Who has land plot, are thinking about installing a greenhouse. There are no special questions about how to make the frame. But there is a detail that worries everyone, which polycarbonate is better for a greenhouse. The market is filled with such products and sometimes it is difficult to choose something specific.
In retail trade, both our materials and foreign ones are present. Large price range.
In this article we will tell you how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse, which is better and what you should pay attention to.
Before purchasing, carefully read the labels on protective film. Many sellers often present lightweight and cheap polycarbonate under the name of a leading brand.
Correct manufacturers always indicate in their labeling that this is a lightweight option. And you may not find anything at all in cheap Chinese products.
If you receive an offer to buy material much cheaper than the manufacturer sells, this should alert you. And you can immediately think whether you are rich enough to change polycarbonate for the next season.
Determining quality
The future material for covering the greenhouse is responsible for obtaining the harvest. The strength and stability of the structure and its ability to influence the external environment depend on it.
Therefore, it will be useful to learn some tips that will help you choose a quality product:
Professionals advise checking the documentation for the material.
Quality products always have accompanying documents, which indicates the manufacturer, weight, dimensions, contains full information about UV protection and the warranty obligations are set out in detail.
The packaging of the panels is done with high quality, the products are placed in polyethylene. A marking is always made on the UV-protected side; such a marking must also be located on the edge of the material elements. Without such marking, you should not buy the offered material.
High-quality sheets are packed in film without any swelling or irregularities. If packing is done transparent material, the bluish side on which the UV coating is applied will be visible to the light. There can be no scratches or foreign bodies on this surface.
Choosing polycarbonate
When choosing polycarbonate, many consider the hundredth. IN given time it is in high demand. And the question arises, which cellular polycarbonate is better for a greenhouse. We will try to help in this matter.
Cellular polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels are well suited for greenhouses (see:). They have high transparency of the material. Transmit light about 88%, this often exceeds the performance of standard silicate glass. This indicator does not decrease during operation.
Ultraviolet radiation practically does not pass through panels of this type.
High impact resistance, which 100-200 times higher than glass resistance. And 10 times higher than acrylic.
- The air gap gives the material high thermal insulation properties. The material is 4 mm thick and has twice the thermal insulation of glass. And compared to glass, energy savings reach up to 30%;
- This product is quite fireproof. This is a self-extinguishing material that can only burn with an open fire, which allows it to be used in many industries;
- Easy installation. Allows you to cover surfaces of almost any configuration. Quite flexible. It has high viscosity, which allows the material to be bent at low temperatures, it is possible to bend even along honeycombs without additional heat treatment. During installation, the simplest tools that are available in any household are used. When using standard fasteners, almost any surface can be processed;
- Quite resistant to weather conditions. It can be used at temperatures from -40 to +120*, without losing its optical and mechanical properties. The panels withstand snow and wind tests very well. Excellent protection from UV rays.
Making the right choice
For greenhouse equipment, it is necessary to select polycarbonate (see) in accordance with its quality characteristics. What thickness better polycarbonate for a greenhouse should be determined by the location of the building, the number of racks and much more.
We will now look at how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse.
- First you need to decide on the thickness of the material. The thickness is selected and directly depends on the load of wind and snow, bending and the number of racks. For external use it is not recommended to use material below 8 mm.
- More thin material costs less. But such approach criteria are not correct. You won't always be able to save money on this. When using thinner material, more frequent lathing spacing should be used. These are also costs. This will make the structure heavier. The calculation should be made depending on your type of structure and its features;
Based on the thickness of the material, we can roughly make the following suggestions:
- 4mm, perfectly used for making greenhouses and canopies.
- 6 mm, used for making small greenhouses(small area);
- 8 mm, can be used in medium greenhouses and greenhouses;
- 10 mm, suitable for continuous processing of large vertical surfaces;
- 16 mm, allows you to process roofs over large spans and can withstand increased loads. Often used in greenhouse and greenhouse complexes.
