Sofia Martinez
When it comes to selecting the right plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, there are several factors to consider. The type of plastic, thickness, colour, and installation process are all important aspects that can impact the functionality and longevity of your greenhouse. While plastic sheeting is a popular choice for greenhouses, not all plastics are created equal, and choosing the right one is critical to ensure the health and growth of your plants. In this discussion, we will delve into the various options available and provide guidance on how to make an informed decision for your specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polyethylene, Polycarbonate, Copolymer, Polyvinyl |
| Thickness | 4-11 mil (6-10 mil is the most common range) |
| Durability | Polycarbonate is the most durable, lasting up to 10 years. Polyethylene can last 2-3 years, while copolymer plastics can last 5 years with proper care. |
| Light transmission | Clear plastic lets in the most light. Opaque and white plastic fill the greenhouse with diffused light. Polycarbonate has great light transmission. |
| UV protection | Polyethylene plastic with UV protection is available and prolongs the life of the product. |
| Cost | Polycarbonate is more expensive. Polyethylene is inexpensive and lightweight. |
| Flexibility | Polyethylene is flexible and can be moulded around structures. Polycarbonate is rigid. |
| Colour | Clear, opaque, white, and tinted (e.g., red) options are available. |
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What You'll Learn
- Polyethylene plastic is durable, abundant, and easy to work with
- Polycarbonate is more expensive, but more durable and shatter-proof
- Thickness: 6-10 mil is the most common range, with thicker plastic letting less light through
- Colour: clear, opaque, or white, with clear letting in the most light
- UV protection: UV stabilisers are required to protect the plastic from intense sunlight
Polyethylene plastic is durable, abundant, and easy to work with
When choosing the type of plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, polyethylene plastic is a great option. It is durable, abundant, and easy to work with.
Firstly, polyethylene plastic is durable. It is knitted rather than formed into sheets, which means it resists tearing and can stand up to different weather conditions. It is also chemically resilient, which makes it a long-lived pollutant when disposed of improperly. However, it is not readily biodegradable, which can cause difficulties for waste management. Polyethylene plastic also comes in two grades: greenhouse grade and utility grade. The latter is cheaper and more readily available, but it might not last more than a year or two.
Secondly, polyethylene plastic is abundant. It is the most commonly produced plastic, with over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene resins produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market. This means it is not difficult to find and use this plastic to create a greenhouse.
Lastly, polyethylene plastic is easy to work with. It is inexpensive and lightweight compared to glass, and its flexibility allows it to be moulded to rounded structures. It is also available in a wide range of thicknesses, commonly from six to 10 mil. However, thicker plastic lets less light through to the plants. It is also important to note that polyethylene plastic should be installed on a day with low wind speeds to avoid complications.
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Polycarbonate is more expensive, but more durable and shatter-proof
When choosing plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, it's essential to consider the material's durability and longevity. While there are various types of plastic available, polycarbonate stands out as a premium option, offering superior performance at a higher price point.
Polycarbonate plastic sheeting is significantly more expensive than other options like polyethylene or acrylic. However, its durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a long-lasting solution. Polycarbonate is known for its exceptional impact resistance, being up to 250 times more impact-resistant than tempered glass. This shatter-proof quality ensures that your greenhouse can withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental impacts without compromising its structural integrity.
The durability of polycarbonate sheeting is further enhanced by its ability to withstand UV rays. Unlike regular plastic, which can quickly deteriorate when exposed to intense sunlight, polycarbonate plastic is designed with UV stabilizers, preventing it from shredding or disintegrating. This feature extends the lifespan of your greenhouse, saving you the hassle and cost of frequent replacements.
In addition to its durability, polycarbonate sheeting offers excellent light transmission, allowing ample sunlight to reach your plants. It also provides superior heat insulation, helping to maintain a warmer environment during the colder months. These features create an optimal growing environment for your plants, promoting their growth and health.
While polycarbonate plastic sheeting may come with a higher upfront cost, its extended lifespan, durability, and performance make it a cost-effective solution over time. If you're seeking a greenhouse covering that offers superior protection, longevity, and light transmission, polycarbonate is an ideal choice, despite its higher price tag.
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Thickness: 6-10 mil is the most common range, with thicker plastic letting less light through
The thickness of plastic sheeting for greenhouses is an important consideration, as it will impact the durability and lifespan of the structure. The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic sheeting is 3 to 12 mils, but the most common range is 6 to 10 mil.
