Which company makes polycarbonate reliable and of high quality? Which polycarbonate is better to choose for a greenhouse? High-quality polycarbonate - selection criteria

Consultant

One of the most frequently asked questions from buyers of cellular polycarbonate sheets is: “What is the difference between polycarbonate different manufacturers? and “How to distinguish good from bad, and where to buy a good one?”
Different sellers answer these questions differently, often pursuing their own selfish interests. The company…………, having sufficient experience (19 years) in sales and installation of polycarbonate sheets and first-hand knowledge technological processes sheet production, I’m ready to give some advice to the buyer.
The culture of global production of SPK sheets is based on four fundamental facts:
1. Quality of raw materials.
2. Weight of 1m square product.
3. Availability and thickness of co-extruded UV protection.
4. Equipment and experience of the manufacturer.
Let's decipher it.
Axiom 1
There are about 10 companies in the world in the process deep processing oil produces several types of granulated polycarbonate raw materials: for extrusion, injection molding, blow molding and foaming. These varieties, in turn, are divided into about 10 more types depending on the final purpose: optical, unfilled multi-purpose, for lighting equipment, glass-filled, linear, branched, etc. Accordingly, depending on the final purpose, their characteristics differ such as yield strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation, which in turn determine the stiffness of the part, strength of the part, behavior under long-term impact, creep and wear resistance.
In our case we are talking about granulate used for extrusion.
The world's leading manufacturers of granulates, recognized in terms of quality, stability and volumes of supplies of raw materials, are the companies “Bayer AG” - the Makrolon trademark, “SABIC” (formerly GE Plastics) - t.m. Lexan, "Dow Chemical" - t. m Caliber. The Russian Kazanorgsintez is a very small company on a global scale, but it is the only producer of polycarbonate granules in Russia.
Subsequently, the granulate is supplied to factories that manufacture polycarbonate sheets, of which there are more than 100 in the world.
A good quality sheet is made only from 100% virgin raw materials. Any addition of secondary raw materials (secondary raw materials are raw materials obtained in the process of collecting waste, sorting it, crushing it, sometimes granulating it) changes the properties of the sheet for the worse, since varieties are mixed with different characteristics and microparticles of foreign materials.
Some sheet manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of products, add an uncontrolled amount of recycled material during the production process.
What does this savings lead to? Any foreign microparticle or air bubble subsequently becomes the source and beginning of microcracks and destruction. The more secondary material there is in a leaf, the worse and more unpredictable the leaf is. As a result, a crack may appear on the sheet at any of the stages: relaying, carrying, transportation, installation and operation. The result is exactly the opposite of the process of making minced meat for cutlets - the more ingredients, the tastier it (the cutlet) is.
The presence (but not the quality and quantity) of the secondary material in the sheet is determined visually. When exposed to light, fine inclusions and air bubbles are visible in the leaf. The surface of the sheet is not perfectly smooth, but has micro-defects.
Axiom 2.
In progress 35 summer story production and operation of cellular polycarbonate sheets, weight standards for the products were formed. So 1 sq.m. a sheet with a thickness of 4 mm weighs -800 grams, 6 mm - 1300 grams, 8 mm - 1500 grams, 10 mm - 1700 grams, etc. Accordingly, the thickness of the vertical and horizontal walls of such sheets should be 0.3 mm for 4 mm, 0.35 mm for 6 mm, for 8mm - 0.4mm, for 10mm - 0.5mm (data obtained from BREYER). If these characteristics are met, the sheet must withstand the loads declared by the manufacturer.
Some sheet manufacturers, in order to reduce cost, reduce the weight of 1 square meter. products. Market research confirms the availability in retail chains of sheets lighter in weight by 10-15% or more. As a rule, this option is not advertised.
What are the consequences of such savings? When the weight decreases by 10-15% or more, a proportionate thinning of the vertical and horizontal walls occurs. Any technically competent specialist will say that reducing the wall thickness of a beam, I-beam, channel (and a honeycomb sheet is a microset of these elements) entails a deterioration in load-bearing characteristics. That is why European manufacturers of honeycomb sheets (and they also sometimes produce lightweight sheets “to order”) never provide methods and programs for calculating loads for such sheets and are limited to a 5-year warranty.
How to distinguish standard sheet from relieved.
Responsible, civilized manufacturers mark this sheet with the word light (for example, Polylight, CarboglassLight), some letter (for example, Makrolon B-line), or another trademark (for example, Actual - SafPlast). In all other cases, everything depends on the integrity of the manufacturer, seller and your meticulousness, eye and electronic scales.

