Wood, metal and metal tiles, various types of fabrics are widely used as a covering for awnings, canopies, greenhouses and other outdoor structures. But polycarbonate roofing has gained particular popularity.
Today, any hardware store can offer you a huge range of polymer plastic: any color, flat or embossed, of various thicknesses and structures. To choose the best option, you need to familiarize yourself with the market offer and, according to the main criteria, understand which polycarbonate is better.
First of all, you need to know what polycarbonate is:
- cellular or cellular;
- monolithic.
Cellular polycarbonate
It is a hollow translucent material with internal bridges. That is, a sheet of cellular polycarbonate in cross section is 2 or more thin layers interconnected by jumpers that give rigidity to the structure.
Glass or polycarbonate?
Due to its structure, the specific gravity of the material is very low. For example, glass of the same size and thickness will weigh 16 times more. Therefore, when constructing canopies made of polycarbonate, there is no need to install heavy supports, installation work is facilitated.
Unlike glass, plastic is quite flexible, which makes it possible to create structures of complex shapes without the use of expensive equipment. At the same time, the strength is much higher, which makes it possible for polycarbonate structures to better withstand loads: the effects of precipitation and gusts of wind.
The performance of plastic does not depend on the ambient temperature. Those temperatures at which polycarbonate can melt or become too brittle are not found in the natural environment.
The advantages also include its good heat and sound insulating qualities, the ability to transmit up to 86% of sunlight, perfectly protecting against ultraviolet radiation.
Monolithic polycarbonate
It differs from cellular in that it does not have internal voids. As you can see in the photo, outwardly, monolithic polycarbonate is very similar to glass. It is also transparent, but much lighter and stronger. Another advantage over glass is its flexibility and safety - when broken, it does not break into small sharp fragments.
Monolithic polycarbonate has all the basic qualities of a cellular one, but it is much more transparent, its weight is somewhat higher and it costs more.
Both types can have both a smooth and a wavy surface, the so-called profiled polycarbonate.
Monolithic or cellular polycarbonate - which is better to choose
When deciding which polycarbonate to choose for construction, cellular or monolithic, first of all, considerations of design and style are important. If the price is not too important for you, and you want the canopy or visor to look stylish and elegant, then you can use monolithic polycarbonate. But if you need a practical, functional design at an affordable price, then it is better to stay on honeycomb panels. They are easy to install and look great, especially if you choose a profiled structure.
High-quality polycarbonate - selection criteria
The determining criterion when choosing polycarbonate is its quality. Not everyone knows that polymer plastic can be made not only from primary, high-quality raw materials, but also from recycled plastic containers. In the latter case, it cannot be used for glazing structures (greenhouses, canopies, verandas) that will be in the open air, since it does not include components that protect from the sun's rays.
You can see the consequences of using low-quality material on the video.
When choosing polycarbonate, you need to pay special attention to the price. Remember that a good product cannot be too cheap. The presence of a certificate and manufacturer's guarantees can also serve as an indicator of product quality.
To choose high-quality polycarbonate right in the store:
- look at it in the light. The material must be transparent and not contain any foreign inclusions. The color should be even and deep;
- touch it: it should be solid, when bent, it should not make crackling sounds and, moreover, break. Plasticity is a sign of high quality;
- find out the weight of the plastic. With a thickness of 1 cm, a square meter of cellular polycarbonate should weigh about 1.7 kg. If the weight is less - do not take this product.
The thickness of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic
Another important issue is the choice of polycarbonate thickness. The industry produces sheets with a thickness of 4 to 25 mm. It is not recommended to choose 4 mm honeycomb panels, as they deform very quickly. This type of polycarbonate is mainly used for greenhouses.
For sheds and other street structures, sheets with a thickness of 8 mm or more are used. The purpose directly depends on the parameters of the product and the dimensions of the crate.
The thickness of cellular polycarbonate affects such parameters as:
- minimum bending radius of the sheet;
- panel structure;
- the distance between the supports and the frequency of the crate;
- main technical indicators (weight, light transmission, impact resistance, etc.);
Colored polycarbonate - transparent and matte
The color of the panels is very important. For roofs and awnings it is not recommended to use transparent polycarbonate, as it does not provide sufficient protection from sunlight. It is better to opt for color panels with a matte finish, which let in up to 65% of sunlight and create a pleasant shade.
