Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panel: For the Best Greenhouse Quality

What Is A Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panel?

Greenhouses are essential for providing the best nurturing conditions that plants need to fully grow. This means having the right amount of temperature, light, water, and so much more. As part of coming up with a great greenhouse, you also need the right materials too. For our case, we shall consider greenhouse polycarbonate panels. 

The polycarbonate greenhouse panels are made using unbreakable polymers. These polymers will also help in transmitting a lot of light in addition to being strong. Once the light goes through the polycarbonate panel, it is also insulated from escaping. As such, it will be a great material for making the best greenhouse regardless of what you want to grow in the greenhouse. 

These panels are mostly loved because of their durability, resistance to UV, sturdiness, and so more. 

What Are The Benefits Of Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panels?

With the many options for greenhouse materials available, sometimes you may need more convincing that you are making the right decision by choosing the greenhouse polycarbonate panels. Here are the reasons to pick the panels today. 

• Impressive insulation 

The polycarbonate greenhouse would have impressive insulation compared to the conventional greenhouse. When you are using a plastic panel, it would easily let the heat out. You can now find it generally easier to maintain the temperature in the greenhouse better. You will also find it provides the best insulation thus no need to keep heating the greenhouse and bring it up to temperature. 

• Impressive durability 

Anyone buying a greenhouse does not hope to replace it after only a few years. The good thing about polycarbonate materials is that they last long. You can now focus on other things that your greenhouse needs rather than having to replace the polycarbonate walls or roof. 

Since the panels are also lightweight, you may find it a lot easier to move them into position and do the installation faster. 

• Shatter-resistant materials 

You would not want to deal with greenhouse materials that easily shatter and possibly cause injuries. Polycarbonate panels are for those who want toughened glass as an alternative. When branches fall on it, the greenhouse still remains looking good. 

When you compare it to the standard greenhouse glass, you would find that the glass is thinner. This would make it easily damaged. You would then also find that polycarbonate panels are still cheaper. As such, you always end up with a value for money. 

• Enjoy extended growing seasons 

When you have such a greenhouse, it would continue providing the best conditions your plants needs. You can see that it is easier to utilize more growing seasons. Polycarbonate sheets do a good job of providing better light transmission. This is quite vital for growing the best and high-yielding plants. 

• You experience better UV protection 

Other than improving how the light reaches your plants, polycarbonate materials are also good at providing the best UV protection. This is thanks to the polycarbonate material having a natural UV filter. Your plants should then have the best protection generally. 

• Many shapes and sizes

It is possible that many people might have different needs for greenhouse polycarbonate panels. It is then vital for ensuring that shapes and sizes are available in plenty. You can definitely get yourself the best size or shape depending on the project you are handling. 

What are the top Polycarbonate Panels Available Greenhouse Applications?

Elife does not make just one type of polycarbonate panel. We make several options in the market. Here are some of the top panels you can expect to get from us right now. 

• Lexan polycarbonate

When you look at this polycarbonate, you may confuse it with glass since it is made to be plain and transparent. That is how it allows most of the light into the greenhouse improving the growing conditions. 

This polycarbonate is still one of the strongest in the market. Being strong allows it to bend or be molded and used for different applications. To bend such a material, there is the use of pressure and heat to make the sheet malleable. 

As for the light transmission, the polycarbonate would transmit up to 87% of the light. This is more than what you may get with other materials for greenhouses. 

The polycarbonate can still be cut with ease. This mostly applies to the panels with smaller thicknesses. 

• Twinwall polycarbonate

You may get this type of polycarbonate also called double-wall or even better multiwall panels. As the name suggests, you can easily understand more about its overall design. Since it has two walls, it will generally be a good option for those who want highly durable polycarbonate sheets. 

Even if it is a double-walled polycarbonate, it will be a great option for transmitting light. Well, the panel is not completely see-through compared to the next polycarbonate sheet we will look at below. 

The panel is also relatively easy to cut. As such, you can have it cut to suit your size needs for making a greenhouse. 

• Clear polycarbonate roof sheet

You would always want to consider a clear polycarbonate roof sheet if the light is a big factor for you to consider. Such a material has the same design as the twinwall polycarbonate, but its structure is unique. You will find that the outer surface provides the best greenhouse protection from UV rays. The same also helps to bring about the best-diffused light into your greenhouse. 

• Honeycomb or monolithic 

This type of polycarbonate gets its name from the design. If you look at it in the light, you will notice it has honeycomb structures. As such, you would end up with some unique-looking polycarbonate. 

This material is generally flexible making it the best to use for even the complex shaped greenhouses. 

It is worthing noting that such a type of polycarbonate weighs more and can be more costly. These are important features to keep in mind when choosing it. 

What Is The Right Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panel Thickness? 