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Consultant

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Polycarbonate. Tips for buyers. 2
Axiom 3.
Our luminary, acting on polymers in the visible and especially ultraviolet spectrum, initiates the development of a reaction of destruction and structuring of macromolecules, which leads to a change in the energy state of individual electrons and the molecule as a whole. The energy of the UV radiation quantum exceeds the energy of the C=C bond of the macromolecule and they are destroyed. In simple terms, the polymer becomes brittle and breaks down. Photochemical destruction is a radical chain process and, due to the low transmittance of UV radiation, occurs mainly in the surface layers of the polymer. To protect the polycarbonate sheet, a thin (35-60 microns) layer of light stabilizer is applied to the surface facing the Sun using coextrusion (during the sheet manufacturing process). It is this thickness of the light stabilizer that is considered sufficient for long-term (10 or more years) operation of the polycarbonate sheet (in trading network Ukraine's largest construction hypermarket provides a 2-year warranty on polycarbonate sheets). Check the presence, thickness and uniformity of distribution of the light stabilizer without laboratory research impossible. You have to take my word for it. A sheet without UV protection will last no more than one year without damage. A sheet with UV protection is less than the standard - no more than 5 years. On such sheets, damage in the form of holes appears from any mechanical impact: hail, rain, birds, etc.
Axiom 4.
Because the. As we can see, sheet production is a very complex process; its implementation requires stably operating complex equipment with a huge number of settings and adjustments. The process of polymer extrusion itself, and polycarbonate is the most complex polymer for these purposes, has not yet been fully studied; there are a lot of different factors and nuances in it. One of the most experienced manufacturers of equipment for extrusion of polycarbonate honeycomb sheets are the companies Omipa (Italy), KUHNE, BREYER (Germany). So far, unfortunately, not a single equipment manufacturer from the developing world has even come close to these companies. Naturally, quality must be ensured by specialists who have many years of experience. There are examples where young, ambitious companies that built new factories and installed high-quality equipment were unable to produce sheets that stood the test of time. The undoubted leaders and patriarchs of the production of high-quality polycarbonate sheets are the brands Polygal, Lexan, Makrolon.
Unfortunately, the quality of the sheet may be affected by any deviation from the standards, even by one of the above factors. The total set of savings for all 4 leads to the release of products that have nothing to do with cellular polycarbonate and are at risk of falling apart at any moment. As a result, sheets manufactured according to European standards are used for 10 years or more, and any economy version from 1 to 3 years.
The most powerful factor influencing these four pillars is the 5th element - the Consumer. It is the conscious Consumer who declares his readiness to purchase a high-quality product at a reasonable price, while the irresponsible consumer sometimes pays the same price for a sheet that vaguely resembles cellular polycarbonate.

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Consultant

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Polycarbonate. Tips for buyers. 3
As a rule, in the chain between the Sheet Manufacturer and the Consumer there is a Seller who, in pursuit of his goals, acts according to three possible scenarios:
A) conveys objective, truthful information to the consumer, giving him the right to make the final decision himself.
B) he himself does not know or understand anything.
C) deliberately hides, withholds or provides false information.
To be fair, we note that the manufacturing plants are not consciously guilty of producing cheap, and therefore low-quality, sheets. They produce the product that the Seller orders and pays for them. There is an excellent high-quality sheet from Chinese manufacturers (not the economy version), but when transported to Ukraine it will cost more than the European one, which means it will be unsaleable.
What should the Consumer ultimately do?
Try to delve into and understand the subject of the conversation, find seller “A”, make an informed choice.
Let's draw a “group” generalized portrait of this Seller.
1. An enterprise that has legally existed on the market under this name for 10 years or more (confirmed by a state registration document) and operates in this profile.
2. Official distributor, dealer of 1-2 sheet metal manufacturing plants, confirmed on the manufacturer’s website. If you have not found the website of the manufacturer of the polycarbonate sheet brand offered to you, it is better not to buy this sheet at all; its quality, pedigree, and guarantees cannot be verified. With the current development of computer and printing technology, it is not always possible to trust the numerous diplomas in the offices and websites of Sellers.
3. Managers who are ready to calculate wind power based on programs and methods, snow loads, optimal cutting of sheets, components directly for your design.
4. If the Seller claims that he is the exclusive (sole) dealer-distributor of any manufacturer, be careful, the first lie will be followed by further ones. Not a single manufacturer can afford such luxury - the only (exclusive) Consumer.
If you find seller “A”, be sure to ask 4 most important questions, from that moment you take full responsibility for the purchase.
When purchasing, it will be very useful to receive from the Seller a document confirming the fact of purchase and sale indicating: date, brand, thickness, color, footage and amount. This is the only document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims after some time has passed.

Polycarbonate.Tips for buyers.1
First of all, thank you very much for such a widespread excursion into the life of polycarbonate. There would be more of these. But there is a question. How relevant is it to use branded thermal washers when attaching to a frame? Mostly self-tapping screws are used for corrugated sheets. And what is the difference between fastening sheets with an overlap and using a special profile to join sheets? Sincerely.

