Greenhouse coverings come in a lot of different material for you to choose from. You need material that lets a lot of light in but keeps heat in. The material you select needs to be weather-proof and able to withstand a lot of snow or hail, depending on your climate.
Other than glass, there are currently a lot of different plastics such as rigid panels and film sheets you can choose from. The fact that there are a lot of different plastics you can choose from may confuse you.
However, after talking a little bit with your greenhouse builder or supplier, you will quickly be familiar with the different plastics available for a greenhouse. One example is that poly carbonate is also known as the brand name Lexan and that acrylics have a brand called Plexi-glass.
As far as coverings for greenhouses are, glass is much more preferred than any other material. Not only does glass last fairly long, it is now developed to be stronger than glass types of the past.
You can design the light rays to be evenly distributed using hammered or frosted panels. On the other hand, glass does have the disadvantage of being hard to install and needs a sturdy frame for covering a greenhouse compared to plastic.
Greenhouses which have a covering of a film type of plastic will cost a tenth of glass per square footage. Albeit not as permanent as glass, film plastic is able to withstand as much heat as glass can. Furthermore, it is easier to install and is a lot lighter than glass. Film plastic goes under several different brands and can last up to five years.
This product lets in about eighty nine percent of light. It might help you to remember that if you choose a thicker film, you will need to pay more. Hobbyists will do well with four millimeters of polyethylene film plastic which is weather-resistant.
Furthermore, remember to select film a type of film plastic that does give you UV protection. Other types of film plastic are available with infrared inhibitors.
There is a new type of film plastic which has an anti-condensation additive which lets the buildup of moisture drip down onto the film sides rather than on the plants. This prevents plant infections and disease from spreading from one plant to another since it keeps water which has been contaminated away from plants.
Tags: film plastic, glass film, Greenhouse Coverings, greenhouses, poly carbonate, polyethylene film, uv protection, weather proof