Is It Permissible To Cover A Greenhouse With Poly?

A greenhouse’s transparent exterior, known as the “glazing” or “covering”, is crucial for protecting plants from harmful outdoor elements like wind, rain, and snow. The material used to build a greenhouse depends on factors such as climate, budget, and type of greenhouse. Polyethylene film, also known as greenhouse plastic, offers extended protection against harmful elements. However, it is essential to check soil moisture regularly throughout winter to avoid overwatering, which promotes root, crown, and foliar diseases.

Some greenhouses use other materials such as polycarbonate paneling or glass, but it is essential to be cautious when selecting 6 mil plastic from certain sources, particularly those manufactured in China. Modern greenhouse plastic options are endless and customizable, with soft polyethylene or stiff polycarbonate glazings offering various features.

Choosing between polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for greenhouse coverings involves several factors. PE plastic is the most commonly used material due to its low cost, easy availability, and high light transmission. It is available in various colors and is commonly used in greenhouses, tunnel houses, shadehouses, and other structures.

Poly structures generally have less permitting requirements than other materials. Massachusetts state law excludes greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film, but this exemption does not apply if the greenhouse is to be permanent. Most states do not view hobby greenhouses as permanent structures, so no permit is required.

Polyethylene plastic is the most commonly used material for low-density greenhouses, while medium density greenhouses are used in small tunnels and mulch. Generally, you do not need planning permission for a domestic size polytunnel for your garden.

Are plastic covered greenhouses any good?

Plastic greenhouses are an affordable and flexible alternative to glass greenhouses, providing extra dedicated growing space and extending the growing season. They offer a safe environment for seedlings and can grow plants from tropical climates. However, they have a reputation for collapsing and not keeping out frost at night. Despite this, plastic greenhouses offer flexibility, being suitable for almost all surfaces, easy to transport, and quick to take apart and rebuild.

They outperform more costly options like poly-carbonate greenhouses. While they lose strength and insulation, they are suitable for almost all surfaces, making them a great option for renters and beginners.

Which is better for a greenhouse, PVC or polycarbonate?

PVC and polycarbonate are both suitable for greenhouse construction, with PVC being more affordable and durable but lacking insulation, UV protection, and longevity. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers superior durability, insulation, UV protection, and aesthetic appeal. When choosing a material, consider factors like budget, climate, and desired appearance. PVC may be the cost-effective option for those who can compromise insulation and longevity, while polycarbonate is likely the better choice for those who value durability and energy efficiency.

Can a greenhouse have a solid roof?

It is essential that a greenhouse roof be transparent or nearly transparent to permit sufficient light to enter, as plants require direct sunlight. The roof design ensures that the temperature inside the greenhouse remains constant, which is optimal for the cultivation of plants, vegetables, and fruits, as the warmth remains consistent as the sun traverses the sky.

Is plastic or polyethylene better for greenhouse?

Greenhouse plastics have varying properties, with PE offering superior light transmission, PVC being durable, Polycarbonate providing excellent heat retention, and EVA combining light transmission and resilience. Polyethylene (PE) is an economical choice due to its high light transmission and waterproof properties. However, the 4-6 mil varieties, also known as nursery plastic, have a shorter lifespan and often require replacement after 1-3 years. SolaWrap, a transparent PE film with integrated bubbles, offers energy savings, UV protection, and prolonged growing seasons.

What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate (PC) is a versatile and durable thermoplastic polymer known for its impact resistance and natural transparency. It is highly transparent, making it ideal for applications requiring optical clarity, such as eyeglass lenses and protective shields. PC’s exceptional impact resistance makes it ideal for safety and durability applications, such as bulletproof glass and automotive headlight lenses. It can withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming, making it suitable for applications requiring exposure to elevated temperatures.

PC is lightweight, making it popular for weight reduction in industries like aerospace and automotive. It also has good UV resistance, making it suitable for greenhouse panels and outdoor equipment protective covers. PC is also an excellent electrical insulator, used in electrical and electronic components to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards. However, PC has limitations, such as limited resistance to high temperatures and not being inherently flame retardant.

