Covering material for greenhouses and hotbeds: which one is better to choose. Covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses The best materials for covering a greenhouse

Covering materials help increase yields, accelerate the growth and ripening of vegetables, and protect plants from frost. If in the past only polyethylene was available for these purposes, then the modern variety can confuse a novice gardener.

Surely you have heard about non-woven agrofibre, air-bubble and light-stabilized film, as well as weed control coatings. I will help you understand the features and intricacies of choosing greenhouse coverings.

When buying film or non-woven coatings, two main criteria are taken into account - this is the use case and service life. Both factors ultimately affect the cost and success of the application. Covering material may differ in type and density, so it is selected according to the purpose of use:

for beds - when there is no supporting frame;
small greenhouses;
stationary greenhouses;
protection of the underground part of plants from weeds, overheating, pests.

The quality and service life of coatings of all types are evaluated by two indicators:

The uniformity of the web in terms of density. The uneven texture and thickness of the layer can often be seen in low-quality covering agrofiber. The criterion is important for all covering materials, since it affects the mechanical strength, the degree of protection from wind and cold during frost.
UV resistant. To protect against the destructive action of sunlight, ultraviolet stabilizers are introduced into the polymer raw material. In their absence, the covering material becomes brittle, brittle, crumbles in the garden in a month or two.

Please note: the degree of protection of garden crops from short frosts is affected not only by the quality of the covering material, but also by the microclimate of the greenhouse: the degree of heating and soil moisture. The negative temperatures indicated on the packaging are values under ideal conditions.

Polymeric covering films for greenhouses

Modern film coatings are made not only from traditional polyethylene, but also from other high-tech raw materials - acrylic, PVC and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). With a similar appearance, they are superior to polyethylene products in strength. According to the structure, all film covering materials can be divided into three groups:

Single-layer (traditional), multi-layer (with additional properties).
Air-bubble - provide protection for plants when it gets cold down to -8º C.
Reinforced (three-layer), outer layers - light-stabilized, inner - strong mesh made of polypropylene fiber. Used for non-separable greenhouses in areas with a difficult climate.

Due to various additives and additives, light transmission, light scattering, resistance to top dressing chemicals, and UV exposure increase. Consider the most popular types of covering films.

Polyethylene ordinary (unstabilized)

More often it is two-layer, produced in rolls in the form of a sleeve. For temporary and small greenhouses, a thin covering material with a thickness of 100-150 microns is suitable. It is not advisable to buy thicker, since even the densest shelter will not last longer than one season.

Advantages:

Good light transmission. Tinted versions are available to create different lighting conditions.
Environmental Safety. Polyethylene does not affect the composition of the soil, does not emit harmful substances.
Strength. The surface withstands showers, strong winds, medium-sized hail.
Light weight. Covering material can be attached to a lightweight frame.

The disadvantages include sensitivity to external factors: to the action of solar ultraviolet radiation, fertilizing, fertilizers. Polyethylene wears out quickly, does not allow water vapor to pass through, becomes electrified, as a result of which dust settles on its surface.

Note: the folds formed during the fastening of the polyethylene greenhouse fail first. To prevent tears, you need to glue them with adhesive tape before use.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Compared to P / E canvas, it has increased tensile strength and elasticity, and can be used for several seasons. It differs from other species by a high light transmission rate, which is close to 90%.

Delays up to 95% of the rays of the infrared spectrum, due to which the greenhouse does not cool down at night. Due to its resistance to cracking, it does not lose transparency during multi-season operation.

The disadvantages of this material include a higher cost and thickness (150-200 microns), due to which the mass increases.

Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)

Copolymer shelters are distinguished by elasticity, wear resistance, strength, due to which they serve up to 3 years. The light transmission index is 92%, withstands wind gusts of 18-20 m / s and hard frosts.

Due to the characteristics, the optimal thickness for greenhouses is 90-110 microns. It is not economically profitable to buy EVA covering material thicker and denser.