The most popular are milky and bronze color. In any case, when choosing a colored polycarbonate, it must be remembered that the light passing through the sheet will take on the appropriate shade and color everything that is under the canopy. So, if you like to read outdoors, take a colorless transparent polycarbonate, and if you need a corner in the shade - matte.
The choice of polycarbonate color for home gardens or greenhouses has its own nuances. Naturally, the glazing must be absolutely transparent so that the plants receive enough light. If you want to use colored plastic, please, but try not to choose very dark colors.
There is a common myth that a polymer roof does not transmit ultraviolet radiation, which is vital for plants. That's right: polycarbonate does not transmit hard infrared and ultraviolet radiation, but at the same time transmits the entire spectrum necessary for the full development and flowering of plants.
Conclusion
Let's summarize. Now you know how to choose polycarbonate - determine the quality, choose the color and thickness. To consolidate knowledge, I suggest you watch a series of educational videos.
The appearance of polycarbonate has greatly simplified the life of summer residents and owners of large agricultural companies. This material surpasses its closest competitors in many ways, and glass, but the expansion of its range has led to difficulty in choosing and increasing the risk of buying a low-quality product. Today, both those who build a greenhouse with their own hands and those who prefer to buy a finished structure are equally concerned about the question of how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse so that the material lasts for more than one year and provides normal conditions inside the building. Looking ahead, we note that it is worth considering a lot of nuances, but a careful approach will be rewarded with a high durability of the greenhouse and minimal repair costs.
No. 1. The main advantages of polycarbonate
Why did this relatively new material instantly captivate summer residents across the country and with leaps and bounds is displacing film and glass from the plots? Reasons for popularity are to be found in structural features of the material. On an industrial scale, polycarbonate began to be produced in the 60s of the last century, it was used in many areas of construction and industry, and the material suitable for greenhouses appeared a little later at the suggestion of Israeli scientists.
Used to build greenhouses only cellular polycarbonate- a monolithic analogue is heavier, does not have sufficient strength and qualities. The material consists of two or three plates parallel to each other, connected by jumpers. The latter play the role of stiffeners, and the space between them, filled with air, increases the thermal insulation qualities of the material. The sheet structure can be single-chamber, double-chamber, etc.
The main advantages of cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses:
Durability of high-quality polycarbonate exceeds 10 years, and conscientious manufacturers give a guarantee of up to 15 years. Among cons the material is unstable to sunlight, like any plastic, but thanks to a special film coating, we managed to get rid of this minus. Cellular polycarbonate has no other significant drawbacks, especially in comparison with other covering materials for greenhouses - the main thing is to buy high-quality material, and not a handicraft product.
Usually, cellular polycarbonate is produced in sheets with dimensions of 2.1 * 6 m and 2.1 * 12 m, less often 2.1 * 2 m, but the thickness can vary over a wider range (3.5-16 mm), and it is from for the most part, the main parameters of the material depend on it. 
No. 2. Choosing the thickness of cellular polycarbonate
Thickness is a determining factor when choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse. In this matter, it is important take into account a lot of factors and choose a material that is not too thin, but not too thick either: in the first case, strength decreases, in the second, light transmission deteriorates.
The main factors that influence the choice of polycarbonate thickness:
- climate of the region, in particular the height of the snow cover and its weight, which determines the maximum load on the material; in the region;
- frame material. The metal frame has a better bearing capacity and is able to withstand a higher load than wood;
- crate step. The closer to each other the elements of the greenhouse frame are located, the more durable the structure will be and the less thick polycarbonate may be needed;
- seasonality of use. If the greenhouse will be operated only in the autumn-spring period, then polycarbonate can be chosen thinner. For year-round greenhouses, the material is chosen much thicker, because it must withstand not only snow and wind, but also retain heat;
- construction type. If you plan to build an arched, domed or drop-shaped greenhouse, you need to think in advance whether it will be possible to bend the polycarbonate in a certain way. The thinner the material, the higher the bend radius.
How to choose the optimal thickness, taking into account all these factors? To get the most accurate value, you can turn to professionals. The second option is to buy, the kit already includes polycarbonate of optimal thickness (the type of construction and climatic features are taken into account). An alternative solution is to try to choose the required polycarbonate on your own: complex calculations are not needed, since you can be guided by the practice of using the material, the main parameters of polycarbonate sheets of different thicknesses (in the table below) and data on the climate of the region, which are also easy to get online. 