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Consultant

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Hello Irkutsk!
1. Washers. The coefficient of thermal expansion of polycarbonate is 0.068 mm*meter/degree. That is, when the ambient temperature changes by 1 degree Celsius, the dimensions of 1 meter of polycarbonate will change by 0.068 mm. It seems negligible, but... With a temperature difference, let’s assume -20 (and in Irkutsk it is much more) in winter and +30 in summer (and the roof heats up to +50), i.e. there is a delta of 50, a polycarbonate sheet at 6 meters long changes in size by 34 mm . Thus, a self-tapping screw, which practically stands still because the metal has a coefficient. thermal expansion is much less, it breaks an oval hole in the polycarbonate. Branded washers, which usually have a diameter greater than 40 mm, are designed to: 1-increase the contact and clamping area, 2-if there is a seal, to ensure sealing of the hole.
Any self-tapping screw with an enlarged washer can easily cope with this task at the household level.
When purchasing plastic thermal washers, be careful: polypropylene washers cannot be light-stabilized from UV for a long time; after 1-2 years they become brittle and crumble. Buy polycarbonate or metal ones with a rubberized surface.
2. Overlapping joint. The answer partially coincides with the washers in terms of thermal expansion. It is NEVER possible to achieve a long-term hermetic connection with an overlap. The purpose of the profiles is to enable polycarbonate to “breathe” and ensure its attachment to load-bearing structure and tightness of joints and connections.
Although in low-responsible greenhouse structures, people often ignore these rules.

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Consultant

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There are a huge number of washer manufacturers, and I can’t say who has which washers.
I repeat: 1. Do not buy polypropylene, polystyrene and PVC washers (they are cloudy, not transparent) - only polycarbonate ones. 2. The O-ring must be made of EPDM, neoprene or chlorine-free elastomer. This concerns compatibility with polycarbonate. And due to the structure of the ring - on a foam base, over time it absorbs dirt with moisture, wrinkles and does not work. Better monolithic with a multi-circuit comb seal.
Very cleverly said!

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It’s a pity that you are not an expert in the field of greenhouse construction. But we will use, with your permission, what we have. What step in the sheathing (greenhouse frame) do you recommend? do it on the roof(gable), and on the walls? And what thickness of polycarbonate to choose for the roof and walls, respectively. I have already announced the dimensions of the greenhouse. Sincerely.

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Practicing electrician

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And what is the difference between fastening sheets with an overlap and using a special profile to join sheets?
When using a special profile, the inlet openings of the internal channels are closed. If you leave them open, then after a while dust will fly in there. In the city you can often see all sorts of polycarbonate canopies. It is very clearly visible that the canvas consists of dirty stripes. I don't think the plants will be very happy about this.

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Consultant

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It’s a pity that you are not an expert in the field of greenhouse construction. But we will use, with your permission, what we have. What steps would you recommend to take in the sheathing (frame of the greenhouse), on the roof (gable), and on the walls? And what thickness of polycarbonate to choose for the roof and walls, respectively. I have already announced the dimensions of the greenhouse. Sincerely.
It would be very irresponsible to give advice on polycarbonate roofing without taking into account the regional and individual characteristics of the customer. Polycarbonate roofing is a piece product. This, by the way, is the mistake of Volya and similar greenhouse companies. Their greenhouses can be used for years somewhere in Belgorod and Vinnitsa and fall in shoals near Moscow and Irkutsk.
I can’t give you the most specific information about my objects. In response to your request, I will limit myself to general phrases: 1. On a flat roof (and polycarbonate works better on an arch), with a rafter pitch of 700 mm, it is impossible to set less than 8 mm. You can save money by putting 6 mm, but with a rafter pitch of already 520 mm along the axes. The joint of the sheets should ALWAYS lie on a support. Don’t forget: the hypotenuse is always longer than the leg. Taking into account the standard length of the sheet is 6 or 12 meters, the optimal cut is 3.0 or 4.0 meters, the overhang of the sheet is 100 mm (no more), the ridge joint - consider the width and height of the greenhouse ( geometry 5th grade) 2. The vertical walls do not carry a snow load, but I don’t see the point in making a structure of different thicknesses - the principle is the same: thicker polycarbonate means fewer lintels and vice versa.
By the way, for fans of four-millimeter polycarbonate. NOT ONE European polycarbonate manufacturer provides methods and programs for calculating loads for 4-millimeter sheets, not to mention lightweight and other economical versions. What do you think this is for?

