With greenhouses becoming more and more popular each year, today there are more options in greenhouse coverings than ever before. The most common options available are Solexx twin-wall covering, twin-walled polycarbonate, single-walled polycarbonate and polyfilm plastic greenhouse covering. Each greenhouse covering material has its own advantages, so it is important to consider your particular situation before making a decision. By weighing the following factors, you should be able to choose the greenhouse covering that will best suit your needs.
Performance
Plants respond best to diffused light. If you’re looking for the greenhouse covering that will give you the best, most dynamic plant growth, you should consider the Solexx greenhouse covering that we offer. Solexx greenhouse covering provides optimal light diffusion and has been shown to have outstanding results. Other greenhouse coverings provide less light diffusion, which increases chances for burning and can cause the greenhouse to overheat.
Climate
If you live in a cool climate, greenhouse insulation is very important. In order to provide good insulation, the greenhouse plastic must be twin-walled. Because of this, twin-walled Solexx and polycarbonate greenhouse covering make good materials for people concerned with both cold weather and substantial snow loads. However, if you live in a warmer climate, it is important to ensure that your greenhouse covering will not let your plants burn from intensely concentrated light. Light diffusion is crucial to preventing plant sun burn. If you are hoping to grow during the summer months, avoid single-walled or twin-walled polycarbonate, which easily overheat.
| Greenhouse Covering |
R-Fator |
U-Factor |
|---|
| 3.5mm Solexx Panels |
2.10 |
0.48 |
| 8mm Tripple Wall Polycarbonate |
2.00 |
0.50 |
| Double Pane Storm Windows |
2.00 |
0.50 |
| 10mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.89 |
0.53 |
| 8mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.60 |
0.63 |
| 6mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.54 |
0.65 |
| 4mm Double Wall Polycarbonate |
1.43 |
0.70 |
| Single Pane Glass, 3mm |
0.95 |
1.05 |
| Poly Film |
0.83 |
1.20 |
R Factor - the measurement of ‘insulating ability’ of the material. The higher the R Factor number the greater the insulation value.
U Value - the measurement of ‘heat loss’ through the material. The lower the U Value the less heat is escaping.
*Independent testing, 3.5mm Solexx with caulked flutes. 5mm results coming soon!
Appearance
For many people, the desire to see in and out of the greenhouse is important. In this case, polycarbonate greenhouse covering is the best option because it is the most transparent. It is important to note that polycarbonate does wear over time, so if you want your greenhouse to remain looking like new it needs to be washed with a soft cloth periodically and kept clear of anything that may cause scratches.
Longevity and Cost
Replacing a greenhouse covering can be a hassle, so it is important to choose something long-lasting. Polycarbonate, typically the most expensive greenhouse covering, has a warranty period of about ten years, depending on the manufacturer. Although it is quite long-lasting, it can be difficult to replace because polycarbonate sheets come in limited sizes and are not easily cut. Therefore, you may be unable to find polycarbonate replacement sheets suitable for your particular greenhouse. Solexx greenhouse covering, on the other hand, carries an eight-year warranty, is customizable and easily replaced, as well as less expensive. Polyfilm plastic is a common greenhouse covering for people covering large greenhouses that are only being used seasonally. Although it is relatively inexpensive, it needs replaced yearly to every few seasons and is tears easily in wind and hail.
Which greenhouses feature these coverings?
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