There are four main types of glazing: Plastic Films, Polycarbonate, Glass, and Fiberglass. What you select depends ultimately on budget, climate and what you plan to grow in the greenhouse. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

polycarbonate
The most widely used materials are polycarbonate and polyethylene film. Whether you’re replacing your existing greenhouse covering or building a greenhouse, Growers Supply has the right greenhouse covering material to suit your needs, as well as all necessary hardware.

polyethylene plastic
The best greenhouse plastic for your gardening projects is UV stabilized plastic sheeting made of 6 mil or thicker polyethylene plastic. It is affordable, but is able to provide cover formany years..

Types of Greenhouse Coverings

• Glass. Glass is a traditional greenhouse covering.
• Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Acrylic and polycarbonate coverings are slightly less expensive than glass, yet typically offer 15 or more years of service.
• Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic.
• Polyethylene Film.

One other type of plastic which is used occasionally for greenhouse plastic is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the same plastic used to make pipes. While this plastic is extremely durable, it’s also generally only available in shorter lengths than polyethylene sheeting, and it costs significantly more.

A greenhouse cannot have a solid roof as it needs to let light in to transmit to the plants inside the structure. All greenhouse roofing materials must be a transparent or semi-clear, light-permeable material. The incoming solar radiation from the sun warms the soil, plants, and anything else inside the greenhouse.

The best glass glazing for a greenhouse is double pane tempered glass. It is robust, and in case of damage, it breaks into small square pieces, so the chances of injury are low and small parts won’t damage your plants.

3. Comparing by Greenhouse Plastic Lifespan

Based on the type of covering materials, the greenhouses are classified as glass, plastic film and rigid panel greenhouses. Only glass greenhouses with glass as the covering material existed prior to 1950.

Polycarbonate, typically the most expensive greenhouse covering, has a warranty period of about ten years, depending on the manufacturer. Although it is quite long-lasting, it can be difficult to replace because polycarbonate sheets come in limited sizes and are not easily cut.

One of the most inexpensive ways to enclose your greenhouse is using plastic. Polyethylene , or poly, plastic is a durable, opaque film that covers the entire greenhouse roof, sides and end walls.

Concrete Slab. Yes,if you poured a concrete slab as a base,it also serves as a floor for your greenhouse.

Pros and cons of polycarbonate greenhouses. The heat retention properties of this type of greenhouse are excellent , which is good news for any fruit and vegetables you want to grow. You’ll lose less heat through the roof panels than you would with a glass greenhouse. Click to see full answer. Similarly, how long do Polycarbonate greenhouses last? ten years.

Greenhouse film is a type of plastic covering used to shelter the plants inside of a greenhouse from the larger world outside. Traditional greenhouses use glass coverings to allow light in but keep chilling winds out, as well as to preserve moisture and humidity.