What Is a House Wire?
A house wire is a band designed to secure the film of a greenhouse, preventing it from flapping in the wind.
These wires are typically made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene), offering durability across various weather conditions.
Uses of House Wires
House wires are primarily used in plastic greenhouses, tunnel houses, and small tunnels to anchor greenhouse film. They are commonly attached to stakes driven into the ground, providing stability against strong winds.
While manual tying is an option, various fasteners are available to streamline the process and enhance the aesthetic of the finished setup.
Noted for their durability and ease of use, house wires are also utilized for securing crop supports, training plants, and tying packages.
Features of House Wires
Advantages
1. Elasticity
While house film is elastic, house wires are not. In summer, when temperatures rise, house film can stretch and flap. Using house wires to secure the film reduces this flapping.
2. Weather Resistance, Insulation, Water Resistance, and Flexibility
House wires boast remarkable weather resistance, maintaining integrity even under direct sunlight. Their composition includes monofilaments, which contribute to flexibility and ease of use. They don’t overstretch, minimizing the need for frequent adjustments. Additional benefits include excellent insulation and water resistance.
3. Low Friction
House wires typically have a soft, flat surface, reducing the risk of damaging the greenhouse film while keeping it securely in place.
Disadvantages
These wires are less effective in strong winds or heavy rain, as they can become agitated or slip when wet, leading to reduced work efficiency. It’s advisable to use them in favorable weather conditions.
Types of House Wires
There are various house wires available, each designed for specific applications such as greenhouses, open-air tunnels, or agricultural PO films. Selecting the right type for your specific use is crucial.
Key differences among house wires include their strength and size:
1. Classification by Number of Cores
House wires feature a core-like structure made of several monofilaments. The strength of a wire is influenced by the number of these cores, typically described as 2 cores or 3 to 5 cores. Generally, more cores equate to greater strength, albeit at a higher cost. The wire’s strength can be gauged by the product of the number of monofilaments per core and the total number of cores.
2. Classification by Width
Widths of house wires vary from 9 mm to 50 mm. Wider wires provide more stability to the greenhouse film, reducing friction and potential damage. For broader wires, special clasps are recommended for secure attachment to house pipes or stakes. The transparency of many wide house wires helps minimize shadowing inside the greenhouse.
How to Select House Wires
The selection of appropriate house wires depends on the type of greenhouse film being used. For instance, bands suitable for agricultural vinyl are not ideal for agricultural PO film, as the latter is more prone to sloughing and choosing, and may tear if incorrect wires are used.