Reinforced film for greenhouses has become a preferred choice for many summer residents when choosing from a whole list covering materials, offered for this purpose at construction markets and supermarkets. Significant advantages and minor disadvantages became decisive criteria in the selection process. Online portals are filled with advice and photos of successful experiments.
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Item characteristics
Building greenhouses is a popular activity among gardeners who live in cold climates or grow vegetables for sale. Setting up such a structure typically doesn't require significant financial outlay, and the investment quickly and reaps a handsome return.
By growing early vegetables and seedlings for the first vegetables and ornamental plants, gardeners can save on several costs: purchasing ready-made plants for planting and vegetables, which are expensive at the beginning of the season and during cold weather.
Previously widely used polyethylene film is gradually becoming a thing of the past. It is being replaced by modern, durable, and environmentally friendly products, the result of close collaboration between industrial chemistry and construction. Hydrophilic materials with stabilized film are among the most common greenhouse construction materials today.
The almost annual need to replace the polyethylene covering of a greenhouse frame is due to the polymer's negative properties. When exposed to sunlight, it degrades under ultraviolet radiation, losing its inherent beneficial properties—plasticity and elasticity, thickness, and strong molecular bonds.
Hydrophilic materials are modified versions that incorporate years of unfortunate experience. Research has enabled the development of particularly durable modifications. This is achieved by adding special components to the traditional texture to prevent the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Undoubted advantages
A compelling argument in favor of choosing this greenhouse film is its relatively low cost compared to other recommended materials. The downside is that it is more expensive than standard polyethylene, which is affordable even for consumers with limited financial resources. The upside is that it is much less expensive than glass, polycarbonate, and plexiglass.
Reinforced film has many advantages beyond its cost. Buyers of this durable material note:
You may be interested in:- high resistance to mechanical stress – stretching, force loads;
- the possibility of fast and trouble-free transportation without significant financial costs – AP is sold in compactly packaged rolls, small in volume and weight;
- the ability to provide maximum tightness to a structure if installation is carried out in compliance with the necessary conditions;
- long-term storage without special conditions and resistance to putrefactive bacteria, fungi and mold;
- weather resistance and quick repairs in case of damage, ideal for greenhouses.
However, glass transoms tend to shatter when impacted, and polycarbonate has low light transmittance and is also prone to breakage. Therefore, the susceptibility to damage has not diminished the popularity of reinforced film when choosing the optimal surface for greenhouses.
Few disadvantages
Every covering material has its pros and cons, requiring an informed consumer choice. One significant drawback is its long decomposition period. Deteriorated reinforced film cannot be simply thrown in the trash or buried.
Cheap and thin films transmit daylight better, but have a shorter lifespan, while expensive and thick films designed for long-term use have poor transmittance due to the significant number of reinforcing threads. It's essential to choose the right thickness and number of reinforcing threads to achieve the required stability without sacrificing light transmission.
A clear advantage of using reinforced fabric for greenhouses is its ability to withstand significant wind loads. It is indispensable in areas with harsh climates and intense air movement, which intensifies during certain seasons.
You may be interested in:Minor disadvantages don't outweigh the undeniable benefits of choosing this covering material. When choosing reinforced film for building a greenhouse, there are several important factors to consider: the quality and reputation of the manufacturer, the presence of fiberglass (if present, the material must meet standards), and the presence of ventilation holes.
If the greenhouse is built according to all the rules, it will always maintain airtightness and the right temperature for growing vegetables or flowers.