Hi again! We want to welcome you to another article more than Inveurop. In this post we will discuss two materials that are very recurrent create the greenhouses and the differences between them: the polyethylene and polycarbonate.
The transparent outer of a greenhouse is called "glazing" or "cover" of the greenhouse. Are not the "windows" and they are definitely not the "walls".
There are a variety of materials that you can use to build a greenhouse. The material that best suits your greenhouse will depend on your climate, budget, type of construction, and so much more.
If you want to know what are the pros, cons and differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate for your greenhouse crops, tarry to read the full article.
What materials are polycarbonate and polyethylene?
There are differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate. However, we must first know what they are and what is the added value of each one of them.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is thermally efficient, tough, stable and transparent. The polycarbonate is an excellent engineering plastic, which is as clear as glass and two hundred and fifty times stronger.
In addition, it is thirty times stronger than acrylic. Sheets of transparent polycarbonate are also easy to work with in cold weather. Other positive characteristics of this material is its strength and resistance to impacts. In addition, design is inherently flexible.
Also, polycarbonate plastic is found in a wide variety of products, such as greenhouses, DVDs, sunglasses, teams, riot control police, etc
Plastic film (polyethylene)
Polyethylene film (plastic) is also known as ‘Poly-film’ or ‘AgPhane’. This film is common among commercial growers due to its low cost per square meter.
It is a versatile product and can withstand the blows without breaking easily, although it can be susceptible to tears and punctures. The majority of commercial growers in colder climates choose to use a double layer system (with hot air blown between the inner cavity) to provide better thermal insulation.
If you're thinking about installing a tunnel, make sure that the framework is strong enough to withstand the conditions of your area (that is to say, the wind and snow), and that you have a proper system to remove and re-attach the film when you have to replace it.
The quality of the sheets of polyethylene varies considerably and are available in different thicknesses. The thin films, and cheap sold at some hardware stores are generally not suitable for the greenhouse, as they often are not stabilized against UV rays and they deteriorate quickly when exposed to the environment.
Advantages and disadvantages of the polyethylene plastic for greenhouses
The specific type of polyethylene (commonly referred to as "PE" or simply "poly"), which is used for the glazing of the greenhouse is the PE film. Like the plastic used in the kitchen, the film PE plastic is a lightweight and flexible that comes in rolls giants.
Polyethylene is a polymer plastic. Plastic is a very common, found in everything from plastic bags buying up the toys. It is a thermoplastic material, which means that it can withstand a lot of heat before it melts (or, if we want to be scientists, "liquefy"), up to 110ºC.
Polyethylene is used more for greenhouses seasonal trade or greenhouses hoop. The polycarbonate panels are a popular option and much more expensive for the glazing of greenhouses. Although the words sound similar, these two plastics are quite different. The polycarbonate greenhouses are sold in panels of thick and wavy.
Then, we expose the advantages, disadvantages and differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate.
Advantages polyethylene
Low cost
The polyethylene film is the cheapest option to cover your greenhouse, with a difference. But as you read, you'll see why.
Easy installation and versatility
As the polyethylene is presented in rolls of flexible, it is very easy to work with. It is lightweight, can be folded down and is relatively forgiving.
The installation is easy because the picture of PE is very easy to cut to the size you need and give it the shape you need for your greenhouse. By that PE is used so often in the greenhouse business.
Remember that the PE is thin and is not incredibly tough, so don't be too rough when you install it, or you'll have rips and tears before having a greenhouse.
Good light transmission
Compared with glass, the EP is not a great transmitter of light, it prevents burning and helps in photosynthesis. But, in comparison with other options of glazing with plastic greenhouses, the polyethylene has a good light transmission.
You can repair it
The picture of PE is prone to damage and degradation. However, withstands the hits, and is quite easy to repair those small tears and holes.
If you purchase duct tape to repair the polyethylene when you shop the rest of the materials in your greenhouse, you'll be ready to prolong the life of your glazing of PE.
