Commercial Polycarbonate Greenhouse 

What is a Polycarbonate Greenhouse?

Such a greenhouse would be made with polycarbonate sheets as the main glazing material. You could have other glazing materials including glass, acrylic, and so much more. What is important is to always end up with a greenhouse that gives you the best yields and polycarbonate is just that material. 

The commercial polycarbonate greenhouse gets its name because it is designed to be big in capacity. As such, it would be able to handle the demand for those who might want to deal with a higher rate of production. 

Te commercial polycarbonate greenhouses would be also customizable to suit your needs better. If that is something you need to create the best polycarbonate greenhouse, then rely on Elife to give you the best greenhouses generally. 

How are polycarbonate sheets produced?

The polycarbonate sheets are produced through the chemical reaction of phosgene COCI2 and bisphenol A or BPA. It is a simple process but each manufacturer has managed to customize it to suit their production needs. 

Right now, Elife produces its polycarbonate sheets using the same method however, this time round there is injection molding plus extrusion too. Depending on the type of sheets, sometimes BPA may be replaced with other diols. The result is that now you have a polycarbonate with enhanced physical properties. 

A good example is whenever you need a polycarbonate sheet to be resistant to fire, then tetrabromobisphenol A will be used. Those who want BPA-free sheets will consider the tetramethylcyclobutanediol to form the polycarbonate sheet. 

The material is quite popular right now to the point more people are interested to use it for their greenhouses. It is estimated that more than a million polycarbonate tons are produced by different companies worldwide. This shows how popular the material is and you may also want to consider it. 

What are the benefits of using commercial polycarbonate greenhouses?

Polycarbonate greenhouses are popular mostly because of the many benefits of the materials. So, what are these benefits of commercial polycarbonate greenhouses;

• Impressive mechanical properties 

Polycarbonate sheets can maintain their rigidity better compared to some other materials. You might find it maintaining its rigidity with temperatures as high as 140 degrees C. As for toughness, it can maintain it even when the temperature drops to as low as -20 degrees C. 

Since it is an amorphous material, it is able to maintain excellent mechanical properties. It is also rated as slow-burning material as it can withstand fires better. It is not like you would want fires to burn down your greenhouse, but it is good to know that they can withstand the fire. 

• Impact-resistant material 

When you look at the properties of polycarbonate sheets and compare them to glass, you can notice that it is 250 times stronger than glass. Such impressive impact resistance is vital considering that at times the industrial greenhouse might be exposed to harsh weather such as stones and so much more. 

• Abrasive resistant 

The most common downside of polycarbonate sheets is that they can scratch with ease compared to glass. However, you may also get abrasion-resistant panels. These have been reinforced to ensure they can stay as clear as possible. So, you can get high abrasion-resistant polycarbonates. 

• Anti-static properties 

The Elife polycarbonate sheets are also anti-static. This is achieved by having them coated with metal and a special plastic mixture. As a result, you end up with better protection against static electricity. Also, it will be good at chemical resistance. 

• Can be recycled 

The polycarbonate sheets are fully recyclable. This means that even when you are done with using the panels for greenhouses, you could still use the same for other uses or have it reused to make it even more useful. 

What are the applications of polycarbonate sheets?

The first application is obvious. We often use the material for making greenhouses. Such greenhouses would stand out for overall durability compared to some other materials in the market. Even for those who need to use it for commercial purposes, you can always get one for your application. 

Polycarbonate sheets can have many applications in addition to greenhouses. Some additional uses include; conservatories, displays, industrial roofings, swimming pool covers, vertical glazing, and so much more. It will be a great choice for many other uses depending on your needs. 

What are the types of Commercial Polycarbonate Greenhouses available?

Commercial polycarbonate greenhouses are made of different types of the same material. Some of the common types of polycarbonate big greenhouses include;

• Clear polycarbonate 

Since you want the best light transmission when growing some plants, there is the need to use a clear polycarbonate. You would also get it having the best design since it also gives you the most desired transparency. Even Elife will give you the assurance that the clear polycarbonate will not yellow easily after a few years. 

• Tinted or colored polycarbonate 

You can still find the option of colored polycarbonate sheets. This shows that the commercial polycarbonate greenhouse would also be beautiful. It depends on what you like to see in a greenhouse. This is because it is possible to make it beautiful and functional at the same time. 

Elife would customize the colors of the polycarbonate sheets until it is something that you like. 

• Mirrored polycarbonate

This might not be the most common type of polycarbonate you use for greenhouses, but it can have many other applications. You would get it mostly being used in the density, automotive, and cosmetic industries. Such material is loved because it can maintain the mirror finish even in brutal environments. 

• Abrasion-Resistant polycarbonate 

Because the polycarbonate material is commonly affected by scratches, Elife developed the abrasion-resistant polycarbonate sheet. Such a sheet will be able to live up to your needs for handling tough environments. Even if you use it for your greenhouse, it can handle the different pressure and hazards that might otherwise scratch it. 

