The introduction of new technologies makes it possible to create new materials that have no analogues on the construction market yet. These include polycarbonate - a polymer plastic with a lot of positive properties: high aesthetics, strength, practicality, light weight and flexibility, thanks to which you can create structures that are quite problematic to make from other materials. Moreover, polycarbonate sheets are only slightly inferior to glass in terms of transparency, but are hundreds of times stronger than glass. But before you start manufacturing structures from polymer plastic, you need to know how to choose polycarbonate so that it is the best for solving a specific problem in the construction industry.
Types of polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels
The most popular is cellular polycarbonate material, which is better known as honeycomb. Structures made from it have the appearance of airy, almost weightless structures, which is what they actually are. Cellular polycarbonate material is popular in:
- In the field of advertising - for the production of three-dimensional letters, canopy structures, boxes, tabloids.
- Agriculture - for the construction of agro-industrial facilities, glazing of greenhouse and greenhouse structures.
- Industrial construction - for the manufacture of body parts for various types of equipment.
- In urban construction - today no one is surprised by bus stops, arched structures, telephone booths and other structures made from this material.
- Interior design - for creating suspended ceilings, partition structures and other elements.
Monolithic polycarbonate
This type is transparent solid slabs, which are much more expensive than their cellular counterpart, therefore they are used less often to create structures. But the monolithic type of polycarbonate sheets is characterized by higher strength. For example, sheets 12 mm thick can even withstand a pistol shot.
Material used in:
- financial sector;
- construction of stadiums, gyms, swimming pools;
- production of fences, industrial greenhouse complexes;
- production of signs, pillars and other elements of outdoor advertising.
Monolithic or cellular?
It is impossible to immediately determine which polycarbonate is better and which one should be purchased. First you need to know how thick the material is, and for what purposes one or another type is best suited. In addition, when purchasing, you need to take into account stylistic and design considerations, as well as the financial capabilities of the buyer. So, if the cost does not matter, but it is extremely important that the visor, hanging structure, the gazebo had a sophisticated and stylish look - it’s better to purchase monolithic version. But if you plan to build a practical, functional structure and invest less money, it is better to choose a cellular analogue.
Key Benefits
Before you make a choice and decide which polycarbonate is better - cast or cellular, you need to know their main advantages. For cellular material they are as follows:
- Excellent insulation characteristics.
- Resistance to vagaries of weather. This is possible thanks to a special layer that protects the panels from yellowing and wear.
- The voids inside the sheets give the material excellent sound insulation and heat-retaining properties.
- Fire resistance; at high temperatures, polycarbonate sheets melt, but do not spread flames.
- Long service life. Manufacturers provide a 10-year guarantee, but as practice has shown, the first structures made from it, built over 15-20 years ago, still retain their properties and appearance. And this is only possible when the consumer knows not only how to choose polycarbonate, but is also aware of how to choose the right material for the manufacture of a specific structure.
Criterias of choice
The main factor when buying polymer plastic is, of course, quality, so the question of how to choose high-quality polycarbonate worries every consumer. Today, not everyone knows that for the production of polycarbonate material, not only primary raw materials are used, which are usually of higher quality. Recycled plastic containers can also be used for this. As a result, it is undesirable to use the second version of the material for the construction of structures intended for use outdoors in the open air.
When planning to purchase polycarbonate, you need to pay attention to its price. It should not be too low, since high-quality material cannot be very cheap. The manufacturer's certificate and warranty certificate also serve as confirmation of the quality of the material.
What else do you need to consider to know how to choose? good polycarbonate? Also in the store you need to pay attention to the following indicators:
- plastic weight: one sq.m. honeycomb material 10 mm thick should have a mass of approximately 1,700 g, 0.8 cm thick - 1.5 kg, six mm - 1.3 kg, and 4 mm - 800 g. If this figure is lower, it is not advisable to make a purchase;
- look through the sheet into the light; it should not have any inclusions. Transparency, deep and even color are signs of high quality products;
- if the canvas cracks or breaks when bent, this is also a sign of low-quality material, since plasticity is a property of an excellent quality material.
