PC: material of choice for greenhouses
According to Epse (European polycarbonate sheet extruders), in the opinion of the European growers, the key factors maximizing performances of their greenhouses are light transmission, cost effectiveness, the ability to be leak-proof and shatter proof as well as durability. All these qualities can be summed up in one word: polycarbonate. Greenhouses, unlike other structures, have an ultra-light design and do not use costly and complex substructures.
Most of the professional polycarbonate sheet producers of greenhouses are located in Europe. Corrugated and low thickness multi-wall polycarbonate sheets are the most suitable for greenhouses covering. The lack of thermal insulation becomes an advantage, since the heat loss through the roof prevents snow from accumulating during winter time.
On the other hand, the advantages of the greenhouse walls made out of the multiwall polycarbonate sheets are firstly, the high light transmission to the interior of the greenhouse (depending on the sun direction) and secondly, good thermal insulation that allows for reduction of the heating costs in the winter.
Finally PC sheets are an excellent replacement for broken glass roofs and walls without the need of changing the substructure.