Greenhouse Net Fixing: How to Fix Shade, Insect and Bird Net on a Polyhouse

A greenhouse or polyhouse is only as good as the nets and film fixed to it. Insect net that pulls loose lets whitefly and thrips in; a shade net that flaps in the wind tears within a season. Good greenhouse net fixing means using the right method for each job: locking profiles for permanent cladding, and quick, reusable clips for shade screens, side curtains, net houses and repairs. This guide compares the methods and shows step by step how to fix nets securely without drilling or tying.

Greenhouse net fixing methods compared

Method	How it works	Best for	Limits
Locking profile and zig-zag spring wire	An aluminium or GI channel is screwed to the frame; a spring wire presses the film or net into it	Permanent roof film, main insect net walls, new builds	Needs a channel along every edge; slower to change nets
Shade net clips	Two-part clip closes over the net and grips the pipe or wire	Shade nets, internal shade screens, net houses on wire, side curtain edges, seasonal nets, repairs	Not a replacement for profiles on permanent roof film
Wire or rope ties	Net tied to the frame at points	Emergency fixes only	Tears mesh at tie points, rusts, slow to remove
Cable ties	Plastic ties through the mesh	Short-term use	Go brittle in sun, cut the mesh, single use

Where clips work best in a greenhouse

• External shade net over the roof: clip along gutters, ridge pipes and purlins so it can be removed in winter.
• Internal shade screens: clip to support wires running across the house.
• Net houses on wire: clip shade or insect net along tight GI wires and edge pipes.
• Side curtain edges: clip net or film to the top and bottom pipes of roll-up curtains.
• Bird net over crops: clip to ridge and side wires.
• Repairs: clip a patch over a tear, or hold film in place until the profile can be fixed.

How to fix greenhouse net with clips, step by step

1. Check the frame. Pipes and wires must be firm and tight; re-tension any slack wire first.
2. Cut the net with extra on every side so the edge can fold over the pipe or wire.
3. Start at the windward end. Clip the corners first, folding the net over the pipe and pressing the clip closed.
4. Clip the middle of each side to keep the net square.
5. Fill in every 30 to 50 cm, closer (about 30 cm) on the windward side, corners and gable ends.
6. Clip along every internal pipe or wire the net rests on, so it cannot lift or billow.
7. For insect net, seal the base. Clip the bottom edge to a low pipe or bury it, so insects cannot crawl under.
8. Inspect after the first strong wind and add clips wherever the net lifts.

More detail on the clip method is in how to fix shade net without drilling.

How many clips for a greenhouse?

Clips needed = length of every pipe or wire the net is fixed to (m) × 100 ÷ spacing (cm), plus 10% spare.

Job (1,000 sq m house, 25 m × 40 m)	Length to clip	Clips	Pack choice
Side curtains, top and bottom edges, 40 cm spacing	260 m	about 715	500 + 200 + 100
Internal shade screen on 11 cross wires plus perimeter, 50 cm spacing	405 m	about 891	1000
Small nursery net house, 10 m × 20 m on wires, 40 cm spacing	120 m	about 330	500

For several houses, see our bulk buying guide for polyhouse builders or request a project quote.

Shop shade net clips →

Tips for long-lasting greenhouse nets

• Choose nets made to a recognised standard; India’s BIS has a standard for agricultural shade nets.
• Keep wires tight; a slack wire means a sagging net however many clips you use.
• Roll up external shade nets before cyclones or very strong winds.
• Check insect net edges regularly; a small gap lets pests in.
• Reuse clips when nets are replaced; they open and refit cleanly.

Common mistakes

• Clips too far apart: spacing over 50 cm lets wind get under the net.
• No fold over the pipe: fold the net so the clip grips two layers.
• Using clips for permanent roof film: use locking profiles there; clips are for nets, screens and repairs.
• Gaps at the base of insect net: seal the bottom edge.

Related guides

See polyhouse floor setup, how many shade net clips you need and fixing shade net on a pipe frame without welding.

Sources and further reading

• Notice inviting tender for an insect-proof net house (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya): university net house specification listing C-type aluminium profile and 2.3 mm zig-zag spring wire
• MIDH Operational Guidelines, April 2025: Government of India guidelines covering greenhouses, shade net houses and BIS conformity of materials
• IS 16008, Agro Textiles: Shade Nets (Bureau of Indian Standards): Indian Standard for agricultural and horticultural shade nets

Frequently asked questions

How do you fix net on a greenhouse?

Permanent film and main insect net walls are fixed with aluminium or GI locking profiles and zig-zag spring wire. Shade nets, screens, net houses on wire and side curtain edges are quicker to fix with two-part shade net clips every 30 to 50 cm.

Can I fix greenhouse shade net without drilling?

Yes. Shade net clips grip the net onto existing pipes and wires, so no drilling, screws or tying are needed.

How far apart should clips be on a greenhouse net?

Every 30 to 50 cm along each pipe or wire, closer (about 30 cm) on the windward side, corners and gable ends.

Can shade net clips hold insect net?

Yes. The same clips hold shade net, insect net, bird net, greenhouse film and tarpaulin. Seal the base of insect net so pests cannot crawl under.

Should I use clips for polyhouse roof film?

For permanent roof film, use locking profiles and spring wire. Clips are best for nets, screens, side curtains, seasonal covers and quick repairs.

How many clips does a 1,000 sq m polyhouse need?

About 715 clips for side curtain edges at 40 cm spacing, or about 890 for an internal shade screen on cross wires at 50 cm spacing. Use the clip calculator for your own layout.