Determining the required thickness of the canvas
This parameter is extremely important when purchasing polycarbonate. Manufacturers produce material whose thickness can be from 25 mm to 4. To decide which polycarbonate is better for a particular structure, you also need to know what sizes are available and how to choose the right thickness - the area of application of the honeycomb material in particular depends on these indicators:
- 4 mm - intended for the production of greenhouses, advertising structures, canopies;
- 6 mm - used more widely - greenhouses, stained glass windows, canopies and other structures that are not subject to heavy loads are made from it;
- 8 mm - used in the construction of greenhouses, partitions, roofs, gazebos;
- 10 mm is more suitable than others for glazing and making noise barriers;
- 16 mm - this type is designed for heavy loads, so it is suitable for making roofs over large spans of buildings and structures.
Knowing these numbers will help you choose the right material for the construction of a specific building. In addition, in order to choose the right polycarbonate, you need to pay attention to the choice of color. It is best that it harmonizes with the color of the main building on the site. But it is quite possible that an extension to the house is a canopy, veranda, terrace, winter Garden contrasting colors became just the highlight that completely transformed the appearance of the building.
Polycarbonate is a type of transparent plastic used in the construction of greenhouses. This material is more practical than fragile glass and more durable than film, which is why it has gained widespread popularity. On sale you can find monolithic and honeycomb panels, as well as many variations that differ in thickness, thermal conductivity, and ability to transmit ultraviolet light. Before starting construction, study which polycarbonate is best for greenhouses, find out how the characteristics of the coating affect the energy efficiency of the building and its strength.
How to choose the right polycarbonate
What type and thickness of polycarbonate to choose for building a greenhouse depends on how it will be used. The larger the building area, the thicker the coating should be. You should also take into account the pitch of the frame sheathing, possible snow and wind loads, and the varieties of plants that will grow in the greenhouse.
Polycarbonate greenhouse
Which polycarbonate is better - cellular or monolithic?
When deciding which polycarbonate is needed for a greenhouse, you should understand the differences between the types of this material. With the same chemical composition cellular and monolithic polycarbonate have completely different physical characteristics.
Monolithic consists of transparent sheets with a thickness of 1 to 12 mm. The main properties of this material:
- light transmittance up to 90%;
- flexibility;
- impact resistance.
Monolithic sheets
However, monolithic sheets retain heat very poorly and sag under snow cover and gusts of wind. Therefore, it is advisable to use such a coating only for small temporary structures such as greenhouses. Monolithic panels are not suitable for a permanent greenhouse.
Most often, cellular polycarbonate is used to build greenhouses. It is a layered material with stiffening ribs that form voids. Cellular coverage characteristics:
- sheet thickness from 4 to 32 mm;
- light transmittance up to 86%;
- light weight compared to glass or monolithic panels of the same thickness;
- low thermal conductivity due to the cellular structure, which is especially important in the construction of greenhouses;
- service life from 10 to 20 years.
Honeycomb panels
Before choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse in a store, you need to make sure that the coating has quality certificates, since cheap fakes shorten the service life of the building and also reduce its energy efficiency.
Sheet thickness standards
The answer to the question of what thickness of polycarbonate is best to use for a greenhouse depends on several factors:
- size of the structure - the larger the building, the thicker the coating should be;
- roof type - flexible sheets of 4-6 mm are used for arched ceilings, while for roofs with one or two slopes, material 6-10 mm thick is used;
- expected loads - in areas with snowy winters, they install material that can withstand the weight of the snow cover;
- operating conditions - the energy efficiency of honeycomb panels directly depends on their thickness, so for winter growing a coating with a thickness of at least 6 mm is used, and for spring greenhouses sheets of 4 mm are suitable.
Greenhouse house
For the average greenhouse on a personal plot, it is better to choose polycarbonate brands with a thickness of 4 to 8 mm. This is quite enough for growing most plants in conditions middle zone.
Material density value
When figuring out what thickness of polycarbonate is best for a greenhouse, it is necessary to take into account that this material has another important technical characteristic - specific density. Meaning specific gravity indicates how much stronger one sheet is than another for the same thickness.
For example, a standard sheet measuring 2.1 by 6 meters and 4 mm thick with a density of 0.5 kg/m² will weigh 6.5 kg, and with a density of 0.7 kg/m² its weight will increase to 9 kg. The denser and heavier the material, the greater the load it can withstand. For greenhouses, the optimal specific density is 0.7 kg/m².
Specifications
Polycarbonate color for greenhouse
On the market, structured plastic is presented not only in the form of transparent panels. You can often find sheets of a wide variety of colors: red, blue, green, yellow, bronze. What color of polycarbonate to choose for a greenhouse? First of all, you should remember that most plants can develop normally only in good light. It is also important which components of the spectrum of sunlight fall on the leaves.
