Greenhouse Plastic: Calculating Your Coverage Needs

When building a greenhouse, it's important to consider the type of plastic you'll need. The thickness of the plastic, or 'mil', will depend on how long you want the greenhouse to last and the weather conditions it will need to withstand. For example, if you're looking for a single-season greenhouse, you might opt for a 6mil plastic, whereas a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons and heavy winds will require a heavier-duty option, such as 9mil plastic. In addition to thickness, you'll also need to measure the length, width, and height of your greenhouse to determine the required amount of plastic.

Measurements: Length, width and height of your greenhouse, plus the over-the-top measurement

To work out how much greenhouse plastic you need, you must first measure the length, width and height of your greenhouse. Then, measure from the ground on one side, up over the arch or peak of the roof, and back down to the ground on the other side. This is your 'over-the-top' measurement.

Make a note of all these measurements. The length and width of the plastic you need for the top will be the length of your greenhouse, plus the over-the-top measurement, plus a foot in every direction. For example, if your greenhouse is 6 feet long and has an over-the-top measurement of 11 feet, you'll need something that's about 8 feet by 13 feet.

If you live in an area where a greenhouse is mostly for pest control and fine-tuning the climate, you won't need much more than a utility-grade polyethylene plastic. This is 6 mil, which gives it a little more durability, but it's not made to be in the sun for months on end. If you're using it for a single season at a time, you may get a couple of years out of this plastic. If your greenhouse needs to withstand multiple seasons, you're likely going to want the heavier option of 6mil plastic. This will provide good rainshed qualities and act like a much more rigid structure. It will hold up to most light winds.

Durability: 6mil plastic is durable for multiple seasons, but not for months on end

When building a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons, 6mil plastic is a good option. This type of plastic is durable enough to last for multiple seasons, but not for months on end. It will provide good rainshed qualities and act like a much more rigid structure. It will hold up to most light winds, but heavy wind conditions may require extra precautions to be taken to ensure the greenhouse's stability.

The durability of 6mil plastic is due in part to its thickness. This thickness gives it a little more durability than thinner plastics. However, it is not made to be in the sun for extended periods of time. If you’re using it for a single season at a time and then cleaning it and storing it, you may get a couple of years out of this plastic.

The UV degradation and elemental exposure will cause the plastic to begin to deteriorate if left in the elements for more than a few months. This is why it is important to clean and store the plastic when not in use.

There are also other options available for greenhouse plastic that offer more durability. For example, Silk Road Greenhouse offers a 9-mil thick option that is made from reinforced polyethylene. This option provides all the UV and condensation resistance of the 6mil plastic, but with added reinforcement.

Weather conditions: Heavy wind conditions may require extra precautions to be taken

When building a greenhouse, it's important to consider the weather conditions it will need to withstand. Heavy wind conditions may require extra precautions to be taken to ensure the stability of your greenhouse.

If you're building a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons, you'll likely want to opt for a heavier plastic option, such as 6mil or 9mil plastic. These thicker plastics will provide more durability and rigidity, which is crucial for withstanding strong winds.

To prepare for heavy wind conditions, it's recommended to first measure the length, width, and height of your greenhouse. Then, measure from the ground on one side, up over the arch or peak of the roof, and back down to the other side. This will give you the required length and width for the plastic you need for the top. Make sure to add a foot to each direction to allow for some flexibility. For example, if your greenhouse is 6 feet long and the over-the-top measurement is 11 feet, you'll need plastic that's about 8 feet by 13 feet.

Additionally, consider using reinforced polyethylene sheeting, which offers UV and condensation resistance. This type of plastic is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements and will help protect your greenhouse from the damaging effects of heavy winds.

By taking these extra precautions and choosing the right type and amount of plastic, you can ensure that your greenhouse remains stable and secure, even in heavy wind conditions.

UV degradation: Plastic will deteriorate after a few months of elemental exposure

When building a greenhouse, it's important to consider the amount of plastic you'll need and the type of plastic you'll use. The amount of plastic you'll need depends on the length, width, and height of your greenhouse. You'll also need to measure from the ground on one side, up over the arch or peak of the roof, and back down to the other side. For example, if your greenhouse is 6 feet long and has an over-the-top measurement of 11 feet, you'll need something that's about 8′ x 13′.

The type of plastic you choose will depend on the climate and how long you plan to use it. If you live in an area like California, where a greenhouse is primarily for pest control and fine-tuning the climate, you may not need a heavy-duty plastic. A utility-grade polyethylene plastic that is 6 mil thick will give you a little more durability, but it's not made to be in the sun for months on end. If you're using it for a single season and then cleaning and storing it, you may get a couple of years out of this plastic.

However, if you're building a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons, you'll want a heavier option, such as 9-mil plastic. This commercial-grade polyethylene sheeting offers UV and condensation resistance and is made to withstand elemental exposure. It's important to note that even with this heavier-duty plastic, UV degradation can still occur after a few months of exposure to the elements. This type of plastic is typically good for a single use and will begin to deteriorate, so it's important to plan for replacement.

Custom panels: Silk Road Greenhouse offers custom panels for gardeners who know their required sizes

Silk Road Greenhouse offers custom panels for gardeners who know their required sizes. The company offers multiple sizes, and will create custom panels for gardeners who know what sizes they need. Larger pieces must be picked up from Del Sur, California.

To calculate the amount of plastic you need, first measure the length, width, and height of your greenhouse. Then measure from the ground on one side up over the arch or peak of the roof and back down to the other side. Your required length and width for the plastic that you need for the top will be the length of your greenhouse plus the over-the-top measurement, plus a foot in every direction. For example, if your greenhouse is 6 feet long and has an over-the-top measurement of 11 feet, you’ll need something that’s about 8′ x 13′.

When you’re building a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons, you’re likely going to want the heavier option of 6mil plastic. Stretched taut over your greenhouse framework, a 6mil plastic will provide good rainshed qualities and act like a much more rigid structure. It will hold up to most light winds. Heavy wind conditions may require extra precautions to be taken to ensure your greenhouse’s stability.

If you live in an area like California where a greenhouse is mostly for pest control and fine-tuning the climate, you really don’t need much more than this visqueen plastic. This utility-grade polyethylene is 6 mil, which gives it a little more durability, but it’s not made to be in the sun for months and months on end. If you’re using it for a single season at a time and then cleaning it and storing it, you may get a couple of years out of this plastic.

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