When choosing a material, you should pay attention that the best density of polycarbonate for greenhouse installation is 800 g/m2. It indicates the weight of the material per square meter of sheet. This directly affects the strength of the material, since this indicator depends on the thickness of the stiffeners.
This parameter can also be determined by visual inspection. If the polycarbonate sheets are packed, they should be positioned fairly evenly and not have any waves or kinks. If there is deformation of the stack, you should not take this material, it is not made of high quality.
Work specifics
When choosing polycarbonate, you should take into account some features of working with this material.
- At high temperature, carbonate has the property of increasing in size, and, on the contrary, decreasing as the temperature decreases. This may not be visible to the eye, but should be taken into account during installation. As the air temperature increases by every degree, the material expands by 0.065 mm/m. When making large buildings, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material should be used. If this detail is not taken into account, over time the entire greenhouse structure may become deformed. To avoid this, during installation you should always make gaps between the greenhouse frame and the polycarbonate sheets (see)
. - But you shouldn’t make a very small overlap of sheets during installation. When it gets colder, the material will shrink, which can lead to elements popping out of the structure frame. This must be taken into account during design and installation. This coefficient is 3 mm per linear meter.
The following indicators will help you choose polycarbonate faster:
| Material thickness | Sheet width | Distance between ribs | Minimum bend radius | Factor U |
| 4 mm | 980 mm | 5.7 mm | 0.7 m | 3,9 |
| 6 mm | 1500 mm | 5.7 mm | 1.05 m | 3,7 |
| 8 mm | 1200 mm | 11 mm | 1.4 m | 3,4 |
| 10 mm | 1250 mm | 11 mm | 1.75 m | 3,1 |
| 16 mm | 2100 mm | 20 mm | 2.8 m | 2,4 |
The best polycarbonate for greenhouses is the one that serves its owner for a long time and does not create unnecessary problems. We hope that our advice will help in choosing these products.
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 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 appearing, and can be used as extra bed storage of 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. For honeycomb material typical width is 2.1 m with 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 stormy 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 shady plants (up to 60% light).
It is better to avoid turquoise, opal, and blue colors. 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, because under the sun it is destroyed 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 by 0.5-1 m. Thin ones flexible options You can roll it into a half roll and secure it 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 is soapy water and damp cloths. After cleaning, the walls are wiped dry to maintain better transparency.
Competent choice and work with polycarbonate is the key long service greenhouses, a good harvest without harm to the plants.
The advent of polycarbonate has significantly simplified life for summer residents and owners of large agricultural companies. This material is superior to its closest competitors and glass in many respects, but the expansion of its range has made it difficult to choose and increased the risk of purchasing poor quality product. Today, both those who build a greenhouse with their own hands and those who prefer to buy a ready-made structure are equally concerned about the question of how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse so that the material lasts for many years and provides normal conditions inside the building. Looking ahead, we note that it is worth considering a lot of nuances, but careful approach will be rewarded high durability greenhouses and minimal expenses for repairs.
No. 1. The main advantages of polycarbonate
Why is this one relatively new material instantly captivated summer residents across the country and is rapidly displacing film and glass from their plots? The reasons for its popularity should be sought in features of the material structure. Polycarbonate began to be produced on an industrial scale in the 60s of the last century; it was used in many areas of construction and industry, and material suitable for greenhouses appeared a little later at the suggestion of Israeli scientists.
For arranging greenhouses they use only cellular polycarbonate– the monolithic analogue is heavier and does not have sufficient strength and quality. The material consists of two or three plates parallel to each other, connected by jumpers. The latter play the role of stiffeners, and the space between them, filled with air, increases the thermal insulation qualities of the material. The leaf structure can be single-chamber, double-chamber, etc.
The main advantages of cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses:
Durability high-quality polycarbonate exceeds 10 years, and conscientious manufacturers provide a guarantee of up to 15 years. Among cons The material is unstable to sunlight, like any plastic, but thanks to a special film coating, we managed to get rid of this disadvantage. Others significant shortcomings cellular polycarbonate does not, especially in comparison with other covering materials for greenhouses - the main thing is to buy quality material, and not a handicraft product.