Stabilized (with additives)

Regardless of the raw material from which the film is made, one or more components are introduced into the composition to improve the characteristics:

UV stabilizers - reduce the damaging effects of sunlight.
Antifog hydrophobic additives - prevent fogging, accumulation of large condensate droplets. On such a film, moisture flows down, further improving light transmission.
Anti-static - resist the accumulation of static electricity. The surface does not attract dust that impairs transparency.
Heat stabilizers - reduce the degree of deformation at elevated temperatures.
Anti-blocking agents - prevent sticking of the film.
IR stabilizers - do not let infrared rays through, as a result, the greenhouse loses less heat at night.
Phosphors - convert ultraviolet light into the visible part of the spectrum. Due to this, illumination is enhanced, plant growth is accelerated.

Note: manufacturers color stabilized materials in various shades. Since there is no single standard, when buying, it is better to focus on the description in the instructions than on color matching.

Non-woven covering materials

Depending on the manufacturer, agrofibre is known on the market under different names - Agrospan, Lutrasil, Agrotex, Spunbond. It differs from other agrotextiles in the method of production.

Lightweight breathable material is made from the finest polyester or acrylic yarns with stabilizing additives using the spunbond technology.

The fibers are bonded together without weaving by needle-punching or heat-sealing, resulting in a strong fabric.

Properties of nonwoven covering materials

Agrospan and other canvases in this category create a healthy microclimate in the greenhouse:

Pass water vapor, promote gas exchange.
Prevent overcooling of plants.
Scatter sunlight, protect leaves from burns.
Provides a smooth change of day and night temperatures.
Reduce evaporation of soil moisture.
Protect from pests.

Covering non-woven materials are light in weight, so they are often covered with plants without the use of frames. The service life of the stabilized Agrospan is at least 3 seasons.

Note: black covering materials are not removed for watering and liquid feeding, since the mesh structure freely passes water.

Density selection

For beds, material with a density of 17 to 30 g / m 2 is used. Shelter is thrown after sowing the seeds, as the plants grow, the edges are released. Coatings are labeled as "Agrospan 17", "Agril 30", etc.
Grade 30-42 is suitable for arc greenhouses in which seedlings and low-growing vegetables are grown.
Covering material grade 50-60 can be covered with a stationary greenhouse or a small greenhouse.

Black covering material

It is laid on the beds as a mulch - it does not allow weeds to grow. Covering fabric of this type is produced with a density of 60 g/m 2 . UV stabilizers are introduced during the production process to increase the service life.

Due to the black color, the canvas absorbs heat, the ground under it warms up faster. The soil remains loose, the top layer does not form a crust that prevents the root system from breathing. Weeds without access to light do not develop and die. Under the black cover, the fertile layer is not washed away by rains, and the berries and vegetables remain clean.

Note: two-color mulch covers solve several problems. The black side of them is placed to the ground to stop the growth of weeds. The outer foil or white surface reflects light, speeding up fruit ripening.

Which is better, film or non-woven covering material

The answer to the question depends on the goal. If the task is to protect plants from bad weather, create a humid microclimate and warm the beds faster, then a film coating is more suitable.

If comfortable gas exchange without the "greenhouse effect" is more important, or if you need to cover the vegetative plantings, then you can not do without agrofiber. If necessary, materials can be combined: sheathe the side parts with spunbond, and protect the top of the greenhouse with a film.

The issue of arranging a greenhouse is fundamental for every gardener and gardener, regardless of practical experience. In particular, this concerns the choice of high-quality and practical covering material. The modern market for such products offers a wide variety of raw materials that can be used to build a greenhouse.

Peculiarities

Covering materials of the latest generation make it possible to successfully grow most heat-loving plants even in the most severe climate. However, in order for them to cope with the assigned task as productively as possible, they must have certain qualitative characteristics and properties. For decades, glass or film has been widely used as a covering material for greenhouses. This to some extent narrowed the range of possibilities for the multifunctionality of structures.

Today, the range of products has expanded significantly. However, each individual material has a number of specific positive and negative qualities. Therefore, the choice of one or another raw material must be approached with particular care.

For the material of greenhouses and greenhouses, several criteria are important properties.

Strength, which ensures the resistance of raw materials to temperature fluctuations, mechanical damage, the effects of any precipitation, wind and ultraviolet radiation.
Sufficient light transmission to save on electricity consumption, including heating.

