High quality polycarbonate. How to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse

Representing a modern high-strength construction material, with many advantages, polycarbonate is in ever-increasing demand. It is used for the construction of gazebos, sheds of various forms, greenhouses and greenhouses.

When choosing polycarbonate for greenhouses, which one is better determined depending on the type of material, its thickness, the manufacturing company is also taken into account - having many positive feedback and a good reputation are more likely to inspire confidence in high quality polycarbonate.

The recommendations given in the article for choosing the type of polycarbonate when building a greenhouse are simple and will allow you to understand the principle of choosing a material. An example of the choice of polycarbonate is the story of Igor E. from Yaroslavl, who set out to ensure the possibility of growing plants in an earlier period.

As a result, a 3x5 m greenhouse was built, in which the most different plants: cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, greens, starting active development in more early dates and surprising with their productivity.

Since it is the parameters of polycarbonate that should be considered the main indicators of the possibility for its use in the construction of a greenhouse, it is necessary to study its characteristics. For all varieties of this material, the following qualities should be considered common:

strength to mechanical stress in comparison with glass, and even more so with plastic wrap polycarbonate is much higher;
high rate light penetration;
defence from negative impact ultraviolet rays;
practically does not burn;
does not corrode;
good ones thermal insulation properties, which is important when building greenhouses in regions with a cool climate.

Durability and moisture resistance should also be considered positive qualities of the material in question. The ease of processing and installation of parts made of polycarbonate is ensured by its plasticity, and low weight allows you to create greenhouses large sizes.

Important! In addition to the many qualities that are necessary to create greenhouses and which this material possesses, polycarbonate of all kinds has aesthetics.

This is necessary so that the constructed greenhouse looks harmonious, combines with other buildings on the site and at the same time ensures the maintenance optimal conditions for the growth and development of plants.

Varieties of polycarbonate

To understand how to choose polycarbonate for building a greenhouse, you need to study its varieties and their qualities. Today there are two types of this polymeric material - cellular and monolithic.

Monolithic option

Outwardly resembling glass, monolithic polycarbonate has increased resistance to mechanical stress, which is important in case of heavy snowfall in winter period. A monolithic variety of polymer is offered for sale in the form of sheets of a standard size:

sheet width - 2.05 m;
its length is 3.05 m.

There are many sheet thickness options monolithic polycarbonate(2-12 mm), the recommended thickness of polycarbonate for greenhouses is 6 mm.

profile view

Referring to a variety of monolithic polycarbonate, a profiled variety is most often used as a load-bearing part of structures.

There are a large number of colors and shades of this type of polymer, it perfectly withstands mechanical loads, has increased sound insulation (during rain, the sound of drops is not even heard), however, its high cost and the need to use special thermal washers that ensure the stability of the structure during temperature and humidity changes can be considered disadvantages of the considered variety of polycarbonate.

Cellular polycarbonate

The difference with the monolithic version of the material is the use of several sheets of polycarbonate, which are fastened together with stiffeners. This makes it possible to reduce heat loss in the finished structure, which is achieved by the presence of an air gap between the sheets.

The dimensions of cellular polycarbonate sheets are also standard - 2.1 m x 6.12 m. The thickness of cellular polycarbonate sheets can vary - from 4 to 32 mm, depending on the distance between the sheets.

For the construction of arched-type greenhouses, when it is required to bend a sheet in a certain way, it is recommended to use cellular polycarbonate with a smaller thickness - this allows you to bend sheets to significant radii without the risk of breaking them.

Cellular polycarbonate also differs in such indicators as the angle of installation of the ribs, the number of soldered sheets, as well as in the typical and constructive structure. There are 5 main types of them on sale: 2R, 3R, 3RX, 5Rx, 6RX.

Important! Since all types of modern polycarbonate have a high degree of external attractiveness, they have proven themselves well in the construction of greenhouses, when choosing its type, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the material and the features of the future structure.

For example, cellular polycarbonate, in which honeycombs are filled with airgel, may be suitable to ensure a minimum temperature difference. High impact resistance and a degree of thermal insulation, even at a high cost of the material, constantly attract the attention of buyers to this type of polycarbonate.

Colors and UV protection

Today, there are many colors of the polymer in question on sale. All of them are attractive, allow you to give the greenhouse the most aesthetic appearance.