Typically, cellular polycarbonate is produced in sheets with dimensions of 2.1 * 6 m and 2.1 * 12 m, less often 2.1 * 2 m, but the thickness can vary within a wider range (3.5-16 mm), and precisely from It largely depends on the basic parameters of the material. 
No. 2. Selecting the thickness of cellular polycarbonate
Thickness is a determining factor when choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse. In this matter it is important take into account a lot of factors and choose a material that is not too thin, but not too thick: in the first case, strength decreases, in the second, light transmission deteriorates.
The main factors that influence the choice of polycarbonate thickness:
- climate of the region, in particular the height of the snow cover and its weight, which determines the maximum load on the material; in the region;
- frame material. A metal frame has better load-bearing capacity and can withstand higher loads than a wooden one;
- sheathing pitch. The closer the greenhouse frame elements are located to each other, the more durable the structure will be and the less thick the polycarbonate may be needed;
- seasonality of use. If the greenhouse will be used only in the autumn-spring period, then thinner polycarbonate can be chosen. For year-round greenhouses, the material chosen is significantly thicker, because it must withstand not only snow and wind, but also retain heat;
- type of construction. If you plan to build an arched, dome or teardrop-shaped greenhouse, you need to think in advance whether it will be possible to bend the polycarbonate in a certain way. The thinner the material, the higher the bending radius.
How to choose the optimal thickness taking into account all these factors? To get the most exact value, you can turn to professionals. The second option is to buy, the kit already includes polycarbonate of optimal thickness (the type of construction and climatic features). Alternative solution– try to choose the required polycarbonate yourself: complex calculations are not needed, since you can be guided by the practice of using the material, the main parameters of polycarbonate sheets of different thicknesses (in the table below) and data on the climate of the region, which is also easy to obtain on the Internet. 
No. 3. Honeycomb geometry and polycarbonate strength
The partitions inside the polycarbonate form honeycombs, the shape of which significantly affects the strength of the material and its load-bearing capacity. The most common options:
No. 4. Polycarbonate color
Having decided on the required thickness of the material and coming to the store, you can find that polycarbonate is available in a whole range of colors. Which one is better? Of course, transparent, because it allows you to provide plants with lighting as close as possible to natural light, and, moreover, transmits maximum sun rays. Summer residents who want to get maximum yield and do not spend money on additional lighting, choose transparent polycarbonate.
Painted polycarbonate is not able to provide plants with a sufficient level of light: bronze, opal, yellow and green sheets transmit only 40-60% of the light, so it is difficult to talk about normal yields. Some gardeners choose polycarbonate in red and orange shades, citing the fact that the orange and red range of solar radiation is most beneficial for plant growth. It’s hard to argue with this statement if you remember the school course in biology and physics, but there is one “but”: fewer useful rays will pass through, and their quantity will not be enough for the normal growth of most crops, therefore the best choice– transparent polycarbonate.
No. 5. Protection of polycarbonate from ultraviolet rays
Reading about the positive properties of polycarbonate, you might think that this is an ideal material with no disadvantages. Naturally this is not the case. The main disadvantage is the tendency destruction under ultraviolet rays, which trigger the process of photoelectric destruction on the surface, leading to the formation of small cracks. Gradually they grow, causing the panels to become brittle and destroyed. That is why the material needs additional protection. Hard ultraviolet radiation (in the spectrum up to 280 nm) is harmful to plants, so the protective coating protects not only polycarbonate, but also the crops being grown.
Responsible manufacturers use to protect the material special film which is applied coextrusion method, so it does not peel off during operation. Such high quality polycarbonate can easily last about 10 years. There is a material on sale on which a protective film is applied on both sides, but its use does not make sense for greenhouses. When installing sheets, it is important to pay attention to the markings and install the polycarbonate with the protective layer facing outward. 
Unscrupulous manufacturers (often Chinese) produce polycarbonate without any protective coating at all, or they make it symbolic. This means that instead of using a film, simple additives are introduced into the mass, which should protect the material from solar radiation. Such polycarbonate “lives” for a maximum of 2-3 years, then it will have to be replaced, and this is again a waste. Buying initially cheap material, it’s worth thinking three times about the consequences. Information about the presence of a protective coating must be indicated on the package and in the accompanying documentation, since it is impossible to see it externally (thickness is 0.0035-0.006 mm).
No. 6. What does the prefix “light” mean in polycarbonate labeling?
Cunning manufacturers and sellers sometimes mislead buyers by using the designation “light” in the labeling. Choosing such polycarbonate for a greenhouse means overpaying and getting a material with reduced strength. Often thinner polycarbonate is sold under the lightweight version, but the price remains standard. Instead of 4 mm, it can feed material with a thickness of 3.5 mm, instead of 6 mm - 5.5, 8 mm - 7.5 mm, etc. It seems that the difference is small, but with a decrease in thickness (and therefore strength and durability), the price does not fall - not the most profitable purchase. In addition, it is not recommended to use polycarbonate with a thickness of less than 4 mm for a greenhouse. 
No. 7. Size of polycarbonate sheets and features of working with the material
With a width of 2.1 m, polycarbonate sheets are sold mainly in lengths of 6 and 12 m, a deviation of 3 mm in width and 10 mm in length is allowed. The accumulated experience of many summer residents allows us to form a number Tips for the most rational use of the material:
- if the greenhouse has an arched shape, then the length of the arcs of the power structures is recommended to be 6 and 12 m in order to avoid transverse joints;
- it is better to make the distance between the load-bearing elements of the frame such that the joints of the sheets fall on the profile, which increases the strength of the structure;
- When constructing gable greenhouses, it is better to make the walls and roof so that the polycarbonate sheets are divided without residue.
Polycarbonate increases in size in hot weather, and decreases in cold weather. Every degree increase in temperature causes the material to expand by 0.065 mm/m. This should be taken into account when attaching polycarbonate to the frame, leaving small gaps between the sheet of material and the supporting structure.
Caring for polycarbonate is as simple as possible: it needs to be washed several times a year, you can use a weak soap solution, but not aggressive agents. The main goal of such care is to maintain high level transparency. 
No. 8. Polycarbonate manufacturers: who can you trust?
In order to choose the right polycarbonate and subsequently count on its durability, it is important: the fame of its name and durability guarantees(the longer the better, ideally 10-15 years). When purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to certificates, but it is not recommended to go to the market for polycarbonate - they are unlikely to adhere to the necessary storage conditions.
It is not recommended to purchase material from a no-name company - the consequences of such an act are clear without explanation. Considering all the described nuances of choosing polycarbonate, you can find exactly the material that will become ideal solution in each specific case.
Greenhouses made of polycarbonate have long established themselves as the most durable, comfortable and functional. It is not surprising that the demand for them is only increasing every year. And people not only buy ready-made greenhouses made of cellular polycarbonate, but also build them themselves.
However, inexperienced craftsmen always face the problem of what thickness of polycarbonate is best to use for a greenhouse. These are the questions we will answer today.
To understand the basic properties of polycarbonate, you should get to know this material better. So, it was discovered back in the 19th century, but then it was considered side effect certain chemical reactions. It was created again and began to be used only in the middle of the 20th century.
Polycarbonate is a colorless plastic, a thermoplastic polymer, very durable, lightweight, resistant to temperature changes, and optically transparent. Also, one of its main properties is durability. From an environmental point of view, this material is also very good - waste polycarbonate is perfectly recycled into new material.
On a note! These properties are given to polycarbonate by the special structure of its molecules. And the layers themselves, which we are used to seeing in greenhouses, are created from special granules. The range of applications of polycarbonate is very wide: it is used to finish facades, roofs, barriers, etc. are made from it.
Polycarbonate can be monolithic or cellular. The first is a dense sheet that does not have internal voids, and the second is a familiar material that has a certain internal structure - a honeycomb, created thanks to jumpers located between two layers of material.
