How to choose a good polycarbonate for greenhouses. Polycarbonate for greenhouses: what better, dimensions, thickness, density. We make the right choice

Polycarbonate has long been a leading material for the construction of greenhouses. Many gardeners do not even consider alternatives in the form of a film and glass. Nevertheless, difficulties with the choice arise. Products are produced in a large manifold. The buyer has to be focused not only for the cost, but also to suitable parameters suitable for their needs.

Popularity Polycarbonate explained by its characteristics:

Operate with optimal properties. Plants will be able to take the light, the necessary heat, do not overheat and do not move. The design is enough just to assemble yourself. The form is changed by heat treatment - the risk of fire is minimal, since ignition occurs only at 120s. The sheet is difficult to smash, even if successful, he will not split into sharp fragments. Such a greenhouse can be left for the winter without fear of cracking, use as an additional place of storage of country accessories.

The disadvantages include:

• ease of damage to abrasive means;
• strain on a strong heat;
• destruction of structure from high doses of ultraviolet.

All minuses are adjusted by the right place to install the greenhouse, gentle care, applying special films to the surface.

Polycarbonate classification

The material is made of two types:

Monolithic

Complete sheets of different sizes and thickness.

The monolithic option resembles a muddy glass. It has a tangible weight, aesthetic appearance, is very durable, but it is more expensive. Such polycarbonate is easy to assemble without additional frames. Meanwhile, monolithic sheets practically do not keep warm. In such a greenhouse, sensitive plants will freeze.

Cellular

Two or three leaf connected by a layer of numerous ribs. The structure resembles bee honeycombs, hence the name.

Cellular cell cells better dispel light, evenly distribute the temperature inside the structure. Seedlings will not receive burns, will not suffer from overheating or supercooling. This material is much cheaper. In addition, cellular polycarbonate is more flexible. It is fixed on the frame even in the form of an archer. Lightweight series with thin ribs are produced.

For the arrangement of greenhouses and greenhouses, cellular polycarbonate is preferably taken.

What polycarbonate choose?

CellularMonolithic

Key Polycarbonate Parameters

Both types of material are of different quality. Only a set of certain parameters can guarantee a long service life of the finished product.

Original raw materials

High-class polycarbonate are produced by Patent by Bayer. In its recipe, special plastic granules of increased strength are used. Such raw materials necessarily has a "Premium" mark.

There are also sheets of plastic recycling. They are often labeled by the Icon "Eco". The service life of such options is rarely 5 years old. But the cost of "seconders" is much lower.

Density and shape of cells

Two inseparable parameter from each other. The cells in the form of a triangle or hexagon give the highest density. Such a layer is difficult to carry even a strong gust of the wind, but it is less flexible and delays more sveta.

Square cells have average plasticity performance and weak bandwidth in terms of light.

Rectangular honeycombs have great popularity. Such sheets are quite flexible and cheaper than others. At the same time, they do not have the highest resistance to breakdowns.

The density also depends on the mass of the ribs. Optimally choosing species with an indicator of at least 800g / sq.m.

Sheet size

The monolithic polycarbonate is made in the form of sheets of 3.05 m per 2.05 m. For cellular material, a width of 2.1 m is characterized at a length of 6 or 12 m.

Specified dimensions are standard. They adhere to manufacturers of domestic and foreign brands. The unified formula for counting costs is not derived, since it all depends on the individual cutting.

Sheet thickness

The variants of this parameter in polycarbonate is much larger. And cellular and monolithic plates are produced with 4, 8, 16, 6 and 10 mm thick. Lightweight series are thinning to 3.5 and even 3 mm.

Sealing sheets within 20-32 mm are made to order. In a free sale, they are rare. Such types are used for structures where durability is particularly important.

For greenhouses and greenhouses, 4 mm thickness is most often used in summer cottages. The room will serve 3-4 years, but will cope with its functions on excellent. In harsh climatic conditions with storm gusts of the wind, the cellular polycarbonate 6 mm (less often 10) is recommended. Thicker varieties with all the strength will not pass enough light. Inside there will be a strong heat or cold, depending on the weather day. In addition, the thickness of 16 mm makes the design extremely heavy. It is necessary to strengthen the frame, and it is difficult to build it yourself quite difficult.