Acceptable weight and flexibility of the material, which will ensure reliable installation of the coating on the frame.
The ability to scatter sunlight and cut off harmful UV radiation.
Counteracting the formation of condensation on the surface, which can cause a burn on the foliage of plants.
Resistance to the formation of harmful microflora on the coating;
Ease of maintenance, convenience of the material in work (especially when the work will be done by hand).

To make a decision about which material is better for a greenhouse, a kind of compromise is needed between the properties of the material for retaining heat inside, service life, cost and installation conditions.

Types and characteristics: pros and cons

Having studied the varieties of this material and individual operating conditions, you can correctly prioritize and purchase exactly the products that will meet the requirements in a particular situation. The development of modern technologies contributes to the fact that new products of this segment appear on the market, and existing ones acquire additional properties.

Polyethylene film

This is a product that for quite a long period of time served as the main material for covering the greenhouse. This was due to the meager range of analog products. Due to a certain pricing policy that has developed on the market for this product, the film could be changed every season. The raw materials perfectly fulfilled their functional tasks. Today, it is mainly used for small greenhouses. If atmospheric factors allowed the material to be preserved throughout the summer season, it is recommended to remove the material for the winter, since it cannot withstand temperatures dropping to more than -15C. The service life of the product is not always determined by the thickness, and the cost of production may increase from this parameter.

The film has a number of advantages. Seedlings or already mature plants are perfectly sheltered from gusts of wind, precipitation, morning frosts and fogs. Thermometer readings and humidity levels will always be higher than outside the greenhouse. Conventional polyethylene covering products are still commonly found as raw materials for covering greenhouses and hotbeds. It is recommended to use products of a transparent color, which will not heat up so much from the sun's rays. The disadvantages of the product include a short service life, a low level of resistance to cuts.

Reinforced polyethylene film

In light of advances in technology, conventional polyethylene film has undergone significant improvements. The influence of progress has affected the composition of this raw material. The inclusion of special impurities in it made it possible to create a completely new covering material - a reinforced polyethylene film. These products are available and low cost.

The reinforcing film is a fabric consisting of three layers, where the middle layer is a polymer mesh. Visually, the product looks like a fishing net, but the cells in this case are filled with polyethylene.

She has her own merits.

Resistance to negative temperatures. The material withstands frosts down to -40C, does not lose its properties at temperatures up to +90C.
Due to the different sizes of cells with micropores, the plants breathe well under the film, condensate does not accumulate on the surface from the inside.
Light-stabilizing and light-reflecting additives act as additional components, which prolong the service life of the product, reducing the negative impact of sunlight on the material.

good strength and maintainability of the product;
products are not subject to rotting and mold formation, they are easy to install.

The types of reinforced film include products that are a frame made of polypropylene or fiberglass threads, twisted polyethylene.

PVC film

This product looks like cellophane. However, it does not make characteristic sounds on contact and has a large thickness. The main visual difference between the product and other materials that cover the frame of the greenhouse is the yellowish color of the roll cut. The positive qualities of products include light transmission, which is for ordinary light - 90%, sunlight - no more than 80%.

It does not transmit infrared radiation, this indicator of confrontation delivers 9%. This quality of the material prevents the greenhouse from cooling overnight. The disadvantages of the film include low resistance to low temperatures. The covering maintains the frost which is not exceeding-15C. It is unstable to pollution: dust settles on the surface of the material, which negatively affects the light transmission.

Glass

Until recently, glass greenhouses were not available to everyone due to the cost of such a structure. But the functionality of such greenhouses justified the serious investment, since the plants inside were under reliable protection from adverse weather conditions.

Glass has many advantages, including:

excellent level of light transmission;
good thermal insulation characteristics;
biostability.

Glass greenhouses have the most attractive appearance in comparison with other materials that can cover the structure.

The disadvantages of glass construction include:

impressive weight;
fragility of products;
the complexity of the device.

There are alternative options for arranging glass greenhouses, which involve the use of old window frames with whole glazing for these purposes. For the most hardworking summer residents, this solution will be ideal, since the use of used materials will save money, build an environmentally friendly and durable greenhouse that is not afraid of cold weather, snow, rain and hot and scorching sunlight. You can restore the previous transparency to dirty glass using a regular irrigation hose and a clean rag.

