Greenhouse Glazing Materials:

There are a lot of different Greenhouse Glazing Materials that are available, and we are often asked which one is the best.

Of course we have our biased opinion, but we will try to keep that out of here for now.

Here are some of the more popular options available:

• Polycarbonate Sheets
• Poly Film or Plastic
• Glass

Out of these options here is the breakdown for comparison, along with some things to keep in mind when making the decision.



Polycarbonate Sheets:

This is by far the strongest greenhouse cover that can be used. It is also the most expensive; however it is also the most durable.

Polycarbonate, although being one of the more expensive options, it is also very popular in that it offers great heat retention, it is very durable, light weight and fairly easy to install.

When comparing this greenhouse glazing material to glass, it is a lot safer to use and very tough to break, and is a very long lasting option. It also diffuses the Sun’s rays.

So all of this should be a factor before the final decision is made. Polycarbonate panels have a lot going for it.

A couple things to keep in mind – make sure that the product you choose is UV protected, or treated.

I have seen polycarbonate sheets at our local Home supply store, however, it is not UV protected and will generally only last a Year. Not a very good Return on Investment in my opinion.

Poly Film or Plastic:

This is the option that is most widely used. And the number 1 choice for covering Hoop Houses or Poly Tunnel Greenhouses . However, any greenhouse fram can be used.

Relatively in-expensive, easy and safe to install (especially when using “wiggle wire” or poly channel), and good at retaining the heat of your greenhouse, especially if you decide to inflate it, which is another topic in itself.

Again, there are many forms of Poly that are available, and once again the local home supply stores do carry it, but they are not the UV protected option.

UV rays are damaging and make these covers brittle and yellow prematurely. A 6 mil is suggested for the minimal in width, and there are many options available from colors to anti-condensation.

A clear, 6mil, UV treated poly should do the trick for most greenhouse projects.

Glass:

Glass is probably the most well known of the Greenhouse glazing materials. It is usually the first picture that comes to mind when someone talks about Greenhouses.

Greenhouses offer a fairly good heat retention, and if you are building your own greenhouse, windows are usually readily available for fairly cheap (if you piece one together, or plan to build a gardening shed).

However, glass can be dangerous and cumbersome to put in, especially if you are doing the build on your own.

It is also pretty susceptible to breaking, and if it does, patching or repair is usually difficult and, unlike the other two options mentioned above.

In Conclusion:

It all comes down to personal preference, budget, and building expertise – which greenhouse glazing material are you the most comfortable in working with?

Price each option out, and have a good idea of the greenhouse you want to build and what it is exactly that you want out of the greenhouse.

And if you are leaning towards the Poly or Polycarbonate, once again, we highly suggest that it is UV protected.