However, when choosing a shade of polycarbonate, one should first of all evaluate what its impact on the development and growth of plants will be. Too much dark tones may not transmit the necessary amount of light for plant growth, and excessively light ones do not provide the creation and maintenance of the desired temperature regime.

The main indicator in assessing the color of the material should be called protection against ultraviolet radiation. Indeed, in the absence of a special coating, polymer sheets quickly lose their qualities and become brittle, their degree of transparency decreases. Manufacturers use several methods for UV protection:

volumetric protection, which is introduced into the raw material at the stage of polymer production. This method is the least effective, the service life of polycarbonate without loss of its qualities is 5-8 years;
special films that are applied to ready product and perfectly protecting from the damaging effects of sunlight - the service life is longer: 15-18 years;
the combination of a bulk filler and a double layer of UV protection is considered the most effective - with its use, the material retains its qualities for 25-30 years.

To confirm the presence of a certain type of protection in the material, you should require the relevant quality certificates from the seller and pay attention to the marking.

Important! When choosing a color, it is necessary to take into account the degree of light transmission, which is expressed as a percentage and depends on the thickness of the sheets, the shade of the material. The transparent polymer has the highest light transmission (90%), followed by yellows and greens. The least translucent are bronze dark (17%) and red (%).

bending radius

To build a greenhouse with a curved roof (arched type), you must first pay attention to such an indicator as the radius of the bend.

With small roof bends, almost any type of polymer can be used, however, with a significant curvature of the sheet that is the roof, damage to the upper protective layer can occur, which will reduce the life of the material with loss of its qualities.

The bending radius can range from 0.6 m with a significant sheet thickness to 2.8 m with a small thickness indicator.

Conclusion: how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse

Since it can be difficult to analyze all the characteristics of all varieties of polycarbonate before building a structure such as a greenhouse, the following are the most important properties, which must be taken into account when building this structure:

light transmission - transparent polycarbonate has the highest light transmission rate, which is recommended for use in the construction of greenhouses;
thickness - excessive thickness scatters a significant amount of light, so thick sheets of polymer should not be used. Thin options are not able to withstand prolonged mechanical and thermal loads. The optimal indicator of thickness should be considered 4, 6 and 8 mm;
since when building a greenhouse, its functionality is primarily taken into account, the best choice many experts consider cellular polycarbonate, which has a high degree of resistance to mechanical and temperature changes, changes in humidity.

The video will help when choosing a polycarbonate option and clearly demonstrate the features of each type of material:

Polycarbonate is a complex polyester formed carbonic acid and dihydric alcohols. Belongs to the group of thermoplastics. From a chemical point of view, polycarbonate is a synthetic polymer. This material has strength, lightness, plasticity, frost resistance, durability, has good dielectric properties, optically transparent.

The production of polycarbonate takes place by the synthesis method, during which granules are obtained, which are further subjected to casting or extrusion.

The use of polycarbonate for greenhouses and the grade of polycarbonate

Currently, two types of polycarbonate are produced: monolithic and cellular. Which polycarbonate is better to use for a greenhouse? As the name implies, monolithic is a solid sheet of polymer material. Cellular or honeycomb is a hollow structure with layers of air.

Monolithic sheet has higher strength characteristics, this allows it to be used on the cover of the greenhouse without installing an additional frame. This is where all the benefits end. The following positive characteristics speak in favor of choosing a cellular structure:

Less weight. Cellular polycarbonate is much lighter. This allows the use of a less durable frame for the same sheet thickness.

The cellular hollow structure makes polycarbonate less thermally conductive, which is desirable for greenhouses.

Cellular polycarbonate is suitable for this purpose. In terms of its parameters, it is not inferior to glass and surpasses it in strength.

In favor of the choice of cellular polycarbonate, the following characteristics indicate its characteristics compared to traditional glass:

Transparent polycarbonate transmits 90% luminous flux, which is higher than standard silicate glass. Over time, this characteristic does not change.

Polycarbonate almost does not pass ultraviolet, which has a burning effect on plants.

The material is impact resistant, which is more than a hundred times higher than ordinary glass and ten times higher than acrylic. This allows you to withstand wind loads well, not to lose strength under the weight of snow.

The presence of air cavities increases the thermal insulation characteristics of the material required for the greenhouse, replacing glass of the same thickness can save up to a third of heat.

