In recent years, polycarbonate greenhouses have become increasingly popular and look set to overtake glass as the main material used for covering greenhouses. This article highlights a few of the main benefits associated with buying a polycarbonate greenhouse, versus buying a traditional glass greenhouse.
Let’s get started!
1. Better Insulation
Perhaps the most important aspect of polycarbonate is that it provides your greenhouse with better insulation properties than a regular, glass greenhouse.
Plastic has better heat retention properties than glass, and less heat is lost through polycarbonate material than glass. This means that overall, cheap polycarbonate greenhouses have a higher average temperature than traditional greenhouses. Such is essential as it keeps plants warmer and is much more cost-effective to run.
This improved heat retention is key for the overall performance and effectiveness of a greenhouse.
2. Longer Lasting
The characteristics of polycarbonate material mean that it will last longer over time. The material is also stronger than glass, which enables it to take much more damage before it gives way.
As the polycarbonate is much lighter than glass, it’s far easier to fit and handle. Replacing glass sheets can be awkward, as the right size and styrene have to be found, replacing polycarbonate sheets is much easier.
Glass is a complex component when it comes to creating a greenhouse, and it requires a lot of skill and attention; therefore, it is usually done by contractors. A polycarbonate greenhouse is so simple to change, you can carry out any necessary repairs yourself, without the concern of breaking windows
3. Shatter-resistant
Unlike glass, plastic can withstand impacts from footballs, hailstone, and even rocks, all without breaking or displaying other signs of damage. This is ideal if you have children or grandchildren that love playing outdoors.
With glass greenhouses, there is always an element of risk, with potential broken glass. Even the most careful gardeners or horticulturists can accidentally break glass!
4. Better Light Diffusion and UV Protection
As plastic is thicker than glass, it will provide better light diffusion than standard glass, meaning light will spread much more evenly throughout the greenhouse. This is of great advantage to growing plants, as all areas within the greenhouse will see an equal amount of sunlight, which is key for growth.
In many greenhouses, polycarbonate covers would eliminate the need to move plants higher or use any artificial lighting. Additionally, polycarbonate is a natural ultraviolet filter, meaning that it protects your plants from excessive exposure to harmful radiation.
5. Extended Growing Season
The benefits of polycarbonate materials have a significant impact on the overall performance of a greenhouse, which primarily leads to a prolonged growing season.
This allows you to get more out of your plants and vegetables all year round. An extended growing season will allow you to harvest more vegetables or fruits for all the time and money you invest.
If you plan on selling any horticulture, then year-long produce is exactly what you need! A naturally extended growing season means less artificial heating; saving on electricity, money, and most importantly time!
6. More Shapes and Sizes Available
An additional benefit to consider is that polycarbonate greenhouses come in a multitude of shapes and sizes.
Given the high number of offers available today, finding a suitably plastic-covered greenhouse that will meet specific demands for quality and size isn’t that difficult. A modular design will enable you to fit such a structure anywhere in your garden, regardless of how big or small it is.
7. Quicker Installation
Another significant advantage is that you can install plastic greenhouses more quickly. If you want a quick and simple assembly, that you can do yourself it, a polycarbonate greenhouse would generally only take a day to do.
A similar-sized glass greenhouse would require much more time and effort, with some greenhouses needing professional assembly.
8. Cheaper to Buy
In the past, polycarbonate greenhouses used to be much more expensive and went against a traditional, contemporary style. Since then basic prices start much lower, and their appearance has drastically improved. This is mainly down to scientific advancements, in refining the chemical process through which plastic is made.
9. More Customizable Frame
Generally speaking, polycarbonate greenhouses have a wooden frame and glass greenhouses use a steel frame. With a wooden frame, you can paint and treat yourself, simplifying maintenance as well as having control over your style. Metal frames tend to come pre-treated with color and much harder to decorate yourself.
Although classic glass greenhouse styles are likely to stay in our garden for years to come. It might not be too long before polycarbonate greenhouse designs become the future.