The thickness of polycarbonate that is right for a greenhouse will depend on the climate, size, and application of the greenhouse. Generally, for most climates and situations, a thickness range of 4 to 6 millimeters (mm) is sufficient.
There are also 8mm and 10mm varieties available, which may be beneficial for larger greenhouses or locations subjected to extreme weather conditions. In some cases, when extreme temperatures are a factor, a thickness of 12mm or above may be needed.
It’s important to ensure that the thickness of the polycarbonate you choose is appropriate for your climate and specific application.
How do you choose polycarbonate?
When choosing polycarbonate, there are several factors which should be taken into consideration. First, consider what application the polycarbonate will be used for, as the properties and performance of polycarbonate can vary.
Next, consider the properties of polycarbonate, such as impact strength, transparency, stiffness and weather resistance. The types of polycarbonate can vary depending on the individual characteristics, so research the available types and determine which will best suit your purpose.
Thirdly, consider the cost of the product, as some types can be more expensive than others. Finally, consider the environmental impacts of the product, such as its recyclability, or if the type of polycarbonate is suitable for use in green buildings.
With this information, you can make an informed decision about the best type of polycarbonate to choose.
Which brand of polycarbonate is best?
It ultimately depends on your specific needs as to which brand of polycarbonate is best for you. Some of the most popular brands include Makrolon by Bayer, Lexan by SABIC, and Tuffak by Plaskolite. Makrolon has a range of polycarbonates that are suitable for a variety of applications, including light diffusing, flame retardance, impact resistance, sound reducing and more.
Lexan is another popular polycarbonate that is often used in aircraft, automotive and safety-glass industries because of its extreme impact resistance and durability. Tuffak polycarbonates are mostly used in machine guardings, skylights and glazing applications, and are more affordable than its competitors.
Before selecting a polycarbonate brand, it is important to research and determine which polycarbonate offers the best benefits for your application. Each brand has different features, and which one is the best choice will depend on the particular needs of your project.
What is difference between 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate?
The difference between 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate is primarily one of thickness. 4mm polycarbonate is 4 millimeters thick and 6mm polycarbonate is 6 millimeters thick. This difference in thickness results in the 6mm polycarbonate providing greater insulation, more rigidity and more impact resistance when compared to the 4mm variety.
In terms of insulation, 6mm polycarbonate is better at preventing heat loss and maintaining internal temperatures. This trait makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use, such as during construction or for constructing greenhouses.
Rigidity is also improved with the 6mm polycarbonate providing greater strength and resistance to bending, making it an excellent choice for structures such as walls and roofs. Impact resistance is also improved with 6mm polycarbonate better able to withstand heavy impacts and forces of nature such as hail and heavy winds.
Although 6mm polycarbonate offers superior protection, the tradeoff is that it is more expensive than 4mm polycarbonate. In addition, 6mm polycarbonate is heavier and more cumbersome, which makes it easier to damage during installation.
Overall, the choice between 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate depends largely on the application and desired outcome.
What is the thickness for greenhouse plastic?
The thickness of greenhouse plastic varies depending on the type of plastic material that is being used. For general purpose greenhouses, the standard thickness is typically 6 mil. Polyethylene plastic is the most common material used because of its outstanding durability and longevity, even in extreme weather conditions.
It is also UV stabilized, which means it is protected from the damaging effects of the sun. If a greenhouse is located in an area with very high winds or extreme cold temperatures, the recommended thickness is 8 mil or even 10 mil to help ensure the plastic remains intact and undamaged.
Are there different grades of polycarbonate?
Yes, there are different grades of polycarbonate that are divided based on the raw material and the manufacturing process. Polycarbonate can be divided into two main categories: general purpose and engineering thermoplastics.
General purpose polycarbonate is a good choice for basic applications and is available in a variety of properties. It is made from bisphenol A or bisphenol S safely contained in a polycarbonate structure.
Engineering thermoplastics are advanced performance materials that are designed for specific applications requiring superior characteristics such as mechanical strength, dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and flame retardancy.
Common grades of engineering thermoplastic polycarbonate include Makrolon, Lexan, Polleron, and Hyzod. Each of these has a different blend of raw materials and manufacturing processes that make them suitable for various applications.
Some grades are designed for high impact applications, while others are designed for applications requiring flame retardancy.
What is the type of polycarbonate roofing?
Polycarbonate roofing is a type of roofing material made of a thermoplastic polymer called polycarbonate. It is lightweight and impact-resistant, and it has excellent fire-retardant properties. Polycarbonate roofing is available in either sheets or shingles, and it comes in a variety of colors and shades.
The sheets offer high light transmission, ultraviolet protection, and durability, while the shingles have a high impact-resistance and are relatively light in weight. Polycarbonate roofing is also affordable and easy to install.
