Omar Khalid
When building a greenhouse, one of the most important considerations is the type of covering used. 6 mil plastic sheeting is a commonly used option, known for its versatility and effectiveness in greenhouses. It offers a smaller initial investment compared to other options like SolaWrap, but it may not be as durable in the long run, especially in harsh weather conditions. This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using 6 mil plastic for greenhouses, including its UV protection, light transmission, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light transmission | 90% |
| Durability | Not very durable in storms, heavy snow, or hail |
| Tensile strength | Varies between products |
| UV protection | Yes |
| R-value | 0.85 for a single layer of polyethylene film |
| Thickness | 6 mil |
| Cost | Smaller initial investment |
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What You'll Learn
6 mil plastic is a good, cost-effective option for greenhouses
6 mil plastic sheeting is a good, cost-effective option for greenhouses, especially for those looking for an affordable initial investment. While it may not last for many years, it is a quick and inexpensive fix, especially when compared to other options like Solawrap.
One of the benefits of 6 mil plastic sheeting is that it offers UV protection, which can help extend its lifespan. The UV-treated plastic is ideal for high UV areas and can last for up to four years. This feature also helps prevent the breakdown and tearing of the plastic, which can be caused by the sun or the heat absorption of PVC.
The 6 mil plastic sheeting also has a high light transmission of 90%, allowing plants to receive the sunlight they need for germination and growth. This clear plastic option is excellent for those looking to maximise light exposure.
Additionally, 6 mil plastic sheeting is available in a variety of colours, including clear and white opaque. The white option is popular for those looking to reduce heat in the greenhouse, although it reduces light transmission by almost half per layer.
Overall, 6 mil plastic sheeting is a good, cost-effective option for those seeking a short-term solution for their greenhouses, providing UV protection and high light transmission at an affordable price.
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It offers UV protection and tensile strength
6 mil plastic sheeting is a common choice for greenhouses. It is a relatively small initial investment, but it may not last for many years, especially in harsh weather conditions. For instance, if there is a storm, heavy snow, or hail, the plastic could rip. However, some users have reported that their 6 mil plastic held up under the weight of snow, although it did stretch.
When selecting a 6 mil plastic sheet for a greenhouse, it is important to ensure it offers UV protection. The sun is an enemy to all plastic sheeting, and UV-treated plastic can help prevent breakdown and tearing. This is especially important if your greenhouse uses PVC, as the PVC may absorb heat and speed up the breakdown of the plastic.
Some 6 mil plastic sheeting is rated to last for four years and is infused with special resins to keep the film flexible in cold weather and stable in hot weather. This makes it ideal for high-UV areas.
In addition to UV protection, the tensile strength of 6 mil plastic sheeting is also important. Some versions have better tensile strength than others, and this can help prevent ripping, tearing, and puncturing. For example, reinforced polyethylene greenhouse films offer a high-strength, durable, yet lightweight option. This type of plastic has a cord grid placed between two layers of plastic, providing exceptional resistance to damage.
Overall, 6 mil plastic sheeting can be a good choice for a greenhouse, especially with the right UV protection and tensile strength, but it may not be as durable as more expensive options in the long run.
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It is available in opaque white to reduce heat
6 mil plastic sheeting is a common choice for greenhouses. It is available in opaque white to reduce heat, as well as in clear plastic. The opaque white option is a popular choice when the goal is to reduce heat in the greenhouse. While this option reduces light transmission by almost half per layer, it is a good choice for those looking to lower temperatures inside their greenhouse.
The clear variety of 6 mil plastic sheeting is also a popular option for greenhouses. It has a 90% light transmission rate, which is excellent for germination and growth. This variety is UV-treated and rated for 4 years of service. It is infused with special resins to keep the film flexible in cold weather and stable in hot weather.
When selecting a 6 mil plastic sheeting for your greenhouse, it is important to ensure it is not a product made in China. Typically, a single layer of polyethylene film has an R-value of approximately 0.85. A double poly cover consisting of two layers of poly has an R-value of approximately 1.25. Greenhouse plastic will offer some UV protection, and some versions are more resistant to tearing than others.
