Alexei Volkov
When it comes to choosing the right plastic for your greenhouse, there are several factors to consider, including thickness, transparency, durability, and cost. The thickness of greenhouse plastic, typically ranging from 3 to 12 mil, plays a significant role in its durability and insulation properties. A thickness of 6 mil is commonly recommended as it balances strength, longevity, and light transmission. Environmental conditions, such as wind and hail, should also be considered when selecting plastic for your greenhouse. Woven plastic, available in 8 and 11 mil thicknesses, offers increased strength and puncture resistance, making it ideal for harsh weather conditions. Greenhouse plastic also comes in various transparency levels, including clear, opaque, and white, each offering different light transmission properties. Clear plastic allows the most light and is suitable for most gardeners, while opaque plastic filters light, making it useful in warm climates. Cost is another factor, with polyethylene plastic being inexpensive and widely used, but requiring replacement every few years. Ultimately, the best plastic for a greenhouse depends on specific needs, including local climate, structure, budget, and plant requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Thickness | 3-12 mil (most common is 6 mil) |
| Plastic Type | Woven or Regular |
| Plastic Transparency | Clear, Opaque, White |
| Plastic Layers | Single or Double |
| Plastic Features | Anti-drip, Anti-dust, Infrared Tint, UV Protection |
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What You'll Learn
Thickness
The thickness of plastic sheeting for a greenhouse is typically offered in a range from 3 mil to 12 mil, with the most common thickness being 6 mil. It is important to note that "mil" is not a millimetre, but a unit of measurement equalling one-thousandth of an inch. For example, 0.006 could also be read as 6 mil. An imperial millimetre is approximately 39 mils thick.
The thickness of your greenhouse plastic is critical and will depend on several factors, including your local climate, greenhouse structure, budget, and plant requirements. For instance, if your greenhouse is built from weaker material and the plastic sheeting is too heavy, the structure will collapse, especially in strong weather conditions.
A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Thickness also correlates with durability. The thicker the plastic, the stronger it will be. Woven plastic, for example, is incredibly strong and puncture-resistant, making it ideal for those who experience frequent thunderstorms and hail.
Other features can also increase durability without increasing thickness, such as UV inhibitors and string reinforcement. If additional strength is needed, such as in high-wind locations, a woven poly or nylon scrim-reinforced material should be considered.
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Durability
The durability of your greenhouse plastic sheeting is a critical feature and will depend on several factors, including your local climate, the structure of your greenhouse, your budget, and the requirements of your plants.
Thickness is a key consideration when it comes to durability. Generally, the thicker the plastic, the stronger it will be. Greenhouse plastic typically ranges from 3 mil to 12 mil in thickness, with 6 mil being the most common. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. However, the ideal thickness for your greenhouse will depend on your specific needs and growing conditions. For example, if your greenhouse is constructed from weaker materials like PVC, thicker plastic sheeting may cause the structure to collapse under heavy loads or in strong winds.
In addition to thickness, other features can enhance the durability of your greenhouse plastic. Woven plastic, for instance, offers increased strength and puncture resistance. It is an excellent option for those living in areas with frequent thunderstorms and hail. Woven plastic is available in 8 mil and 11 mil thicknesses and provides the added benefit of dual-sided functionality, with a matte side offering 60% diffusion and a shiny side offering 30% diffusion.
Reinforced plastic sheeting can also increase durability without adding thickness. String-reinforced sheeting, for instance, can lengthen the life of your greenhouse cover. Additionally, scrim-reinforced materials, such as woven poly or nylon, can provide extra strength in high-wind locations.
Another factor that affects durability is the number of layers of plastic used. A double layer of plastic can provide extra protection from hail and wind, as well as increase the R-factor, a measure of the structure's ability to resist heat loss. An inflated double layer can increase the R-factor from 0.8 to 1.2. However, using multiple pieces of plastic will result in more seams, which can lead to rips and tears.
Finally, additional features such as anti-drip properties and anti-dust properties can enhance the durability of your greenhouse plastic. Anti-drip properties cause water droplets to flatten and run down the sides, reducing the risk of water damage to your plants. Anti-dust properties reduce the electrical charge on the surface, preventing dust buildup, which can reduce light transmission over time.
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Transparency
Greenhouse plastic is available in a variety of transparency levels, including clear, opaque, and white. Clear plastic allows the most light to pass through, making it a popular choice for gardeners. However, it is important to note that thicker plastic will block more light, so this should be considered when deciding on the thickness of your plastic sheeting. Opaque plastic filters light, which can be advantageous in warm climates to prevent plants from overheating. White plastic transmits the least amount of light and is therefore less commonly used.
