Hello,
The greenhouse I plan to buy comes in 3 models =
- Clear polycarbonate panels
- Twin wall 4 mm polycarbonate
- Hybrid, clear for the walls and twin wall for the roof.
At first I tought the clear panels, 90 % light transmission, was the best choice for cacti.
But the manufacturer states that the twin wall, 70 % light transmission, diffuse the light and that this is better for plants in general.
I only plan to use the GH to extend the growing season a little bit in spring and fall.
What do you think about that ?
Best type of polycarbonate for a GH ?
- cactushobbyman
- Posts: 1437
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:01 pm
- Location: Sanger, California
Re: Best type of polycarbonate for a GH ?
Bought from Farmtek 7 years and doing fine. No yellowing. I built the greenhouse.
8mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheets
This UV-resistant greenhouse material is 12 times lighter than glass. These easy-to-handle, lightweight sheets are a breakthrough in greenhouse technology, and they can be used to provide crops with lighting or as a blackout option.
• Also widely used for construction, rain shields and soundproofing applications.
• Will not film over after long exposure to sunlight.
• Tough, practically shatterproof, 8 mm polycarbonate material maintains light transmission over years of use.
• Hollow, twin-wall construction gives superior insulating capabilities for better heat retention and lower fuel costs.
• Weighs only 1.5 KG/m2—1/12 that of glass.
• Virtually no UV penetration.
• Highly flame resistant, with a flashpoint of 1,166˚F.
• 10 year warranty.
With kits 4mm seems to be the standard. I also have a smaller HF greenhouse and the panels are about 3.5mm and starting to yellow. 4 years of age. Do your research.
8mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheets
This UV-resistant greenhouse material is 12 times lighter than glass. These easy-to-handle, lightweight sheets are a breakthrough in greenhouse technology, and they can be used to provide crops with lighting or as a blackout option.
• Also widely used for construction, rain shields and soundproofing applications.
• Will not film over after long exposure to sunlight.
• Tough, practically shatterproof, 8 mm polycarbonate material maintains light transmission over years of use.
• Hollow, twin-wall construction gives superior insulating capabilities for better heat retention and lower fuel costs.
• Weighs only 1.5 KG/m2—1/12 that of glass.
• Virtually no UV penetration.
• Highly flame resistant, with a flashpoint of 1,166˚F.
• 10 year warranty.
With kits 4mm seems to be the standard. I also have a smaller HF greenhouse and the panels are about 3.5mm and starting to yellow. 4 years of age. Do your research.
- greenknight
- Posts: 4821
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Best type of polycarbonate for a GH ?
Agreed on the twin-wall, the insulation value will help extend the season.
Spence