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Consultant

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If you do arched greenhouse I recommend staying at a width of 3.6 meters - the length of the arc is 6.0 meters. The step along the arcs is 1.05 (depending on the method of joining the sheets with a profile or “overlapping”) with a PC thickness. 6 mm sheet will provide a snow load of 60 kg/m2 (from memory). Make the structure from square pipe 25*25, wall thickness 1.8-2.0 mm. If you embed the transoms at the top point (with the plastic overlapping), there will be no problems. I’ll give a little support to your namesake from the next branch - embed purchased ventilation grilles with closing ones directly into the plastic below There is never enough ventilation with blinds: if you want to open it, you want to close it. Hot air is discharged through the upper transoms, and cool fresh air is released through the lower blinds. If you want to close everything, set up a bathhouse. The field for experiments is huge.
Fiberglass fabric, fiberglass, glass flakes impregnated with polymer resin a la epoxy. In many respects, it is not suitable for greenhouses. If there are those interested, I will argue with the facts.

A lot has been said and written about the advantages of polycarbonate. This lightweight translucent plastic is actively displacing ordinary glass not only from the greenhouse industry, but even from the field of capital construction.

Flexibility, combined in this material with high strength, allows you to create from it structures not only rectilinear, but also arched.

An important advantage of cellular polycarbonate is its good light-scattering ability, thanks to which the sun's rays do not burn young seedlings.

In addition, it plays the role of an ultraviolet filter, separating the most dangerous component for plants from the spectrum of solar radiation.

The high mechanical-optical characteristics and versatility of polycarbonate have caused active growth its production and expansion of the range. Therefore, the question of how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse or greenhouse has become very difficult for many owners of summer cottages.

Dozens of brands and varieties of cellular polycarbonate, the presence of outright low-quality products on the market and a minimum of knowledge about this material - all these factors lead to mistakes when purchasing.

As a result, instead of the expected economic benefit, the greenhouse owner faces disappointment and financial losses. In order to avoid serious problems and troubles, we will talk about the features of choosing high-quality polycarbonate for a greenhouse or greenhouse.

How should you choose polycarbonate?

The main part of the high strength and heat-insulating characteristics of cellular polycarbonate lies in the features of its structure. Sheets of this material consist of two (or more) thin parallel plates, which are connected by vertical or inclined stiffeners. Thanks to this lightweight design the plastic becomes durable, and due to the air that is in the honeycombs, it also becomes quite warm.

Cellular polycarbonate is produced in sheets measuring 2.1x2 m, 2.1x6 m, 2.1x12 m, and the last two options are on sale more often than the first. IN in practical terms size has important, since it allows you to accurately calculate the flow rate and minimize cutting losses.

Since we are interested in polycarbonate for greenhouses and greenhouses, we will not consider all existing species this material, the thickness of which varies in the range from 3.5 to 50 mm.

Before you start choosing cellular polycarbonate, you need to determine what thickness of the sheet fully meets the characteristics of the structure being built. Here, in the foreground are the factors of snow and wind loads, the pitch of the sheathing and the permissible bending radius of the sheet (for round greenhouses and hotbeds).

Fortunately, to solve this question we don’t have to go through complex calculations, since the practice of using this material and the manufacturers’ recommendations already contain the exact answer.

Deciding which polycarbonate is best for greenhouses, we can responsibly state that for the spring-autumn version of such a structure, cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 6 mm is optimal.

For winter greenhouse it is better to buy a single-chamber sheet with a thickness of 10 mm or a double-chamber sheet with a thickness of 16 mm, since here the conditions for maximum energy saving are added to the requirements for snow load.

On many forums as inexpensive option for greenhouses, polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm is being actively discussed today as a cheap replacement for thicker material. However, supporters of this option forget that such a sheet requires a frame with a more frequent lathing pitch. This leads to an increase in the cost of the design and complexity of installation.

At the same time, some owners of greenhouses covered with 4 mm polycarbonate complain in their reviews that even with a small pitch of longitudinal lathing (only 0.5 meters!) during the period snowy winters sheets become deformed.

You should also not console yourself with the thought that by making the greenhouse round, we will thereby 100% protect it from the “snow cap”. Practice has shown that at the moment of a sharp cold snap after a thaw, ice forms on the surface of a round greenhouse, on which a heavy layer of ice and snow is perfectly retained.

Therefore, the first principle for choosing cellular polycarbonate is its strength, which is directly related to the thickness of the sheet.

Durability is an important selection criterion

Reading an advertisement for cellular polycarbonate, you may get the impression that this material has only advantages and no disadvantages. Actually this is not true. Any plastic is afraid of solar radiation, which gradually destroys it.

Therefore, all leading manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate apply a special film layer to its surface that protects it from ultraviolet radiation. That is why it is so important during installation not to confuse the surfaces and to place the side of the sheet on which there is a protective film facing out.