Polycarbonate does not support combustion, refers to self-extinguishing materials.

Polycarbonate belongs to flexible materials; without loss of integrity, it changes its shape even across the honeycombs, under conditions low temperatures. This characteristic simplifies installation, no additional tools are required for its implementation.

Operates over a wide temperature range without loss of performance. Not destroyed by ultraviolet rays.

For its production, the extrusion method is used. The process includes the following steps:

■ melting of granules;

■ extrusion of the resulting mixture through a mold that defines the design of the sheet.

The high plasticity and strength of polycarbonate makes it possible to produce sheets with a wall thickness of 0.3-0.7 mm, which retain impact-resistant characteristics and are light in weight. They consist of several layers of polycarbonate, connected by longitudinal stiffeners, which give the material structural strength. Between the layers contains air, providing high thermal insulation. Cellular polycarbonate withstands air temperatures in the range of -40º - +120º. The transparent material is capable of transmitting almost 90% of the sun's color.

The main characteristics of cellular polycarbonate are given in the table.

Standard sheets of cellular polycarbonate have dimensions of 2100x6000 mm, 2100x12000 mm and a thickness of 4 mm.

Important! Do you know how to save money and avoid overspending polycarbonate? Need to calculate required amount material, and for this you can use our

Or if you are building a semicircular greenhouse, then we have

How to choose the right polycarbonate for greenhouses

The trading network offers the buyer wide selection cellular polycarbonate. These tips will help you navigate and distinguish a quality product from a fake.

How to find quality polycarbonate

When choosing a material, pay attention to the information that is printed on polycarbonate:

Thin lightweight polycarbonate is used in warm parts of the country with light snow loads. It is short-lived, does not tolerate temperature extremes, does not have sufficient rigidity.
The quality of polycarbonate can be determined based on the compliance of the material with the declared characteristics. The thickness of the sheet must correspond to that indicated in the brand.
You can control the quality of polycarbonate based on the weight of the sheet. If the mass of 4 mm material is less than 10 kg, this is a lightweight analogue with low strength characteristics.
On high-quality material there is a protective film against ultraviolet radiation and one of the sides of the bluish color has a mark on its application, which allows you to navigate when performing installation work.
Qualitative products have accompanying documentation, which must contain the following data: weight, size, warranty and information about ultraviolet protection.
When buying polycarbonate, you need to pay attention to the quality of the packaging material.

Commercially available sheets vary in thickness, color, manufacturer, and may be UV coated. What material to give preference to and which polycarbonate to choose for the greenhouse?

Material thickness

The thickness of the material directly affects the strength characteristics of the material. Depending on its size, polycarbonate sheets are used for the manufacture of the following structures:

from a sheet of 4 mm performs sheds and greenhouses,

6 mm polycarbonate is used for small area greenhouses,

medium-sized greenhouses are covered with 8 mm sheets,

polycarbonate 10 mm is used for continuous coating vertical surfaces swimming pools, sports facilities,

coating 16 mm thick withstands heavy loads, is used for the roof of greenhouse complexes.

The choice of polycarbonate thickness must be approached comprehensively, taking into account all the characteristics. Do not use thin fragile material, in this case it is necessary to reduce the size of the cells of the frame crate, it retains heat worse. But a thick sheet transmits light worse, has more weight, which will require a more powerful frame. Depending on the thickness, the allowable bending radius of the sheet changes.

For the manufacture of greenhouses, polycarbonate is used with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm. A comparison of the performance characteristics of polycarbonate, depending on the thickness of the sheet, is given in the table.

Color selection

The beautiful color of the greenhouse coating will undoubtedly decorate the summer cottage. Only the main purpose of the shelter is to create the maximum favorable conditions for growing plants, so polycarbonate should provide the maximum luminous flux of the color closest to natural. Therefore, experts advise giving preference to a transparent colorless material with a light transmission of at least 80%.

Giving preference to beautiful colors, it must be borne in mind that bronze sheets do not let through up to 60%, the green color coating retains 40% of the light. This negatively affects the growth and productivity of plants.

Is a UV filter necessary?

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, destructive processes can begin on the surface of the plastic, leading to the appearance of microcracks. Violation of the integrity of polycarbonate can occur in one season. To protect the material from solar destruction, a protective coating is applied to one of its surfaces and an index mark is placed.

