2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Every summer resident strives to get a good harvest of greens and vegetables. A greenhouse helps to optimize conditions for the growth and fruiting of plants; it is found in almost every garden plot. Difficulties arise when choosing the type of coverage. Today there are many materials for organizing comfortable growing. What is the best way to cover the greenhouse: glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, film or non-woven material? We suggest that you familiarize yourself with each option
Glass cover
The most practical but expensive material is glass. Ideally maintains the microclimate in the greenhouse, does not expand at maximum temperatures, does not emit toxins, and has a high light transmittance. It is actively used in all industrial farms.
Difficulties in operation are fragility, injury hazard. Also, the installation of a glass greenhouse requires certain costs for materials, skills and craftsmanship. Glass is heavy, so solid supporting structures are needed, which in turn will trap light and create shadow. A prerequisite is the construction of the foundation.
Coating with plastic wrap
The most affordable, popular material is film. The attractiveness is justified by the ease of installation, ease of transportation, and low cost. The negative features of the film greenhouse are instability to mechanical damage, short service life, as well as the need for frequent repairs and annual renewal of the material. Even if you install a reinforced film, then this will be enough for 2-4 seasons, besides, the cost of this material will be higher. The annual change of film also leads to financial losses, which will amount to a significant amount over the years.
If we talk about the macroclimate, the tightness and absence of cracks disrupts air circulation, contributes to the accumulation of condensate, as a result, favorable conditions are created for the development of harmful bacteria and unwanted microorganisms.
Acrylic coating
Acrylic (aka plexiglass, polymethyl methacrylate, plexiglass) is a polymer material, much stronger than film, lighter than ordinary glass. Withstands mechanical stress, natural phenomena such as hail, strong winds, bends well. Easy to install: when heated, it becomes plastic and takes the desired shape, easily cut with an ordinary hacksaw. For a long time it does not lose transparency and light transmittance, it is environmentally friendly, and maintains a good microflora.
The disadvantages of acrylic are manifested in the ease of ignition, it requires removal from direct fire and sparks, it also scratches, cracks. Price characteristics differ from grade, quality and can be quite high. But the most expensive ones have a 10-year warranty, do not grow cloudy, do not turn yellow.
Polycarbonate cover
It quickly gained popularity among summer residents, polycarbonate is great for greenhouses and is considered one of the best. It has a lot of advantages: it can withstand hail, mechanical shock, falling branches, thick snow layer. Light transmittance is comparable to glass. Cellular polycarbonate has longitudinal air cells on the cut, which makes it elastic and not brittle, it is 200 times stronger than glass, and as for its weight, it is 6 times lighter. The material does not cause problems during installation, it is suitable for any designs and sizes, the service life is not limited to 10 years.
Today polycarbonate is used everywhere - it is the most convenient and practical material. Thanks to its composition and air channels, it provides a balanced distribution of heat, reflects ultraviolet light, which prevents seedlings from sunburn. The disadvantage is the instability to acetone, acids, alkali. In the cold, it becomes fragile and is not able to withstand a large accumulation of snow, therefore the roof of the greenhouse is always arranged in the form of a hemisphere or with a good slope.
Nonwovens cover
Type 60 synthetic fiber covering material can be used for greenhouse cover. Non-woven is sold in rolls, easily transported in a bag, much cheaper than polycarbonate. Most often used for small greenhouses or tunnel beds.
Difficulties in operation are expressed in susceptibility to sharp objects, the definition of the front and back sides, since water permeability depends on this. To cover the greenhouse, you need a pattern, and sewing a cover, which is often difficult. The structure should be free of cutting surfaces, burrs, chips and sharp corners. The fabric is lifted by the wind and requires additional fixation over the entire area with wire, twine or fishing line. Nonwoven fabric is very problematic to use, although it allows plants to breathe and is inexpensive.
Conclusion
A short excursion will help a novice summer resident decide on the choice of material for his greenhouse. All greenhouse coverings described above have been successfully used for a long time and have their own advantages. The choice depends on the location and size of the greenhouse, long-term prospects, financial capabilities. The choice is yours.
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