Conscientious European and Russian manufacturers pay great attention to protecting their products from ultraviolet radiation. Chinese polycarbonate often comes without any protection at all or receives it only symbolically. No film is applied to it, but only cheap “additives” from solar radiation are introduced into the raw material. As a result, such plastic stays in the greenhouse for no more than 2-3 years, after which it becomes cloudy and begins to deteriorate.

Therefore, it is better to immediately buy more expensive cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses and greenhouses from a well-known brand than cheaper Chinese or No-Name material. The calculation here is very simple: high-quality polycarbonate will last at least 10 years, and you will have to replace low-grade polycarbonate 2-3 times during the same time.

Polycarbonate under the Light brand - what is it?

Many of us, when buying polycarbonate, pay the main attention to its price. This is correct, since it is a comprehensive indicator of quality. However, some unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers resort to a cunning trick, offering lightweight and less expensive ones at the price of a standard “budget” quality material labeled Light.

Therefore, when you see this word in the sheet designation or in the certificate, know that instead of 4 mm you will buy a sheet with a thickness of 3.5 mm, and instead of 6 mm - 5.5. Accordingly, for the “eight” and “ten” we get 7.5 mm and 9.5 mm.

It would seem that the difference is small. However, if we take into account that the price does not decrease, and the service life of the material is reduced by several years, then such a purchase cannot be called profitable.

Manufacturer's choice

When choosing polycarbonate for a winter greenhouse, the buyer has to balance on a precarious line between saving money and quality of the product. Therefore, we will indicate which brands are most often found on the market today and what should be expected from them.

The domestic polycarbonate manufacturer Carboglass gives a 15-year guarantee for its product, so it can be classified as high-quality. The prices confirm this fact. So, for a standard 6 mm sheet (2.1x6 m) of this brand of polycarbonate you will have to pay at least 6,000 rubles.

The Russian manufacturer provides a 14-year guarantee for Novattro cellular polycarbonate and quite reasonably asks for its product from 4,600 rubles. for 1 standard sheet of 6 mm thickness.

Another popular type of cellular polycarbonate, produced by the Russian concern Plastilux under the Sunnex brand, has a shorter manufacturer’s warranty (8 years). The cost of a standard 6 mm sheet here starts from 5,000 rubles.

The Vizor brand, previously owned by Chinese manufacturers, has today changed its registration and is produced in the Czech Republic. The quality of this material is very mediocre, which is noticeable both in the warranty (5 years) and in the price level - from 2700 rubles. for 1 sheet.

Chinese cellular polycarbonate ITALON pleases with its low price. A sheet of this material 6 mm thick costs from 2,400 rubles. However, the pleasure of a bargain purchase is overshadowed by the short warranty period - 5 years.

We have provided a very short list of manufacturers and brands of cellular polycarbonate, which is sold today on the domestic market. At the same time, the main requirements for it are: strength, reliable protection from ultraviolet radiation and reasonable price are unchanged.

Wood, metal and metal tiles are widely used as coverings for canopies, canopies, greenhouses and other outdoor structures. different kinds fabrics. But polycarbonate roofing has gained particular popularity.

Today any hardware store can offer you a huge range of polymer plastic: any color, flat or embossed, various thicknesses and structures. To choose the best option, you need to familiarize yourself with the market offer and use the main criteria to understand which polycarbonate is better.

First of all, you need to know what polycarbonate is:

cellular or cellular;
monolithic.

Cellular polycarbonate

It is a hollow translucent material with internal bridges. That is, a sheet of cellular polycarbonate in cross-section is 2 or more thin layers connected to each other by jumpers that impart rigidity to the structure.

Glass or polycarbonate?
Thanks to its structure, specific gravity very little material. For example, glass of the same size and thickness will weigh 16 times more. Therefore, when constructing polycarbonate canopies, there is no need to install heavy supports, and installation work is simplified.

Unlike glass, plastic is quite flexible, which allows you to create structures of complex shapes without the use of expensive equipment. At the same time, the strength is much higher, which makes it possible for polycarbonate structures to better withstand loads: the effects of precipitation and gusts of wind.

The performance qualities of plastic do not depend on the ambient temperature. Temperatures at which polycarbonate can melt or become too brittle are not found in the natural environment.

The advantages also include its good heat and sound insulating qualities, the ability to transmit up to 86% of sunlight, perfectly protecting against ultraviolet radiation.

Monolithic polycarbonate

It differs from a cell phone in that it does not have internal voids. As you can see in the photo, externally, monolithic polycarbonate very reminiscent of glass. It is also transparent, but much lighter and stronger. Another advantage over glass is flexibility and safety - when broken, it does not break into small sharp fragments.

Monolithic polycarbonate has all the basic qualities of cellular polycarbonate, but it is much more transparent, its weight is slightly higher and it costs more.

Both types can have either a smooth or wavy surface, the so-called profiled polycarbonate.