Types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic
Prices for cellular polycarbonate
cellular polycarbonate
Of course, cellular polycarbonate is much lighter than monolithic, but it also varies in weight. It often depends on weight - the heavier it is, the stronger and more durable it is, which means it better resists the effects of winds and snow pressure. Its mass increases due to the thickness of two sheets fastened with jumpers.
On a note! High-quality polycarbonate will not only be heavier, but also more durable. It lasts 2-3 times longer than economy class material.
However, it cannot be said that a certain thickness is used for the construction of greenhouses. Selection criteria often depend on the climatic conditions of a particular region. In addition, each type of material has its pros and cons.
Criteria influencing the choice of polycarbonate.
- Region of residence. This is one of the most important criteria, since the need to choose a denser or, conversely, thinner material will depend on the wind and snow load.
- Material for greenhouse frame. It is advisable to install denser and heavier polycarbonate on metal carcass, while a lightweight one can be placed on a wooden one.
- Seasonality of operation of the structure. The less the greenhouse is used, the less durable polycarbonate is needed. For example, for structures that are used only in spring or autumn, there is no need to buy thick material.
- The shape of the roof also affects right choice material. For example, if snow can roll off it on its own in winter, then the material can be taken thinner.
Table. The main types of polycarbonate used for the construction of greenhouses and differing in sheet thickness.
| Thickness | Advantages and disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Thickness 4 mm | Polycarbonate with this thickness is most often used for the construction of greenhouses. The fact is that it bends very easily, thanks to this property you can create arched structures from it with your own hands. It is also easy to process and has excellent clarity compared to thicker alternatives. Another plus is the low cost of the material, so it is affordable even for a summer resident with a low income. One of its main disadvantages is the need to install a large number of stiffeners when installing the frame, otherwise there is a high risk that the greenhouse will simply collapse in winter under the pressure of the snow cover. That is why, if you decide to make a greenhouse from polycarbonate 4 mm thick, you should regularly (after each heavy snowfall) clean the snow from it. And such material does not protect well from cold and frost. In general, this polycarbonate is quite suitable for creating a small country greenhouse. |
| Thickness 8-10 mm | This type of polycarbonate is already considered more professional and is suitable not only for amateur summer residents, but also for those who live off income from the garden and consider this not just a hobby. This material retains heat much better than the previous one - you can work in a greenhouse made from it even in winter under certain conditions. Its light transmittance is quite good, although lower than that of thinner coatings. Yes, and when installing the frame you will need fewer ribs, and structures from it can be made much more large sizes than from 4 mm material. By the way, the average service life of such polycarbonate is about 10 years. But the price of this type is already higher, and not everyone can afford to buy it. |
| Thickness 15 mm | Polycarbonate, which has the highest strength among those described. It is frost-resistant and is not afraid of high pressure created by snow. It retains heat well, and therefore is often used to create winter gardens. But the price of such polycarbonate is much higher than that of the first option. |
Based on this, we can conclude that polycarbonate with a thickness of 8 mm can be considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. It is from this that you can create a fairly strong, warm and durable greenhouse in an ordinary garden plot.
Prices for monolithic polycarbonate
monolithic polycarbonate
Color and honeycomb matter
When choosing cellular polycarbonate, you should pay attention to its structure - it also has a significant impact on its strength, light transmittance and overall quality.
On a note! In fact, the honeycomb present in the structure of the material is very important. The point is that they create air gap, which allows the greenhouse to retain heat much better.
There are three types of honeycombs.
- Rectangular. The type of polycarbonate with such honeycombs is used most often. This polycarbonate has low strength, but at the same time it transmits light well and is perfect for creating small greenhouses.
In order not to spend extra money, it is worth clearly weighing all the requirements for the future structure. There is no point in installing a polycarbonate greenhouse with hexagonal honeycombs in a warm and windless region - these will be unjustified costs. And such material transmits light less well, which means it is not suitable for plants, especially light-loving ones, so you will have to spend money on additional lighting.