One issue with greenhouse plastic is the potential for ripping where the plastic touches PVC. This issue is more commonly reported by growers who do not use a film that offers UV protection. The PVC may absorb heat and speed up the breakdown of the plastic. Chlorine in PVC may also contribute to the breakdown and tearing of the plastic.
While 6 mil plastic sheeting is a smaller initial investment, it may not last many years, especially in harsh weather conditions. For those seeking a more durable option, Solawrap greenhouse covering is a cost-effective alternative that holds up under heavy snow loads, high winds, and rough weather.
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It is susceptible to rips and tears in harsh weather
6 mil plastic sheeting is a popular choice for greenhouses. It is available in a clear or white opaque finish, with the latter being a good option for reducing heat in the greenhouse. It is also available in UV-resistant varieties, which are ideal for high-UV areas.
However, 6 mil plastic sheeting is susceptible to rips and tears in harsh weather. While it can withstand some snow, as one user reported, it may stretch and is not ideal for heavy snow or hail. It is also not the best option for high winds or extreme weather conditions. In such cases, the plastic may rip, especially where it touches PVC, as the PVC may absorb heat and speed up the breakdown of the plastic.
For harsh weather conditions, reinforced plastic sheeting is a better option. String-reinforced 10 mil plastic sheeting, for example, is engineered for demanding environments and offers exceptional resistance to ripping, tearing, puncturing, and shredding. It features a heavy-duty layer of string reinforcement between two layers of high-strength virgin film, plus an additional layer of molten polyethylene for added resilience.
Another option that holds up well under harsh weather conditions is SolaWrap. This product has a high wind rating and can withstand heavy snow loads. While it costs more initially, it is more cost-effective in the long run, as it will not need to be replaced as frequently as 6 mil plastic sheeting.
Overall, while 6 mil plastic sheeting is a good option for some applications, it is susceptible to rips and tears in harsh weather, and there are alternative products that offer greater durability and longevity.
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Polycarbonate panels are an alternative
6 mil plastic is a commonly used material for greenhouse coverings. It provides better durability and strength compared to 4 mil poly plastic. It is also UV treated and rated for 4 years of service. However, if you require enhanced strength and durability, polycarbonate panels are an alternative.
Polycarbonate is a rigid, transparent material known for its exceptional strength and impact resistance. It offers excellent light transmission and UV protection. Polycarbonate panels come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 4 mm to 16 mm. Thicker polycarbonate panels provide better insulation properties and can withstand more extreme weather conditions. They are a popular choice for year-round or high-impact greenhouse applications.
While polycarbonate panels offer superior strength and durability compared to 6 mil plastic, they are typically more expensive. For those on a budget, 6 mil plastic may be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, 6 mil plastic offers good durability for its price point, making it a popular choice for backyard gardeners and growers.
If you are seeking a middle ground between polycarbonate panels and 6 mil plastic, SolaWrap is another alternative. It offers a host of benefits, including a 10-year warranty against UV degradation, excellent insulation, and high transparency. SolaWrap is also more cost-efficient than polycarbonate, providing a balance between performance and price.
When choosing between 6 mil plastic and polycarbonate panels, it is important to consider factors such as your specific climate, desired durability, insulation requirements, light transmission needs, and budget. Consulting with greenhouse experts or suppliers can help guide your decision based on your unique circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
6 mil plastic is good for greenhouses if you're looking for an inexpensive option that will let in a lot of light. However, it may not be the best option if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, as it may not hold up under heavy snow, hail, or high winds.
6 mil plastic is a smaller initial investment than other coverings like SolaWrap, but it may not last as long. SolaWrap, for example, is designed to hold up under heavy snow loads, high winds, and rough weather.
6 mil plastic has a high level of light transmission, with up to 90% light transmission, which is excellent for plant germination and growth. It is also flexible in cold weather while remaining stable in hot weather.
One potential issue with 6 mil plastic is that it may not be as durable as other options, especially in demanding environments. It may also be more prone to ripping or tearing, especially if it does not have UV protection or if it comes into contact with PVC, which can break down the plastic.
6 mil plastic for greenhouses is available from various suppliers, including Farm Plastic Supply, ACF Greenhouses, and Amazon.