Monolithic or cellular polycarbonate - which one is better to choose?

When deciding whether to choose cellular or monolithic polycarbonate for construction, design and stylistic considerations are first of all important. If price is not too important for you, and you want your canopy or canopy to look stylish and elegant, then you can use monolithic polycarbonate. But if you need a practical, functional design at an affordable price, then it is better to choose cellular panels. They are easy to install and look great, especially if you choose a profiled structure.

High-quality polycarbonate - selection criteria

The determining criterion when choosing polycarbonate is its quality. Not everyone knows that polymer plastic can be made not only from primary, high-quality raw materials, but also from recycled plastic containers. In the latter case, it cannot be used for glazing structures (greenhouses, canopies, verandas) that will be located in the open air, since it does not contain components that protect from the rays of the sun.

You can see the consequences of using low-quality material in the video.

When choosing polycarbonate, you must Special attention pay attention to the price. Remember that a good product cannot be too cheap. The presence of a certificate and manufacturer’s guarantees can also serve as an indicator of product quality.

To choose high-quality polycarbonate directly in the store:

look it up to the light. The material must be transparent and not contain any foreign inclusions. The color should be even and deep;
touch it: it should be hard, when bent, it should not make cracking sounds, much less break. Plasticity is a sign of high quality;
find out the weight of the plastic. With a thickness of 1 cm square meter cellular polycarbonate should weigh about 1.7 kg. If the weight is less, you should not take this product.

Thickness of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic

Another important issue is the choice of polycarbonate thickness. The industry produces sheets with thicknesses from 4 to 25 mm. It is not recommended to choose 4 mm cellular panels, as they deform very quickly. This type of polycarbonate is mainly used for greenhouses.

For awnings and others street structures sheets with a thickness of 8 mm or more are used. The purpose directly depends on the parameters of the product and the size of the sheathing.

The thickness of cellular polycarbonate affects such parameters as:

minimum bending radius of the sheet;
panel structure;
distance between supports and frequency of lathing;
main technical indicators (weight, light transmission, impact resistance, etc.);

Colored polycarbonate - transparent and matte

The color of the panels is very important. It is not recommended to use transparent polycarbonate for roofs and awnings, as it does not provide sufficient protection against sun rays. It is better to opt for colored panels with a matte coating, which transmit up to 65% of sunlight and create a pleasant shadow.

The most popular are milky and bronze colors. In any case, when choosing colored polycarbonate, you must remember that the light passing through the sheet will take on the corresponding shade and color everything that is under the canopy. So if you like to read fresh air, take colorless transparent polycarbonate, and if you need a corner in the shade - matte.

The choice of polycarbonate color for home gardens or greenhouses has its own nuances. Naturally, the glazing must be completely transparent so that the plants receive enough light. If you want to use colored plastic, please do so, but try not to choose very dark colors.

There is a common myth that a polymer roof does not allow ultraviolet radiation, vital for plants. That's right: polycarbonate does not transmit hard infrared and ultraviolet radiation, but at the same time transmits the entire spectrum necessary for the full development and flowering of plants.

Conclusion

Let's summarize. Now you know how to choose polycarbonate - determine the quality, choose the color and thickness. To consolidate your knowledge, I suggest you watch a number of educational videos.

The domestic building materials market offers a wide selection of polycarbonate variations, differing not only in pricing policy and technical parameters, but also the area of effective use. Understanding the intricacies can sometimes be very difficult, especially for an untrained user. This material will examine which polycarbonate is best for a greenhouse, examine the aspects that need to be taken into account when choosing, and the brands that inspire the most trust.

Greenhouse made of transparent polycarbonate

First of all, you need to understand the varieties of this material. So, polycarbonate is:

Cellular - has a low cost, is light in weight, has excellent ductility and flexibility, and installation is simple and does not require specialized equipment. In addition, cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses has improved sound and heat insulating parameters.
Cast (monolithic) - this type is characterized by excellent aesthetics and increased strength, but at the same time it has significant weight. Due to this, its use in the construction of small-sized structures is not justified or appropriate.

In addition, there is wavy polycarbonate, which, due to its specific shape, is used mainly in covering and repairing roofs, as well as in arranging skylights.

It follows that the most profitable and justified solution for the construction of greenhouses is cellular polycarbonate, the features of which will be discussed further.

Corrugated polycarbonate is less commonly used for greenhouses

How to choose cellular polycarbonate to cover a greenhouse

The material has a combined structure - the upper and lower thin plates are connected to each other by strong stiffeners. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve improved strength characteristics without increasing the weight of the product itself. However, the higher the weight of the sheet, the better strength it has and the greater the loads and external influences it can withstand.