Think of the cost and the effort involved to repair a piece of polycarbonate cracked or broken glass. Comparatively, the PE wins when it comes to repairability. Weighing these costs with those associated to a greenhouse to a more traditional.
Disadvantages polyethylene
Aesthetic
It's not pretty, friends. But hey, maybe they are more important other properties.
Durability and weather resistance
This is one of the differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate. The picture of PE, as you may have guessed, is prone to rupture and can be a little flimsy.
Its service life is relatively short and requires its replacement: the polyethylene sheet does not last as long as other coatings and you have to consider its replacement in approximately 3-5 years.
The film will remain intact for much longer than this period. But the clarity of the film changes (becomes opaque) and the amount of light, and the spectrum of colors is restricted significantly after this time.
This will affect the success of the growth and development of plants (in particular, the ripening of the tomatoes). The polyethylene film is commonly used in the structures of average cane, commonly known as tunnels.
It is easily damaged
This is not one of the differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate, is a common feature. The cats, the dogs, the branches that fall, the birds of big claws, the hail, the baseballs flying and other daily danger from the outside may damage the foil of PE in a blink of an eye.
That is to say, are likely to suffer from tears and rips. However, you can find in the market films of polyethylene thicker and more durable, that will be more expensive per square meter. Be sure to look for a PE film grade industrial or greenhouse when you buy.
It is not very resistant
The wind can also become a problem for a greenhouse made of plastic wrap glorified. Above all, because many greenhouses of PE also use a light material like PVC pipe for frames. The strong gusts of wind can damage or even move a greenhouse of PE.
If you live in a climate stormy, you can see why this type of glazing may not be the best option for you.
Longevity
With time, even the polyethylene that no tears will be wasted by being continuously exposed to the elements, becoming yellow and brittle with time.
If you use a polyethylene film to your greenhouse throughout the year in a region climate is variable, you will need to replace it every two or three years.
That is another reason why polyethylene is most often used for covering greenhouses of the season. It can be rolled up and reused the next season. Thus, prolongs its useful life.
Respect for the environment
Needless to say, but you have to talk about it anyway.
Almost all plastics are created from non-renewable natural resources, like oil or natural gas. (Yes, there are "plastic," which are made from plant material, organic, but are not technically plastic, and insurance that are not yet strong enough to build a greenhouse).
And there is a good way to get rid of your PE film old or damaged in a sustainable way. That said, the world is inventing new and brilliant ways to recycle plastic products, even for materials of construction.
Retention moderate heat
Is another of the big differences between the polyethylene and polycarbonate. The polyethylene film has few properties of heat retention compared to polycarbonate, or even glass. In consequence, has low thermal efficiency, not to be double-coated.
But, in comparison with the glazing of plastic that are thicker, such as polycarbonate or the PE, it is not impressive. A way to increase the retention of heat in your greenhouse polyethylene is to duplicate the layer and create a structure of PE from two walls.
Another reason why the greenhouses of polyethylene is often used for seasons.
Advantages greenhouse polycarbonate
Resistance
The polycarbonate is much stronger than glass, with a resistance much greater impact. This is because the polycarbonate comes in degrees rigid and flexible. Thus, a flexible plastic does not crack easily under pressure. This makes them unbreakable and able to withstand a massive force.
For example, the polycarbonate is used for the manufacture of windows, bullet resistant armor and shields police. In comparison with the glass, the polycarbonate has an impact strength 250 times higher. Also in comparison, other plastics, such as acrylic have an impact strength 10 times greater than that of glass.
Light transmission
The polycarbonate is a plastic perfect for a greenhouse because it blocks the UV rays and lets through the light of the sun and the heat. This type of plastic has a light transmission of 88%. In addition, you can be in shades of clear and opaque. However, the polycarbonate may not polished to regain their clarity.
The polycarbonate can be in multiple colors. Although the plastic cover green is used a lot to the greenhouses, that filters the light green.
