Alexei Volkov
Greenhouse plastic is a critical component of any greenhouse structure, acting as a barrier to maintain an ideal controlled environment for growing plants. The thickness of greenhouse plastic typically ranges from 4 to 12 mil, with 6 mil being the recommended thickness for full-season greenhouses in moderate climates. Woven plastic and regular plastic are the two main types of greenhouse plastic. Woven plastic is designed to prevent shadowing and provide superior strength, while regular plastic includes options like clear polyethylene and high diffusion UV plastic. The best type of greenhouse plastic depends on specific needs, including climate and crops.
Characteristics and Values of Greenhouse Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 4-12 mil |
| Durability | Maximum durability provided by thicker 8-12 mil plastic; 6 mil plastic is recommended for full-season greenhouses in moderate climates |
| Type | Woven or Regular; Polyethylene or Polycarbonate |
| Features | Anti-condensation, rot and mildew resistant, tear-resistant, UV-treated, etc. |
| Construction | Requires approximately 1400 empty 2-litre (40-oz) plastic bottles to build a greenhouse that is 8' x 6' |
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What You'll Learn
Greenhouse plastic thickness
Greenhouse plastic is an essential component of any greenhouse structure, acting as a barrier between the inside and outside environments. It helps maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels while protecting plants from harsh weather conditions. The thickness of greenhouse plastic varies, and choosing the right thickness is crucial for optimal performance.
The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils, with thinner 3-4 mil plastic suitable for short-term structures. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often recommended for good performance. Thicker plastic, ranging from 8 to 12 mil, provides maximum durability and is ideal for commercial operations or greenhouses in cold climates, offering greater insulation and longevity over multiple seasons.
The ideal thickness of greenhouse plastic depends on various factors, including the material of the frame, the expected weather conditions, and the specific needs of the plants. If the greenhouse is made of weaker materials like PVC, thicker plastic may cause the structure to collapse, especially during strong weather events. Thicker plastic is more suitable for wood or metal structures and provides better protection against heavy snow, rain, or heat.
To increase the durability of greenhouse plastic without adding thickness, consider options with UV inhibitors or string reinforcement. String-reinforced plastic can withstand the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and last multiple years. Additionally, features like anti-condensate properties help regulate temperature and reduce disease risk by minimising condensation on the inner surface.
When choosing the thickness of greenhouse plastic, it is important to consult experts who can help evaluate your specific growing conditions and recommend the best option for your needs.
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Polyethylene vs polycarbonate greenhouse plastic
When choosing the plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the climate, UV protection, durability, and lifespan to create the best environment for your plants. Polyethylene and polycarbonate are two of the most sought-after materials for greenhouses.
Polyethylene is a versatile, affordable, and economical plastic polymer with good heat retention properties. It is easy to install and maintain, but its durability is compromised when compared to polycarbonate. Polyethylene typically has a lifespan of 2-5 years, although this can be improved with UV treatment. Polyethylene provides superior light transmission, allowing optimal light transmission and diffusing light effectively to prevent harsh rays from damaging plants.
Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and impact resistance. It is highly flexible and lightweight, making installation easy. Polycarbonate provides superior thermal insulation, helping to maintain stable internal temperatures. It is also UV-resistant, which improves its lifespan, although it does require regular maintenance and cleaning due to the development of algae over time. Polycarbonate can last up to 10 years or more under ideal conditions.
Both materials allow optimal light transmission, which is essential for overall plant health. Polycarbonate is a more expensive option, but its durability and insulation properties make it a good choice for regions with extreme weather conditions and prominent temperature variations. Polyethylene, on the other hand, is a good choice for those on a budget, and its heat retention and light transmission properties make it a suitable option for colder months.
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Woven vs regular plastic
When choosing the best plastic covering for your greenhouse, there are several factors to consider, including your local climate, the structure of your greenhouse, your budget, and the requirements of your plants.
Regular polyethylene plastic is the most common plastic used for greenhouses. It is thin (6- to 12-mil), durable, and the least expensive of the four major types of greenhouse plastics. A single layer of polyethylene works well, but a double layer is ideal. Polyethylene typically has a lifespan of 2-5 years.
Woven plastic, on the other hand, is reinforced polyethylene that can be double layered. It features thin strips of polyethylene plastic woven in a grid pattern, resulting in a product that is 15 times stronger than regular polyethylene plastic. Woven plastic has reduced light transmission and is good for domes and arched roofs. It also resists tearing, which can be an issue with regular plastic. Woven plastic is more expensive than regular polyethylene plastic.
