{"id":103,"date":"2022-02-01T18:40:37","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T18:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenhouseing.com\/?p=103"},"modified":"2022-02-01T19:50:27","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T19:50:27","slug":"greenhouse-glazing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenhouseing.com\/greenhouse-glazing\/","title":{"rendered":"Glass or Polycarbonate: What is The Best Type of Greenhouse Glazing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trying to decide whether to opt for a polycarbonate or glass greenhouse? Read this practical guide to the best greenhouse glazing. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re looking to buy or build a greenhouse, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what type of glazing to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types: glass and polycarbonate. Both have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we will compare glass and polycarbonate greenhouse glazing and help you decide which is the best choice for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features to Consider When Choosing Glass or Polycarbonate Glazing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Glass<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to consider is cost. Glass is more expensive than polycarbonate, so if price is a deciding factor, you’ll want to go with the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Installation is also a consideration. Glass greenhouse glazing requires more time and effort to install than polycarbonate, so if you’re not handy, you may want to opt for the polycarbonate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glass is heavier than polycarbonate. This can actually be a positive or a negative. Lightweight polycarbonate can be easier to work with, particularly during installation. However, it also means that polycarbonate greenhouses can be more affected by heavy winds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, consider durability. Polycarbonate is more durable than glass and can withstand impacts better. If you’re worried about your greenhouse being damaged in bad weather, or by errant objects like footballs, polycarbonate is a better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UV Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both glass and polycarbonate greenhouse glazing offer UV protection, but to different degrees. Polycarbonate blocks more UV radiation than glass, making it the better option if you’re looking for maximum UV protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glass also requires more maintenance than polycarbonate. It needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid dirt and dust building up, which can lead to decreased light transmission. Polycarbonate is much easier to clean and doesn’t require as much attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermal Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polycarbonate is better at retaining heat than glass, so if you want your greenhouse to stay warm in winter or cooler in summer, polycarbonate is the better choice. If you are considering installing heating or ventilation, polycarbonate will lower the cost of running these. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light Transmission<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, consider light transmission. Glass transmits more light than polycarbonate, so if you want your greenhouse to be bright and sunny (which becomes very important if you\u2019re planning to grow during the winter months), glass may be the better option. However, polycarbonate is more UV-resistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light Diffusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to consider is light diffusion. Polycarbonate greenhouse glazing diffuses light more evenly than glass, making it the better choice if you want even lighting in your greenhouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glass Greenhouse Glazing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Greenhouse\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Glass greenhouse glazing is the traditional option and has been used for centuries – aesthetically pleasing, it allows for maximum light transmission and is long-lasting (if it doesn\u2019t break). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, glass is also quite heavy and can be expensive to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horticultural Glass vs Toughened Safety Glass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing glass for your greenhouse, you have two main options: horticultural glass and toughened safety glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horticultural glass is made of standard window glass specially treated to be used outside – but is not as strong as toughened safety glass. It can break easily if hit or dropped, so it’s not the best option if you have children or pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toughened safety glass is stronger and more resistant to breaking, making it a safer option. There is less significant advantage to using polycarbonate over toughened glass – but the thermal properties of polycarbonate still make it the objectively better choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros of Glass Greenhouse Glazing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n