Polycarbonate Greenhouses

Polycarbonate Greenhouses

Waltons polycarbonate greenhouses are designed to suit the needs of beginner and expert gardeners looking for a new space to grow their own vegetables, exotic fruits, and flowers.

Polycarbonate is a fantastic material for greenhouses as it is 100% shatterproof and economically friendly. Polycarbonate also provides better insulation than glass, as plastic retains heat, resulting in a warmer greenhouse environment. Greenhouses with better heat retention perform much more effectively.

Why Choose Polycarbonate Glazing?

Often, polycarbonate glazing is chosen for greenhouses as it provides superior insulation compared to some of the other types available. It is also roughly 200 times stronger than glass and is not at risk of shattering, which makes it safe for those with families or pets.

Polycarbonate glazing is also popular because it scatters harsh sunlight, reducing the need to shade a plant and preventing leaf burn.

Apex or Lean-To Polycarbonate Greenhouse?

Determining whether you opt for an Apex greenhouse or a lean-to greenhouse is going to depend on a number of factors, including your space and layout. If you’re looking for a space-saving option, a lean-to is likely going to be your best bet as it shares a wall with an existing building, making it perfect for small spaces. As well as this, it absorbs heat from the shared brick, which means that it’s easier to keep it warmer at night, though it will be limited in light on one side.However, if you have more space, then an Apex greenhouse is a good option as it provides maximum all-around light and head height. This means that there is more room for taller plants, and there is enough space for everything.

Ventilation and Condensation

Condensation can indeed be an issue in a polycarbonate greenhouse. Having said that though, by using passive or active airflow systems and sealing panel edges correctly, this can be managed effectively. Try to improve ventilation as much as you can, and it shouldn’t be too bad.

Polycarbonate vs Styrene vs Glass

• Polycarbonate - Shatterproof and stronger than any other material, excellent thermal insulation, and diffuses sunlight. However, it can scratch easily, and cheaper versions may start to yellow.
• Styrene - Also shatterproof and stronger than glass, as well as being cheap and offering high visibility. However, it has no natural UV protection and can turn brittle.
• Glass - It allows for maximum light to get into the greenhouse, and it looks fantastic. However, it has poor insulation overall, requires extra heating during winter, and it’s heavy.

Baffled by greenhouses?

Every gardener wants the ideal greenhouse to add to their garden - we’ve come up with a handy guide to give you some ideas for which garden building to choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polycarbonate greenhouses better than glass?

If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that offers safety, fantastic insulation, and year-round growing, then yes.

Is 4mm polycarbonate thick enough for a greenhouse?

For a small, hobby greenhouse that is only going to be used during mild weather, 4mm polycarbonate is thick enough.

Do polycarbonate greenhouses stay warmer?

Yes, polycarbonate greenhouses are generally warmer at night and during cold weather due to twin-wall or multi-wall panel designs that trap air.

Are polycarbonate greenhouses suitable for windy gardens?

Due to the panels on polycarbonate greenhouses being light and flexible, they are not ideal for windy gardens. Having said that, you can choose thicker panels, or add extra frame clips to improve this.

Does a polycarbonate greenhouse need a base?

You will need a level, firm base, as well as secure anchoring to ensure that your polycarbonate greenhouse is as stable as possible.

How long do polycarbonate greenhouse panels last?

On average, the panels last around 10 to 20 years, with multi-wall sheets often lasting between 15 and 20 years.

Are wooden polycarbonate greenhouses difficult to maintain?

No, wooden polycarbonate greenhouses are generally pretty easy to maintain as long as you keep on top of this. Ensure that you are caring for the timber and cleaning the panels gently regularly for best results.

Where should I position my greenhouse?

Ideally, you want your greenhouse to be somewhere that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. On top of this, you want to have it on a level surface.