No. 3. Honeycomb geometry and strength of polycarbonate
Partitions inside polycarbonate form honeycombs, the shape of which greatly affects the strength of the material and its bearing capacity. The most common options:
No. 4. Polycarbonate color
Having decided on the required thickness of the material and having come to the store, you can find that polycarbonate is available in a whole range of colors. Which one is better? Of course, transparent, because it allows you to provide plants as close to natural lighting as possible, and besides, it allows maximum sunlight to pass through. Summer residents who want to get the maximum yield and not spend money on additional lighting, choose transparent polycarbonate.
Colored polycarbonate is not able to provide plants with a sufficient level of light: bronze, opal, yellow and green sheets let in only 40-60% of the light, so it is difficult to talk about normal crops. Some summer residents choose red and orange polycarbonate, arguing that the most useful for plant growth is the orange and red range of solar radiation. It is difficult to argue with this statement if we recall the school course of biology and physics, but there is one “but”: fewer useful rays will pass through, and their number will not be enough for the normal growth of most crops, therefore the best choice is transparent polycarbonate.
No. 5. Protection of polycarbonate from ultraviolet rays
Reading about the positive properties of polycarbonate, you might think that this is an ideal material that does not have disadvantages. Naturally, this is not so. The main disadvantage is the propensity destruction under ultraviolet rays, which trigger the process of photoelectric destruction on the surface, leading to the formation of small cracks. Gradually, they grow, causing the fragility of the panels and their destruction. That is why the material needs additional protection. Hard ultraviolet (in the spectrum up to 280 nm) is harmful to plants, so the protective coating protects not only polycarbonate, but also grown crops.
Responsible manufacturers use to protect the material special film, which is applied co-extrusion method, therefore, during operation, it does not exfoliate. Such high-quality polycarbonate can easily last about 10 years. There is a material on sale on which a protective film is applied on both sides, but for greenhouses its use does not make sense. When installing sheets, it is important to pay attention to the markings and install the polycarbonate with a protective layer outward. 
Unscrupulous manufacturers (often Chinese) produce polycarbonate without any protective coating or make it symbolic. This means that instead of using a film, simple additives are introduced into the mass, which should protect the material from solar radiation. Such a polycarbonate “lives” for a maximum of 2-3 years, then it will have to be changed, and this is again a waste. When buying initially cheap material, it is worth thinking about the consequences three times. Information about the presence of a protective coating must be indicated on the package and in the accompanying documentation, since it is impossible to consider it externally (thickness is 0.0035-0.006 mm).
No. 6. What does the prefix "light" mean in the marking of polycarbonate?
Cunning manufacturers and sellers sometimes mislead buyers by using the designation "light" in the labeling. Choosing such a polycarbonate for a greenhouse means overpaying and getting a material with reduced strength. Often, a thinner polycarbonate is sold under the lightweight version, while the price remains standard. Instead of 4 mm, it can feed material with a thickness of 3.5 mm, instead of 6 mm - 5.5, 8 mm - 7.5 mm, etc. It seems that the difference is small, but with a decrease in thickness (and hence strength and durability), the price does not fall - not the most profitable purchase. In addition, it is not recommended to take polycarbonate with a thickness of less than 4 mm for a greenhouse. 
No. 7. The size of polycarbonate sheets and features of working with the material
With a width of 2.1 m, polycarbonate sheets are sold mainly in lengths of 6 and 12 m, a deviation of 3 mm in width and 10 mm in length is allowed. The accumulated experience of many summer residents allows us to form a number tips for the most rational use of the material:
- if the greenhouse has an arched shape, then the length of the arcs of the load-bearing structures is recommended to be 6 and 12 m in order to avoid transverse joints;
- the distance between the supporting elements of the frame is best done in such a way that the joints of the sheets fall on the profile, which increases the strength of the structure;
- when constructing gable greenhouses, it is better to make walls and roofs such that polycarbonate sheets are divided without residues.
Polycarbonate increases in size in the heat, and decreases in the cold. Each degree increase in temperature causes the material to expand by 0.065 mm/m. This should be taken into account when attaching polycarbonate to the frame, leaving small gaps between the sheet of material and the supporting structure.
Caring for polycarbonate is as simple as possible: it must be washed several times a year, you can use a mild soap solution, but not aggressive products. The main purpose of this withdrawal is to maintain a high level of transparency. 
