Chloe Zhang
Greenhouse plastic film is a popular choice for growers due to its ease of installation and affordability. It is important to select the right type of plastic film to ensure the health and longevity of your plants. The main methods to install UV plastic in a greenhouse are the wiggle wire and lock channel method, which provides a secure grip, and the use of staples or screws, which can tear the plastic. The plastic film should also be UV-resistant to prevent degradation and discolouration from UV radiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation Method | Wiggle wire and lock channel |
| Plastic Type | Polyethylene |
| Plastic Thickness | 4, 6, 8, 10, 11 mil |
| UV Protection | UV stabilizers, UV blocking, UV transmitting |
| Light Transmission | 83%-99% |
| Durability | Resistant to tears and rips, puncture resistant |
| Warranty | 1-4 years |
| Cost | Less expensive than glass panels or polycarbonate sheets |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic
When choosing plastic for your greenhouse, it's important to select a material that is durable and provides adequate protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right plastic:
UV Protection
UV radiation from the sun can cause plastic sheeting to deteriorate over time, making it brittle, discoloured, and weak. To prevent this, look for plastic that has been treated with UV stabilizers or additives. These additives help to extend the lifespan of the plastic by absorbing and stabilizing UV radiation. Without UV protection, the plastic sheeting will break down within months.
Thickness
The thickness of the plastic film is also an important consideration. Thicker plastic, such as 8 mil, 10 mil, or 11 mil, is more durable and resistant to tears and rips. It provides extra protection against the elements and can increase the ability of your greenhouse to withstand heavy snow loads, cooler temperatures, and sustained winds. Thicker plastic also tends to have a longer warranty. However, keep in mind that thicker plastic may reduce the amount of light that reaches your plants.
Light Transmission
Light transmission refers to the amount of light that passes through the plastic and reaches your plants. A good light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic is typically between 83% and 99%. Clear plastic can provide excellent light transmission, but it may also allow for more UV exposure, so ensure your plastic has UV protection. Some plants may also require specialised UV transmission, such as roses and other aromatic flowers, which need UV light to enhance their fragrance and colour.
Material
Polyethylene is a popular and inexpensive choice for greenhouse plastic. It is versatile, durable, and provides many of the benefits of traditional greenhouse panels without the high cost. It also offers good light diffusion, spreading light more evenly to the lower parts of the plant. However, polyethylene is susceptible to damage from UV radiation, so ensure it has been treated with UV stabilizers. Other materials to consider include polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride.
Warranty
Consider choosing a plastic film that comes with a warranty. This will give you peace of mind and protect your investment in case the plastic does not perform as expected. Warranties can range from one to four years or more, depending on the quality of the plastic.
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Installation methods
When installing UV plastic for a greenhouse, there are several methods and factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of plastic. Polyethylene plastic is a popular choice due to its versatility, durability, and flexibility. It offers UV protection and light diffusion, enhancing plant growth. However, standard plastic sheeting from hardware stores should be avoided as it lacks UV stabilizers, causing it to quickly shred under intense sunlight.
The main installation methods for UV plastic in greenhouses are:
- Wiggle Wire and Lock Channel: This method provides a secure grip for the plastic. The wiggle wire runs the entire length of the greenhouse and is less likely to tear the cover in high winds compared to staples or screws. However, it requires time to stretch the plastic before stapling or screwing, and the small holes created by fasteners must be patched.
- Stapling or Screwing: This method involves stretching the plastic over the greenhouse frame and securing it with staples or screws. While faster, this method can create small holes in the plastic, and re-stretching is required after fastening.
To ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your UV plastic, consider the following:
- Thickness: Thicker plastic, such as 8, 10, or 11 mil plastic film, offers extra protection against tears, rips, and punctures. It also provides better insulation against heavy snow loads, cooler temperatures, and sustained winds.
- UV Treatments: Choose plastic with UV additives or UV-blocking properties to prevent degradation and extend its lifespan. UV-resistant plastic can withstand sunlight for up to four years without breaking down.
- Light Transmission: Aim for a light transmission rate between 83% and 99%. Clear plastic allows more sunlight to reach your plants, aiding germination and growth.
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Adding UV protection
When installing UV plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the level of UV protection required. UV light, or ultraviolet light, accounts for at least 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the sun. It has the ability to deteriorate chemical bonds, causing plastic sheeting to become brittle, discoloured, and weak over time. Therefore, it is essential to select a plastic film that offers adequate UV protection.
There are several options available for UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting. One option is to choose a plastic film that is infused with special resins, which can keep the film flexible in cold weather while remaining stable in hot weather. This type of plastic sheeting is ideal for high UV areas and typically has a higher light transmission rate, allowing your plants to receive the sunlight they need.