There is no doubt you would like to see the greenhouse giving you the best yields over the years because such a material is good in durability. 

What kind of seeds can you use in a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse?

A greenhouse is essential for creating the best environment for growing different types of seeds. You could opt for any plants depending on your expertise and needs. It is possible to grow veggies throughout the whole year. However, you might be wondering, which are the best seeds?

Below are top options for starting seeds;

• Hybrid seeds 

The hybrid seeds seem like a healthy option for those that might not be conversant with the different types of seeds in the market. You will notice them having the mark F-1 by the seed companies. 

Such seeds are liked since they will lead to healthier and bigger plants generally. The plants also tend to be identical. You can also expect consistent production. Such seeds are made because the farmers want the best yields. 

• Heirloom seeds 

The heirloom seeds will be what you pick mostly for growing vegetables. You can expect that there will be genetic variety for such types of seeds. Their good features would be passed on to the next generations. As such, they are considered the best when you need to do seed swaps. 

These seed types are also very stable thus you can expect consistently high yields with each year that passes. 

Those two mentioned above will be the most common options you get in the market. However, the seed labels can help you also understand what kind of seeds you are buying. Below are some examples;

• Open-pollinated seeds are the seeds that will produce true plants. This simply means that these plants would be related to the parent plant. These are essential seeds for seed conservation. 
• Organic seeds get this label only if the plants are grown in line with the USDA organic standards or a certain area. 
• Non-GMO seeds are not grown through recombinant DNA technology. Many people want such seeds as they are assured of the best safety. 
• The GMO seeds are the opposite of Non-GMO seeds. Such seeds are arrived at through crossing genes of different plant kingdoms. 

Each brand will have different ways of labeling the seeds. Just make sure you understand what each label means before buying. A good example is having the germination guarantee. This means the potential of the seeds germinating. You want seed types with a higher germination guarantee. 

What are the essentials of a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse?

We have already looked at one of the essentials which include seeds. Once you have the seeds, what are the other essentials you need? Here are some ideas for you;

• Temperature control 

If you are a beginner to using a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse, then you need to consider having proper temperature control in the vegetable greenhouse. This is because whatever you are growing in the greenhouse needs the best temperature control. 

Sometimes you may have to supplement the heating of your commercial polycarbonate greenhouse with the use of a gas or electric heater. This is when going into the winter months and you need to continue growing plants. 

Warmer months are the opposite. During this time, you need to keep the greenhouse cooler. Here, you could use vents and fans to ensure you have the best temperature in the greenhouse. Have automated systems to maintain the temperature with ease. 

• Lighting 

The type of plants you will be growing in the greenhouse will also determine the kind of lighting you get. Many plants need the best light for them to flourish. Yes, light is quite vital for photosynthesis. 

When you are going to include it in the greenhouse, consider the season, the amount of daylight available, and the plant variety you would be growing. The blue and red-colored lights are the most commonly used because they offer the right wavelength that the plants need for photosynthesis. 

• Watering 

Of course, watering is quite crucial too. The watering systems will be vital for growing the best plants in your greenhouse. As much as watering is important, you are not supposed to overdo it. Making the soil too soggy will not work great for your plants. 

Read more about the plants you are growing. Not all need the same amount of water to grow. Some might start to rot when you use too much water. 

• Additional accessories 

There will be many other accessories that you need to make the commercial polycarbonate greenhouse functional. These additional accessories will mostly depend on your budget and commitment to the product. You are looking at accessories such as fans, potting benches, mist systems, shelving, and more. 

When you shop for these accessories, make sure that you consider the needs of your plants. Also, what amount of space do you have available. You should not end up crowding your greenhouse in the name of adding more accessories. 

How do you control pests in a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse?

Greenhouses can be some of the best environments for growing different plants. However, when pests or diseases get into the tomato greenhouse, they can easily spread to the whole greenhouse. That is why you are advised to take note of such pests and deal with them as fast as possible before they can spread. 

• Aphids 

Anyone who has owned a garden before knows what aphids are. These insects love to feed on the leaves and can be disastrous if you do not take the time to handle them fast. You may sometimes have to prune the affected leaves. 

• Thrips 

Thrips will have colors varying from brown to black. You are likely to find that they would lead to extensive damage also. You could use screens on vents to ensure that these pests are kept outside as much as possible. 

• Bloodworms 

The bloodworms will be the elongated version of roundworms. They do have a red color this is due to having hemoglobin just as you would see in human blood. Due to such a characteristic, they are able to grow in water and also in places with low oxygen content. 

• Snails and slugs 

The snails and slugs in your greenhouse mean there is a lot of moisture in the greenhouse. These slimy creatures can be removed by ensuring that your greenhouse is maintained clean. Also, ensure that the greenhouse is free from plant wastes including used boards, leaves, and uprooted weeds. 

