This article explains the advantages of a polycarbonate greenhouse over a glass greenhouse, why a cellular polycarbonate-covered greenhouse is the ideal choice – in both residential and industrial projects, what types of sheet are used, and the disadvantages of a polycarbonate greenhouse.
The information below can help you to know what options exist for polycarbonate greenhouse materials and to make choices based on the specific needs of your project. Cellular polycarbonate sheets are very versatile materials that can adapt to a wide range of projects, and the construction of an effective polycarbonate greenhouse can depend on many factors, including choosing the right materials for the environmental conditions in which the cellular polycarbonate greenhouse is to be installed.
Polycarbonate greenhouse – advantages
Polycarbonate sheets are easy-to-use, durable, flexible building materials that cover a wide range of projects in which they can be used. A polycarbonate greenhouse has several advantages over a glass greenhouse:
- inside a polycarbonate greenhouse, sunlight is perfectly distributed
- polycarbonate plates are UV protected
- a polycarbonate greenhouse can have a longer lifespan than a greenhouse made of glass, which is possibly fragile to extreme weather conditions such as hail.
- Polycarbonate sheets are lightweight, which in practical terms means they can be easily handled and fitted.
What types of polycarbonate sheets are used for greenhouses?
For residential polycarbonate greenhouses we recommend our customers 4mm, 6mm, 8mm or 10mm thick sheets from the premium or standard range (7 or 10 year guarantee). For industrial polycarbonate greenhouses, 10mm and 16mm sheets are most suitable. In our range of cellular polycarbonate sheets, you will find materials for both types, even for polycarbonate greenhouses in atypical sizes and specifications.
How to work with polycarbonate greenhouse sheets?
Thermal insulation is very important for the success of the crop to be housed in a polycarbonate greenhouse. Condensation forming between the walls when the greenhouse is not installed correctly can compromise the crop. Fitting the boards in the construction of a polycarbonate greenhouse is a relatively simple process, but we recommend the help of a professional who will ensure that the boards are fitted correctly to provide insulation and protect the crop from external factors.
A polycarbonate greenhouse can be made of thicker, thinner, transparent sheets, or sheets that provide greater diffusion of sunlight inside. The thickness of the glass influences the temperature inside the greenhouse. If in winter we want to keep a high temperature inside, thicker, multi-walled polycarbonate sheets can help us keep the heat in. In summer, thicker sheets will also retain heat inside and plants may suffer.
Choosing polycarbonate sheets that provide optimal conditions inside the greenhouse, whatever the season, is best done taking into account the specific area where the polycarbonate greenhouse will be built. In lowland areas, for example, a thinner polycarbonate sheet may be needed. In a mountainous region, thicker sheets may be needed.
Polycarbonate sheets are available in a wide range of designs, colours, sizes – we recommend that all our customers interested in building a polycarbonate greenhouse ask
our team of cellular polycarbonate professionals for their opinion before purchasing – office@carboplak.ro
Polycarbonate greenhouse – disadvantages
Polycarbonate sheet is translucent, which means it allows sunlight to penetrate from the outside, but does not allow visibility to the outside as with a glass greenhouse. Details of objects outside a polycarbonate greenhouse will not be visible from the inside. From the inside of a polycarbonate greenhouse, only the outline of the objects/people outside will be vaguely distinguishable.
In short, the main disadvantage of a polycarbonate greenhouse is aesthetic. The polycarbonate greenhouse reduces visibility from inside to outside and vice versa. However, in terms of durability, insulation, durability of materials, superior UV protection that polycarbonate sheets offer over glass, and the various types of material available, polycarbonate greenhouses have obvious advantages.
Polycarbonate greenhouse sheets can be of various thicknesses, densities. The “best sheets” for polycarbonate greenhouse are the sheets that meet the specific needs of the project. Depending on the type of polycarbonate greenhouse you want to build, our team can recommend the most suitable types.
If you need polycarbonate for your greenhouse, the CarboPlak team – office@carboplak.ro can provide you with all the information you need. Do not hesitate to contact us!