We suggest that you always use the recommended polycarbonate panel thickness if you want the best results. The polycarbonate panels will have a thickness ranging from 2.5 to 4mm. We recommend you use the 4mm polycarbonate for greenhouse applications. This would generally lead to the best light penetration and other benefits. 

The weather of where you want to set up the greenhouse would also play an important part in the greenhouse thickness. In case you are in an area where snow is a big deal, then consider buying yourself a thicker greenhouse material that can hold the weight of snow. 

How Does Polycarbonate Compare To Acrylic Material For Greenhouses?

Both acrylic and polycarbonate panels are good in terms of cost. You will always save a lot more when buying such panels compared to when you are using glass panels for your greenhouse.

These two materials have a light transmittance of 80 to 90%. However, the main difference comes in when you look at the impact resistance. Here, we find that the polycarbonate greenhouse panel would have five times better impact resistance when using acrylic material. Such impact resistance is the main reason you find polycarbonate panels used for greenhouse construction than acrylic panels. 

You may want to consider using a stronger material when you are dealing with roofing, glazing, and other crucial parts of the greenhouse. These materials also need to withstand the harsh weather and possible accidental contact. 

Another reason why polycarbonate panels are a top preference is because of how easy it is to cut the panels. When you look at acrylic, there is the need of heating it first to make it easier to cut, bend, and shape. You would need specialized cutting tools to deal with such panels. 

Even if the initial price of polycarbonate might be slightly higher than acrylic, handling acrylic will raise the price significantly. It is why more people making vegetable greenhouses would consider getting themselves panels made of polycarbonate materials. 

How Long Do Polycarbonate Panels Last?

The greenhouse polycarbonate panels are some of the most durable materials you can use for your greenhouse. We expect that the polycarbonate panels would last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. It depends on how well you care for it and also its use. If the panels are used appropriately, then you should have a greenhouse that lasts quite a long time to come. 

Elife gives you a warranty on your polycarbonate panels. This means you can always get the polycarbonate panels and use them without having any worries. The customer care team will also help you in handling any warranty claims you might have in mind. 

What Colors Of Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panels Are Available?

The greenhouse polycarbonate panels are easily available as clear sheets. However, there are many other colors you may consider if you want to find a nice-looking greenhouse. Below are your options;

• Clear sheets

This would probably be the most commonly used type of polycarbonate for your greenhouse. Such a color would be the best for conservatories also where a lot of maximum sunlight is required. In most cases, you should also get a lot of heat into the room making it crucial for the growth of your plants. 

• Opal panels 

Opal polycarbonate panels would be used in places where you want softer light. Because of the color, you should expect reduced heat build-up and also hot spots in the room. You can get them having a tinted look which is also vital for offering more privacy while at the same time maintaining the best light also. 

• Bronze panels 

It must be interesting to get the bronze panels. Such panels would be used where less light is needed. A good example is patios. Also, expect that the heat going through the panel is minimal. As such, these panels would keep the rooms cooler. 

You could also get bronze opal sheets. Such will be good those structures facing the sun a lot but you want to keep them cool. 

Just are just a few of the greenhouse polycarbonate panels you can buy right now. Do not worry about the color as you would get many options such as brown, yellow, green, blue, and more. Just let us know what you would like. 

Polycarbonate Vs Glass Greenhouse. Which Is Better?

It is possible you may have come across both polycarbonate panels and glass panels as options for a greenhouse. However, you found it a bit hard to choose which one to you for your needs. We will compare the two for you to see what can work best. 

• Glass panels

The glass panels generally look nice. You would be able to see through clearly and will give you a traditional look for a tomato greenhouse. 

Glass panels are also good in terms of giving you the maximum amount of light coming into the greenhouse. Such exposure is vital for the growth of your plants and maximum yield. 

Glass panels are also loved for not being able to fade or discolor after some time. Well, not all covering materials can remain clear. Some might fade with time making it hard for light to penetrate. 

Glass will be easy to replace on overall. You can come across replacements from local supplies compared to some exotic panels that are not always easy to get. Many also find it cheaper to buy such panels than the other options in the market. 

As much as glass panels might have several benefits, you might find yourself not always going for them. One of the reasons is because glass has no heat protection. You end up not providing the best UV protection for your plants. 

Glass will also lead to higher heating and cooling costs. Spending more on heating or cooling your greenhouse is not something many people want to do. 

Most glass greenhouse kits would be more expensive than their polycarbonate counterparts. There is the danger of glass breaking. You should always note that as it might not always be the strongest option when setting up a greenhouse. 

• Polycarbonate panels

Polycarbonate panels are considered a top choice over glass panels for a few reasons. The first one is that polycarbonate panels are sturdier. Here, you can expect the best durability. The panels will also not break when they are under stress. As such, the polycarbonate panels can withstand huge forces. 