If you are looking for the strongest, longest-lasting greenhouse plastic, you should choose a product like Solarig 182. This product is designed to hold heat and is not recommended in areas of high heat without the use of shade cloth. It is made from coated poly with UV additives for extra protection from degrading and added light diffusion for your plants. It comes with a 6-year manufacturer's warranty when used as the interior layer in a 2-layer inflated system.
To increase the lifespan of your greenhouse plastic, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections for damage. It is also crucial to install the plastic correctly and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, which can degrade the plastic over time.
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Using recycled plastic bottles for a greenhouse
Constructing a greenhouse from recycled plastic bottles is a great way to repurpose waste materials and can be an enjoyable activity for both children and adults. It is a relatively cheap and easy project, but it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially for beginners. However, it can be a fun group activity for communities, schools, or organizations.
To build a greenhouse from recycled plastic bottles, you will need a large number of bottles, approximately 1400 empty 2-litre (40-oz) bottles to construct an 8' x 6' greenhouse. You can collect bottles from neighbours, friends, hotels, bars, and restaurants if you don't have enough. Once you have the bottles, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Bottles
Remove any labels from the bottles and give them a good wash. This step is not necessary, but it will make your greenhouse look nicer. You can then cut off the bottoms of the bottles using scissors or a sharp knife.
Step 2: Create the Framework
Stack the bottles on a cane or wire, with the top of one bottle interlocking with the bottle above it. You can use U-shaped nails or staples to attach the bottles to the wire or cane framework. Alternatively, you can fill each bottle with concrete and slide them down a wire to create sturdy poles for your greenhouse.
Step 3: Insulation (Optional)
Plastic bottle greenhouses can be insulated using recycled bits of bubble wrap to keep out cold draughts and protect from rain.
Step 4: Water Collection (Optional)
If you use wire as the centre support and turn the bottles upside down with the open side up, they can act as funnels to collect rainwater for your plants.
Step 5: Planting
Fill the bottom portion of the bottle with soil and poke 1 to 3 holes for seeds. You can use easy-to-grow seeds like beans, peas, radishes, sunflowers, and marigolds. Cover the top portion of the bottle with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band to retain moisture.
Step 6: Observation
Place your mini-greenhouse near a sunny window sill and observe the growth of your plants. Older kids can record their observations and drawings in a seed diary. Enjoy the wonder of plant growth and the satisfaction of repurposing recycled materials!
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Greenhouse plastic weight
The weight of greenhouse plastic depends on the type of plastic and the thickness. The most common type of greenhouse plastic is the standard clear 4-year 6 mil polyethylene plastic. This type of plastic is known to be durable and long-lasting (4+ years) and comes in standard widths ranging from 12 ft to 54 ft. The weight of this type of plastic is approximately 0.0302 lbs per square foot.
There are other types of plastic available for greenhouses, such as woven plastic and regular plastic. Woven plastic is thicker and takes up more space in the lock channel, so it may require a double or deep lock channel for installation. Regular plastic, on the other hand, is thinner and may be more susceptible to tearing or ripping, especially in environmental conditions such as high winds or snow.
The weight of the plastic used for a greenhouse is an important consideration, as it needs to be strong enough to withstand different environmental conditions and provide adequate protection for the plants inside. Thicker plastics, such as the 10 mil or 11 mil variety, may be more suitable for areas with high winds or heavy snowfall, but they will also add more weight to the structure.
When building a greenhouse, it is essential to consider the specific needs and environmental factors that may affect the structure. This includes taking into account the weight of the plastic and choosing a type that is suitable for the local climate and conditions. Additionally, the weight of the plastic can impact the shipping and installation process, requiring additional labour or equipment to unload, move, and install the plastic covering.
Overall, the weight of greenhouse plastic is an important factor to consider when constructing a greenhouse. The standard 6 mil plastic is a common choice due to its durability and affordability, but other options, such as woven plastic or thicker varieties, may be more suitable depending on the specific requirements and environmental conditions of the greenhouse location.
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Frequently asked questions
Greenhouse plastic is a critical component of any greenhouse structure, acting as a barrier between the inside and outside environments.
The best plastic for a greenhouse depends on your specific setup and needs. There are various types of plastic available, including woven plastic and regular plastic, as well as different thicknesses ranging from 4 mil to 12 mil.
The typical thickness of greenhouse plastic depends on the specific needs and climate of the greenhouse. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often recommended for good performance. Thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides maximum durability.
Woven plastic provides superior strength and stability compared to ordinary non-reinforced plastic. It resists expansion and contraction better than regular poly, making it useful in areas with large temperature fluctuations. Woven plastic also prevents shadowing and can retain over 80% strength after 7 years of direct UV light.
