When you’re buying a greenhouse, the first thing that you’ll need to decide is the right type of greenhouse glazing. Polycarbonate and glass are the two most common and popular greenhouse glazing options with their specific qualities, pros, and cons.
Polycarbonate Greenhouse Glazing
Polycarbonate greenhouse glazing is usually considered a good option for beginners as it’s easy to maintain and highly impact resistant. Polycarbonate also offers unique qualities and varying thickness options for different climate regions.
For example, Cross Country greenhouses can be customized with twin or five-wall polycarbonate glazing, which is excellent for harsher weather conditions. Polycarbonate glazing is available in 8mm triple-wall and 16mm 5-wall.
Airspace in Polycarbonate Glazing
Did you know that a polycarbonate greenhouse offers an insulation value equal to a double-layered glass greenhouse? This is because the airspace in the gap between polycarbonate layers improves efficiency and reduces hotspot formation.
Polycarbonate glazing is an ideal option for gardeners in hot and sunny locations. While polycarbonate glazing may not be aesthetically pleasing, it promises quality and durability.
Polycarbonate Glazing Pros
- Extremely easy to maintain
- Lightweight and shatter-resistance
- Improved UV protection
- Improved and balanced light diffusion and thermal performance
Polycarbonate Glazing Cons
- May not look as beautiful and aesthetic as glass glazing
- Needs to be installed properly to prevent insulation and condensation issues
Glass Glazing for Greenhouses
Glass glazing is undeniably a more attractive greenhouse glazing option, available in single- and double-pane options. Single-pane glasses are, however, less efficient and mostly found in older greenhouse models. Newer, better glass greenhouses by brands like Exaco have double-pane glass glazing that offers superior energy efficiency, sealing, and moisture optimization.
Single-pane glass isn’t a suitable option for gardeners in Northern climates. Instead, you should opt for double or multi-pane glazing that can solve heating and humidity-related issues.
Glass Glazing Pros
- Glass glazing is aesthetic and can beautify your garden
- It’s easy to replace and can last for many years if not cracked or broken
- Offers direct sunlight exposure
Glass Glazing Cons
- Glass greenhouses may break, crack, or chip easily
- Glass panels are heavier than polycarbonate walls
- Not as UV resistantas polycarbonate
- It may offer low thermal performance in colder regions
In conclusion, glass and polycarbonate glazing both have their unique benefits and qualities. All you have to do is to pick the right glazing option according to your location’s climate.
Head Over to Our Online Store to Buy Quality Greenhouses, Greenhouse Accessories, and Greenhouse Kits in the US
Mulberry Greenhouses has a wide range of glass and polycarbonate greenhouses at the best rates! We also provide high-quality greenhouse accessories and kits to help gardeners maximize their plants’ growth rate and health.
Check out our website to buy portable, hobby, and commercial greenhouses, or order your favorite greenhouse accessories at the best rates! You can also reach out to our team for more details.
