Film for greenhouses: which one to choose, why it is better than polycarbonate

Accidentally discovered in 1898, polycarbonate only began to be produced on an industrial scale in the 1950s. Transparent and lightweight polymer turned out to be 200 times stronger and 10 times lighter than glass, 25% better able to retain heat. Because of this, it has long been considered the best for cladding greenhouses and hothouses.

For a long time, owners of large agricultural complexes did not even consider polyethylene film because of its low durability. Such a coating rarely lasted more than 1 season, quickly tore and cracked under the action of ultraviolet light. But today's heavy-duty rubber-like films for greenhouses are deprived of this disadvantage.

Film problems are a thing of the past

What is the performance of the greenhouse film that is produced now?

• Twice stronger than polyethylene;

• Five times more windproof;

• Transmits 20% more light.

Co-polymer films, such as "Svetlitsa", is a 3-5-layer material based on polyolefin EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and mLLDPE (metallocene low-pressure polyethylene). The coating is characterized by increased resistance to wear and tear and the damaging effects of ultraviolet light, and surpasses polycarbonate in a number of parameters.

What to choose in a greenhouse - film or polycarbonate

We offer to compare the pros and cons of polycarbonate and film to choose the most suitable material for your household.

Light transmittance: the film is leading

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate - after 3-5 years of use, it loses more than half of its translucency. This is due to the formation of microcracks and the accumulation of dust in them. Because of the lack of sunlight, yields fall. In addition, if the joints and ends are poorly insulated, moisture enters the cells. This can lead to the development of mold.

This disadvantage is deprived of film, which retains the original 92% light permeability. Polycarbonate in large greenhouses is preferred as a side heat-insulating fence.

The film's transmission capacity in the spectrum of physiologically active radiation reaches 92 %. This is the best option for growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, seedlings.

The service life is practically the same

The film "Svetlitsa" is used for 7-8 years (of which 4 years - the manufacturer's warranty period). Polycarbonate lasts slightly longer - up to 10 years. At the same time, the cost per square meter of the film is three times lower than the cost of polycarbonate. For these reasons, the film is more cost-effective. In addition, it is easier and cheaper to dispose of, especially in large quantities.

Learn about ways to increase the durability of the film

Thermal insulation qualities: polycarbonate has higher

Cellular polycarbonate keeps the heat inside the greenhouse very well. But there is one disadvantage - in sunny weather, you need to ventilate thoroughly to protect the plants from death due to overheating.

At the same time, the humidity inside a polycarbonate greenhouse is 6-12% higher than in a film greenhouse, especially under conditions of dense planting. This promotes the faster development of pathogenic bacteria. The way out is the same as for overheating - active ventilation.

Both film and polycarbonate with antifog coating have a hydrophilic layer. On the inner surface of both materials, instead of droplets, flat condensation is formed in a continuous layer that has no noticeable negative effect on plants (useful greenhouse effect). Moisture droplets are not trapped on the ceiling but flow down without reaching the plants.

Durability

Cellular polycarbonate is a high-strength and rigid material, as long as its thickness corresponds to the size of the greenhouse, and the manufacturer has conscientiously added a sufficient amount of light-stabilizing components. Otherwise, the sheet cracks early, quickly losing structural strength.

The film "Svetlitsa" is elastic, which allows you to equip a greenhouse of any shape. In bad weather, it withstands snow and hail, hurricane wind up to 18 m/s, frost up to -80 °C.

Yield is the main argument

Agronomists of St. Petersburg Agrarian University justified the choice in favor of film for the greenhouse. In the course of the experiment proved: vegetable crops in a film greenhouse give a higher yield than in a polycarbonate greenhouse and begin to bear fruit earlier. Under the film, the yield of tomatoes is higher by 20%, cucumbers - by 30%, peppers - by 60%:

Scientists attribute this fact to the low illumination, which provides polycarbonate, too high humidity, and temperature.

Earlier we wrote, how to choose a film for a greenhouse

Conclusion

Modern polyolefin films are superior in functionality and quality not only to simple polyethylene but also to polycarbonate. And both in terms of creating the right conditions for plants and the cost of the material.

Go to the catalog to choose a film for greenhouse.