The thickness of greenhouse plastic is typically measured in "mil", which is equal to one-thousandth of an inch. Greenhouse plastic is commonly available in thicknesses ranging from 3 mil to 12 mil, with 6 mil being the most popular option as it strikes a balance between strength, durability, and light transmission. Thinner plastic sheeting, such as 3 mil or 4 mil, is suitable for temporary structures and general applications. On the other hand, thicker plastic, such as 10 mil or 11 mil, is recommended for heavy-duty use and can provide extra durability in harsh weather conditions.
The level of transparency and thickness of the plastic you choose will depend on various factors, including your local climate, the structure of your greenhouse, your budget, and the requirements of your plants. For example, if you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms and hail, you may want to opt for thicker plastic or consider using a double layer of plastic for added protection and insulation. Additionally, if you are using bees for pollination, you should avoid plastic with UV protection as bees need UV light to locate flowers.
It is important to carefully consider the specific conditions and requirements of your greenhouse setup before making a decision. Consulting with knowledgeable professionals can also help you choose the most suitable plastic for your needs.
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Size
Greenhouse plastic comes in a variety of sizes, with options ranging from 3 mil to 12 mil in thickness. The thickness you choose will depend on several factors, including the size and structure of your greenhouse, your local climate, and your budget.
The most common thickness for greenhouse plastic is 6 mil, which strikes a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Thinner plastic sheeting (3 or 4 mil) is typically used for general applications, such as creating temporary walls or covering materials. On the other hand, thicker plastic (8 mil to 11 mil) is ideal for heavy-duty applications and can provide extra durability, especially in areas with frequent storms or high winds.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider using a double layer of plastic. A double layer provides extra protection from hail and wind and insulation, increasing the R-factor, which measures the structure's ability to resist heat loss. Additionally, the type of material used for your greenhouse frame is important to consider. If your greenhouse is made from weaker materials like PVC, thicker plastic sheeting may cause the structure to collapse under its weight, especially during strong weather events.
When determining the size of plastic you need, it is crucial to measure the length and width of your greenhouse surfaces accurately. Adding a few extra feet is recommended to ensure full coverage. Using multiple pieces of plastic will result in more seams, which can lead to rips and tears over time.
Another factor to consider is the transparency level of the plastic. Clear plastic allows the most light transmission, making it suitable for most gardeners. However, in warm climates, opaque plastic can be beneficial to prevent overheating plants by filtering light. White plastic provides the least light transmission and is typically used for specific applications.
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Features
Greenhouse plastic is a crucial component of any greenhouse, providing an optimal growing environment for plants. The best plastic for your greenhouse depends on your specific setup and needs.
- Thickness: Greenhouse plastic comes in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 3 mil to 12 mil. The most common thickness is 6 mil, which provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Thicker plastics, such as 8 mil or 11 mil, offer extra durability and puncture resistance, making them ideal for areas with frequent thunderstorms and hail.
- Transparency: Greenhouse plastic is available in different transparency levels, including clear, opaque, and white. Clear plastic allows the most light and is suitable for most gardeners. Opaque plastic filters light, which can be beneficial in warm climates to prevent overheating plants. White plastic provides the least light transmission and is less commonly used.
- Single vs. Double Layer: Using a double layer of plastic provides extra protection from hail and wind, increases insulation, and improves the structure's ability to retain heat. However, it slightly reduces light transmission compared to a single layer.
- UV Protection: Greenhouse plastic with UV protection blocks UV rays, which can help reduce the impact of pests like aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. However, it may not be ideal if you use bees for pollination as bees need UV light to locate flowers.
- Anti-drip Properties: Anti-drip properties cause water droplets to flatten and run down the sides of the plastic instead of onto the plants, helping to maintain a dry environment for your plants.
- Anti-dust Properties: Anti-dust properties reduce the electrical charge on the surface of the plastic, preventing dust buildup. This not only improves the appearance of the greenhouse but also maintains optimal light transmission.
- Infrared Tint: An infrared tint is added to some greenhouse plastics to reduce heat loss, making it ideal for cold weather climates.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal thickness of plastic for a greenhouse depends on your specific setup and needs. A thickness of 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. However, if you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms and hail, you may want to consider thicker plastic, such as 8 mil or 11 mil woven greenhouse plastic, which offers increased strength and puncture resistance.
When selecting the thickness of your greenhouse plastic, you should consider your local climate, greenhouse structure, budget constraints, and plant requirements. For example, if you live in an area with strong winds or heavy snowfall, you may need thicker plastic to withstand these conditions. Additionally, the material of your greenhouse frame can also impact the thickness of plastic you choose.
Using a double layer of greenhouse plastic can provide extra protection from hail and wind, and increase insulation, making it ideal for cold climates. It also increases the R-factor, which measures the structure's ability to resist losing heat. However, it's important to note that a double layer may result in slightly lower light transmission compared to a single layer.