No. 8. Polycarbonate manufacturers: who can you trust?
In order to choose the right polycarbonate and further rely on its durability, it is important: the popularity of its name and duration warranty(the longer the better, ideally 10-15 years). When buying, it does not hurt to pay attention to certificates, and it is not recommended to go to the market for polycarbonate - they hardly adhere to the necessary storage conditions.
Acquiring material from a no-name company is highly discouraged - the consequences of such an act are clear without explanation. Given all the described nuances of choosing polycarbonate, you can find exactly the material that will be the ideal solution in each case.
Every person who has a plot of land at least once probably thought about installing a greenhouse. In the process of making a frame, craftsmen usually do not have questions and difficulties. However, any of those offered on the modern market cannot be chosen as a covering material. This is due to the fact that products for the construction of greenhouses do not always differ in quality, durability and reliability. That is why it is so important to take the choice seriously so that the money is not wasted, as well as the forces applied to the installation work.
Great choice
The modern consumer is increasingly choosing cellular polycarbonate lately. Which manufacturer is better, you can find out by reading the information below. If you did not have experience in building greenhouses and greenhouses, then it is better not to be guided by your own preferences. Before purchasing, you need to study the inscriptions on the protective film, from which you can find out which one is in front of you: lightweight or standard. The first variety will be less durable compared to the last, but it is better to refuse to purchase Chinese products altogether. You will not find any information on the protective film of the products of this country.
Selection of products by manufacturer
When visiting the stores of the Russian market, you can find many types of products described in the article. It is supplied by domestic factories and foreign manufacturers. One of the most popular is Safplast innovative, which produces products under the Novattro trademark. The company's products have proven themselves among consumers and are in steady demand. If you purchase cellular polycarbonate from this company, you will definitely not regret it.
Bayer Material Science products are of the highest quality and performance. Specialists in the implementation of work where it is necessary to use polycarbonate quite often use the product of this company. If you need cellular polycarbonate, which manufacturer is better, you need to decide before visiting the store. For consumers who prefer Russian-made goods, Polygal polycarbonate is suitable. The supplier works in conjunction with an Israeli factory and produces an inexpensive, as well as strong and durable material.
Alternative Solutions
Despite the fact that experts do not recommend purchasing Chinese-made polycarbonate, you can still pay attention to the PlastiLux product, which is distinguished by its low cost and popularity among consumers. If we study each of the presented suppliers in more detail, we can conclude that the quality of the goods is approximately at the same level. The cheapest panels are presented by Sunnex, however, when purchasing them, you should not expect that they will last more than 4 years. But the supplier indicates that the service life is 8 years. Polycarbonate from Polygal-Vostok will last longer, which can be used for 10 years with proper installation and careful operation. In this case, the characteristics will not be lost, and the material will show rigidity and strength. As practice shows, the panels of this plant lend themselves perfectly to installation, and during installation they take the form of a frame.
If you choose cellular polycarbonate, it is recommended to read reviews about it. According to users, Novattro panels last about 8 years, and also have an acceptable cost. If the budget allows, then you can purchase Makrolon material, which is ready to serve for 12 years or more. Under the conditions of the middle lane, the canvas retains its basic properties and integrity during the mentioned service life. When choosing the best cellular polycarbonate, it is recommended to pay attention to German panels, which provide the longest period of use. Whereas they offer products that are ready to last the least. However, you will have to pay a low cost for it.
Characteristics of polycarbonate brand Polynex
If you still don’t know which manufacturer’s product to prefer, then you can pay attention to Polynex polycarbonate, which is highly impact resistant, does not form cracks during transportation, storage and installation, and also belongs to materials with low flammability. The transparency of the polycarbonate of this company can reach 86%, and it can be operated at a temperature range from -40 to +120 degrees. The service life of the sheets reaches 12 years, the thickness can vary from 4 to 16 millimeters. These products belong to the middle price segment, raw materials of domestic and imported companies are used as the basis for production.
Characteristics of Kronos brand polycarbonate
Kronos polycarbonate is also quite well known in the domestic market, it has a wide area of use and can be used in roofing, as well as finishing and construction work. The thickness varies from 16 to 25 millimeters, and the canvas can be operated from -50 to +120 degrees. According to the manufacturer, the sheets are able to withstand mechanical stress, such as hammer blows or stones. In this case, the structure will not be destroyed and will last for a long time.