A good coating should allow 80 to 90% sunlight to pass through. Only transparent panels have such light transmission ability, which is why they are most often used in greenhouse construction. IN southern regions it is permissible to choose lightly colored panels yellow color, which transmit about 70% of the light flux.
Material in blue and turquoise shades is absolutely not suitable for growing plants. The fact is that these colors absorb exactly those components of the spectrum that are necessary for the full development of plants. You should also refrain from using saturated red, brown and green shades, because they transmit only a third of the light that hits them.
Not all coating colors are suitable for growing plants
Other material selection criteria
How long a greenhouse covering will last depends on the brand cellular polycarbonate and a plastic manufacturer. Only high-quality material can last from 10 to 20 years, while cheap fakes will begin to crumble after a couple of years of use.
Advantages of cellular polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels are produced in standard sheets of 2.1 by 6 m and 2.1 by 12 m. This is the size that is convenient for installing a greenhouse. To save material, all dimensions of the building and the width of the spans are adjusted to the dimensions of the panels.
There are several types of polycarbonate for greenhouses, differing in structure:
- Standard single-chamber - consists of two layers connected by jumpers. It has the smallest bending radius, which allows it to be used in small arched structures.
- Standard two-chamber - consists of three layers with jumpers, has better thermal insulation properties compared to single-chamber due to additional air gap.
- Four-chamber - thick material, used only on large buildings.
- Reinforced - single-chamber plastic, reinforced by additional inclined bridges. It transmits a little less light, but it is able to withstand significant loads.
Types of structure
Each type has its own advantages, which makes it easier to select plastic for any need.
How to choose durable material
Choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse is not an easy task, because there are so many brands on the market. Preference should be given to well-known manufacturers who supply their products with quality certificates and provide a guarantee of at least 10 years. Such panels are undoubtedly more expensive than their Chinese counterparts, but in terms of service life, a greenhouse made from high-quality material is cheaper.
When deciding which polycarbonate is best to choose for a greenhouse on a personal plot, pay attention to the following manufacturers:
- Marlon (England) - premium panels. They have excellent performance properties and are extremely durable. However, you will have to pay a considerable price for luxury quality.
- Polygal (Israel) is a reliable manufacturer of high-quality and durable material. Recently, the product has been produced in Russia, which has made its price somewhat more affordable.
- Carboglass (Russia) - leading domestic manufacturer quality panels. Its products have a guarantee of up to 15 years.
- Sunnex (Russia) - produces decent polycarbonate in the mid-price segment. Product warranty up to 10 years.
- Vizor (Czech Republic) - manufacturer of universal panels with a service life of up to 10 years.
The quality of a greenhouse depends on the material
What is polycarbonate light
When choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse, you can find sheets on sale labeled Light, which means “lightweight.” Sometimes this mark is replaced with the words “eco”, “economy”, which does not change the essence. Thus, manufacturers sell a cheap and not very high-quality economy class product.
Profiled panels are often made lighter by reducing their thickness. For example, instead of 4 mm, they make material 3.5 mm thick. Another trick to making polycarbonate “eco” is to reduce its specific density, but at the same time the strength also decreases.
It is better not to use lightweight panels for capital winter buildings, because cheap material shortens the service life and also increases energy costs for heating. At the same time, economical-class coating is perfect for summer greenhouses and temporary shelters.
Lightweight covering suitable for temporary greenhouses
Sheets with and without UV protection
IN hardware store The buyer can expect profiled panels with and without UV protection. Which polycarbonate is better to buy for a greenhouse?
High-quality polycarbonate for the construction of greenhouses must be protected from ultraviolet radiation. The fact is that plastic degrades very quickly when exposed to the sun. Serious manufacturers always supply their products with a special film that protects against UV rays.
The protective layer is located on one side of the sheet, as indicated by special markings. It is this side that should look outward during installation, otherwise the whole point of an expensive purchase is lost. Some brands have protection on both sides, however for a greenhouse this will extra waste money, because the sun only hits outside sheathing.
Cheap panels often do not have a light-stabilizing film, although they are positioned as protected from solar radiation. Inexpensive ultraviolet protectors are simply added to the composition of such plastic. Unfortunately, such additives are mostly unable to prevent the destruction of sheets. In just 1-3 years, the polycarbonate will become cloudy and begin to crack.