Color

For greenhouses, you can choose not only colorless, but also colored polycarbonate.

Colorless is standard. It misses up to 80% of natural sunlight, evenly dispels it, suitable for all types of plants.

Painted variants reduce traffic permeability, change the spectra. Therefore, they should be taken only under certain cultures and conditions:

• brown, red, green shades - for berries, colors and mushrooms;
• white shades - for crops;
• yellow shades - to avoid burns in a hot climate (passes 72% of light);
• bronze - for shadow plants (up to 60% of light).

From turquoise, opal, blue color is better abandoned. They dissipate no more than 40% of the rays, while the most important of them do not pass through the spectrum.

If artificial lighting is in the greenhouse, you can safely take polycarbonate of any color.

Also, experts recommend carefully to textures. Matte sheets are suitable only to southern areas with abundance of the sun. They protect well from burns, passing only 65% \u200b\u200bof the rays. In the rest of the regions it is better to stop the choice on transparent polycarbonate. With a short bottom, a small number of solar clock photosynthesis should not be slowed down.

UV coat

Plastic from which polycarbonate is manufactured is subject to the destruction of ultraviolet rays. Permanent abundant impact leads to the formation of microcracks on the surface. Over time, the asteris are broken into large cobwebs. In the end, the sheet is finally breaking, the design is destroyed.

The process of photodecitstruation of polycarbonate is slowed down by a special coating. The protective function is performed by films resistant to ultraviolet. They are attached to the surface of a sheet of coextrusion technology. The bonding of the layers occurs in a liquid form, therefore the risk of separation of the coating and base during operation is minimal.

Most brands are applied on one side of the plates. Bilateral protection is rarely found or under the order. On the processed side has a label. For greenhouses, there is enough film outside, where there is direct contact with radiation.

The latest achievements of the technological process allowed the release of polycarbonate with the initial inclusion of a protective additive. The component interfere in plastic itself, so the film becomes unnecessary. The percentage of UV absorption is about 30-45%. On sheets there is an appropriate mark.

Polycarbonate without filter does not fit plants. It is suitable only for internal works, because under the sun is collapsed in less than a year.

The advice of experienced farmers will help not mistaken with the choice of plastic panels. The practical experience of a large number of people shows that you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

If you doubt the authenticity of the goods, the seller can always ask for a certificate. Documentation is always attached to the original sheets. Forgery may not be simply ineffective, but also dangerous due to the release of harmful impurities when contacting the sun.

Polycarbonate Greenhouse Construction Features

Rational use of material significantly reduces monetary and temporary costs. Specialists advise adhere to the rules:

1. For arched structures make arcs 6 and 12 mm.
2. All joints should come to the profile. Arcs, the frame is better to do solid to increase strength.
3. For a double greenhouse wall and roof oriented under the size of the sheet. Each plate must be divided without residues.
4. Between the frame and sheets make gaps about 2-3 mm. This is done for free expansion of polycarbonate when heated. For the same purposes, the bolts of the bolts make a little more declared diameter.
5. In places of fixtures, bolts are preferably used rubber washers to mitigate when expanding. So the cracks will not go.
6. Outdoor ribs are better to cover with a steamproof film or profile. Gives moisture protection and eliminates clogging. The inner edges leave as it is to condensate the glasses freely.

Thus achieved savings without loss of greenhouse productivity.

When transporting, the polycarbonate is placed in the body of the plastics. Location on the ribs deforms sheets. Plates up to 8 mm should be placed in a car completely in order to avoid breakdowns. Thicatles permissible to leave in the suspended state by 0.5-1 m. Thin flexible options can be collapsed into a semi-arm and fasten with scotch.

The storage of the material is carried out in a dry closed room away from the open sun. Great suarie or garage. On the street, it is better to lay down on the street without packaging (UV layer up) and hide as an awning.

For cleansing the walls of the greenhouse uses non-aggressive means. The best option for washing is a soap solution and a wet rag. After cleaning the wall wipe dry to keep the best transparency.

Competent selection and work with polycarbonate is the key to the long-term maintenance of the greenhouse, good harvest without harm to plants.