Application of material depending on the thickness
If you need cellular polycarbonate for any work, which manufacturer is better, you will be able to understand the information presented above. But you can make the right choice not only taking into account the reputation of the supplier company, but also guided by the sheet parameters that determine the area of \u200b\u200buse of the material. For example, 4 mm cellular polycarbonate is used to form sheds and greenhouses. The thickness of two millimeters is more used for the construction of small greenhouses of a small area. If we add another 2 millimeters to the above value, then the material can be used for the construction of medium-sized greenhouses and greenhouses.
If it is necessary to cover large vertical surfaces, forming a continuous deck, 10 mm polycarbonate should be used. Sheets with a thickness of 16 mm can be used for large spans that can withstand impressive loads. Quite often, material with such parameters is used for the construction of large complexes of greenhouses and greenhouses. Summer residents who want to build a greenhouse should be aware that the best material density for this will be 800 grams per square meter.
Standard sheet sizes
As mentioned above, 4 mm cellular polycarbonate is the material of this type with the smallest thickness. However, before purchasing, the master needs to know the remaining dimensions of the sheet. For example, the maximum thickness is 32 millimeters, and the standard dimensions of the canvas are 2.1x6 or 2.1x12 meters. Colored polycarbonate, as a rule, is cut off and sold in running meters from 1 to 9 m in length. At the same time, the width remains unchanged and is equal to 2.1 meters. If you need a length of more than 9 meters, then it can only be purchased in a ready-made format of 12 meters.
Price
If you want to choose a cheap cellular polycarbonate that will be of high quality, then, of course, you should pay attention to the products of domestic companies. They do not spend money to deliver the material to the point of sale. For example, the products of domestic manufacturers "Carboglass" and "Novoglas" cost about the same. Thus, if you need 4 mm polycarbonate, you should be interested in its price. For a sheet you will have to pay 2500 rubles. But per square meter the price will be 190 rubles.
Sometimes a more impressive thickness is needed, for example, 25 mm. At the same time, polycarbonate, the price of which will be 12,400 rubles, is supplied in separate sheets. But for a square meter of such material, the buyer will have to pay 985 rubles. The average thickness of 10 millimeters costs 5350 rubles. per sheet, the dimensions will be 2.1x6 meters.
Characteristics of cellular polycarbonate
The cell phone which was mentioned above has other characteristics. Among them, it is worth highlighting an insignificant specific gravity, the ability to endure snow and wind loads, as well as high heat resistance. In addition, the material is lightweight, which reduces the cost of erecting supporting structures. Cellular polycarbonate is a viscous polymer, the strength of which is 200 times greater than glass. This indicates that it is almost impossible to break a panel of this material. When exposed to strong winds and a large amount of snow, the sheets are not damaged like plastic wrap, so the sheets are quite often used in the construction of greenhouses. The properties of the coating do not depend in any way on changes that occur in the external environment. Cellular polycarbonate, the dimensions of which you can choose when designing a greenhouse, has a low thermal conductivity, which allows you to reduce by about 2 times the energy costs that are needed to cool and heat greenhouses and greenhouses.
Polycarbonate is a type of transparent plastic used in the construction of greenhouses. This material is more practical than fragile glass and more durable than film, thanks to which it has gained widespread popularity. On sale you can find monolithic and honeycomb panels, as well as many variations that differ in thickness, thermal conductivity, and the ability to transmit ultraviolet light. Before starting construction, study which polycarbonate is best for greenhouses, find out how the characteristics of the coating affect the energy efficiency of the building and its strength.
How to choose the right polycarbonate
What type and thickness of polycarbonate to choose for the construction of a greenhouse depends on how it will be used. The larger the building area, the thicker the coating should be. You should also take into account the step of the frame crate, possible snow and wind loads, plant varieties that will grow in the greenhouse.
Polycarbonate greenhouse
Which polycarbonate is better - cellular or monolithic
When determining which polycarbonate is needed for a greenhouse, one should understand the differences in the types of this material. With the same chemical composition, cellular and monolithic polycarbonate have completely different physical characteristics.
Monolithic is a transparent sheet with a thickness of 1 to 12 mm. The main properties of this material:
- light transmittance up to 90%;
- flexibility;
- impact resistance.
Monolithic sheets
However, monolithic sheets retain heat very poorly, bend under snow cover and gusts of wind. Therefore, it is advisable to use such a coating only for small temporary structures such as greenhouses. Monolithic panels are not suitable for a capital greenhouse.
