installed--the things endured 50kt winds without a hitch. They provided a sun-warmed, wind-free space through the winter and helped keep the rain from blowing in during the summer. That part worked well.
As we've lived with the panels, though, we began to notice some problems. First, using the Gorilla tape as edging was quick and easy, and worked fine on those panels that didn't ever have to be removed. But when the doorway panels were rolled up, the tape bunched, having the effect of shortening the spaces between the snaps and making them an absolute bear to attatch. The tape adhesive may also have deteriorated the vinyl of the glazing, causing it to crack or tear at the attachment point. In addition, summer heat made the tape crawl and slip. Less than optimal.
Still, the material continued to endure direct sunlight without yellowing and stood up to deep cold and high winds without a complaint.
Until this winter, when it got both at once.
A brief period of single digit temps, coupled with high winds absolutely destroyed the FlexOglass. The cold apparently made it brittle enough that the gusty winds--50kts at times--made it virtually shatter into strips. Literally, there was just about nothing left.
In retrospect, the FlexOGlass is most often used for enclosing porches that are already screened, and that screening would supply a good degree of support for the vinyl. Unsupported, the stuff was fine until the temperatures got down in to the 6 degree F. range. At that point, all bets were off with the wind.
So, for next time: The FlexOGlass is a fine material. It's rugged and inexpensive and VERY clear and I'd use it again in a heartbeat. I would, however, stitch a cloth edging in place rather than relying on an adhesive like the Gorilla tape, and I will probably use grommets and ties instead of snaps so the expansion and contraction of the material may be compensated for easily. The FlexOglass comes in 4 and 10 mil thicknesses, so we'll probably go with the heavier 10 mil in the future.
Sigh. Live and learn.
We've had an amazingly beautiful couple of days here on the river, Temperatures in the 60's some days (F of course), and sunny and clear. Rather weird for February, but I'm not complaining. The ice is gone from the river and now we can begin to think about the drive and travel again.
Much more Later
M
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| setting snaps in the FlexOGlass panels. |
As we've lived with the panels, though, we began to notice some problems. First, using the Gorilla tape as edging was quick and easy, and worked fine on those panels that didn't ever have to be removed. But when the doorway panels were rolled up, the tape bunched, having the effect of shortening the spaces between the snaps and making them an absolute bear to attatch. The tape adhesive may also have deteriorated the vinyl of the glazing, causing it to crack or tear at the attachment point. In addition, summer heat made the tape crawl and slip. Less than optimal.
Still, the material continued to endure direct sunlight without yellowing and stood up to deep cold and high winds without a complaint.
Until this winter, when it got both at once.
A brief period of single digit temps, coupled with high winds absolutely destroyed the FlexOglass. The cold apparently made it brittle enough that the gusty winds--50kts at times--made it virtually shatter into strips. Literally, there was just about nothing left.
In retrospect, the FlexOGlass is most often used for enclosing porches that are already screened, and that screening would supply a good degree of support for the vinyl. Unsupported, the stuff was fine until the temperatures got down in to the 6 degree F. range. At that point, all bets were off with the wind.
So, for next time: The FlexOGlass is a fine material. It's rugged and inexpensive and VERY clear and I'd use it again in a heartbeat. I would, however, stitch a cloth edging in place rather than relying on an adhesive like the Gorilla tape, and I will probably use grommets and ties instead of snaps so the expansion and contraction of the material may be compensated for easily. The FlexOglass comes in 4 and 10 mil thicknesses, so we'll probably go with the heavier 10 mil in the future.
Sigh. Live and learn.
We've had an amazingly beautiful couple of days here on the river, Temperatures in the 60's some days (F of course), and sunny and clear. Rather weird for February, but I'm not complaining. The ice is gone from the river and now we can begin to think about the drive and travel again.
Much more Later
M
Use a wooden doorframe for the plastic
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly one of the things we're considering. Another is the possibility of putting a fine mesh like bird mesh behind the static panels to give them a bit more support.
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