Some types of polycarbonate are produced with a protective hole on both sides, but for a greenhouse there is no need for such foresight, since the sun's rays affect only one side of the plastic. Double-sided coating is more appropriate on billboards.

Service life of polycarbonate

European firms are confident in the quality of their products and guarantee 20 years of work. domestic materials designed for 7-10 years. Cheap Chinese plastics have a short service life, often up to 7 years.

The most popular manufacturers of polycarbonate

The manufacturer - the Austrian company GE Plastics - is a reliable supplier of quality materials. Currently, this polycarbonate is in high demand. Sheets have double-sided UV protection, which allows them to maintain their high user performance. long time. Panels are produced in 2, 3 or more layers and in a wide range color performance. Lexan polycarbonate is many times stronger than glass and has unique thermal insulation characteristics. Greenhouses made of this material allow you to harvest a rich harvest.

A new type of economy class polycarbonate. Polycarbonate brand - SafPlast Innovative (Russia). Plastic has heat-saving and light-scattering properties. UV protection is located on the top side of the panel. With proper operation, it can serve up to 15 years.

Cellular polycarbonate produced in Russia.

Structurally, it is hollow panels, with stiffening ribs and several polycarbonate layers that form polycarbonate thermal insulation cells. The service life is small, only 3-5 years.

Creating a durable reliable greenhouse involves the use of high quality materials. An important role in the design is played not only by the frame, but also by the coating, in this case polycarbonate. A reliable manufacturer can provide a guarantee of quality and long-term operation.

Many gardeners are thinking about building a polycarbonate greenhouse on the site. But on sale there are polycarbonate sheets of different thicknesses, sizes, with different form cells, there is a cellular and monolithic material. How to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse or a finished greenhouse from it?

Pros and cons of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate has become a popular material for greenhouses along with glass and film.

It transmits light well.
Has low thermal conductivity.
Durable.
Not afraid of low temperatures.
Does not conduct electricity.
Has a small weight.
plastic and thermoplastic.
It can be recycled.

Such advantages make polycarbonate suitable material for greenhouses for various purposes. Of course, there is no material without drawbacks: it is easily damaged if cleaned with abrasive or caustic agents, expands significantly when heated, due to which the structure can be deformed, and is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation. The last drawback is eliminated by applying a protective film.

Monolithic or honeycomb

Polycarbonate is divided into monolithic and cellular. Which polycarbonate is best for greenhouses? Cellular is most often used for this purpose. It consists of two or more sheets interconnected by numerous ribs. It has a honeycomb structure, which makes it strong and flexible, in addition, reduces thermal conductivity. Such material scatters light to some extent. This can be useful if plants need to be protected from scorching.

Polycarbonate transmits light better than glass (up to 88%), sometimes it has a film that protects against ultraviolet radiation. Also, this material is less fragile than glass, if it breaks, it does not form dangerous fragments, is light in weight, and resists fire well.

Polycarbonate greenhouses have long established themselves as the most durable, comfortable and functional. It is not surprising that the demand for them only increases every year. And people not only buy ready-made greenhouses made of cellular polycarbonate, but also build them on their own.

However, inexperienced craftsmen always face the problem of how thick polycarbonate is best used for a greenhouse. These are the questions we will answer today.

To understand the basic properties of polycarbonate, you should get to know this material better. So, it was discovered back in the 19th century, but then it was considered side effect certain chemical reactions. They created it again and began to use it only in the middle of the 20th century.

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

On a note! Such properties are given to polycarbonate by the special structure of its molecules. And the layers themselves, which we are used to seeing in greenhouses, are created from special granules. The range of application of polycarbonate is very wide: with its help, the facade is finished, roofs, barriers, etc. are made from it.

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

Types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic

Of course, cellular polycarbonate is much lighter than monolithic, but it can also be different in weight. It often depends on the weight and - the heavier it is, the stronger and more enduring, which means it better resists the effects of winds and snow pressure. Its mass increases due to the thickness of two sheets fastened with jumpers.

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

However, it cannot be said that a certain thickness is used for the construction of greenhouses. Selection criteria often depend on the climatic conditions of a particular region. In addition, each type of material has its pros and cons.

Criteria influencing the choice of polycarbonate.

