In the past, greenhouses were usually built from only one material: glass. In England and the Victorian era, glass was considered the best greenhouse material due to its heat and light transfer properties.
However, gardeners quickly realized that more greenhouse materials were needed to improve UV protection and thermal efficiency to reduce energy bills. That’s the idea scientists are starting to brainstorm for better, more efficient greenhouse materials.
No, that doesn’t mean glass isn’t a great greenhouse choice. Today, some of the best greenhouses are made of high-quality multi-layer glass. But in recent years, polycarbonate has grown in popularity.
In this blog, we list a few common questions about the polycarbonate greenhouse to help you make an informed buying decision.
What is the advantage of polycarbonate greenhouse?
Greenhouses have always been popular, especially among those who love their garden. The choice between a glass greenhouse and a polycarbonate greenhouse doesn’t need to be difficult. Below are the benefits of buying a polycarbonate greenhouse over a poly film greenhouse. You will need to decide what transparent material will be best suited for the walls and roof or your greenhouse.
Keep reading below to find out more about why the polycarbonate greenhouse is one of the better greenhouse designs. As well as why this is the way to go for greenhouse glazing!
Better Insulation
A polycarbonate greenhouse will provide you with better insulation than a classic greenhouse. Plastic lets out less heat compared to glass, as it has better heat retention properties. Polycarbonate greenhouses are also more cost-effective, generally coming out at a cheaper price.
Longer Lasting
Polycarbonate materials last longer over time and are more durable than glass. This means they can take more pressure before the polycarbonate windows break. You’ll also find these windows easier to fit and handle. The polycarbonate material is much lighter as well.
Shatter-Resistant
As briefly mentioned above, polycarbonate panels are more durable compared to glass glazing. Damage will be less likely with any breaks or shattering almost non-existent. Polycarbonate glazing is a great solution if you want toughened glass. This is because of its strong nature and durability. You won’t find a broken panel with this type of greenhouse!
Extended Growing Season
This material is perfect for you if you’re looking to grow plants and vegetables long-term. This is because the light is spread out evenly throughout the building. You’ll have plenty of time to get everything right!
Better Light Diffusion and UV Protection
Polycarbonate roofing sheet comes with a co-extruded UV layer, which would not exfoliate over time. The top layer of UV coating can block 99% of UV rays, which can protect the roofing sheets from strong sunshine, and extend their lifespan. No massive color change, no yellowish.
The polycarbonate panels provide a high level of light transmission and light diffusion to the greenhouse. The ideal light transmittance range for greenhouse production is generally considered to be between 80% and 90%. Polycarbonate greenhouse panels float on either end of this threshold, depending on their thickness and number of layers.
This is also the case for light diffusion. Crops generally grow better in diffuse light because the light can reach around the crop and be more evenly distributed. The polycarbonate panels diffuse light to promote even crop growth and limit the amount of light that hits the top of the crop directly. Direct light that is too harsh may hinder crop growth.
What is the role of anti-fog technology in polycarbonate greenhouses?
The bottom surface of the panel is covered with an anti-condensation treated anti-fogging layer, which has a natural water diffusion effect, making the surface tension of the panel and condensed water greater than that of water in the air. Therefore, the moisture in the air condenses evenly on the panel into small water droplets and distributes on the panel, slides along the slope to the edge, prevents damage to the plants in the greenhouse, and improves the light transmittance of the greenhouse at the same time.
What is the difference between polycarbonate greenhouse panels of different thicknesses?
4mm polycarbonate greenhouse panels are a very popular & simple way of improving your greenhouses to help you grow and produce plants, flowers, and vegetables in your own garden. Compared with the multiwall polycarbonate sheet(triple-wall/four-wall) and the honeycomb polycarbonate sheet, the specifications and performance are not much different, but the latter styles are stronger and the thickness per square meter increases.
8mm polycarbonate greenhouse panel has approximately 80% light transmission. This allows most crops to thrive and lessens their risk of overheating or being burned by excessive sunlight. It is superior, of course, sturdy and naturally higher than the 4mm polycarbonate greenhouse panels. It is generally used in greenhouses, sunrooms, gymnasiums, swimming pools and other places that require more lighting, heat preservation and heat insulation.
In addition, the thicker the polycarbonate hollow sheet, the better the thermal insulation performance, but it is not necessarily the thicker the better. As the polycarbonate hollow sheet increases with thickness, the complexity of the solution increases, and the cost will increase accordingly. It is important to select the appropriate thickness of the sheet and the number of layers.
How long does a polycarbonate last in a greenhouse?
A polycarbonate greenhouse can last many years if properly cared for as it can withstand harsh conditions. However, the average lifespan of a polycarbonate greenhouse is around 10+ years. Polycarbonate is made of repeating units of carbonate. It is a thermoplastic, which can be softened and deformed by heat. This makes it ideal for use in a greenhouse, where it can be exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. It is also UV resistant which means it will not degrade or be yellow when exposed to sunlight. This property makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for a greenhouse. If you want your greenhouse to last longer, you must take good care of it. Here are some useful tips to do that:
1. Keep the polycarbonate clean. Regular cleaning will help prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, which can eventually lead to the degradation of the material.
2. Inspect the polycarbonate regularly. Look for any wear and tear, and address any issues as soon as possible.
3. Protect the polycarbonate from the elements. If possible, store the greenhouse in a cool, dry place when it is not in use.
4. Repair any damage to the polycarbonate promptly. Even small cracks or holes can eventually lead to bigger problems.
By following these tips, you can help prolong your polycarbonate greenhouse’s life.
DIY Polycarbonate greenhouse for sale
The polycarbonate greenhouse panels we stock are stronger, lighter, safer and less expensive than standard glass. Cut to size orders online.
