Let's help with the choice: film for greenhouse, glass or non-woven material?

The need to build a greenhouse had to face almost every gardener.

Plays an important role selection of shelter materialNowadays, for this purpose polyethylene film for greenhouse, glass, cellular polycarbonate, agrofibre are widely used, all of these options have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Modern materials allow you to grow heat-loving plants in any climatic conditions, regardless of the terrain and other factors.

Choice of covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses

Film

Polyethylene film has been considered for decades. most common material, it was used in the construction of greenhouses in the middle of the last century.

Thanks to affordable price it can be changed annually, seedlings and plants remain protected from atmospheric phenomena, the material also ensures that the temperature is kept at the proper level.

Due to the presence of additional components in the composition of the material, it is possible to improve the properties of the film for a greenhouse: light stabilization, heat retention, etc.

The greatest demand in this category is reinforced film for a greenhouse with increased strength and long life.

Benefits:

  • availability;
  • low cost.

Disadvantages:

  • low strength;
  • short service life (even high-quality film keeps one or two seasons);
  • the creation of a membrane effect (prevents the penetration of air and moisture);
  • condensate accumulation from the inside.

Glass

10-20 years ago, a glasshouse made of glass seemed an inaccessible luxury, even today material is not affordable for everyone. However, with its function glass greenhouses cope not bad, the plants are well protected from fog, dew and other weather conditions.

Benefits:

  • high transparency;
  • good thermal insulation properties (glass thickness 4 mm).

Disadvantages:

  • high cost;
  • large weight (the need for a reinforced frame);
  • fragility - (glass periodically needs to be replaced);
  • complexity of installation.

Cellular Polycarbonate

Despite the fact that cellular polycarbonate considered expensive enough, he has already managed to conquer a large segment of the market of covering materials. Polycarbonate is produced in the form of sheets, the length of which can reach 12 m, width - 2 m, thickness - 4-32 mm.

The advantages of the material include:

  • excellent thermal insulation properties;
  • light transmission - 84%;
  • resistance to mechanical damage and stress;
  • ease of installation;
  • low weight

Disadvantages:

  • property to deform when cooled and heated;
  • decrease in light transmission with time;
  • high price.

When building greenhouses, leaf ends must be protected from moisture penetration by special plugs. Novice gardeners material may be too expensive, but with long-term use option is quite economical.

Spunbond

Spunbond was named according to its production method - it was created from thin polymeric fibers by a nonwoven method. It is used relatively recently, but has already gained popularity thanks to unique technical characteristics.

IMPORTANT: After removing the spunbond should be dried and cleaned, it is recommended to store in a dry place protected from sunlight.

Benefits

  • creating an optimal light regime for the development of crops, the plants receive enough light and at the same time are protected from burns;
  • air and water permeability, which allows you to maintain an optimal level of humidity;
  • the possibility of irrigation over covering material;
  • ease - when wetted, it perfectly passes moisture, does not harm plants;
  • protection against birds and insects;
  • resistance to temperature changes;
  • possibility of application for several seasons;
  • resistance to rupture in dry and wet conditions;
  • resistance to chemicals (alkalis, acids);
  • low water absorption.

Disadvantages:

  • the need to cover the top with plastic during rain.

Agrofibre

Greenhouse "cover" - in the manufacture of agrofibre polymers are usedThere are two main types of material: black and white. In the construction of greenhouses, white is used, while mulching the soil and warming the seedlings is black.

Benefits:

  • light and moisture permeability;
  • elimination of the probability of temperature differences;
  • creation of a unique microclimate in the greenhouse;
  • easy cleaning;
  • long enough service life (6 seasons).
The use of agrofibre provides an increase in yield by 1.5 times, the germination of plants increases with 20%.

In what cases is used

The choice of covering material depends on the specific situation.If there is a shortage of funds, plastic film is considered the best option. With sufficient budget it is recommended to use glass or polycarbonate.

Agrofibre and spunbond provide perfect microclimate in a greenhouse, it is recommended to use gardeners who rarely appear in the garden area. In any case, the plants should receive everything necessary for a good harvest and stable growth.

The role of the greenhouse is also important.if the design is intended for short-term use (to protect the seedlings before the next planting), a film will do.

During the construction of the greenhouse, which is planned to be used in the standard mode, it is recommended to stay on the honeycomb polycarbonate.

Dimensions are also important. cover a small greenhouse You can film annually, in the construction of dimensional structures it is better to use polycarbonate and glass.

When constructing a greenhouse, it is also important to consider that it is not recommended to grow the same crop in the same place every year, so you will have to either transfer the greenhouse to another place or change plants in places.

Attention: For the first time, novice gardeners should not build large greenhouses, the best option for such a case is considered a sectional construction with the possibility of joining sections in the future.

Conclusion

When choosing a covering material, it is necessary to compare their advantages and disadvantages, with limited financial possibilities it is recommended to stay on the plastic film.

Gardeners who do not want to spend time each year replacing covering material should consider other options.

The greatest demand in recent years is cellular polycarbonate., the most modern are nonwoven covering materials for a greenhouse: agrofibre and spunbond. An important role is also played by the purpose and dimensions of the greenhouse, the size of the greenhouse roof, design features, etc.

A photo

Further on the photo you can see all the above materials for the greenhouse: