Clear Greenhouse Plastic Options
Greenhouse Films 3 mil to 334 mil
Greenhouse growers have many options when it comes to covering their greenhouses. There are different thicknesses of clear poly films as well as a thicker bubble film called SolaWrap.
Click HERE and have fun reviewing all your greenhouse plastic/ covering options! Happy Growing!
Things to consider:
Choosing the Right Greenhouse Cover:Nursery Plastic Sheeting vs. SolaWrap Greenhouse Plastic
So, you're in the process of selecting a greenhouse cover, and you find yourself torn between two options: the conventional nursery plastic sheeting and the SolaWrap greenhouse plastic. It's a significant decision, and you want to make sure you choose the one that best suits your greenhouse needs. Let's take a closer look at the factors to consider for each option:
Factors to Consider for Your Greenhouse
When it comes to choosing the ideal greenhouse cover, several factors should be on your radar:
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Light Penetration: Your greenhouse's cover should allow sufficient natural light to reach your plants. Light is vital for their growth and health.
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Appearance: The aesthetics of your greenhouse are essential. The cover's appearance can affect how well it fits into your surroundings and its visual appeal.
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Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to maintain your chosen cover. Greenhouses require regular upkeep, and your cover should be up to the task.
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Safety: Ensure that the cover you choose is safe for your plants and suitable for the environment it will be in.
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Longevity: The longevity of the cover is a key factor in your decision. You want a cover that offers cost-effectiveness without compromising performance.
Nursery Plastic Sheeting
Let's start with the traditional choice of Nursery plastic sheeting:
- Widely Used: 4- 6 mil plastic sheeting is a common choice for greenhouse covers and is readily available.
- R-Value: A single layer of 6 mil polyethylene typically has an R-value of approximately 0.85. If you opt for a double poly cover (two layers of poly), it will have an approximate R-value of 1.25.
- Caution Required: It's essential to exercise caution when selecting 6 mil plastic from specific sources, especially those manufactured in China.
- Cost-Effective but...: While 6 mil plastic may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, the labor cost of replacing it more frequently can add up over time.
- UV Protection: Greenhouse plastic films, including 6 mil options, offer some level of UV protection. However, not all films are created equal, and some may have better tensile strength than others.
- Challenges: One common issue reported by growers is the tearing of the plastic where it contacts the PVC framework. This can happen when the plastic lacks adequate UV protection, and the PVC absorbs heat, leading to the breakdown of the plastic.
- Reduced Light: White opaque greenhouse films are popular for reducing heat, but they also significantly reduce light transmission by almost half per layer.
SolaWrap Greenhouse Plastic
Now, let's idiscuss SolaWrap greenhouse plastic. We offer all the greenhouse coverings, so it's up to you.:
- Superior R-Value: SolaWrap stands out with its impressive R-value of 1.7. This high R-value provides excellent insulation, helping maintain a stable and optimal environment for your plants.
- High Transparency: SolaWrap boasts an extraordinary 83% transparency rate. This means that ample natural light reaches your plants, stimulating healthy growth and providing an excellent environment for cultivation.
In conclusion, the choice between nursery plastic sheeting and SolaWrap greenhouse plastic depends on your specific needs and priorities. Both options have their advantages and considerations, and your decision should align with what best suits your greenhouse project. Whether it's the traditional and cost-effectivenursery plastic or SolaWrap with its superior insulation and transparency, your choice should reflect your unique requirements.