It can be sensitive to certain chemicals, solvents, and cleaning agents, making it important to select appropriate materials for cleaning and avoid exposure to incompatible chemicals. Additionally, PC can be more expensive than other plastics and may not be suitable for direct food contact due to concerns about bisphenol A leaching.

What is the best poly for a greenhouse?

Greenhouse plastic covers are essential for plant growth and health, and the type of plastic used determines when a replacement cover is needed. The best budget greenhouse plastics include UVA Clear 4 yr. 6 mil, Anti Drip 4 yr., Clear 12 mil Woven Greenhouse Plastic, and 8 mm Twin Wall Polycarbonate Sheeting. The type of plastic used also impacts plant quality and the time spent installing and replacing it throughout the structure’s life.

Is polyethylene safe for greenhouse?

Polyethylene plastic is a popular greenhouse covering due to its low cost, large sheet size, ease of attachment, and good light transmission. Since its inception in the 1960s, improvements have been made to improve its durability and resistance to abrasion, weather, and UV rays. Most polyethylene film is manufactured as a coextrusion of three layers with different polymers and additives, each contributing to its quality and performance. These properties make it the most common glazing for greenhouses, providing the necessary characteristics for crops to thrive.

What is the best covering for a greenhouse?

Greenhouse coverings, such as rigid plastics like fiberglass, acrylic, and polycarbonate, are essential for a hobby greenhouse. These materials are shatterproof and can withstand hailstone damage to varying degrees. The best glazing material for a greenhouse should allow maximum light while minimizing heat escape. There are various types of plastic glazing, including film sheeting and rigid panels.

Glass is the traditional greenhouse covering, but it has undergone improvements in recent years, such as increased strength, larger panes, and frosted and hammered panels. Double-walled tempered glass reduces heat loss by about one third, while low-emissive or low-E coating reduces heat loss without causing a loss of light. Low-E glass also reduces condensation, blocks ultraviolet rays, and makes the inside glass warmer.

Film plastic is a cost-effective alternative to glass, with a lifespan of three to five years and up to 89 light transmission. It comes in various thicknesses, with weather-resistant polyethylene film plastic being the least expensive option. When choosing a film, ensure it has UV protection and an infrared inhibitor to cut heat loss inside the greenhouse by up to 20 on cloudless nights. Double-layering the plastic creates an air pocket for insulation, reducing heating costs by one-third.

Another innovation in film covering is an anti-condensate additive that allows moisture buildup to run down the sides of the film instead of onto the plants. This helps prevent disease infection by keeping contaminated moisture from dripping on the plants.

Can you use poly sheeting for a greenhouse?

Polyethylene plastic sheeting is a popular choice for greenhouse covers due to its affordability, durability, and light transmission. However, choosing the right type can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available. This guide will explore different types, their properties, and how to select the best one for your needs. Polyethylene is a versatile plastic used in various applications, including food packaging and plastic bags.

It comes in various thicknesses and features to suit different growing conditions. SolaWrap, a unique option gaining traction in the greenhouse market, is also introduced. Polyethylene sheeting comes in various thicknesses, with 1 mil equal to 1/1000 of an inch.

Can a greenhouse have a covered roof?

There is no single best material for covering a greenhouse’s roof, with various options including glass, polyethylene film, polycarbonate sheets, and fiberglass panels. These materials must be transparent or translucent to allow plants to absorb sunlight and temperature. Glass is the most common material, but it has limitations, including high costs for framing materials and the risk of leakage. Careful construction and sealing are necessary for glass greenhouse roofs, as it is more likely to shatter than other materials. Despite these challenges, glass remains a popular choice for greenhouse roofs due to its ability to absorb sunlight and temperature.

Is polycarbonate OK for greenhouse?

Glass or polycarbonate is a popular choice for greenhouses, depending on your priorities. Polycarbonate is a cheap, shatterproof material, while glass is environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. Tempered glass is recommended to prevent glass from shattering. Polycarbonate greenhouses are worth considering if glass cannot withstand extreme temperatures and are cheaper than glass alternatives. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and can be used to grow food more efficiently.