Polycarbonate is a type of transparent plastic used in the construction of greenhouses. This material is more practical fragile glass and a durable film, so that he gained widespread popularity. On sale you can meet monolithic and cellular panels, as well as many variations that differ in thickness, thermal conductivity, the ability to skip ultraviolet. Before starting construction, read what polycarbonate is better for greenhouses, find out how the characteristics of the coating affect the energy efficiency of the construction and its strength.

How to choose a polycarbonate

Polycarbonate of what kind and thickness to choose for the construction of the greenhouse depends on how it will be used. The larger the area of \u200b\u200bconstruction, the thicker should be the coating. You should also take into account the frame of the frame of the frame, possible snow and wind loads, varieties of plants that will grow in a greenhouse.

Greenhouse from polycarbonate

What polycarbonate is better - cellular or monolithic

Determining which polycarbonate is needed for the greenhouse, the differences in the species of this material should be understood. With the same chemical composition, cellular and monolithic polycarbonate have absolutely different physical characteristics.

Monolithic is a transparent sheets with a thickness of 1 to 12 mm. The main properties of this material:

• svetopropusing capacity up to 90%;
• flexibility;
• impact resistance.

Monolithic sheets

However, the monolithic sheets are very poorly held heat, bend under the snow cover and wind gusts. Therefore, such a coating is advisable to apply only for small temporary designs such as greenhouses. For capital greenhouse, monolithic panels are not suitable.

Most often, cellular polycarbonate is used to build greenhouses. It is a layered material with stiffeners that form emptiness. Cellular Coverage:

• thickness of sheets from 4 to 32 mm;
• svetopropusing capacity up to 86%;
• low weight compared to glass or monolithic panels of the same thickness;
• low thermal conductivity due to the cellular structure, which is especially important when building greenhouses;
• lifetime from 10 to 20 years.

Cell panels

Before choosing polycarbonate for greenhouses in the store, it is necessary to make sure that the coating has quality certificates, since cheap fakes reduce the service life of the construction, and also reduce its energy efficiency.

Standards thickness sheets

The answer to the question of which polycarbonate thickness is better to use for the greenhouse, depends on several factors:

• the size of the structure is the larger than the construction, the thicker should be the coating;
• the type of roof - the arched floors use flexible sheets of 4-6 mm, whereas for the roofs with one or two slopes the material is 6-10 mm thick;
• estimated loads - in areas with snowy winters put material capable of withstanding the severity of snow cover;
• operating conditions - the energy efficiency of cellular panels directly depends on their thickness, so for winter cultivation, a coating with a thickness of at least 6 mm is used, and 4 mm sheets are suitable for spring greenhouses.

Greenhouse house

For the average greenhouse, the polycarbonate brands having a thickness of 4 to 8 mm are better to choose a thickness of polycarbonate. This is enough to grow most plants in the middle strip.

The value of the density of the material

Threatened which polycarbonate thickness is better for greenhouse, it is necessary to take into account that this material has another important technical characteristic - specific density. The specific density value indicates how much the other is stronger than the same thickness.

For example, a standard leaf measuring 2.1 by 6 meters and a thickness of 4 mm with a density of 0.5 kg / m² will weigh 6.5 kg, and with a density of 0.7 kg / m² its weight will increase to 9 kg. The more denser and harder material, the greater the load it is able to withstand. For greenhouses, the optimal specific density is 0.7 kg / m².

Specifications

Polycarbonate color for greenhouse

In the market, structured plastic is represented not only in the form of transparent panels. Often you can meet the sheets of a wide variety of colors: red, blue, green, yellow, bronze. What color of polycarbonate to choose for greenhouses? First of all, it should be remembered that most plants can normally develop only with good lighting. Also importantly, which component spectrum of sunlight will fall on the leaves.

A good coating should pass from 80 to 90% of sunlight. Only transparent panels have such a lightweight ability, so they are most often used in greenhouse construction. In the southern regions, it is permissible to choose the weak-colored panels of yellow, which skip about 70% of the light flux.

It is categorically not suitable for growing plants The material of blue and turquoise shades. The fact is that these colors absorb specifically the components of the spectrum that are necessary for the full development of plants. It should also be refracted from the use of saturated red, brown and green shades, because they only miss the third of the light falling on them.

Not all colors are suitable for growing plants

Other material selection criteria

How much does the greenhouse coverage, depends on the brand of cellular polycarbonate and plastic producer. Only high-quality material is able to simultane from 10 to 20 years, while cheap fakes will begin to crumble after a couple of years of operation.