The color of cellular polycarbonate is also of great importance. In pursuit of fashion, manufacturers now offer material in almost any color - not only yellow, green, red, but even black. But when choosing polycarbonate by color, you should first of all think not about the design, but about the plants that will live in the greenhouse. It is worth carefully familiarizing yourself with the light transmittance of each type, and the lighting should be as close as possible to the natural level - only in this case will the representatives of the flora in the greenhouse be comfortable.
Attention! The light transmission of polycarbonate for plants must be at least 80%.
Not all colored sheets meet this requirement. For example, blue polycarbonate absorbs 40% of solar radiation, and bronze – all 60%. It is also worth remembering that colored polycarbonate often allows only certain part spectrum, and there is no guarantee that it will only block radiation that is dangerous to plants.
Based on the above, we can conclude that the optimal polycarbonate should be transparent and have a square honeycomb. This will be the optimal solution in combination with a material thickness of 8 mm.
Do you need UV protection?
When choosing polycarbonate, it is important to think about whether it will be protected from ultraviolet radiation.
On a note! By the way, a material coated against this part of the spectrum lasts much longer than polycarbonate, which does not have such protection.
With constant exposure to UV radiation, microcracks gradually form on the plastic - the so-called photoelectric destruction begins. Gradually, these cracks increase in size, grow together and thereby destroy the polycarbonate sheet.
To prevent this destruction and increase the service life of the material, polycarbonate is coated with a special layer that protects against UV rays. The coating is applied on one side, on which there will be a mark indicating that the material is not afraid of this type of impact. It is with this mark facing out that the sheet is mounted during installation work to cover the greenhouse.
Attention! Polycarbonate without a protective coating begins to deteriorate within the first year of operation. That is why it is generally unsuitable for greenhouses.
By the way, on some types of polycarbonate such coating can be on both sides. But for greenhouses this will be a waste of money.
Choosing polycarbonate
How to choose the right polycarbonate for a greenhouse that will suit everyone necessary requirements and will it become optimal? Everything is very simple.
Step 2. Think about the shape and dimensions of the structure you want to build on your summer cottage. Remember that for arched greenhouses or structures with steep roof slopes, thinner polycarbonate can be used.
Step 4. Think about what crops you will grow in the greenhouse. Some need a lot of light and warmth, while others need a little light. The choice of polycarbonate, both in terms of thickness and ability to retain heat, will also depend on this.
Step 5. When going to the store, be prepared to take some measurements yourself. Careless sellers may sell you thinner material than what you need. Take a ruler with you.
Step 6. Carefully inspect the sheet you have chosen: it must be intact, have protective film, the stiffeners must be smooth (not bent or broken).
Step 7 Ask the seller for product certificates. Each polycarbonate must have accompanying documents confirming its quality.
Step 8 Check to see if there is a mark on the protective film indicating that the sheet has UV protection.
On a note! There is no point in buying polycarbonate without this protection - it will be a waste of money, since a greenhouse made from it will not last long.
If you are afraid of making a mistake with the choice of polycarbonate, then contact specialists who will accurately calculate the required density and thickness of the material in accordance with the stated requirements. True, their services are not cheap.
Video - Choosing polycarbonate
Manufacturers of polycarbonate
Nowadays the market offers the buyer a large assortment of polycarbonate from various manufacturers.
Table. Characteristics of 4 mm thick cellular polycarbonate from various manufacturers.
| Brand name | Description | Light transmittance,% | Specific gravity, kg/m2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| This is one of the largest polycarbonate producers in Russia. The products are in steady demand, as they have long established themselves as one of the best. A greenhouse made of this polycarbonate lasts more than 12 years. | 84-87 | 0,75 |
| Polycarbonate has excellent characteristics. Average term operation – 8 years. | 81 | 0,8 |
| Produces polycarbonate of the same name. This is a Russian-Israeli company. Their polycarbonate is durable, inexpensive, and lasts a very long time. At correct operation the greenhouse retains its properties for about 10 years. | 82 | 0,65 |
| Chinese brand, produces one of the cheapest cellular polycarbonates. Therefore, it is also popular with consumers. Serves 3-4 years. | 86 | 0,79 |