It can be installed in all types of roof pitches, and is both impact-resistant and crack-resistant in extreme weather conditions. It has a high environmental profile and is 100% recyclable. It is also available in both transparent, translucent and opaque options, allowing for a custom look to the roof.
Is all polycarbonate the same?
No, all polycarbonate is not the same. Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic material that can be found in a variety of different forms, and each form of polycarbonate has its own specific characteristics, applications, and uses.
Polycarbonates are divided into two main categories: general purpose polycarbonate and high performance polycarbonate. The two main types of general purpose polycarbonate are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
PET is a lightweight transparent plastic that is commonly used for water bottles, food containers, and cosmetics packaging, while PMMA is typically used for applications that require high temperature performance, such as aircraft window glazing and data storage optics.
High performance polycarbonate plastics, on the other hand, are used in applications that require more durability than general purpose polycarbonates. High performance polycarbonates are composed of polymethylpentene, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polycarbonate/polymethylmethacrylate alloy, and polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC/PBT) alloy.
These polycarbonates offer superior heat, wind and impact resistance, as well as improved chemical and flame resistance, compared to general purpose polycarbonates. They are often used for applications such as medical devices, automotive headlights and windshields, electronic devices, and industrial parts.
How long does polycarbonate greenhouse last?
Polycarbonate greenhouses typically last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, depending on its environmental conditions and how well it is taken care of. The polycarbonate sheeting used to create these types of greenhouses are incredibly durable, making them an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a long lasting gardening solution.
Generally, the polycarbonate itself will not degrade much over the years and will continue to provide reliable protection against outdoor elements. However, other parts such as the frame and fastenings may need more regular maintenance and replacement over the years.
In order to get the most out of your polycarbonate greenhouse, it is important to keep it carefully maintained. Regularly cleaning and checking fastenings, making sure the seal between panels is intact, and checking for any damage can help protect it from the environment and prolong the life of the greenhouse.
Will polycarbonate yellow over time?
Yes, polycarbonate can yellow over time. Many factors can contribute to the yellowing of polycarbonate, such as exposure to sunlight, humidity, temperature, and other environmental conditions. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the most common cause of yellowing in polycarbonate sheets; the longer the exposure, the more the yellowing.
Additionally, some chemicals and pollutants in the air can cause polycarbonate to yellow. To reduce the yellowing, it’s important to protect polycarbonate from direct UV rays and keep it away from chemical pollutants.
Applying an anti-UV or weatherproof coating can help prevent yellowing and also increase the material’s durability. If your polycarbonate has yellowed, try cleaning it with a solution of warm water and mild detergent before applying a coating.
How long will polycarbonate panels last in the sun?
The longevity of polycarbonate panels in the sun will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of material used for the panel, the climate it is situated in, the amount of exposure it receives, and the location it is situated in.
Generally, polycarbonate panels should last anywhere from 5 to 20 years when exposed to the sun, although there have been reports of some lasting up to 30 years. In hotter climates and with more exposure, it is likely that the panels will degrade more quickly.
Additionally, panels in direct sunlight will show fading and discoloration sooner than those in more shaded locations. The best way to ensure your polycarbonate panels last as long as possible is to make sure they are protected from ultraviolet rays, as these can cause fading and damage to the panels over time.
Lastly, it is important to check the panels regularly and make sure they are properly installed so that they remain securely in place.
Does polycarbonate degrade in sunlight?
Yes, polycarbonate does degrade in sunlight over time. Exposure to UV rays can cause the material to become brittle and discolored, leading to cracks and fading. Polycarbonate should be protected from direct sunlight when possible, as prolonged exposure can ultimately decrease the strength of the material and reduce its longevity.
In addition, UV rays can interact with and degrade the various additives and pigments used to color polycarbonate, which can change its appearance and affect performance.
Do plants grow under polycarbonate?
Yes, plants can grow under polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is an ideal material for greenhouses, and many greenhouse systems use polycarbonate sheets to maintain optimal temperatures and light levels for crop growth.
Polycarbonate is a lightweight material that transmits light well, allowing the growth of plants even in indoor environments. Transmitting light is especially important for photosynthesis, a process that plants require for growth and nourishment.
Additionally, polycarbonate panels are highly durable and can withstand environmental conditions, making them a good choice for both hot and cold climates. The material also has insulation properties, allowing for heat retention, which is essential for plant growth.
Polycarbonate is also easy to install and can help to reduce costs of building greenhouses. While polycarbonate is an excellent material for outdoor greenhouses, it should be noted that while there are many benefits of using polycarbonate, the material should not be used if the environment is subject to heavy winds or hail, as polycarbonate may not withstand these types of intense conditions.