How do commercial polycarbonate greenhouses compare to greenhouses?

You might have come across polycarbonate greenhouses and you wonder if wooden greenhouses would be better. Well, here are the reasons for you to choose polycarbonate greenhouses over other greenhouses. 

• Better durability 

Polycarbonate is strong than wood and glass. Well, not all types of wood, but it is generally able to stand up to the different elements. 

Other than being strong, polycarbonate panels would also be rigid and flexible. Being flexible means it will not crack with ease compared to some wood structures. So, it should be good for the different weather types. 

• Better heat retention 

You will find that the polycarbonate material would be better at retaining heat. This is thanks to its double-glazing structure and construction. This should keep the heat from easily escaping. 

The sheets are available in 3mm and 4mm thicknesses. So, you can pick the best size that you need. For the roof, go for the 10mm greenhouse polycarbonate walls. 

• Lightweight nature 

Polycarbonates are lighter than glass materials. Being lighter makes it a great choice since you have to transport the panels to the installation site. You will no longer have to worry about transportation. You can also find it easier to assemble such greenhouses. 

• Weather-resistant materials 

Polycarbonate materials will be a popular choice because it is weather resistant. Even when you are in an area with temperamental weather, you are at least assured that the material would live up to your durability needs. 

Since polycarbonate sheets are also low on flammability, it is not easy for them to catch on fire. You are assured of the best level of protection from other harsh weather conditions too. 

• Low maintenance 

Some of the benefits you will get from using commercial polycarbonate sheets is that they do not need much maintenance. You will mostly find them easy to clean. With a sponge and soapy water, you should be ready to clean the greenhouse leaving it looking clean. 

You are however advised to rinse the soapy water with enough water to avoid ending up with water spots. 

• Better insulation 

Another popular reason polycarbonate is used for commercial greenhouses is because it offers better insulation. The insulation of a greenhouse is better because you do not need to keep heating and cooling it to achieve the best temperature control. 

Remember when we said it had the best heat retention, that is why more people get to use it. You should find it also cost-effective to run such a type of greenhouse. 

• Multiple sizes and shapes 

When you want a certain type of polycarbonate sheet, it will be easily available. This is unlike some other plastics. Also, the material can be customized to specific shapes and sizes too. Elife can get you the best polycarbonate greenhouse in no time. Just let us know about your needs. 

How can you grow plants in a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse during winter?

The winter period can be tricky for most people. If you are not careful, at times you might end up with pests, diseases, and stunted growth of your plants. 

If you are into winter gardening in your polycarbonate greenhouse, these are some of the tips to consider;

• The space is vital. You are advised to ensure that there is enough space between the seedlings. Overcrowding the plants can make it hard for the plants to grow with ease. The best way to determine to space is to ensure that the plant leaves are not touching each other. 
• You should also use raised garden beds. This is to help in thinning out the weak plants from your greenhouse. This means you end up with only the hardier plants growing leading to the best yields. 
• Be on the lookout for any signs of diseases. This is vital so that you can catch the disease while in the initial stages. Remove the affected plants immediately so that you can prevent the disease from spreading to many other plants. 
• Just as you would be on the lookout for signs of diseases, be on the lookout for pests too. You could try to incorporate marigolds as they are known to be natural pest repellants. 

Sometimes you may come across ladybugs. Do not worry so much about them because they are beneficial to your commercial polycarbonate greenhouse. They will help in keeping other pests under control. 

When you are still unsure of how to proceed, talk to Elife to help you in the setup and use of the greenhouse even better. 

Should you clean a commercial polycarbonate greenhouse?

Cleaning of the greenhouse is vital for maintaining its health and productivity. It is why you should always consider cleaning the greenhouse as part of regular maintenance. Making your greenhouse clean can also help keep the plants less likely susceptible to pests and diseases. 

A greenhouse would provide you with a great environment for the plants to grow even if there are harsh weather elements outside. However, if you cannot clean the greenhouse, you end up in an environment where the pests and pathogens can thrive easily. 

Also, cleaning your polycarbonate sheets thoroughly will help to keep algae and mold also from easily forming. Sometimes you do not have to do much, but the basic maintenance to keep the greenhouse clean. 

You are also advised to disinfect the greenhouse even after cleaning. Using a disinfectant is vital for also eliminating the diseases and pests before they can become serious and lead to more damage. 

Some might ask, how often should the greenhouse be cleaned? In most cases, it would be a weekly or even daily cleanup might be necessary. However, thorough cleaning can be done on a yearly basis. This might involve removing the plants from the greenhouse and do a proper cleanup. 

Conclusion 

Your commercial polycarbonate greenhouse will generally give you the best yields if you take the necessary steps for ensuring that you have a clean greenhouse. You should also buy from a top-rated brand such as Elife. If you are new to such greenhouses, the team at Elife will guide you better to understand the greenhouses before buying.