Key Features and Benefits

Modern cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses is produced using the extrusion method, in which plastic granules are melted into a single mass and then extruded through a special shape, giving the sheet the required design.

Characteristics of polycarbonate for greenhouses

Polycarbonate has a transparent structure, is absolutely safe and environmentally friendly. Even when exposed to ultra-high temperatures, it remains non-toxic, without releasing any harmful substances into the environment.

Its weight is insignificant, and thanks to its unique plasticity characteristics, it becomes possible to give it almost any shape. Transmitting over 80% of incoming sunlight, cellular polycarbonate is almost 16 times lighter than ordinary glass and has almost three times less weight than acrylic.

Thickness and dimensions of the material

When learning how to choose polycarbonate for greenhouses, you should decide on the available sizes. Most often today you can find sheets of the following dimensions: 210x200, 210x600, 210x120 mm. The thickness of the material can vary between 4-32 mm. Manufacturers recommend selecting the thickness of the material depending on the type of operation being performed and the structure being equipped.

The thickness of the material is the best option for any situation

For example, for greater convenience, you can use the following recommendations:

4 mm – advertising display cases and exhibition stands;
6 mm – roofs that are small in size, including those in greenhouses;
8 mm – overall roofs, typical for industrial greenhouses;
10 mm – complex cladding of vertical planes;
16 mm – roofs with a large area;
20 mm – balcony partitions and swimming pools;
25 mm – winter gardens, greenhouses, etc.;
32 mm – roofs experiencing increased load.

From this we can conclude that for arranging the roof of a greenhouse, a sheet thickness of 6 mm is quite sufficient. Subject to increased loads on the roof, the thickness can be increased to 8 mm. If you plan to use the greenhouse in winter, it is advisable to choose a two-chamber version, 16 mm thick, or its single-chamber equivalent of 10 mm - in this case, you need to take into account not only the additional load from snow, but also the need for maximum energy saving inside the structure.

Polycarbonate color and its relevance

An important factor that cannot be ignored when choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse is the color of the sheets. Manufacturers offer consumers a wide range color solutions, among which the most common are the following:

transparent;
blue;
yellow;
bronze;
red;
opal color;
green.

Colored material for greenhouse

When choosing a particular option, you need to proceed from two fundamental factors:

Maximum light transmission of sunlight.
Creating indoor lighting that is closest to natural.

Which polycarbonate is best for a greenhouse? Here you should give preference to completely transparent sheets. Thus, opal-colored sheets retain about 40% of the incoming light, bronze-colored products absorb over 60% of the radiation.

It is important to remember that colored sheets are characterized by selective light transmission, in which plants do not receive the entire spectrum of sunlight they require. As a result, their normal development is disrupted, which has a detrimental effect on growth and productivity.

UV protection

During long-term use, the plastic that forms the basis of polycarbonate is subjected to intense exposure to ultraviolet rays, which promote the activation of destructive processes, as a result of which the surface becomes covered with microscopic cracks. Over time, they increase, and it all ends with the destruction of the panel.

To avoid such trouble, the outer layer of the material is supplemented with a special coating that protects the product from negative impact ultraviolet. Unique technology coextrusion, supplemented by the technique of partial introduction of materials, provides increased strength of the protective layer and eliminates its separation from the base.

UV coating – reliable protection

As a rule, such protection is applied to the front side, although in some cases double-sided coating is possible. There are sheets without a protective layer. For greenhouses, they, as well as options with double-sided coating, are irrelevant and impractical - here you need high-quality polycarbonate with a one-sided light-stabilizing layer.

Variety of choice and main manufacturers

The manufacturer is no less important. There is no point in chasing cheap products; it is better to give preference to reliable and trusted manufacturers, whose products are of high quality and guarantee a long period of effective operation. Among the brands represented on the domestic market are the following:

Actual - domestically produced products included in the “economy” category. The service life of such sheets is about 8 years.
Polygal is a joint Israeli-Russian production product. Features excellent technical parameters and low cost. Service life – from 10 years.
Winpool is a product from a Chinese manufacturer, quite fragile and soft, although with affordable price. Service life – up to 3 years.
Sanex is a product of Chinese industry, which is characterized by excessive fragility and rigidity. Service life is approximately 4 years.
Marlon - British polycarbonate. He has excellent technical data and high price. Service life – 10 years or more.

Choose the best - trust quality

Well, the answer to the question of which polycarbonate is better for a greenhouse has been received. The information presented in this review will certainly help you do right choice and choose the best option. Do not trust dubious fakes and do not hesitate to ask questions during the purchase - this way you will save not only your money, but also your time.

Which polycarbonate is best for greenhouses? This is exactly the question that gardeners often ask me. Today I will try to answer and justify my answer to the question, which polycarbonate is better for greenhouses?

