Types of Plastic Greenhouse

When used for greenhouses, the term plastic refers to several kinds of materials. The most widely used are acrylic sheets, fiberglass, polyethylene film and polycarbonate. These materials have different characteristics, but they share common traits. These include resistance to hailstones and that they don’t shatter.

This is their major advantage over glass. Other advantages include being flexible and can be bought in big sheets. This limits the chances of leaks occurring. However, there is no single best plastic material. It all depends on what the gardener needs.

Fiberglass Properties

Fiberglass is translucent, not transparent. The light transmission is similar to glass. Using this material means the greenhouse won’t cast shadows. In terms of heat retention, fiberglass is superior to glass. Fiberglass has UV protection.

Polycarbonate Properties

Here is a plastic greenhouse buying tip for those who want plastic similar to glass; purchase UV treated polycarbonate. Its clarity level is similar to glass. However, it’s stronger.

Compared with other plastic material, polycarbonate is more resistant to fire. The cheapest is single wall polycarbonate. However this doesn’t have the heat retention and strength of double and triple wall polycarbonate.

Polyethylene Film Properties

This is a good choice for simple greenhouses and it is very easy to maintain. After using for three to years, one just has to replace the poly to keep using it.

Plastic Greenhouse Buying Tips: Size Matters

If you plan to use your greenhouse to store several plants, buy a greenhouse that’s larger than what you currently need. It won’t take long before your plant collection grows, so get one as large as possible. Although it’s possible to upgrade, this usually proves more costly. It’s better to buy a large one right now.

Don’t neglect the height. A tall greenhouse provides more ventilation for plants. Tall greenhouses give the air more buffer area, which makes heating easier.

Greenhouses for Year Round Planting

If you want to plant all year round, you must buy a greenhouse that’s tightly sealed. It must be insulated. In addition, high light transmission is required. Here is another plastic greenhouse buying tip: get a unit that has an active ventilation system. Together with an evaporative cooling system, this will keep the temperature steady during hot days.

Greenhouses for Winter Planting

If this is what you want, buy a plastic unit that has good insulation. It’s more expensive but it’s necessary. Insulated coverings are also necessary if the temperatures in your area register 0 F and lower. Again, the dimensions of the greenhouse will play a role here as well.

The cost of the greenhouse must be evaluated carefully. Think of how easy it will be to construct and the maintenance. Along with the other plastic greenhouse buying tips mentioned earlier, a lot of the difficulties in purchasing these units will be simplified.