Polycarbonate panels are also good at protecting plants from UV rays. Their job would be the let in sunlight and warmth while blocking the UV rays. Light transmission is still impressive at 88%. 

The large greenhouse polycarbonate panels also do a good job of diffusing the light better than when using a glass panel. A good example is the twin-wall polycarbonate panel which would deliver on better light diffusion thus optimum plant growth. 

The panels are generally lightweight. Being lightweight makes it easier for the workers to install during the setup stage. They will also not worry that the panel might easily break. 

Polycarbonate panels are generally more durable and can resist the weather better. Even when such panels are exposed to harsh weather, they can easily withstand it. 

These panels also need low maintenance compared to glass panels. If you can clean them once or twice a year, then they should keep looking clean. 

The most common downsides to these panels are that they do not look as nice as glass and are prone to scratches. 

So, if you are going to choose between the two, ensure you understand what each offers and pick one that will deliver the best results. Most people might consider polycarbonate panels as they are cheaper and more durable. 

How Do You Find A Reliable Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panel Supplier?

If a greenhouse polycarbonate panel is what you need, then a good supplier is also important. Here is how you may get the best industrial greenhouse polycarbonate panel supplier.

• Get recommendations. Assuming it is the first time you are buying a polycarbonate panel, sometimes it is hard to know which brand will deliver the best product. So, getting recommendations from people who have used the brand before would help a lot. 
• Check out the company’s reputation. This is quite vital as you can tell alot about the brand from its reviews and overall reputation. If the brand seems to have the best reviews, you can then consider getting it for yourself and expect the best product always. 
• How about the pricing? It would be great if you can save some money too. That is why you always need to consider the price of the supplier. Ask for quotations and compare the prices. With Elife, you should get the quotation a lot faster. It is within 24 hours most of the time. 
• The warranty would also be vital to consider. A good warranty is always a surety that you are getting quality polycarbonate panels. We often recommend you inquire more about the warranty and any other guarantees that the company offers. 

How Do You Clean A Polycarbonate Greenhouse?

Greenhouse polycarbonate panels do not always need cleaning, but you should do it as recommended to have a good-looking greenhouse. Take note that the polycarbonate panels can easily scratch, so it is best not to use the common household cleaners on them. 

Elife recommends that you only use dish soap or the polycarbonate cleaning solution recommended in the manual. This would generally make you have a great polycarbonate greenhouse with no scratches. 

You are also advised not to run a dry cloth on the polycarbonate. Using such a cloth will likely lead to scratches on the panel. 

Here is a quick method for you to consider;

• Start by mixing the dish soap in a gallon of water then use it to wash the inside of the greenhouse. This helps loosen grime and dirt buildup. 
• You should then proceed to rinse the walls with enough water. A hose might be a nice idea to help remove as much soap residue as possible. You could also consider using a fresh towel to dry the excess water and avoid water spots. 
• The outside of the farm greenhouse can be washed with the same method or you can just rinse the panels with a lot of water to remove the dirt. At this point, you get to experience a clean greenhouse. 

Keeping a clean greenhouse is highly recommended as pests are commonly drawn to dirty environments. Invest in quality ventilation systems to help maintain the humidity in the recommended range generally. 

What Are The Additional Applications Of Polycarbonate Panels?

You have already seen that greenhouse polycarbonate panels can do a great job of giving you the best greenhouse. They are strong, can withstand harsh elements, and are quite flexible to improve their applications. So, where else can you use these polycarbonate panels? Here are some ideas.

• Conservatories are like greenhouses too. Well, they will offer more living space compared to using it to grow plants. This is a place where people can come sit and simply enjoy the sun. Such places are mostly popular during summers. To make them the best at UV protection, most companies would use polycarbonate panels. 
• Patios are awesome for helping you have a nice outdoor when you simply sit and relax after having a hard day at work. The patios need covers too and the polycarbonate panels will do a good job at ensuring there is an excellent cover. 
• You can still get the polycarbonate panels being used for skylights too. The skylights in a building help in bringing more light into your room thus making it fresh and bright too. 
• Partitioning the indoors or outdoor spaces will generally need tough panels too. Here, you can consider using polycarbonate panels to ensure the best look for your big greenhouse. As much as polycarbonate is high on visibility, it still remains a good sound insulator. 

So, there will be several ways you can use polycarbonate panels. Ask Elife and you can get more applications for your greenhouse polycarbonate panels. 

Conclusion

You can always rely on Elife to do a good job of coming up with the best polycarbonate panel. If you enjoy the best greenhouse because of such panels, just remember you could also use it for other applications too as mentioned above. If you are ready for some panels, let us know today to get it sorted.