4mm Polycarbonate Sheets (Greenhouse Glazing Sheets/Panels)

Let’s talk about why it’s preferable to replace greenhouse glass with polycarbonate greenhouse panels and how to do it.

Some of the major factors that affect plants' growth are dominant in polycarbonate, which is why replacing greenhouse glass with polycarbonate greenhouse panels is preferable. Greenhouse glass is clearer than polycarbonate, allowing more light direct sunlight to come inside. On the other hand, polycarbonate distorts light, which is better for optimal plant growth because direct sunlight overheats plants. 

The whole point of having a greenhouse is to utilize sunlight or its heat to grow plants out of season. Greenhouse glass heats up quickly and cools down quickly, which isn’t preferable because heat retention is critical to plants' optimal growth. Polycarbonate has better heat retention and insulation.  Greenhouse glass requires glass cleaning and frequent maintenance, which outweighs its lower upfront cost. Polycarbonate only needs cleaning or maintenance twice a year. 
 

How To Replace Greenhouse Glass With Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels

When replacing greenhouse glass with polycarbonate panels, measure the size you required. Ask the manufacturer to provide the right size panels that can be installed easily. The ideal thickness for a greenhouse is 4mm, and the standard panel sizes available in the market are 48 by 72 inches. However, if you have a bigger greenhouse, you can ask for a custom size.

When weather conditions change, polycarbonate panels expand or contract. While making holes, use a slightly bigger drill bit to allow room for expansion. It will prevent the panel from cracking.  Don’t remove the protective films before installing the panels. The side with a protective film must be facing the sun. To avoid confusion about which side needs to be facing the sun, keep the protective films until you haven’t installed them. A common mistake that many people make is installing the panels horizontally. For proper water drainage, the ribs of the panels must be running vertically. Otherwise, moisture gets trapped and results in the growth of mold. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of glass

 

• Considering the aesthetics or appearance of the greenhouse, glass is a better choice as it’s clearer than polycarbonate.
• The glass allows maximum light to pass through it. 
• The glass isn’t prone to fading or discoloration. It might experience fog but allow maximum light transmission. 
• Given that it’s prevented from breaking, it’s a durable option. 
• Greenhouse glass is flame-resistant, meaning you can fearlessly arrange barbecues in your garden where your greenhouse is located. 
• The greenhouse glass is cheap and easy to acquire.  

Disadvantages of glass

• Greenhouse glass doesn’t offer protection from heat because the light isn’t diffused. Resultantly, plants don’t get heat protection. 
• You need to spend more budget on cooling or heating your greenhouse. 
• Ready-made greenhouse glass kits are costly. 
• Setting up greenhouse glass requires significant effort because you need to level and plumb the surface properly. 
• Greenhouse glass is heavier than other materials. 
• Glass doesn’t provide much insulation for your plants. 
• Greenhouse glass requires frequent cleaning and more maintenance. 

Advantages of polycarbonate

• One of the major advantages of polycarbonate is its sturdiness, making it stress-resistant. It can withstand massive force easily.
• One of your plants' needs is protection from UV rays, and polycarbonate does well at breaking UV rays while allowing warmth and essential sunlight to pass through.  
• Diffused light benefits plants and promotes optimal plant growth. Polycarbonate has more light diffusion, meaning it breaks sunlight better than other materials. 
• When it comes to insulation, polycarbonate is better than glass. Its ability to retain heat proves very beneficial for plants. 
• Polycarbonate is sturdy and strong but lightweight. It’s easy to install polycarbonate greenhouse panels without worrying much about breaking them. 
• One of the biggest benefits of polycarbonate is its durability and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. 
• Unlike greenhouse glass, polycarbonate doesn’t require regular cleaning or maintenance. 
• Polycarbonate is flame-resistant. 

Over the years, polycarbonate glazing panels have become increasingly popular when it comes to choosing a material for greenhouses. There are a few benefits associated with polycarbonate greenhouse glazing panels, which makes them a preferable choice.