Most often, cellular polycarbonate is used to build greenhouses. It is a layered material with stiffeners forming voids. Honeycomb Features:
- sheet thickness from 4 to 32 mm;
- light transmission up to 86%;
- light weight compared to glass or monolithic panels of the same thickness;
- low thermal conductivity due to the cellular structure, which is especially important in the construction of greenhouses;
- service life from 10 to 20 years.
honeycomb panels
Before choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse in a store, you need to make sure that the coating has quality certificates, as cheap fakes shorten the life of the building and also reduce its energy efficiency.
Sheet thickness standards
The answer to the question of what thickness polycarbonate is better to use for a greenhouse depends on several factors:
- the size of the structure - the larger the building, the thicker the coating should be;
- type of roof - flexible sheets of 4-6 mm are used for arched ceilings, while for roofs with one or two slopes, material 6-10 mm thick is used;
- expected loads - in areas with snowy winters, they put a material that can withstand the severity of the snow cover;
- operating conditions - the energy efficiency of honeycomb panels directly depends on their thickness, therefore, for winter cultivation, a coating with a thickness of at least 6 mm is used, and sheets of 4 mm are suitable for spring greenhouses.
greenhouse house
For an average greenhouse on a personal plot, it is better to choose polycarbonate brands that have a thickness of 4 to 8 mm. This is quite enough for growing most plants in the middle zone.
Material Density Value
When figuring out which thickness of polycarbonate is best for a greenhouse, it must be taken into account that this material has another important technical characteristic - specific gravity. The specific gravity value indicates how much one sheet is stronger than another for the same thickness.
For example, a standard sheet measuring 2.1 by 6 meters and 4 mm thick with a density of 0.5 kg / m² will weigh 6.5 kg, and with a density of 0.7 kg / m² its weight will increase to 9 kg. The denser and heavier the material, the greater the load it can withstand. For greenhouses, the optimum specific gravity is 0.7 kg/m².
Specifications
Greenhouse polycarbonate color
On the market, structured plastic is presented not only in the form of transparent panels. Often you can find sheets of a wide variety of colors: red, blue, green, yellow, bronze. What color of polycarbonate to choose for the greenhouse? First of all, it should be remembered that most plants can develop normally only in good light. It is also important which components of the spectrum of sunlight will fall on the leaves.
A good coating should allow 80 to 90% of the sunlight to pass through. Only transparent panels have such light transmission ability, therefore they are most often used in greenhouse construction. In the southern regions, it is permissible to choose lightly colored yellow panels that transmit about 70% of the light flux.
Material of blue and turquoise shades is categorically not suitable for growing plants. The fact is that these colors absorb exactly those components of the spectrum that are necessary for the full development of plants. You should also refrain from using saturated reds, browns and greens, because they let through only a third of the light that hits them.
Not all coating colors are suitable for growing plants
Other material selection criteria
How long the greenhouse cover will last depends on the brand of cellular polycarbonate and the plastic manufacturer. Only high-quality material can stand from 10 to 20 years, while cheap fakes will begin to crumble after a couple of years of operation.
Advantages of cellular polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels are produced in standard sheets of 2.1 by 6 m and 2.1 by 12 m. It is this size that is convenient for mounting a greenhouse. To save material, all dimensions of the building, the width of the spans are adjusted to the dimensions of the panels.
There are several types of polycarbonate for a greenhouse that differ in structure:
- Standard single-chamber - consists of two layers interconnected by jumpers. It has the smallest bending radius, which allows it to be used in small arched structures.
- Standard two-chamber - consists of three layers with jumpers, has better heat-insulating properties compared to single-chamber due to an additional air gap.
- Four-chamber - a thick material used only on large-sized buildings.
- Reinforced - single-chamber plastic reinforced with additional inclined bridges. It transmits a little less light, but it is able to withstand significant loads.
Structure types
Each type has its own advantages, which facilitates the task of selecting plastic for any need.
How to choose a durable material
The choice of polycarbonate for a greenhouse is not an easy task, because the eyes run wide on the market from the abundance of brands. Preference should be given to well-known manufacturers that supply their products with quality certificates and give a guarantee of at least 10 years. Such panels are undoubtedly more expensive than Chinese counterparts, but in terms of the service life of a greenhouse made of high-quality material, it comes out cheaper.