Cellular polycarbonate

This material belongs to the group of expensive raw materials. It is available in sheets of various sizes. Polycarbonate is a hollow structure with lintels along the product, which bear some resemblance to a honeycomb.

The positive features of the material include the following characteristics:

good level of thermal insulation;
light transmission (84%);
resistance to mechanical damage;

minimum weight;
beautiful appearance;
ease of installation.

The disadvantages of cellular polycarbonate are:

deformation during heating or cooling;
decrease in light transmission over time.

When arranging greenhouses with such products, the ends of the sheets must be additionally protected from moisture using plugs. The polycarbonate structure will last a long time, and the configuration options, thanks to the ability to bend the sheets, can be very diverse. That is why landscape designers prefer to use this material.

Agrofibre: what is it?

This product is a non-woven material similar to interlining. Polymers are used in its production.

What happens?

There are two types of material that have a specific purpose. Allocate black and white products. The first option is intended for warming seedlings and protecting against weeds, the latter for the construction of the greenhouse structures themselves. Agrotextiles are represented on the market of such products by a wide variety of types. The most popular materials are agrotex, spunbond, lutrasil. All types of products are similar in their characteristics, although the same material may be called differently by each manufacturer.

Agrofibre may have different markings, which indicate its density (60, 80, 42). The technology of mounting such material does not require a special frame. With a material of medium thickness, you can simply cover the seedlings, fixing the coating around the edges. To equip greenhouses with a frame, you need to purchase material with a high density.

Advantages and disadvantages

Agrotextile has positive features:

the material does not absorb liquid and perfectly passes it;
it provides reliable protection against ultraviolet rays;
retains heat well inside;
perfectly passes air;

eliminates the formation of condensate;
reliably protects plants from insects, birds and precipitation (hail and freezing rain);
it is easy to use and maintain.

When this covering material appeared on the domestic market, buyers looked at the new product for a long time, not believing that it could compete with the usual film. Over time, the advantages of agrofibre became obvious, although gardeners still experience unfortunate failures from time to time when using it. But is the material to blame? To avoid mistakes, you need, first of all, to understand the main characteristics of agrofibre, as well as where and when each of its types is used, how to choose it and whether it is worth paying more. This is what we'll talk about today.

From the article you will learn:

1 Agrofibre for beds: main types
2 Agrofibre: material advantages
3 Agrofibre as mulch
4 Main questions when using agrofibre
5 More recommended reading:

Agrofibre for beds: main types

The material is known to the consumer as spunbond, lutrasil, agril and agrotextile. Agrofibre can be of different density - from 15 to 120 g / m2, and, depending on this, has a different purpose. Density is one of the most important parameters to consider when choosing a material.

What are the differences?

Spunbond - the lowest density (17-23 g / m2) transmits light well, very light. It can be used for shelter without arches, because the material does not create a load even on young shoots. Such a shelter can protect plants from frosts of 0-5 ° C.

Agrofibre for beds of medium density (30-42 g / m2) is used to cover the frames of greenhouses and greenhouses. It can protect plants from frosts up to 6-8 ° C; if there is a threat of a serious drop in temperature, it is recommended to make additional shelter.

Dense agrofibre - 60 g / m2 - is used to protect young trees and bushes in the winter. You can also use this type of covering material for greenhouses and hotbeds, frost protection.

Agrotextiles for greenhouses are produced only in white, a similar black material is mainly used for mulching. You should always pay attention to the quality of non-woven material, because good quality agrofibre for beds can last you for a dozen years, and poor-quality material will deteriorate in the first year of use.

Agrofibre: material advantages

Spunbond perfectly protects seedlings from wind and scorching sunlight, creates a favorable microclimate in a greenhouse or mini-greenhouse. Thanks to microscopic holes, this material lets water droplets inside, and also allows excess moisture to evaporate. Thus, plants under spunbond never get steamed, as sometimes happens in film shelters on hot days, the leaves breathe freely and do not burn in the sun.

You can water the seedlings directly on top of the shelter, without removing it or removing it only from time to time. But do not forget: seedlings grow quickly, and along with seedlings, weeds grow just as quickly. So don't miss the moment!