• Better insulation Polycarbonate offers better insulation than glass, which is perhaps its most important aspect as well. Polycarbonate is plastic, which retains heat better than glass. Improved heat retention plays a major role in the overall performance of a greenhouse.
• Better durability Polycarbonate has certain characteristics that make it durable. It has more strength than glass, which makes it sustain damages before finally giving up.
• Replacing greenhouse glazing panels can be awkward if the material is glass. Polycarbonate greenhouse glazing panels are lightweight. Therefore, they are easier to lift and replace.
• Shatter-resistant Unlike glass and other greenhouse-friendly materials, polycarbonate greenhouse glazing panels withstand impacts effectively. If you have children in the house that play football or other sports near the greenhouse, then polycarbonate is a brilliant choice for your greenhouse glazing panels. It can withstand football, rock, or hailstorm impact incredibly well.
• Better UV protection Polycarbonate is a natural UV filter. It provides much-needed UV protection to the plants and vegetables inside your greenhouse.
• Better light diffusion Because of its thickness, polycarbonate offers better light diffusion. The light coming from the sun spread evenly throughout your greenhouse, providing an equal amount of light to all the plants and helping them all to grow.
• Easier and quicker installation Other greenhouse materials are heavier and make the installation process inconvenient. Polycarbonate greenhouse glazing panels are lightweight and easier to assemble.
• Variety of sizes and shapes and cheaper

Polycarbonate greenhouse glazing panels are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. It allows you to build a more customized frame. Besides, it's cheaper than other glass.

Disadvantages of polycarbonate

• Polycarbonate doesn’t look as nice as glass, and it doesn’t give that classic greenhouse look.
• It’s prone to scratching, meaning you need to be careful while cleaning it. 
• Polycarbonate doesn’t feature great condensation, and moisture can accumulate between the layers. It may promote algae development. 
• When installing polycarbonate panels, extra cautiousness is required; otherwise, dust accumulates over time. 
• It’s made out of non-natural resources. 
• Polycarbonate is costly than greenhouse glass, and it’s harder to replace as well. Polycarbonate is difficult to acquire as compared to glass. 

 

Glass Greenhouse vs. Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels – Which One Is Better?

Deciding your greenhouse design is a personal decision that depends on various factors.

The advantages and disadvantages of glass and polycarbonate panels can help you weigh your options to make an informed decision. The benefits of polycarbonate panels hugely benefit novice growers. If you’re a beginner and don’t want to deal with some complexities that come with glass greenhouses, then polycarbonate panels work best for you. 

Since both materials make very good quality greenhouses, so if you have access to deeply discounted and unused glass, then using it won’t cause any harm. However, polycarbonate offers better performance in light distribution and heat retention, making it a preferable choice over glass. The upfront cost is higher than that of the glass greenhouse but requires less maintenance later on — enabling you to focus more on the growth rather than maintaining your greenhouse.  

When replacing greenhouse glass with polycarbonate greenhouse panels, be sure to find good quality material. Avoid buying inferior quality materials because it’ll cause more harm than good. 

So this is everything you may need to know about replacing greenhouse glass with polycarbonate greenhouse panels with advantages and disadvantages.

 

Enhance Your Greenhouse with High-Quality 4mm Polycarbonate Sheets

Discover the Benefits of 4mm Polycarbonate Sheets:

Are you looking to elevate the performance and durability of your greenhouse? Consider upgrading to 4mm polycarbonate sheets – the ideal solution for enhancing insulation, protection, and longevity. Here's why:

Superior Insulation: The 4mm thickness of polycarbonate sheets provides excellent insulation, creating a stable environment for your plants regardless of external weather conditions. This insulation helps regulate temperature and humidity levels, promoting optimal growth and yield.

Unmatched Durability: Polycarbonate material is known for its exceptional durability and impact resistance. Unlike traditional glass panels, 4mm polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable, offering long-lasting protection against impacts, hail, and harsh weather elements.

UV Protection: Our greenhouse polycarbonate sheets are specially designed with UV protection, shielding your plants from harmful ultraviolet rays while allowing ample sunlight to penetrate for photosynthesis. This UV protection helps prevent sunburn and heat stress, ensuring the health and vitality of your crops.

Lightweight and Easy to Install: Despite their robustness, 4mm polycarbonate sheets are lightweight and easy to handle, simplifying the installation process. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, you'll appreciate the convenience and efficiency of working with our versatile polycarbonate panels.

Cost-Effective Solution: Investing in 4mm polycarbonate sheets offers significant cost savings compared to traditional glass glazing. Not only are our polycarbonate sheets more affordable upfront, but they also require minimal maintenance and replacement, reducing long-term expenses associated with greenhouse upkeep.

Explore Our Range of 4mm Polycarbonate Sheets:

At Omega Build, we take pride in offering premium-quality 4mm polycarbonate sheets tailored to meet your greenhouse glazing needs. Choose from a variety of sizes and configurations to fit your greenhouse dimensions and specifications. Our transparent pricing and hassle-free ordering process ensure a seamless experience from selection to delivery.