UV protection extends the life of the coating
Rules for installation and storage of polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels are easy to install with your own hands, even for a person who does not have construction experience. However, this matter has its own subtleties. When installing greenhouse covering sheets, it is important to do everything correctly, strictly following the installation instructions.
Transportation and storage
Polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses are transported flat in the back of a truck. It cannot be transported on an unfolded edge, as the edges of the panels may become deformed. Sheets up to 8 mm thick must fit completely into the machine, otherwise they may break.
Thicker material can protrude about a meter beyond the body. If the sheet does not fit into the body, it is permissible to roll it up, secure it with tape and transport it in this form.
The purchased panels are stored on a flat surface, preferably in a closed garage or shed out of direct sunlight. If there is no such room, you will have to store it outdoors. In this case, the packaging film is removed from the sheets and stacked on top of each other with the light-stabilizing layer facing up.
Sheets are stored on flat surface
DIY installation rules
So, the question of which polycarbonate is best to make a greenhouse from has been resolved, the panels have been purchased and are ready for installation. In order for the material to last at least the warranty period, it must be cut and secured correctly.
Rules for installing polycarbonate:
- End sealing. To ensure that as little moisture as possible accumulates in the voids, the open ends must be sealed special tape. IN vertical structures The upper end is sealed hermetically, and the lower end is sealed using punched tape. For arched structures, punched tape is used everywhere.
Sealing tape
Video: how to choose the right polycarbonate
More detailed information about the nuances of choice can be obtained from professionals. Watch the video to consolidate your knowledge and clarify all the details.
Video: Subtleties of choosing cellular panels
Now that you know how to choose cellular polycarbonate for a greenhouse, you can safely buy required material and start construction. If all the nuances are taken into account and all the rules are followed, the building will be strong, energy efficient and durable.
Polycarbonate has long been the leading material for the construction of greenhouses. Many gardeners do not even consider alternatives in the form of film and glass. Nevertheless, difficulties with choice arise. Products are produced in a wide variety. The buyer will have to focus not only on the cost, but also on the parameters that suit his needs.
Popularity polycarbonate is explained by its characteristics:
Produced with optimal properties. Plants will be able to take in the light and the necessary heat, without overheating or overcooling. The design is quite simple to assemble yourself. The shape is changed by heat treatment - the risk of fire is minimal, since ignition occurs only at 120C. The sheet is difficult to break; even if successful, it will not shatter into sharp fragments. Such a greenhouse can be left for the winter without fear of cracks, and used as an additional storage place for country accessories.
Disadvantages include:
- ease of damage by abrasive agents;
- deformation in extreme heat;
- destruction of the structure from high doses of ultraviolet radiation.
All disadvantages are corrected right place installation of a greenhouse, gentle care, application of special films to the surface.
Classification of polycarbonate
The material is made in two types:
Monolithic
Solid sheets different sizes and thickness.
The monolithic version resembles cloudy glass. It has a noticeable weight aesthetic appearance, is very durable, but also more expensive. This polycarbonate is easy to install without additional frames. Meanwhile, monolithic sheets practically do not retain heat. In such a greenhouse, sensitive plants will freeze.
Cellular
Two or three sheets connected by a layer of numerous ribs. The structure resembles a honeycomb, hence the name.
Cellular cells scatter light better and evenly distribute the temperature inside the structure. The seedlings will not get burned or suffer from overheating or hypothermia. This material is much cheaper. In addition, cellular polycarbonate is more flexible. It is attached to the frame even in the form of arches. Lightweight series with thin ribs are available.
For the construction of greenhouses and hotbeds, cellular polycarbonate is predominantly used.
What polycarbonate do you choose?
CellularMonolithic
Key parameters of polycarbonate
Both types of material are available different quality. Only a combination of certain parameters can guarantee a long service life of the finished product.
Feedstock
High-quality polycarbonate is produced according to a Bayer patent. Its formulation uses special high-strength plastic granules. Such raw materials must be marked “Premium”.
Recyclable plastic sheets are also available. They are often labeled with the "Eco" symbol. The service life of such options rarely exceeds 5 years. But the cost of “secondary” is much lower.
