High strength and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate materials for greenhouses, pergolas, roofing applications, and more.
Stronger, lighter, and more flexible than glass, polycarbonate materials feature excellent impact resistance that makes them virtually unbreakable and a great choice for greenhouses, roofing, and glazing applications.
Highlights
Virtually unbreakable
Good heat resistance
Good weatherability
Works in a wide range of temperatures
Good flexibility
Applications
Greenhouse roofing and siding
Patio roofing
Pergola and carport coverings
Light dispersion, transmission
Hurricane and storm protection
Data centers
Industries
Construction
Agriculture
Architectural
Roofing
Electronics
Polycarbonate Greenhouse Materials Overview
What are polycarbonate greenhouse materials?
High strength, outstanding durability, optical clarity, and high light transmission rivaling that of glass at a much lower weight make polycarbonate an outstanding solution for glazing, roofing, greenhouses, and other outdoor applications. Polycarbonate roofing materials are UV-resistant, allowing beneficial sunlight to pass through while filtering out harmful UV radiation. They are exceptionally durable and virtually unbreakable compared to glass, allowing them to endure harsh weather and heavy snow loads.
Specific materials such as polycarbonate twinwall feature insulation properties that help regulate the internal temperature of a greenhouse for an optimal growth environment.
What type of polycarbonate is best for greenhouses?
The recommended material for greenhouse construction is twinwall polycarbonate. Twinwall polycarbonate sheets can trap air to increase their insulation strength while providing high light transmission rates and impact strength. This helps keep the interior of the greenhouse at desired temperatures without depriving plants of natural sunlight.
How thick should polycarbonate sheets be for a greenhouse?
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets for a greenhouse should be at least 8mm thick as this thickness can handle different types of weather. Panels under 8mm are okay to use if cold nights are not a concern or if the greenhouse has a heating system installed.
Can polycarbonate panels be used for a greenhouse?
Polycarbonate panels are one of the best plastics for constructing greenhouses. Twinwall polycarbonate lets in natural sunlight and warmth while blocking harmful UV rays. Twinwall may be cold formed to fit different greenhouse configurations.
Is polycarbonate roofing good for greenhouses?
Polycarbonate twinwall is an excellent material for greenhouse roofing and siding and is one of the best plastics to use in greenhouse construction due to its combination of high light transmission, good insulation properties, and UV protection.
General Properties1 of Polycarbonate Twinwall
Property
Unit
Value
Specific Gravity
g/cc
1.19
Water Absorption @ 24 hrs.
%
0.15
Hardness
Rockwell
R118 M70
Izod Impact (Notched)
ft-lbs/in.
2
Tensile Strength @ Yield
psi
8700
Tensile Modulus
ksi
300
Flexural Strength
psi
14200
Flexural Modulus
ksi
340
Compressive Strength
psi
12500
Compressive Modulus
ksi
345
Elongation @ Break
%
50
Deflection Temperature @ 264 psi
°F
270
1The values listed are typical and are meant only as a guide to aid in design. Field testing is always recommended to determine exact values for each application.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.