As summer approaches, gardeners everywhere are preparing their greenhouses for a season of vibrant growth. But when it comes to choosing the right greenhouse material, gardeners face an important decision: polycarbonate vs glass. Both options have their strengths, but for the modern gardener, the polycarbonate greenhouse has several advantages that can make all the difference for your summer growing season.
In this blog, we'll explore why polycarbonate greenhouses, such as the Riga and MONT models, are the best choice for summer gardening. We'll compare the benefits of polycarbonate against traditional glass, highlighting critical factors like durability, UV protection, insulation, and cost-effectiveness. We’ll also discuss cooling accessories such as exhaust fan systems and shade cloths to optimize your greenhouse’s performance during the hot summer months.
Durability: Polycarbonate vs Glass
When it comes to durability, polycarbonate greenhouses have a clear advantage. Polycarbonate, a tough, twin-wall plastic material, is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. Whether it's summer heat, hailstorms, or the occasional gust of wind, polycarbonate can take the hit without cracking or breaking, which is common with glass.
Polycarbonate greenhouses like MONT Kits are especially resistant to impact. Their lightweight design doesn’t just make them more resilient to storms—it also makes them easier to handle during installation and maintenance. On the other hand, glass greenhouses, while aesthetically pleasing, are often fragile and can easily break during storms or high winds. This means additional costs for replacement and repairs, not to mention the potential safety risks involved.
For gardeners who live in areas with unpredictable weather or strong winds, a polycarbonate greenhouse offers peace of mind and longevity, making it a solid investment for long-term gardening success.
Insulation: Keep Your Plants Comfortable
One of the standout features of polycarbonate greenhouses is their superior insulation. Unlike glass, which can transfer heat easily, polycarbonate has excellent thermal properties, keeping your greenhouse cooler in the summer and warmer during colder months. This ability to regulate temperature is critical for maintaining the ideal growing conditions for your plants.
Greenhouses made of polycarbonate, such as the Riga greenhouse models, feature double or twin-wall construction that traps air between the panels. This design creates an insulating layer that helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, which is essential during hot summer days when outdoor temperatures fluctuate. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, cucumbers, or delicate herbs, maintaining a consistent climate in your greenhouse ensures your plants thrive.
The insulation properties of polycarbonate also reduce the need for excessive cooling systems. However, to optimize summer performance, cooling accessories such as greenhouse fans and shade cloths can be added to maintain airflow and prevent heat buildup inside. An exhaust fan system is an ideal solution to keep the temperature under control when the sun is at its peak.
UV Protection: Safeguarding Your Plants
Excessive UV exposure can be detrimental to plants, causing sunburn and dehydration. This is where polycarbonate’s built-in UV protection becomes crucial. Most polycarbonate greenhouse models come with a UV-resistant coating that helps filter out harmful UV rays while allowing the right amount of light to reach your plants. The result is a healthier growing environment and stronger, more productive plants.
Glass, while clear and aesthetically pleasing, doesn’t offer the same level of UV protection. In fact, glass greenhouses can allow harmful UV rays to penetrate, potentially damaging your plants. For gardeners looking to safeguard their crops from scorching summer rays, polycarbonate is the better option.
Polycarbonate also provides better light diffusion, ensuring that plants receive more even light distribution. This helps reduce the risk of overheating in certain areas of the greenhouse while encouraging uniform growth.
Cost-Effectiveness: Saving Money Over Time
When deciding between polycarbonate and glass, cost is always a factor. While glass greenhouses can be visually stunning, they tend to come with a higher price tag, both for the initial installation and for future repairs. Glass is often more expensive to ship and install due to its weight and fragility. Plus, the cost of replacement panels can add up if your glass greenhouse is damaged.
Polycarbonate greenhouses are generally more affordable upfront, and the material’s durability means fewer replacement costs over time. Additionally, because polycarbonate provides better insulation, you can save on energy costs by reducing the need for heating or cooling systems. Over the long term, the savings from reduced maintenance and energy bills make polycarbonate an excellent investment.
Furthermore, polycarbonate is a lightweight material, making it easier and less costly to install compared to heavy glass panels. This means lower labor costs if you're hiring professionals for the installation.
What About Hybrid Greenhouses?
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, hybrid greenhouses—like those from Exaco—offer an innovative blend of polycarbonate roofing and glass side panels. These hybrid models combine the durability and insulation of polycarbonate with the aesthetic appeal and visibility of traditional glass.
The polycarbonate roof provides superior UV protection and thermal insulation, shielding plants from intense summer heat while maintaining a stable internal temperature. Meanwhile, the glass side panels offer a clear view of your garden and allow for enhanced light penetration and display.
Hybrid greenhouses are ideal for gardeners who want visual elegance without compromising performance, making them a stylish yet practical choice for summer growing.
Accessorize Your Polycarbonate Greenhouse for Peak Summer Performance
While polycarbonate greenhouses excel at insulation and UV protection, it’s always a good idea to complement your greenhouse with accessories that optimize its performance, especially during the hot summer months. A greenhouse fan is an essential addition to improve air circulation and prevent overheating. It helps maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels, promoting healthy plant growth.
Another accessory worth considering is shade cloth, which provides an additional layer of protection from the harsh summer sun. These cloths help regulate the amount of sunlight that enters the greenhouse, preventing heat stress on plants and ensuring they receive the right amount of light.
If you're concerned about your greenhouse doors, buy greenhouse doors designed for polycarbonate structures to ensure they fit securely and function properly, enhancing the overall efficiency of your greenhouse.
Ready to Grow? Choose Mulberry Greenhouses
At Mulberry Greenhouses, we offer a wide selection of polycarbonate greenhouses, from top brands like Riga and MONT. If you're ready to invest in a polycarbonate greenhouse for your summer garden, browse our collection today and take the first step toward a successful growing season. From greenhouse kits to cooling accessories, we have everything you need to create the perfect environment for your plants. Head over to the deals section, where you can find some amazing discounts.
Contact us to learn more.
