Overview of greenhouse coating materials
The cover is the material that covers the frame of the greenhouse and through which light passes. The coating can therefore greatly affect things like appearance, functionality, cost and maintenance. When choosing a greenhouse structure, you need to decide which coating will best suit the project. Below we review the most popular greenhouse coatings, their technical features and pros and cons.
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 Glass - single layer Light transmission*: 85-90% R value**: 0.9 
 ADVANTAGES: • The duration of use is unlimited if it does not break • Tempered glass is stronger and requires fewer support bars 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Fragile, easily broken coating • May not support the weight of snow • Many supports are required • Clear glass does not scatter light  | 
 Factory-glued sealed two-layer glass Light transmission*: 70-75% R value **: double layer 1.5-2.0, low-e 2.5 
 ADVANTAGES: • The duration of use is unlimited if it does not break • Can be used in areas with low temperatures 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Difficult • Clear glass does not scatter light • Difficult to install, requires precise framing  | 
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 Polyethylene - one layer Light transmission*: 80-90% (new materials) R value**: single film 0.87 6 mil. 
 ADVANTAGES: • IR (infrared interception) films are treated to reduce heat loss • Non-drip or non-fog films are manufactured to resist condensation • Ethylene vinyl acetate treatment eliminates cracking and low temperature wear • Easy to install, no precise framing required • The cheapest choice of greenhouse cover 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Tears easily • Opaque • UV-resistant polyethylene lasts only 1-2 years • Light transmission decreases over time • The film expands in warm weather and contracts in cold weather  | 
 Polyethylene - double layer Light transmission*: 60-80% R-values** of double films: 5 ml film 1.5, 6 ml film 1.7 
 ADVANTAGES: • Heat loss is significantly reduced when a fan is used to create an air gap between the two film layers • IR (infrared interception) films are designed to minimize heat loss • Non-drip or non-fog films are specially formulated to resist condensation • Ethylene vinyl acetate treatment eliminates cracking and low temperature wear • Easy to install, no precise framing required • The cheapest choice of greenhouse cover 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Tears easily • Opaque • UV-resistant polyethylene lasts only 1-2 years • Light transmission decreases over time • The film expands in warm weather and contracts in cold weather  | 
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 Polycarbonate - rigid, double walls light transmission*: 83% R value**: 6 mm 1.6, 8 mm 1.7 
 ADVANTAGES: • The most fire-resistant greenhouse cover • Resistant to UV rays • Very strong • Easy • Easy to cut and install • Ensures good performance for 7-10 years after installation 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Can be expensive • Partially transparent  | 
 Polycarbonate film - triple or quadruple wall rigid plastic light transmission*: 75% R value** triple wall: 8mm 2.0-2.1, 16mm 2.5 R value** quad walls: 6 mm 1.8, 8 mm 2.1 
 ADVANTAGES: • The most fire-resistant greenhouse cover • Resistant to UV rays • Very strong • Easy • Easy to cut and install • Ensures good performance for 7-10 years after installation 
 DISADVANTAGES: • Can be expensive • Partially transparent  | 
 * Light transmittance is the percentage of light that enters the greenhouse through the material.
 
** R-value is a common measure of insulation (hr°Fsq.ft/Btu). The higher the R-value, the more heat is trapped inside the greenhouse. 
From the data presented above, it can be concluded that the choice of different greenhouse coatings has various advantages and disadvantages, depending on their light transmission, R-value, resistance, installation complexity and cost. The properties of materials such as glass, polyethylene and polycarbonate determine their suitability for various environments and needs:
- Glass is durable and has high light transmission, but is fragile and requires many supports.
- Polyethylene is an economical choice with good light transmission and heat retention, but tends to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. Resistance to UV radiation gradually decreases, so the film will need to be changed every 7-10 years.
- Polycarbonate has recently been a very popular choice among gardeners due to its durability, ease of installation and good heat retention.
When choosing between these coatings, you should take into account the individual requirements of the greenhouse, such as budget, climatic conditions, location and the desired functionality of the greenhouse.