Cell density and shape
Two parameters inseparable from each other. Triangle or hexagon shaped honeycombs give the highest density. Such a layer is difficult to remove even with a strong gust of wind, but it is less flexible and retains more 
Sveta.
Square cells have average plasticity and weak throughput in terms of light.
Rectangular honeycombs are very popular. Such sheets are quite flexible and are cheaper than others. At the same time, they do not have the highest resistance to breakdowns.
Density also depends on the mass of the ribs. It is optimal to choose types with an indicator of at least 800g/sq.m.
Sheet size
Monolithic polycarbonate is manufactured in the form of sheets 3.05 m by 2.05 m. The cellular material is characterized by a width of 2.1 m and a length of 6 or 12 m.
The dimensions shown are standard. Manufacturers of domestic and foreign brands adhere to them. There is no single formula for calculating costs, since everything depends on individual cutting.
Sheet thickness
Polycarbonate has many more options for this parameter. Both honeycomb and monolithic plates are available in thicknesses of 4, 8, 16, 6 and 10 mm. Lightweight series are thinned to 3.5 and even 3 mm.
Compacted sheets in the range of 20-32 mm are produced to order. They are rarely found on the open market. These types are used for structures where strength is especially important.
For greenhouses and greenhouses in summer cottages, material 4 mm thick is most often used. The room will last 3-4 years, but will cope with its functions perfectly. In harsh climatic conditions with storm gusts of wind and frequent hail, it is recommended to take 6 mm cellular polycarbonate (less often 10). Thicker varieties, while strong, will not let in enough light. There will be extreme heat or cold inside, depending on the weather of the day. In addition, a thickness of 16 mm makes the structure extremely heavy. You have to strengthen the frame, and it’s quite difficult to build it yourself.
Color
For greenhouses, you can choose not only colorless, but also colored polycarbonate.
Colorless is standard. It transmits up to 80% of natural sunlight, disperses it evenly, and is suitable for all types of plants.
Painted options reduce light transmission and change spectra. Therefore, they should be taken only for certain crops and conditions:
- brown, red, green shades - for berries, flowers and mushrooms;
- white shades - for agricultural crops;
- yellow shades - to avoid burns in hot climates (72% of light transmits);
- bronze – for shade plants(up to 60% light).
From turquoise, opal, blue colors It's better to refuse. They scatter no more than 40% of the rays, while the most important of them do not pass through the spectrum.
If the greenhouse has artificial lighting, you can safely take polycarbonate of any color.
Experts also recommend paying close attention to textures. Matte sheets are suitable only for southern areas with plenty of sun. They protect well from burns, transmitting only 65% of the rays. In other regions it is better to opt for transparent polycarbonate. At short day However, for a small number of hours of sunshine, photosynthesis should not be slowed down by haze.
UV coating
The plastic from which polycarbonate is made is susceptible to destruction by ultraviolet rays. Constant heavy exposure leads to the formation of microcracks on the surface. Over time, the stars blur into large webs. In the end, the sheet finally breaks and the structure collapses.
The process of photodestruction of polycarbonate is slowed down by a special coating. Protective function make films that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation. They are attached to the surface of the sheet using coextrusion technology. The layers are bonded while still in liquid form, so the risk of separation of the coating and the base during operation is minimal.
Most brands coat one side of the plates. Double-sided protection is rare or is made to order. There is a mark on the processed side. For greenhouses, a film on the outside is sufficient, where direct contact with radiation occurs.
Recent advances in the technological process have made it possible to begin producing polycarbonate with the initial inclusion of a protective additive. The component is mixed into the plastic itself, so the film becomes unnecessary. The percentage of UV absorption is about 30-45%. The sheets have a corresponding mark.
Polycarbonate without a filter is not suitable for plants. It is only suitable for interior work, since it is destroyed under the sun in less than a year.
Don't make a mistake with your choice plastic panels Advice from experienced farmers will help. The practical experience of a large number of people shows that you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
If you have doubts about the authenticity of a product, you can always ask the seller for a certificate. Documentation is always attached to the original sheets. Counterfeits can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous due to the release of harmful impurities upon contact with the sun.
Features of constructing a polycarbonate greenhouse
Rational use of material significantly reduces money and time costs. Experts advise following the rules:
- For arched structures, arcs of 6 and 12 mm are made.
- All joints must be on the profile. It is better to make the arcs and frame solid to increase strength.
- For a gable greenhouse, the wall and roof are oriented to the size of the sheet. Each plate must be divided without leaving any residue.