Another option is to look for plastic sheeting with UV stabilizers or additives. These additives are crucial for the plastic to withstand intense sunlight and prevent premature shredding. The UV stabilizers are added during the manufacturing process and can extend the lifespan of the film by several years. Without these additives, the plastic sheeting will break down within months.
When selecting UV-resistant plastic sheeting, it is also important to consider the specific needs of your plants. For example, if you rely on bees for pollination, you will need plastic sheeting with Open UV, also known as UV Transmitting. This allows the UV spectrum to shine through, helping bees locate nectar sources. Similarly, many plants, including roses and aromatic flowers, require Open UV to enhance their fragrance and colour.
Finally, when installing UV plastic for your greenhouse, consider the method of attachment. One popular method is the wiggle wire and lock channel system. This method provides a secure grip for the plastic and is less likely to tear compared to staples or screws. However, it requires spending extra time stretching the plastic before attaching it, and the staples or screws can create small holes in the plastic cover.
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Maintenance and durability
Maintenance of UV plastic for greenhouses is important to ensure durability and longevity. Here are some key considerations for maintaining and extending the lifespan of UV plastic:
Choose the Right Type of Plastic
Opt for plastic films and netting made from materials such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. These materials are known for their flexibility and durability. Polyethylene, in particular, is a popular choice due to its versatility, ease of use, and strength. Ensure the plastic has UV stabilizers or additives to protect against UV radiation, which can cause deterioration and discolouration.
Thickness and Warranty
Thicker plastic films, such as those with a thickness of 8-11 mil, offer extra protection against tears, rips, and punctures. They also provide better insulation, which can create a more stable environment for plants. Thicker plastics often come with longer warranties, ranging from four years to lifetime warranties.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation is key to maintaining UV plastic. The wiggle wire and lock channel method is a popular and secure way to install polyethylene plastic, providing a tight grip without putting holes in the plastic. Regularly clean the plastic to remove dust and smog, which can reduce light transmission over time. Additionally, be mindful of harsh weather conditions like heavy snowfall, which can cause greenhouses to collapse.
Light Transmission
UV blocking or UV resistant plastic sheeting does not block all light, but rather blocks the UV spectrum to prevent degradation. A good light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic sheeting is between 83% and 99%. Clear greenhouse plastic with high light transmission, such as 90%, ensures plants receive sufficient sunlight for germination and growth.
Pest Control and Plant Health
UV-resistant plastic sheeting can also offer pest control benefits by reducing common greenhouse pests like whiteflies, aphids, and gnats. However, if you rely on bees for pollination, consider using Open UV or UV Transmitting plastic, which allows bees to locate nectar sources. Additionally, UV light can enhance the fragrance and colour of certain plants, like roses and other aromatic flowers.
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Light transmission
When installing UV plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the light transmission properties of the plastic. Light transmission refers to how much light reaches the plants. A good light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic sheeting is between 83% and 99%. As the greenhouse cover ages and becomes cloudy with dust and smog, the light transmission is reduced.
UV light, or ultraviolet light, is an invisible light that makes up at least 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the sun. UV degradation breaks down polymers in plastic sheeting, causing the sheeting to become brittle, discolored, and weak. UV-resistant plastic sheeting, also known as UV blocking, has UV stabilizers added to the resin during the manufacturing process to extend the lifespan of the film. These UV stabilizers prevent the plastic from breaking down and protect crops from UV damage.
When choosing a UV plastic for your greenhouse, consider the thickness and UV protection it offers. Thicker plastic, such as 8 mil or 10 mil, provides extra protection against tears and rips and can have a longer warranty. Polyethylene plastic is a popular choice for greenhouses due to its versatility, durability, and UV protection properties. It provides light diffusion, spreading light more evenly to the lower parts of the plant and preventing hotspots.
To maximize light transmission, consider using clear poly film UV-resistant plastic. Some options offer 90% light transmission with 4 to 5 years of UV protection. This type of plastic provides superior clarity, strength, and weather resistance while allowing ample light to reach your plants for optimal growth.
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Frequently asked questions
UV plastic for greenhouses is a plastic film that is UV resistant, protecting the plastic and the plants from degradation and damage.
A good light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic sheeting is between 83% and 99%. UV block, UV resistance, and UV transmission are terms used to describe how the sun will affect the plastic and how light is transmitted to plants.
The wiggle wire and lock channel method is a quick, cheap, and secure way to install polyethylene plastic in your greenhouse. The wiggle wire holds tight to the greenhouse for the entire length, and the lock channel is easily installed.
