Durable and practical – this is how polycarbonate greenhouses can be described. In terms of performance characteristics, they surpass similar systems made of film and glass. With itthis modern materialHowever, to show its best properties, it is important to know what to look for when choosing multi-wall panels for the greenhouse or cold frame and how to install them correctly.
The advantages of polycarbonate sheets
Why should you choose polycarbonate multiwall sheets for your greenhouse orUse cold frame? The answer is: Because the material has many positive properties and offers a lot of advantages, such as:
- excellent thermal insulation
- high light transmission
- reliable protection against UV radiation
- high strength, impact resistance, rigidity and hardness (compared to glass, the strength of polycarbonate is 50 times higher, the impact resistance is 250 times higher)
- easy installation
- long shelf life
- Resistance to high humidity and various atmospheric influences
- high aesthetics: You must admit that a polycarbonate greenhouse (or cold frame) looks very beautiful, stylish and natural in any garden, and can also fit perfectly into modern landscape design.
7 tips for selecting and installing multi-wall panels for greenhouses and cold frames
Regardless of whether you want to buy a greenhouse or cold frame made of polycarbonate ready-made or build it yourself, the instructions for installing the multi-wall panels hardly differ. The following special features must be noted here:
Multiwall sheets for greenhouses – clear or opal?
Only transparent polycarbonate should be used for a greenhouse or cold frame. Of course, tinted double wall panels look more attractive, but they let in much less light and your plants won't get enough sun. And that is crucial for a good harvest.
UV resistance is particularly important
When choosing multi-wall panels for the greenhouse or cold frame, make sure that they have a special UV protective layer on at least one side. When installing the panels, lay them so that the protective layer is on the outside.
Which plate thickness is best?
The thickness of the polycarbonate panels depends on how exactly you want to use your greenhouse. This means that if you only want to use your greenhouse (unheated) for growing young plants in spring and autumn, a panel thickness of 5 to 10 mm is completely sufficient. Also6 mm double wall panels for the cold frameare an optimal solution. If it is necessary to heat a greenhouse, the thickness of the polycarbonate panels should not be less than 15 mm.
Pay attention to the direction in which the multiwall panels are laid
All double-wall sheets have hollow chambers that run parallel to the length of the sheet. During assembly, the multi-wall panels should always be laid with the chambers in the direction of the water flow and not across.
Install multi-wall plates correctly
Polycarbonate panels should be installed using special installation profiles made of aluminum or plastic. Self-tapping screws made of stainless steel are used to fasten the multi-wall panels. A rubber washer should be installed underneath.
Because the polycarbonate has a...high coefficient of thermal expansionthe hole must be slightly larger in diameter than the screw. Fastening should start from the edge of the panel at a distance of approximately 5 cm. The distance between fastening points should not exceed 30 cm.
Never fasten the multiwall panels with nails - this will compromise the integrity of the panel and will inevitably lead to its destruction. Also take into account that it is not possible to overlap the panels.
Don't leave out important details
Don't skimp on the components that are required for professional installation of the multiwall panels! Such seemingly insignificant details as adhesive tapes, end profiles and seals significantly extend the lifespan of your greenhouse and prevent irreversible contamination from dust, algae and insects.
The cheap is expensive
Given the variety of polycarbonate sheets available on the market, special attention should be paid to quality. In many cases, price is perceived as an indication of quality, so it's best to go for mid-priced or more expensive multiwall sheets - they last much longer.
Incidentally, the multi-wall panels are also very popular as patio roofing. You can find out more about thisin this article.