- Gaps of about 2-3 mm are made between the frame and the sheets. This is done to allow polycarbonate to expand freely when heated. For the same purpose, the holes for the bolts are made slightly larger than the stated diameter.
- In places where bolts are attached, it is preferable to use rubber washers to soften expansion. This way the cracks will not appear.
- It is better to cover the external ribs with a vapor-proof film or profile. Provides moisture protection and eliminates clogging. The inner edges are left as is to allow condensation to drain freely.
In this way, savings are achieved without loss of greenhouse productivity.
During transportation, polycarbonate is laid flat in the body. Positioning on the edges deforms the sheets. Plates up to 8 mm must fit completely into the machine to avoid breakage. Thicker ones can be left suspended for 0.5-1 m. Thin flexible options can be rolled into a half roll and secured with tape.
The material is stored in a dry, closed room away from open sun. A barn or garage is great. On the street, it is better to stack the blanks on top of each other without packaging (UV layer up) and cover with an awning.
Non-aggressive means are used to clean the walls of the greenhouse. The best option for washing - soap solution and damp rags. After cleaning, the walls are wiped dry to maintain better transparency.
Competent choice and work with polycarbonate is the key long service greenhouses, good harvest no harm to plants.
Polycarbonate is a polyester formed by carbonic acid and dihydric alcohols. Belongs to the group of thermoplastics. From a chemical point of view, polycarbonate is a synthetic polymer. This material It has strength, lightness, ductility, frost resistance, durability, good dielectric properties, and is optically transparent.
The production of polycarbonate occurs by synthesis, during which granules are obtained, which are subsequently subjected to casting or extrusion.
Use of polycarbonate for greenhouses and grade of polycarbonate
Currently, two types of polycarbonate are produced: monolithic and cellular. Which polycarbonate is best to use for a greenhouse? As the name suggests, monolithic is a continuous sheet of polymer material. Cellular or honeycomb is a hollow structure with layers of air.
The monolithic sheet has higher strength characteristics, which allows it to be used on the roof of a greenhouse without installing an additional frame. This is where all the advantages end. The following positive characteristics speak in favor of choosing a cellular structure:
Less weight. Cellular polycarbonate is an order of magnitude lighter. This allows you to use a less durable frame for the same sheet thickness.
The cellular hollow structure makes polycarbonate less thermally conductive, which is desirable for greenhouses.
Cellular polycarbonate is suitable for this purpose. In terms of its parameters, it is not inferior to glass and surpasses it in strength.
The following characteristics in comparison with traditional glass indicate the choice of cellular polycarbonate:
Transparent polycarbonate transmits 90% of the light flux, which is higher than that of standard silicate glass. Over time, this characteristic does not change.
Polycarbonate almost does not transmit ultraviolet radiation, which has a burning effect on plants.
The material is impact resistant, which is more than a hundred times higher than that of ordinary glass and ten times higher than acrylic. This allows you to withstand wind loads well and not lose strength under the weight of snow.
The presence of air cavities increases the required for the greenhouse thermal insulation characteristics material, replacing glass of the same thickness can save up to a third of heat.
Polycarbonate does not support combustion and is a self-extinguishing material.
Polycarbonate is a flexible material that changes its shape even across honeycombs without loss of integrity, under conditions low temperatures. This feature simplifies installation and does not require additional tools.
Operates over a wide temperature range without loss of performance characteristics. Not destroyed by ultraviolet rays.
For its production, the extrusion method is used. The process includes the following steps:
■ melting of granules;
■ squeezing the resulting mixture through a mold that determines the design of the sheet.
The high ductility and strength of polycarbonate makes it possible to produce sheets with a wall thickness of 0.3-0.7 mm, which retain impact-resistant characteristics and are light in weight. They consist of several layers of polycarbonate, connected by longitudinal stiffening ribs, giving the material structural strength. Air is contained between the layers, providing high thermal insulation. Cellular polycarbonate can withstand air temperatures in the range -40º - +120º. Transparent material capable of transmitting almost 90% of the sun's color.
The main characteristics of cellular polycarbonate are given in the table.
Standard sheets of cellular polycarbonate have dimensions of 2100x6000 mm, 2100x12000 mm and a thickness of 4 mm.