For those seeking an option that will last several years, 8 mil plastic is a good choice. It is stronger than 6 mil while still providing good light transmittance of around 90%. This thickness is a great option for those who experience extreme weather conditions, as it offers more durability.
However, as the thickness of the plastic increases, the amount of light that can pass through decreases. At 10 mil, light transmittance dips to approximately 85%. This thicker option is more expensive but provides added strength and durability, making it ideal for larger commercial operations.
For most backyard gardeners and growers, 6 mil greenhouse plastic is strong enough to meet their needs. It is recommended for full-season protection in most climates and can last 2-4 years. This thickness strikes a balance between durability and light transmission, making it a popular choice for greenhouses.
Overall, when selecting the thickness of plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, it is essential to consider the specific needs and environmental conditions of the structure. Thicker plastic provides greater durability but lets less light through, so finding the right balance is key.
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Colour: clear, opaque, or white, with clear letting in the most light
Greenhouse plastic sheeting comes in various colours and transparency levels, including clear, opaque, and white. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different plant needs and environmental conditions.
Clear plastic sheeting allows for maximum light transmission, making it ideal for crops needing direct sunlight. It is a popular choice for gardeners in colder climates as it helps warm the soil and encourages seed germination. However, clear plastic also retains high heat, which can be detrimental in warm climates.
Opaque plastic sheeting filters light and reduces light transmission, making it suitable for warm climates to avoid overheating plants. It provides diffused light, which promotes balanced plant growth and prevents hot spots within the greenhouse. Opaque plastic is generally more expensive than clear plastic and may not be suitable for seeds that require direct sunlight.
White plastic sheeting is another option that provides diffused light and reduces heat. It is available in translucent or opaque varieties, depending on thickness. White plastic sheeting is ideal for evenly distributing light and reducing hot temperatures in the greenhouse. However, it provides the least light transmission compared to clear and opaque options, limiting its applications.
The choice between clear, opaque, or white plastic sheeting depends on the specific needs of the plants and the environmental conditions. Clear plastic is generally preferred in colder climates, while opaque or white plastic is better suited for warm climates to prevent overheating. Additionally, clear plastic is ideal for seed germination, while opaque or white plastic promotes balanced growth for plants that will live their entire lives in the greenhouse.
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UV protection: UV stabilisers are required to protect the plastic from intense sunlight
When selecting a plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the role of UV protection. UV stabilisers are necessary to protect the plastic from intense sunlight, which can cause the plastic to shred and deteriorate over time.
Regular plastic sheeting from hardware stores is not suitable for greenhouses as it lacks UV stabilisers. This type of plastic will quickly degrade when exposed to sunlight, leading to premature replacement. On the other hand, greenhouse plastic is designed with UV protection in mind, ensuring durability and longevity.
Polyethylene plastic, a common choice for greenhouses, is available with UV protection. This type of plastic can be found in two grades: greenhouse grade and utility grade. While utility-grade polyethylene plastic is more readily available and affordable, it may only last a year or two. In contrast, greenhouse-grade polyethylene plastic is specifically designed for greenhouses and offers UV protection to prolong its lifespan.
Another option for greenhouse plastic is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is more expensive than polyethylene, but it offers superior durability and can last up to 10 years. It is also better at withstanding heat and UV rays. Polycarbonate greenhouses tend to stay warmer during winter compared to glass greenhouses.
When choosing plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, it is advisable to select a thickness of at least 6 mil. This thickness is considered heavy-duty and is expected to last 4 years or longer. Thicker options, such as 8 mil or 10 mil, are also available and provide even greater durability.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyethylene plastic is the most common type of plastic sheeting for greenhouses. It is easy to work with, durable, and comes in two grades: commercial and utility. Polycarbonate is another option, but it is more expensive and less flexible.
The thickness of plastic sheeting for a greenhouse can vary depending on your needs. A thickness of 6 mil is the standard recommended by the NCRS and will last 4 years or longer. Thicker plastic, such as 8, 10, or 11 mil, will provide more durability but will also let less light through to the plants.
Greenhouse plastic sheeting typically comes in clear, opaque, or white. Clear plastic lets in the most light, while opaque and white fill the greenhouse with diffused light to promote balanced plant growth. Some plants may prefer tinted plastic, such as red.