Advantages of cellular polycarbonate

Cellular panels are released by standard sheets of 2.1 to 6 m and 2.1 by 12 m. It is this size that is convenient for the installation of the greenhouse. To save material, all the size of the construction, the width of the spans is customized under the dimensions of the panels.

There are several types of polycarbonate for greenhouses that differ in the structure:

1. Standard single-chamber - consists of two layers interconnected by jumpers. It has the smallest bend radius, which allows it to use it in small arched structures.
2. Standard two-chamber - consists of three layers with jumpers, it has the best thermal insulating properties compared to one-samples due to the additional air layer.
3. Four-chamber - thick material used only on large-sized buildings.
4. Reinforced - single-chamber plastic, reinforced due to additional inclined jumpers. It skips slightly less light, but it is able to withstand significant loads.

Types of structure

Each species have their own advantages, which makes it easier for a plastic selection task for any needs.

How to choose durable material

The choice of polycarbonate for the greenhouse is a difficult matter, because the market eyes are running from the abundance of brands. It should be preferred to well-known manufacturers, supplying their products with quality certificates and gives a guarantee for at least 10 years. Such panels are undoubtedly more expensive than Chinese counterparts, but in terms of exploitation of a greenhouse from high-quality material is cheaper.

Solving which polycarbonate it is better to choose for greenhouses on a household plot, pay attention to such manufacturers:

• Marlon (England) - Premium Class Panels. Possess excellent operational properties, extremely durable. However, the luxury quality will have to pay a considerable price.
• Polygal (Israel) is a reliable manufacturer of high quality and durable material. Recently, the product is produced in Russia, which made the price of it a little more accessible.
• CarBoglass (Russia) is a leading domestic manufacturer of high-quality panels. Its products have a guarantee up to 15 years.
• Sunnex (Russia) - produces a worthy polycarbonate of the average price segment. Warranty on products up to 10 years.
• VIZOR (Czech Republic) is a manufacturer of universal panels service life of up to 10 years.

The quality of the greenhouse depends on the material

What is polycarbonate Light

When choosing polycarbonate for greenhouse, you can find sheets with laight marking, which means "lightweight". Sometimes this mark is replaced with the words "Eco", "Economy", which does not change the essence. Thus, manufacturers sell cheap and not very high-quality economy class.

Profiled panels are often facilitated by reducing the thickness. For example, instead of 4 mm make the material with a thickness of 3.5 mm. Another trick with the transformation of polycarbonate in Eco is a decrease in its specific density, however, strength decreases with it.

Lightweight panels are better not to use for capital winter buildings, after all, cheap material reduces the service life, and also increases energy consumption for heating. At the same time, the coating of an economical class is perfect for summer greenhouses and temporary shelters.

Lightweight coating suitable for temporary greenhouses

Sheets with protection against UV radiation and without it

The buyer's construction store is waiting for profiled panels with protection from UV rays and without it. What kind of polycarbonate is better to buy a greenhouse?

High-quality polycarbonate for the construction of greenhouses necessarily has protection against ultraviolet radiation. The fact is that plastic is very quickly destroyed under the influence of the Sun. Serious manufacturers always provide their products with a special film that protects from UV rays.

The protective layer is located on one side of the sheet, which indicates a special marking. It is this side that should look out when installed, otherwise the whole point of expensive shopping is lost. Some brands have protection on both sides, however for the greenhouse it will be an extra spending of money, because the sun falls only on the outside of the skin.

Cheap panels often do not have a light-stabilizing film, although they are positioned as protected from solar radiation. The composition of such plastic simply add inexpensive ultraviolet testers. Unfortunately, such additives mostly are not able to prevent the destruction of sheets. Literally in 1-3 years, the polycarbonate will fit and take it.

UV Protection prolongs the service life

Polycarbonate Mounting and Storage Rules

Cell panels can be easily installed with their own hands even a person who does not have construction experience. However, in this case there are its subtleties. By installing the sheets of the greenhouse coating, it is important to do everything correctly, clearly following the installation instructions.