Important! Do you know how to save money and avoid overuse of polycarbonate? Need to calculate required amount material, and for this you can use our
Or if you are building a semicircular greenhouse, then we have
How to choose the right polycarbonate for greenhouses
The retail network offers the buyer a wide selection of cellular polycarbonate. The following tips will help you navigate and distinguish a quality product from a fake.
How to find quality polycarbonate
When choosing a material, pay attention to the information printed on polycarbonate:
- Thin lightweight polycarbonate is used in warm parts of the country with light snow loads. It is short-lived, does not tolerate temperature changes well, and does not have sufficient rigidity.
- The quality of polycarbonate can be determined based on the material’s compliance with the declared characteristics. The thickness of the sheet must correspond to that indicated in the brand.
- You can control the quality of polycarbonate based on the weight of the sheet. If the mass of 4 mm of material is less than 10 kg, it is a lightweight analogue with low strength characteristics.
- Present on quality material protective film from ultraviolet radiation and one of the bluish sides has a mark about its application, which allows you to navigate when performing installation work.
- High-quality products have accompanying documentation, which should contain the following data: weight, size, warranty and information about ultraviolet protection.
- When purchasing polycarbonate, you need to pay attention to the quality of the packaging material.
Commercially available sheets differ in thickness, color, manufacturer, and may have an ultraviolet coating. Which material should you prefer and which polycarbonate should you choose for the greenhouse?
Material thickness
The thickness of the material directly affects the strength characteristics of the material. Depending on its size, polycarbonate sheets are used for the manufacture of the following structures:
from 4 mm sheet makes canopies and greenhouses,
6 mm polycarbonate is used for small-area greenhouses,
medium-sized greenhouses are covered with 8 mm sheets,
10 mm polycarbonate is used for continuous coating vertical surfaces swimming pools, sports facilities,
the 16 mm thick coating can withstand heavy loads and is used for roofing greenhouse complexes.
The choice of polycarbonate thickness must be approached comprehensively and all characteristics taken into account. You should not use thin, fragile material; in this case, it is necessary to reduce the size of the cells of the frame sheathing; it retains heat less well. But a thick sheet transmits light worse and has more weight, which will require a more powerful frame. Depending on the thickness, the permissible bending radius of the sheet changes.
For the manufacture of greenhouses, polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm is used. A comparison of the performance characteristics of polycarbonate depending on the sheet thickness is given in the table.
Color selection
The beautiful color of the greenhouse covering will undoubtedly decorate country cottage area. Only the main purpose of the shelter is to create the maximum favorable conditions for growing plants, therefore polycarbonate should provide maximum luminous flux in a color that is closest to natural. Therefore, experts advise giving preference to transparent, colorless material with light transmittance of at least 80%.
Giving preference to beautiful colors, it is necessary to take into account that bronze sheets do not transmit up to 60%, while the green-colored coating retains 40% of light. This negatively affects plant growth and productivity.
Do you need a UV filter?
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, destructive processes can begin on the surface of the plastic, leading to the appearance of microcracks. Deterioration of the integrity of polycarbonate can occur in one season. To protect the material from solar destruction, it is applied to one of its surfaces. protective covering and an indicator mark is placed.
Some types of polycarbonate are produced with protective holes on both sides, but for a greenhouse there is no need for such precautions, since the sun's rays only affect one side of the plastic. Double-sided coating is more suitable for billboards.
Polycarbonate service life
European companies are confident in the quality of their products and guarantee 20 years of work. Domestic materials are designed for 7-10 years. Cheap Chinese plastics have a short service life, often up to 7 years.
The most popular polycarbonate manufacturers
Manufacturer - Austrian company GE Plastics - reliable supplier quality materials. Currently, this polycarbonate is in high demand. The sheets have double-sided UV protection, which allows them to maintain their high user characteristics for a long time. Panels are available in 2, 3 or more layers and in a wide range of colors. Lexan polycarbonate is many times stronger than glass and has unique heat-insulating characteristics. Greenhouses made of this material allow you to harvest a rich harvest.
A new type of economy class polycarbonate. Polycarbonate brand - SafPlast Innovative (Russia). Plastic has heat-saving and light-scattering properties. UV protection is located with top side panels. At correct operation can last up to 15 years.
Cellular polycarbonate produced in Russia.
Structurally, it represents hollow panels, with stiffening ribs and several polycarbonate layers that form polycarbonate thermal insulation cells. The service life is short, only 3-5 years.