The plants don't use it, but it is best to let the entire spectrum of light that it can also heat the structure. The translucency or transparency of the plastic can stimulate the growth of plants at different stages of development.
However, it does not mean that the plastic greenhouses have to be transparent. For example, many plants will benefit from the diffuse light. The polycarbonate double-wall has a cellular structure that diffuses direct sunlight. Opt for a greenhouse made of polycarbonate grinding or polishing if you want to have a permanent home for your plants.
Heat retention
The ability to retain heat makes the polycarbonate a perfect material for greenhouses. The most popular choice is the polycarbonate double-wall. It has an effect of double glazing that prevents the heat from escaping. Choose a thickness of polycarbonate of 3 or 4 mm to the sides of the greenhouse and a plastic 10 mm of thickness to the roof.
In addition, the polycarbonate is lightweight. That means that you can cut it as easily with a hand saw. In addition, its light weight makes it very easy to work with. It is also easy to transport without the worry that it can break. Finally, it is very fast and easy to assemble in comparison with the glass.
Durability
The polycarbonate is resistant to weather, so that your greenhouse will withstand inclement weather. The scorching sun, the snow and the rain, whatever. Therefore, the polycarbonate will not show a sign of discoloration for many years.
In addition, it is very resistant to high temperatures and low temperatures. In addition, the polycarbonate has a low flammability. The combination of these factors makes the polycarbonate a perfect material for outdoor use.
Maintenance
One of the best pros of buying a greenhouse of polycarbonate is that it is super easy to clean. All you need is a microfiber cloth or 100% cotton and a solution of warm water with soap. Although it has a great chemical resistance, do not clean with solvents.
Cleaning the greenhouse
It will be sufficient to give you a fast cleaning each week. Once you've washed with soapy water, give it a good rinse and dry with a soft cloth. It is important to dry immediately to avoid water spots that may affect the transmission of light.
Disadvantages of polycarbonate greenhouses
Prone to scratches
Unfortunately, the polycarbonate can get scratched. Therefore, do not use abrasive cleaning materials for their maintenance. Either rub the polycarbonate panels when cleaning. Avoid touching it with anything made with binding agents and abrasives. For this reason, you should also take care when using your gardening tools.
It is not easy to repair the scratches on the polycarbonate. In addition, it is also prone to damage. In severe cases, can also occur dents, especially, if one is not careful. Therefore, provided that you comply with the requirements of care, the polycarbonate will remain in good condition.
Accumulation of dust
One of the disadvantages of the panels of polycarbonate twin-wall is dust can build up between the panes. It can be quite difficult to get rid of it. In addition, if you skipped the weekly cleaning, dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface, which can affect the transmission of light.
Also, if you skip the cleaning, the dust and dirt can get to scratch the surface. However, you can avoid accumulations of dust. Just seal the ends with tape or you can buy a channel Or to cover the ends. As a general rule, you should clean the exterior and the interior of the greenhouse of polycarbonate annually.
Development of algae
If you do not make a weekly maintenance, the algae can grow rapidly and permanently stain the polycarbonate panels. The bad news is that it can stain both the interior and exterior of the structure. Needless to say, that is going to affect the transmission of light.
As the accumulation of dust, algae can grow in between the panels. If this occurs, it is almost impossible to clean. You must think about it in advance. To cover the polycarbonate, place a tape of aluminum on top of the sheets and then cover it with a channel in U.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common problems of greenhouses made of polycarbonate double-wall. Can easily be developed between the layers of plastic. As a result, significantly reduces the transmission of light and accelerates the development of algae.
To avoid the accumulation of moisture, it is necessary to use tape ventilation to the bottom of the plates. Cover it with the channel in U and drill holes in the bottom of the U. this way any moisture will drain through the holes. If this is not done, there is the accumulation of moisture and the growth of algae.
Until here our article on the differences between the polycarbonate and polyethylene for greenhouses. We hope that you have found interesting and that will serve to decide the best option for you. Until the next article.