Region of residence. This is one of the most important criteria, since the need to choose a denser or, conversely, thinner material will also depend on the wind and snow load.
Material for the frame of the greenhouse. It is desirable to install a denser and heavier polycarbonate on metal carcass, while a light one can also be placed on a wooden one.
Seasonality of building operation. The less 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 thick material.
The shape of the roof also affects right choice material. For example, if snow can roll off it in winter on its own, then the material can be taken thinner.

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

Thickness	Advantages and disadvantages
Thickness 4mm	Polycarbonate with this thickness is most often used for the construction of greenhouses. The fact is that it bends very easily, thanks to this property, you can create arched structures from it with your own hands. It is also easy to process and has excellent transparency compared to thicker counterparts. Another plus - low cost material, so it is available even to a summer resident with a low income. One of its main drawbacks is the need to install a large number stiffening ribs when mounting the frame, otherwise there is a high risk that the greenhouse will simply collapse in winter under the pressure of the snow cover. That is why, if you still decide to make a 4 mm thick polycarbonate greenhouse, you should regularly (after each heavy snowfall) remove snow from it. And from the cold and frost, such material does not protect well enough. In general, this polycarbonate is quite suitable for creating a small country greenhouse.
Thickness 8-10mm	This type of polycarbonate is already considered more professional and is suitable not only for amateur summer residents, but also for those who live off the income from the garden and consider this not just a hobby. Such material retains heat much better than the previous one - in a greenhouse created from it, you can work even in winter under certain conditions. Its light transmission is quite good, although lower than that of thinner coatings. And when mounting the frame, you will need fewer ribs, and structures from it can be made much larger than from 4 mm material. By the way, the average life of such polycarbonate is about 10 years. But the price of this species is already higher, and not everyone can afford to buy it.
Thickness 15mm	Polycarbonate, which has the highest strength among those described. It is frost-resistant, not afraid of high pressure created by snow. It keeps heat well, and therefore is often used to create winter gardens. But the price of such polycarbonate is much higher than that of the first option.

Based on this, we can conclude that polycarbonate with a thickness of 8 mm can be considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. It is from it that you can create a fairly strong, warm and durable greenhouse in an ordinary garden plot.

Color and honeycombs matter

When choosing cellular polycarbonate, you should also pay attention to its structure - it also has a significant impact on its strength, light transmission and quality in general.

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

There are three types of honeycombs.

In order not to spend extra money, it is worthwhile to clearly weigh all the requirements for the future construction. It makes no sense to install a polycarbonate greenhouse with hexagonal honeycombs in a warm and calm region - these will be unjustified costs. Yes, and such material transmits light worse, which means that it is not suitable for plants, especially light-loving ones, so you will have to spend money on additional lighting.

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

Attention! The light transmission of polycarbonate for plants must be at least 80%.

Not all color sheets meet this requirement. For example, blue polycarbonate absorbs 40% of solar radiation, and bronze - all 60%. It is also worth remembering that colored polycarbonate often passes only a certain part of the spectrum, and there are no guarantees that it will only block the type of radiation that is dangerous for plants.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the optimal polycarbonate should be transparent and with square honeycombs. This will be the optimal solution in combination with a material thickness of 8 mm.

Do you need UV protection?

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

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

With constant exposure to UV radiation, microcracks gradually form on the plastic - the so-called photoelectric destruction begins. Gradually, these cracks increase in size, grow together and thereby destroy the polycarbonate sheet.

To prevent this destruction and increase the life of the material, polycarbonate is covered with a special layer that protects against UV rays. A coating is applied on one side, on which there will be a mark indicating that the material is not afraid of this type of exposure. It is with this mark outward that the sheet is mounted when installation work for greenhouse cover.

Attention! Polycarbonate without protective coating begins to collapse in the first year of operation. That is why it is unsuitable for greenhouses in principle.

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

Choosing polycarbonate

How to choose the right polycarbonate for a greenhouse that will meet all necessary requirements and will it be optimal? Everything is very simple.

Step 2 Consider the shape and dimensions of the structure that you want to build in your summer cottage. Remember that for arched greenhouses or structures with steep roof slopes, polycarbonate can be taken thinner.

Step 4 Consider what crops you will be growing in the greenhouse. Some need a lot of light and heat, others need a little light. The choice of polycarbonate will also depend on this, both in terms of thickness and in terms of the ability to retain heat.

Step 5 When you go to the store, be prepared to take some measurements yourself. Negligent sellers can slip you more thin material than what you need. Take a ruler with you.