When deciding which polycarbonate is better to choose for a greenhouse in a personal plot, pay attention to such manufacturers:
- Marlon (England) - premium panels. Possess fine operational properties, are exceptionally durable. However, you will have to pay a considerable price for luxury quality.
- Polygal (Israel) is a reliable manufacturer of high-quality and durable material. Recently, the product has been produced in Russia, which has made the price somewhat more affordable.
- Carboglass (Russia) is a leading domestic manufacturer of quality panels. Its products are guaranteed for up to 15 years.
- Sunnex (Russia) - produces decent polycarbonate of the middle price segment. Product warranty up to 10 years.
- Vizor (Czech Republic) is a manufacturer of universal panels with a service life of up to 10 years.
The quality of the greenhouse depends on the material
What is polycarbonate light
When choosing polycarbonate for a greenhouse, you can find sheets labeled Light on sale, which means “lightweight”. Sometimes this mark is replaced by the words "eco", "economy", which does not change the essence. Thus, manufacturers sell a cheap and not very high-quality economy class product.
Profiled panels often lighten by reducing the thickness. For example, instead of 4 mm, a material is made with a thickness of 3.5 mm. Another trick to turning polycarbonate into "eco" is to reduce its specific gravity, but at the same time strength is also reduced.
It is better not to use lightweight panels for capital winter buildings, because cheap material reduces the service life and also increases energy costs for heating. At the same time, the economy class coating is perfect for summer greenhouses and temporary shelters.
Lightweight coating suitable for temporary greenhouses
Sheets with and without UV protection
In the hardware store, the buyer is waiting for profiled panels with and without UV protection. What polycarbonate is better to buy for a greenhouse?
High-quality polycarbonate for the construction of greenhouses must be protected from ultraviolet radiation. The fact is that plastic breaks down very quickly under the influence of the sun. Serious manufacturers always supply their products with a special film that protects against UV rays.
The protective layer is located on one side of the sheet, as indicated by a special marking. It is this side that should look out during installation, otherwise the whole point of an expensive purchase is lost. Some brands have protection on both sides, but for a greenhouse it will be a waste of money, because the sun only hits the outer side of the skin.
Cheap panels often do not have a light-stabilizing film, although they are positioned as protected from solar radiation. Inexpensive ultraviolet protectors are simply added to the composition of such plastic. Unfortunately, such additives are largely unable to prevent sheet failure. Literally in 1-3 years, polycarbonate will become cloudy and begin to crack.
UV protection extends the life of the coating
Rules for the installation and storage of polycarbonate
Honeycomb panels are easy to assemble with your own hands, even for a person who does not have building experience. However, this case has its own subtleties. When installing greenhouse cover sheets, it is important to do everything right, strictly following the installation instructions.
Transport and storage
Sheets of polycarbonate for the greenhouse are transported by laying flat in the back of a truck. It cannot be transported on the edge in expanded form, as the edges of the panels may be deformed. Sheets up to 8 mm thick must fit completely into the machine, otherwise they may break.
Thicker material may protrude from the body by about a meter. If the sheet does not fit into the body, it is permissible to roll it up, fix it with tape and transport it in this form.
Purchased panels are stored laying on a flat surface, preferably in a closed garage or shed without direct sunlight. If there is no such room, it will have to be stored outdoors. In this case, the packaging film is removed from the sheets and stacked on top of each other with the light-stabilizing layer facing up.
Sheets are stored on a flat surface.
Do-it-yourself installation rules
So, the question of which polycarbonate is better to make a greenhouse from has been resolved, the panels have been purchased and are ready for installation. In order for the material to serve no less than the warranty period, it must be properly cut and fixed.
Rules for mounting polycarbonate:
- End sealing. In order to accumulate as little moisture as possible in the voids, the open ends must be sealed with a special tape. In vertical structures, the upper end is sealed hermetically, and the lower end is sealed with perforated tape. For arched structures, punched tape is used everywhere.
Sealing tape
Video: how to choose the right polycarbonate
More detailed information about the nuances of choice can be obtained from professionals. Watch the video to consolidate the acquired knowledge and clarify all the subtleties.
Video: The subtleties of choosing honeycomb panels
Now that you know how to choose cellular polycarbonate for a greenhouse, you can safely buy the necessary material and start building. If all the nuances are taken into account and all the rules are followed, the building will be strong, energy efficient and durable.
