Whether you are a horticulturist or a newbie gardener, there are a variety of materials to consider when constructing a greenhouse—glass, fiberglass, acrylic, and polycarbonate—but the most common choices are polycarbonate or glass. A great greenhouse material not only provides light transmission, insulative properties, and weather-resistance, but it should be easy to install and maintain. While glass is sturdy and provides superior optical clarity, it can shatter from impacts and requires professional installation due to its weight. Instead, consider twinwall polycarbonate as a modern, durable alternative. The thermoplastic meets the demands for greenhouses—light transmission, insulation, exceptional strength making it virtually indestructible—and its light weight makes it easy to install and it’s even easier to maintain. Here, we discuss five reasons why twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels are the best choice for durable greenhouse structures.
1. Superior Light Transmission for Plant Growth
Polycarbonate allows 90% of light to filter through. Twinwall polycarbonate takes it a step further by allowing natural sunlight to pass through while diffusing light evenly. When sunlight passes through a fluted or milky translucent material the light is diffused and dispersed evenly, reducing the risk of plant burn compared to direct glass. Materials such as glass, acrylic, and single-wall polycarbonate allow direct sunlight to pass through, which can burn plants or create hotspots (areas that receive too much light or not enough).
2. Built-In Insulation for Year-Round Gardening
Twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels trap air for better thermal efficiency compared to glass. Its structure—with air gaps in between each wall—holds in heat during the winter and protects against overheating in the summer. This helps maintain stable temperatures for optimal growing conditions all year long. Compared to glass, twinwall polycarbonate retains heat better, providing 60% more thermal insulation. The durable thermoplastic also withstands temperature swings without incurring damage, like cracking or warping.
3. Exceptional Strength and Weather Resistance
In addition to withstanding temperature swings without cracking or breaking, twinwall polycarbonate withstands hail, heavy winds, and storms better than glass. In fact, it is 250 times stronger than glass. While glass can shatter from a projectile such as debris or even heavy snow, polycarbonate is shatter-resistant. Its long-lasting durability, along with its UV and weather resistance, makes polycarbonate a great choice for greenhouses in outdoor environments.
4. Lightweight and Easy to Install
Twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels are two times as lightweight as glass panels the same size. That makes them easier to handle and install—especially when used as a roofing material. Their weight is also a boon to the structure itself as it doesn’t place excess stress on a greenhouse’s frame. The panels’ light-weight and ease of handling make them ideal for both DIY greenhouse builds or professional installations. Twinwall polycarbonate is also less expensive when it comes to shipping, thanks to its lightweight.
5. Cost-Effective Twinwall Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels
Twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels have lower upfront and long-term costs compared to glass, making them a more affordable choice. The panels themselves cost less, and their light weight doesn’t require a sturdier (and more expensive) frame. What’s more, upkeep and maintenance costs less. Glass shows smudges, streaks, and water spots. Plus, it’s prone to condensation which not only can be unsightly but can create a mold or pest problem for the greenhouse and its resident plants. Polycarbonate is simple to clean, incurs minimal condensation, and is highly resistant to yellowing or cracking compared to other plastic materials.
Why Choose Acme Plastics for Twinwall Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels?
Acme Plastics offers twinwall polycarbonate sheets in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses that are ready to ship. For custom specifications, cut-to-size options are available. Our expert guidance and competitive pricing will help you choose the right twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels—at the right price—for your project.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why twinwall polycarbonate is a great choice for greenhouses. They offer superior light transmission for plant growth, thermal insulation for year-round gardening, strength and weather resistance for protection, and light-weight for easy installation—all while being cost-effective and low maintenance. Explore Acme Plastic’s selection of twinwall polycarbonate greenhouse panels or contact us for more information. We’re happy to help you complete the greenhouse of your dreams.