Transportation and storage

Polycarbonate sheets for greenhouses are transported by setting the plaffron in the body of the cargo machine. It is impossible to carry on the edge in the expanded form, as the panels can deform the edges. Sheets thick up to 8 mm should be fully accommodated in the car, otherwise they can break.

Thicker material can be beyond the bodies of the body about the meter. If the sheet does not fit into the body, it is permissible to roll it with a roll, fix the scotch and already in this form to transport.

The purchased panels are stored, setting on a flat surface, preferably in a closed garage or a barn without access direct sunlight. If there is no such room, you will have to store outdoors. In this case, the sheets remove the packaging film and fold to each other with a light stabilizing layer up.

Sheets store on a flat surface

Mounting rules with their own hands

So, the question, from which polycarbonate it is better to make a greenhouse resolved, panels are purchased and ready to install. In order for the material to serve at least the warranty period, it must be correctly cut and secured.

Polycarbonate installation rules:

1. Sealing ends. In order to accumulate as much moisture as possible in voids, open ends are mounted seal with a special tape. In the vertical structures, the top end is sealed with hermetically, and the lower with the use of punctuents. For arched structures, everywhere use a pungent.

Sealing ribbon

Video: how to choose a polycarbonate

For more information on the nuances of the choice, you can learn from professionals. Watch the video to secure the knowledge gained and clarify all the subtleties.

Video: Cell panel selection subtleties

Now that you know how to choose a cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses, you can safely buy the necessary material and proceed to construction. If all the nuances are taken into account and all the rules are observed, the construction will be durable, energy efficient and durable.

Polycarbonate greenhouses have long established itself as the most durable, comfortable and functional. It is not surprising that the demand for them is only increasing. And people not only buy ready-made greenhouses made from cellular polycarbonate, but they also construct them.

However, in front of inexperienced masters there is always a problem that the thickness of the polycarbonate is better to use for the greenhouse. It is for these questions that we will reply today.

To understand the basic properties of polycarbonate, you should get acquainted with this material closer. So, he was open in the XIX century, but then was considered a side effect of certain chemical reactions. Again created it and began to use only in the middle of the XX century.

Polycarbonate is a colorless plastic, a thermoplastic polymer, very durable, light, not afraid of temperature drops is optically transparent. Also one of its main properties is durability. From an ecological point of view, this material is also very good - the spent polycarbonate is perfectly processed into a new material.

On a note! Such properties of polycarbonate gives the special structure of its molecules. And the plasters themselves, which we used to see on the greenhouses are created from special granules. The spectrum of the use of polycarbonate is very wide: the facade is separated from it, it is roofing, barriers, etc.

Polycarbonate is monolithic and cellular. The first is a dense sheet that does not have internal voids, and the second is the whole familiar material that has a certain internal structure - honeycombs created by jumpers between two layers of material.

Types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic

Prices for cellular polycarbonate

cellular polycarbonate

Of course, cellular polycarbonate is much easier than monolithic, but it is different by weight. It is from weight that often depends and - than he is heavier, the stronger and rushing, which means it is better resisting the impact of winds, the pressure of the snow. Its mass increases due to the thickness of two sheets bonded by jumpers.

On a note! High-quality polycarbonate will be not only harder, but also more durable. It serves 2-3 times longer than the economy class material.

However, it is impossible to say that for the construction of greenhouses is used some particular thickness. Choice criteria are often dependent on the climatic conditions of a particular region. In addition, each type of material has its pros and cons.

Criteria affecting the choice of polycarbonate.

1. Region of residence. This is one of the most important criteria, since the wind and snow load will depend on the need to choose a more dense or, on the contrary, more subtle material.
2. Material for the carcass greenhouse. More dense and heavy polycarbonate should be installed on a metal frame, while the light can be placed on wooden.
3. Seasonality of the operation of the structure. The smaller the greenhouse is used, the less durable polycarbonate is needed. For example, for structures that are operated only in spring or autumn, there is no need to buy fat material.
4. The roof shape also affects the correct choice of material. For example, if the snow can roll from it in winter on their own, then the material can be taken a fond.

Table. The main types of polycarbonate used for the construction of greenhouses and differing in the thickness of the sheet.

Based on this, it can be concluded that the optimal price-quality ratio can be considered a 8 mm thick polycarbonate. It is from it that can be created quite durable, warm and durable greenhouse on the usual garden plot.