I hope there is no need to once again describe in detail what cellular polycarbonate is. After all, it is its use for greenhouses that will be discussed further. Let me just say that cellular polycarbonate is a high-tech, very strong, flexible and resistant to various weather conditions plastic, which has a cellular structure and has received last years enormous popularity in the construction of transparent structures.

What type of polycarbonate is preferable for greenhouses?

Today, four types of polycarbonate are used specifically for greenhouses. These are polycarbonates 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. In other types there is no need, since big sizes are more expensive and their use is not justified, and smaller ones simply do not exist.

And so, in order, we will now consider each type and which polycarbonate is better for greenhouses.

Polycarbonate "four"

4 mm polycarbonate is often used in the manufacture of greenhouses. I would even say very often. Especially collapsible arched greenhouses. Its sales are usually associated with greenhouses, because it is rarely used for other purposes. Manufacturers of polycarbonates, in turn, place special emphasis on the topic of greenhouses and the use of “four” for them.

Of the entire range of polycarbonates for greenhouses, four-millimeter polycarbonate is the cheapest and it is not surprising that potential buyers are led to purchase this particular product. But it's not that simple.

Having been involved in polycarbonate for more than 7 years, I can say with confidence that this polycarbonate is not an ideal material for greenhouses.

The thing is that collapsible greenhouse frames are often not designed for four people; they do not take into account possible wind and snow loads. In addition, they are made taking into account material savings and, accordingly, minimum flow metal Plus, their sheathing is made for thicker polycarbonate. It’s another matter if you yourself made the frame for the greenhouse, taking into account all the rules of lathing and possible loads.

But even in this case, 4 mm polycarbonate will not provide a complete guarantee against such a disaster as hail. During all the time I worked with polycarbonate, I quite often came across greenhouses covered with a “four” and damaged by hail. At best, the hail left serious dents, and even then on the highest quality polycarbonate. At worst - a sieve. For this polycarbonate, when deciding which polycarbonate is better for greenhouses, out of 5 points I would give 4 points, and then it’s a stretch.

Polycarbonate "six"

6 mm polycarbonate is not used as often for greenhouses as 4 mm, but, nevertheless, it is not much inferior to the “four”. Experienced gardeners They install greenhouses on their plots only with 6 mm cellular polycarbonate. In general, if we compare 4 mm and 6 mm, the advantage will definitely be on the side of 6 mm polycarbonate. Perhaps someone will notice that its price is 10-15% higher than 4 mm polycarbonate, but I assure you, you should not pay attention to this if you are buying a product for 7-10 years.

If we look at the structures of these two polymers, then you won’t find much difference other than the thickness itself, because the distances between the honeycombs of both the “four” and the “six” are the same. But it is the thickness that plays the most important role in the strength of 6 mm polycarbonate. Due to this feature, both small and medium hail cannot penetrate 6 mm polycarbonate. Of course, with intense hail, minor dents remain on the surface, but because of this, polycarbonate does not lose its abilities. Out of 5 points with which I evaluate which polycarbonates are better for greenhouses, I give this carbonate 5 points.

Polycarbonates "eight" and "ten"

I will put the next two polycarbonates 8 mm and 10 mm on the same level, because I don’t see much difference other than thickness and price. In general, I rarely see greenhouses made of 8 and 10 mm cellular polycarbonate. Basically, it is used for glazing of permanent greenhouses and very rarely for covering. Their price is significantly higher than their predecessors and does not justify their investment.

Experience shows that these polycarbonates withstand wind and snow loads very well, but not well enough with hail. This is especially true for small hail. I consider small hail to be ice granules up to 8 mm in diameter. It turns out that both the “eight” polycarbonate and the “tens” polycarbonate have a distance between the honeycombs of almost 11 mm and, naturally, a hailstone of this size at a speed free fall 9.8 m/s is able to break through the intercellular space of panels. Of course, hail practically does not penetrate cellular polycarbonate, but its top layer can be very damaged. Although this fact I noticed after 3-5 years of using greenhouses. This may be due to the fact that usually when installing greenhouses, the ends of the polycarbonate sheets are not sealed with punched tape; as a result, the panels dry out faster and lose their original properties.

Another feature of 8 and 10 mm polycarbonates is that they cannot be used to make small-sized greenhouses and greenhouses, since their permissible bending radius is quite large and should not be less than 1.5 meters. Thus, in the application of these polycarbonates for greenhouses, I give 4 out of five possible.

And yet, which polycarbonate is better for greenhouses? Summing up today's review, I will confidently conclude that the best polycarbonate for covering greenhouses is 6 mm polycarbonate. It combines price and quality. If we talk about the preference of the manufacturer, then I personally prefer polycarbonate from Polygal. This is one of the most reliable and proven polycarbonates. And remember, only high-quality polycarbonate will serve you faithfully for many years.