
Any farmer who employs a greenhouse in his production process must carefully consider his choice of greenhouse panels. To do so, a number of variables must be taken into account. will help narrow down the choices. Durability, climate, light transmission and cost-effectiveness are some of the most important criteria.
The most popular materials used to cover greenhouses are polyethylene film, glass, acrylic, and acrylic.
We've listed the many kinds of greenhouse covers below so you can familiarize yourself with them and select the one that best meets your requirements.
Glass
Glass is one of the options we discover for a greenhouse roof. For its aesthetic appeal, glass is typically utilized in greenhouses for Garden Centers.
Compared to other, more opaque materials, which likewise darken with time and use, this material permits a considerable deal of light.
However, glass is less prone to break and will continue to transmit the same quantity of light during its entire lifespan. Glass can be more expensive, and there is a chance that glass can break in severe weather or from direct hits like hail. But if properly maintained, glass is a long-lasting and attractive option for a covering.
Acrylic Fabric
Due to their numerous benefits, acrylic coatings are a choice that is becoming more and more well-liked among gardeners. Because acrylic is strong, resilient, and naturally UV-resistant, it won't deteriorate like other plastic glazing materials over time, keeping your greenhouse looking brand-new for 15 to 20 years.
Clear multi-wall panels made of acrylic sheets provide the maximum light transmission and are also more energy efficient. Acrylic is a very simple material to deal with since it is lightweight and extremely flexible. It can be cut to match the greenhouse's structure and, if the arches aren't too deep, bent to fit them.
Acrylic costs more than other glazing materials because glass is more fragile than polycarbonate and needs special attention during construction. It is also more vulnerable to hail damage.
Impact modified acrylic, which is shatterproof and has a constrained impact strength, is a solution for locations where hail is an issue. There are three different acrylic cover thicknesses: 8mm, 16mm, and 32mm.
The polyethylene film
When it comes to greenhouse coverings, polyethylene film is the most popular alternative for growers due to its low initial cost, flexibility, availability in a range of thicknesses, and durability under a variety of weather situations.
Different opacity levels of clear and white polyethylene are readily accessible. The most popular thickness of polyethylene for greenhouses is 6 mm, which includes UV-resistant absorbers good for four years.
It is mounted in a greenhouse in two layers, holding two sheets or a tube in place while an air pocket is created between them to act as a thermal barrier and increase energy efficiency. The plastic is far more vulnerable to wind damage without this air pocket.
Greenhouse polyethylene is very flexible and strong. Polyethylene film can save farmers up to 40% on heating expenditures since it absorbs more heat than glass. Although in theory polyethylene film is more cost-effective, it must be renewed about every four years.
Polycarbonate

Single wall is great for interior walls while multi-wall offers thermal benefits to prevent heat loss. Although polycarbonate is a wonderful material choice because of its robustness and inexpensive cost when compared to other materials, growers should be aware that it may eventually turn yellow and perhaps fracture. By using polycarbonate, you may extend the life of your product by around 15 years.