Step 6 Carefully inspect the sheet you have chosen: it must be intact, have a protective film, the stiffeners must be even (not bent or broken).

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

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

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

If you are afraid to make a mistake with the choice of polycarbonate, then contact the specialists who will accurately calculate the required density and thickness of the material in accordance with the stated requirements. True, their services are not cheap.

Video - Choosing polycarbonate

Polycarbonate manufacturers

Now on the market, the buyer is offered a large assortment of polycarbonate from various manufacturers.

Table. Characteristics of cellular polycarbonate 4 mm thick from various manufacturers.

Description	Light transmission, %	Specific weight, kg/m2
It is one of the largest polycarbonate producers in Russia. The products are in steady demand, as they have long established themselves as one of the best. The greenhouse from this polycarbonate serves more than 12 years.	84-87	0,75
Polycarbonate has excellent characteristics. The average service life is 8 years.	81	0,8
Produces polycarbonate with the same name. This is a Russian-Israeli company. Their polycarbonate is durable, inexpensive, and lasts a very long time. With proper operation, the greenhouse retains its properties for about 10 years.	82	0,65

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

Pros and cons of polycarbonate in the manufacture of greenhouses

Popularity polycarbonate is explained by its characteristics:

Received with optimum properties. Plants will be able to take light, the necessary heat, they will not overheat and will not overcool. The design is quite simple to assemble yourself. Shape change heat treatment– the risk of fire is minimal, since ignition occurs only at 120C. The sheet is difficult to break, even if successful, it will not shatter into sharp fragments. Such a greenhouse can be left for the winter without fear of cracks, used as extra bed storage of garden accessories.

The disadvantages include:

ease of damage by abrasive means;
deformation in extreme heat;
destruction of the structure from high doses of ultraviolet radiation.

All cons are corrected right place installation of a greenhouse, gentle care, application of special films on the surface.

Polycarbonate classification

The material is produced in two types:

Monolithic

Solid sheets different sizes and thickness.

The monolithic version resembles cloudy glass. It has a noticeable weight, aesthetic appearance, is very durable, but it also costs more. Such polycarbonate is easy to mount without additional frames. Meanwhile, monolithic sheets practically do not keep heat. In such a greenhouse sensitive plants freeze.

Cellular

Two or three sheets connected by a layer of numerous ribs. The structure resembles a honeycomb, hence the name.

Cells of honeycomb type better scatter light, evenly distribute the temperature inside the building. Seedlings will not get burned, will not suffer from overheating or hypothermia. This material is much cheaper. In addition, cellular polycarbonate is more flexible. It is attached to the frame even in the form of arches. Lightweight series with thin ribs are produced.

For the arrangement of greenhouses and hotbeds, it is mainly cellular polycarbonate that is taken.

What kind of polycarbonate do you choose?

CellularMonolithic

Key parameters of polycarbonate

Both types of material are of different quality. Only a combination of certain parameters can guarantee long term finished product service.

Feedstock

High-quality polycarbonate is produced according to the Bayer patent. In its formulation, special plastic granules of increased strength are used. Such raw materials must be marked "Premium".

There are also sheets made of recycled plastic. They are often labeled with an "Eco" badge. The service life of such options rarely exceeds 5 years. But the cost of the "secondary" is much lower.

Cell Density and Shape

Two inseparable parameters. Cells in the form of a triangle or hexagon give the highest density. Such a layer is difficult to demolish even with a strong gust of wind, but it is less flexible and delays more Sveta.

Square cells show average plasticity and weak throughput in terms of light.

Rectangular honeycombs are very popular. Such sheets are quite flexible and are cheaper than others. At the same time, they do not have the highest breakage resistance.

The density also depends on the mass of the ribs. It is optimal to choose species with an indicator of at least 800g / sq.m.

Sheet size

Monolithic polycarbonate is made in the form of sheets of 3.05 m by 2.05 m. For cellular material, a width of 2.1 m is characteristic with a length of 6 or 12 m.

The dimensions shown are standard. They are followed by manufacturers of domestic and foreign brands. There is no single formula for calculating costs, since everything depends on the individual cutting.

Sheet thickness

There are many more options for this parameter in polycarbonate. Both honeycomb and monolithic plates are available in thicknesses of 4, 8, 16, 6 and 10 mm. Lightweight series are thinned to 3.5 and even 3 mm.

