How Thick Should A Greenhouse’S Plastic Be?

Greenhouse plastic is typically offered in a range of thicknesses, with the most common thickness being 6 mil. Thinner 3-4 mil plastic is suitable for short-term structures, while 8-12 mil plastic provides maximum durability. The best greenhouse plastics are durable, thick enough to resist tearing, and include additional features that growers need. Greenhouse covers are typically offered in a range from 3 mil to 12 mil, with the most common thickness being 6 mil.

The thickness and break point of a plastic sheet are important factors that determine its strength, durability, and suitability for your plastic greenhouse. Common options are 4mm to 6mm thick, with thinner plastic providing better insulation but may be more expensive. Greenhouse grade material, only available in 6 mil thickness, is best for multi-year applications.

The best greenhouse plastic is 4 year, 6 mil polyfilm, which has a 4 year warranty and is 6 mil thick. Home-store plastics do not meet the standard for greenhouse coverings. Americover offers a wide range of greenhouse plastic sheeting, including 6 mil polyethylene plastic, which offers the perfect mix of durability and flexibility.

In summary, the ideal thickness for greenhouse plastic is a combination of strength, longevity, and flexibility. Polycarbonate is a popular choice due to its durability, light transmission, and insulating properties. The most common thickness for greenhouse plastic is 6 mil, which is ideal for multi-year applications and is UV resistant.

Is 6mm polycarbonate good for greenhouses?

The 6mm thickness is the most common choice for greenhouses with solid polycarbonate panels due to its high impact strength and rigidity, making it suitable for any weather. When replacing a 6mm glass panel, a matching thickness polycarbonate panel saves time, money, and hassle, allowing you to focus on growing your greenhouse. If twin-wall polycarbonate is your preference, it’s worth investing in a thicker sheet for maximum support and cost-effectiveness.

10mm is a great thickness for insulation and strength, while 4mm twin-wall is not recommended due to its flimsiness and potential for blowout during storms or strong winds, making it more expensive to replace. Overall, choosing the right thickness for your greenhouse depends on your specific needs and preferences.

What thickness should greenhouse plastic be?

The optimal thickness for greenhouses in moderate climates is 6 mil, while 8-12 mil is recommended for cold climates and commercial operations. The longevity of quality greenhouse plastic is contingent upon proper installation and maintenance. In particular, ultraviolet (UV) protection is of paramount importance.

What size PVC do you use for a greenhouse?

The latest PVC plan offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize light and warmth. The plan uses 1-inch PVC pipe and fittings in the shape of an arch to create an efficient greenhouse. This design allows for minimal dead air space and allows light to enter at most angles, refracting more readily against the curved walls. The arched design maximizes light and warmth, with few corners, allowing for optimal light penetration and warmth retention.

The PVC Arched Greenhouse kit is fully expandable, allowing for easy expansion of the rear entrance. With a second kit and more arches, the greenhouse can be turned into a 25-foot greenhouse, reducing the cost of building a larger greenhouse. This innovative approach allows for more time and money for seeds, quality soil ingredients, and irrigation methods. Overall, the PVC Arched Greenhouse offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize their greenhouse’s potential.

What is the difference between 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate?

6mm polycarbonate sheets have 5-10 less light transmission than 4mm ones, allowing more even distribution of light in darker areas. These sheets are typically made from recycled material and have a shorter lifespan than 4mm ones, which are often UV treated and made for the lowest cost. They are often used in entry-level greenhouses, aiming for the lowest cost and enduring a few months under NZ weather conditions.

Can I use 4 mil plastic for a greenhouse?

4 mil poly plastic is a lightweight, cost-effective option for greenhouse coverings, offering basic protection and light transmission. It is suitable for temporary or seasonal greenhouses, but may require frequent replacements. 6 mil poly plastic is a commonly used material, providing better durability and strength compared to 4 mil poly plastic. It offers decent protection against weather elements, UV rays, and light transmission. However, its ability to tolerate wind, hail, and heavy snow loads can vary depending on the quality of the plastic, greenhouse structure, and prevailing conditions.

10 mil poly plastic is a thicker option, providing better resistance against punctures, tears, and other potential damage. It can withstand more challenging weather conditions, including higher wind speeds and heavier snow loads, but may slightly reduce light transmission compared to thinner options.

How long does 6 mil greenhouse plastic last?

Farm Plastic Supply offers a high-quality greenhouse plastic with a 4 year UV protection and greater than 90 light transmittance. Their clear 6 mil plastic polyethylene greenhouse film provides the necessary sunlight for plants, and they also offer all-in-one greenhouse kit solutions. This UV-treated plastic offers strength, longevity, and quality, with 20 light diffusion and a greater than 90 light transmittance.

Can you use regular 6 mil plastic for greenhouse?

6 mil contractor plastic is not suitable for greenhouses, high tunnels, or hoop houses due to its lack of UV stability. It will quickly break down if exposed to sunlight and wind. Other options include high tunnels, all high tunnels, peaked high tunnels, mobile high tunnels, round hoop houses, caterpillar tunnels, backyard greenhouses, greenhouse covers, polycarbonate, polycarbonate, shade cloth bulk, shade cloth finished edges + grommets, sidewall components, auto roller motors, and hardware.

Is 10 mil plastic good for a greenhouse?

6 mil greenhouse plastic is suitable for backyard gardeners and growers, while 10 mil plastic is suitable for larger commercial operations. Both are strong enough for their needs, but 10 mil is commonly used in harsh climates and environments. For those looking for a covering between 6 mil and 10 mil, 8 mil greenhouse plastic sheeting is available. The range of sizes available for 10 mil greenhouse plastic is from 6 to 500 feet in length, with widths ranging from 6 to 60 feet. Custom sizing is available upon request.

Which is better, 4 mil or 6 mil plastic?

The 4 MIL provides robust protection for packaging heavy metal parts and nails, while the 6 MIL offers enhanced protection against punctures and tears on bulky or sharp-edged items.

What thickness of PVC film is used in greenhouses?

Co-poly film is available in three, 4, and 6 mil thickness for one-year use in narrow tunnels and overwintering houses. Greenhouse grade material, only available in 6 mil thickness, is best for multi-year application. Condensate control (AC) reduces surface tension, allowing condensation to flow instead of form droplets. This can be sprayed on the film or incorporated in the center layer, and lasts a couple of years. An anti-fogging additive may be included to prevent early morning and late afternoon fog formation in the greenhouse.

Reduced nighttime heat loss (IR) is an additive that traps inside radiant heat from escaping, resulting in savings of 10-20% depending on the sky. IR film can increase color and compactness and accelerate crop development due to increased nighttime plant tissue temperature. Costing only a couple of cents more per square foot, the payback is only a few weeks for a greenhouse heated all winter.

Is 4mm polycarbonate OK for greenhouse?

4mm polycarbonate sheets, available in clear, are optimal for use in greenhouses, cold frames, and shed windows as a replacement for glass and for allowing light while providing a slight degree of obscurity.