Prices for monolithic polycarbonate

monolithic polycarbonate

Color and cells matter

When choosing a cellular polycarbonate, attention should be paid to its structure - it also has a significant effect on its strength, light-resistant ability and quality as a whole.

On a note! In fact, the cells present in the structure of the material are very important. The fact is that they create an air layer, which allows the greenhouse much better to maintain heat.

There are three types of cells.

1. Rectangular. The type of polycarbonate with such cells is used most often. This polycarbonate has low strength, but at the same time perfectly misses the light and is perfect for creating small greenhouses.

In order not to spend extra funds, it is worth it to weigh all the requirements for the future construction. It makes no sense in a warm and windless region to put a greenhouse from polycarbonate with hexagonal cells - it will be unjustified costs. Yes, and the light of such a material misses worse, and therefore plants, especially light-loving, it does not fit, so you have to spend on extra lighting.

The color of the cellular polycarbonate is of great importance. In pursuit of fashion, manufacturers now offer material almost any color - not only yellow, green, red, but even black. But, choosing polycarbonate in color, it is, first of all, to think about the design, but about plants that will dwell in the greenhouse. It is worth carefully familiar with the indicator of the lighting ability of each species, and the lighting should be as close as possible to the natural level - only in this case, representatives of the flora in the greenhouse will be comfortable.

Attention! Light polycarbonate for plants should be at least 80%.

Not all colored sheets comply with this requirement. For example, a blue polycarbonate absorbs 40% of solar radiation, and bronze - all 60%. It is also worth remembering that the colored polycarbonate often misses only a certain part of the spectrum, and there is no guarantee that it will delay only a dangerous type of radiation.

Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that the optimal polycarbonate should be transparent and with square cells. This will be an optimal solution in combination with a material thickness of 8 mm.

Do I need protection from UV rays?

Choosing polycarbonate, it is important to think about whether it will be protected from ultraviolet radiation.

On a note! By the way, the coating material against this part of the spectrum serves as much longer than polycarbonate that does not have such protection.

With the constant effects of UV radiation on plastic, microcracks are gradually formed - the so-called photoelectric destruction begins. Gradually, these cracks increase in size, they grow together and thus destroy the polycarbonate sheet.

To prevent this destruction and increase the service life of the material, the polycarbonate is covered with a special layer protecting from UV rays. A coating on one side is applied, on which there will be a mark denoting that the material is not afraid of such a type of influence. It is this label to the outside and mounted by a sheet in assembly work on the shelter of the greenhouse.

Attention! Polycarbonate without a protective coating begins to collapse in the first year of operation. That is why it is not suitable for greenhouses in principle.

By the way, on some types of polycarbonate such a coating can be on both sides. But for greenhouses it will be an excessive waste of money.

We choose polycarbonate

How to choose the right polycarbonate for greenhouses, which will meet all the necessary requirements and becomes optimal? Everything is very simple.

Step 2. Think out the shape and size of the design you want to build on your summer cottage. Remember that for arched greenhouses or structures with steep ropes, polycarbonate can be taken a thorough.

Step 4. Think what kind of crops you will grow in a greenhouse. One need a lot of light and heat, other enough and small illumination. From this, too, the choice of polycarbonate both in the thickness and the ability to retain heat will be cooled.

Step 5. Going to the store, be prepared to make some measurements yourself. Real sellers can slip you a more subtle material than what you need. Take a ruler.

Step 6. Thoroughly inspect the sheet you chosen: it must be integer, have a protective film, rigidity ribs should be even (not bent or broken).

Step 7. Ask the seller certificates for products. Each polycarbonate must have accompanying documents confirming its quality.

Step 8. Check if there is a mark on the protective film that the sheet has protection against ultraviolet.

On a note! Buying polycarbonate without this protection does not make sense - it will be a waste of money, since the greenhouse will last for a long time.

If you are afraid to be mistaken with the choice of polycarbonate, contact the specialists who accurately calculate the necessary density and the thickness of the material in accordance with the claimed requirements. True, their services are not cheap.

Video - choose polycarbonate

Polycarbonate manufacturers

Now the buyer is offered a large range of polycarbonate from various manufacturers.

Table. Characteristics of cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm from various manufacturers.