Compacted sheets within 20-32 mm are made to order. They are rarely found on the open market. Such types are used for structures where strength is especially important.

For greenhouses and greenhouses in summer cottages, material 4 mm thick is most often used. The room will last 3-4 years, but will cope with its functions perfectly well. In harsh climatic conditions with storm gusts of wind, frequent hail, it is recommended to take cellular polycarbonate 6 mm (less often 10). Thicker varieties, for all their strength, will not transmit enough light. It will be extremely hot or cold inside, depending on the weather of the day. In addition, the thickness of 16 mm makes the construction extremely heavy. It is necessary to strengthen the frame, and it is quite difficult to build it yourself.

Colour

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

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

Colored options reduce light transmission, change spectra. Therefore, they should be taken only under certain cultures and conditions:

brown, red, green shades - for berries, flowers and mushrooms;
white shades - for crops;
yellow shades - to avoid burns in hot climates (transmits 72% of the light);
bronze - for shady plants (up to 60% of the light).

From turquoise, opal, blue flowers better to refuse. They scatter no more than 40% of the rays, while the most important of them do not pass through the spectrum.

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

Also, experts recommend paying close attention to textures. Matte sheets are suitable only for southern regions with an abundance of sun. They protect well from burns, passing only 65% of the rays. In other regions, it is better to opt for transparent polycarbonate. At short day, a small amount sundial photosynthesis should not be slowed down by haze.

UV coating

The plastic from which polycarbonate is made is subject to destruction. ultraviolet rays. Constant heavy exposure leads to the formation of microcracks on the surface. Over time, the stars blur into large webs. In the end, the sheet finally breaks, the structure collapses.

The process of photodestruction of polycarbonate slows down special coating. The protective function is performed by films resistant to ultraviolet radiation. They are attached to the surface of the sheet using co-extrusion technology. The bonding of the layers occurs while still in liquid form, so the risk of separation of the coating and the base during operation is minimal.

Most brands apply the coating on one side of the plates. Bilateral protection is rare or is made to order. Has a mark on the machined side. For greenhouses, a film on the outside is sufficient, where direct contact with radiation occurs.

Latest Achievements technological process made it possible to start production of polycarbonate with the initial inclusion of a protective additive. The component is mixed into the plastic itself, so the film becomes unnecessary. The percentage of UV absorption is about 30-45%. There is a corresponding mark on the sheets.

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

Make no mistake with the choice plastic panels advice from experienced farmers will help. Practical experience a large number people shows that you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the goods, you can always ask the seller for a certificate. To original sheets Documentation is always included. Counterfeits can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous due to the release harmful impurities upon contact with the sun.

Features of the construction of a polycarbonate greenhouse

Rational use of material significantly reduces the cost and time. Experts advise to follow the rules:

For arched structures, arcs of 6 and 12 mm are made.
All joints must fall on the profile. Arcs, the frame is best made solid to increase strength.
For a gable greenhouse, the wall and roof are guided by the size of the sheet. Each plate should divide without residue.
Between the frame and sheets make gaps of about 2-3 mm. This is done for the free expansion of polycarbonate when heated. For the same purposes, the bolt holes are made slightly larger than the declared diameter.
It is preferable to use rubber washers in the places of fastenings with bolts to soften during expansion. So cracks will not go.
It is better to cover the outer ribs with a vapor-proof film or profile. Gives moisture protection and eliminates clogging. The inner edges are left as is, so that the condensate drains freely.

In this way, savings are achieved without loss of greenhouse productivity.

During transportation, polycarbonate is laid flat in the body. The location on the ribs deforms the sheets. Plates up to 8 mm must fit completely into the machine to avoid breakage. Thicker ones can be left suspended by 0.5-1 m. Thin flexible options can be rolled into a half-roll and secured with tape.

Storage of material is carried out in a dry closed room away from the open sun. Perfect for a shed or garage. On the street, it is better to stack the blanks on top of each other without packaging (UV layer up) and cover with an awning.

To clean the walls of the greenhouse, non-aggressive agents are used. The best option for washing is soapy water and damp cloths. After cleaning, the walls are wiped dry to maintain the best transparency.

A competent choice and work with polycarbonate is the key to a long service life of the greenhouse, good harvest without harm to plants.

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