Glass vs. Polycarbonate Twin wall Sheets
For decades, garden greenhouses have been synonymous with the combination of aluminum and glass. However, in the last few years the glass has to a great extent been substituted by a new high grade material – twin wall polycarbonate. The advantage of twin walled polycarbonate is that it has an insulating effect, so the temperature in the greenhouse will be more even and create a better growing habitat. All Rion Greenhouses use polycarbonate twin wall sheets, are UV protected stabilized for long life.
Obviously, glass panes are subject to breakage. Polycarbonate twin wall sheets, on the other hand, is virtually unbreakable against hail, baseballs, and rocks. Polycarbonate sheets are lightweight and ribbed to provide a diffused, UV protecting light which enhances plant growth and helps aid in temperature control. Sheets of polycarbonate as supplied with Rion’s Greenhouses, are constructed with top and bottom layers connected by ribbed channels, which is why twin-wall polycarbonate has a lot of advantages for garden green house compared to glass.
Because of their construction, the polycarbonate sheets have the insulating effect of thermo windows, and therefore the temperature in the home greenhouse will be more even, and the plants have better growing conditions.
Polycarbonate sheets are strong. It will not shutter, It can resist, for instance, the weight of branches falling down and balls being thrown at it by playing children.
Polycarbonate sheets are light weight and are supplied in the exact length needed, making it quick and easy to assemble.
Construction with ribbed channels helps break the sunrays and thus the need of shading is decreased.
The insulating effect of polycarbonate sheets extends the growing season dramatically, and if you wish to heat the greenhouse, the loss of heat is decreased.
Sheets of polycarbonate are delivered in 5/32″ (4 mm) and 1/4″ (6 mm) thickness according to the chosen Rion greenhouse model.
Polycarbonate Twin-Wall sheets has a much higher R-value than glass (60%). An issue if you are going to heat your greenhouse during the winter.
No condensation, even when outside temperature is 32˚F and inside is 73˚F, with 80% humidity.
Highly flame-resistant, with a flash point of 1,166˚F.