Shelter with non-woven materials contributes to faster ripening of vegetables and berries, and also protects garden crops from adverse weather conditions - heat, acid rain and hail. Under such protection, the soil temperature is always several degrees higher than in the open.

Most often, agrofibre is used to obtain an early harvest of strawberries and potatoes, while the ripening time of the crop is accelerated to 15-20 days. For a similar purpose, a white covering material of medium density is used.

Lightweight white spunbond helps protect vegetables from sunburn on hot days. Pepper and tomato fruits are the most vulnerable to the sun, so they need to be protected in the first place. It is not necessary to put arcs or any other supports over the bed; it is enough to fix the covering material along the edges so that it is not blown away by the wind.

Agrofibre as mulch

Now more and more often agrofibre is used for mulching. For example, strawberries are planted on beds already covered with spunbond, in pre-prepared holes. You can also plant seedlings of cucumbers, tomatoes and the like in the garden.

For mulching, it is recommended to use black spunbond, because it almost does not transmit light, unlike white. This material not only protects the beds from weeds, but also contributes to the rapid heating of the soil in spring. To avoid excessive overheating of the soil in summer, you can put a layer of straw on top of the covering material.

The main questions when using agrofibre

When using agrofibre as a covering material, gardeners have a lot of questions. Let's consider some of them.

1. Is it worth it to cover the greenhouse with agrofibre or is it still better to use a film for growing seedlings?

If you are going to sow seeds or plant seedlings in April, when daytime temperatures are already confidently around 15-20 ° C, do not be shy, choose agrotextiles. But on cold March days, spunbond is not yet able to retain heat well, and seedlings under such shelter will sprout for a long time and stun in growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use a film for growing early seedlings.

2. Through what distance and how to fix the agrofibre?

In this case, it all depends on the soil. Soft ground - you need to strengthen more often, hard - less often. In numbers from 1m to 2m, Sometimes in a checkerboard pattern - if there are strong winds in your area.

You can fix the material either with pegs or with improvised means (electrodes, bricks, logs, etc.). However, it should be borne in mind that when fixing with bricks and logs, it is difficult to press the material evenly. In addition, bricks and logs do not look very aesthetically pleasing on the site. Better to spend it on pegs once. For optimal fixing of the greenhouse, take pegs with a round cap and a loop.

3. How long will the agrofibre last?

Manufacturers usually claim a service life of 3 to 5 years, but there is one important point. Agrofibre, like other polymeric materials, "ages" under the action of sunlight, i.e. ultraviolet radiation. The term of use of agrofibre depends on the presence of light-stabilizing additives in it.

Under direct sunlight, the period of use of agrofibre is 2-3 years. When used in the shade - 3-4 years. It is recommended to use agrofibre only during the period of growth and development (vegetation period) of the plant, and at the end of the season to remove it for storage. Then the agrofibre can serve you for at least three years.

4. Which side to lay the agrofibre on the ground?

It doesn't matter at all. Agrofibre can be laid on either side. It is a non-woven material with a uniform structure that works equally well regardless of the laying side.

5. Are spunbond and agrofibre the same thing?

Based on the fact that most types of agrofibre are produced under the spunbond brand, one can say so, but this will not be entirely true. Spunbond is a technology for manufacturing a certain material, agrofibre is its improved version for agriculture. In the manufacture of agrofibre, stabilizers of ultraviolet radiation are added to classic spunbond. It is the presence of these stabilizers that distinguishes agrofibre from spunbond in its classical sense.

The most accurate would be to say that agrofibre (agrotextile) is a type of spunbond for agriculture. Other types of spunbond are used in medicine, in the manufacture of disposable clothing, upholstered furniture, orthopedic mattresses, and in many other industries. You can read about it on this Wikipedia page. But if you choose agrofibre in the store and see the inscription "spunbond" - do not hesitate. In this case, there is no difference.

6. How to choose the right covering agrofibre?

It all depends on the density of the material. If you plan to lay agrofibre directly on plants, you need a density of up to 30 g m / 2 - this is the maximum allowable agrofibre density at which plants do not deform. In the case of using a frame, the recommended density is from 40 to 60 g m / 2. It is important to buy agrofibre without overpaying: the higher the density, the more expensive the agrofibre. You can save money by correctly calculating the period for planting seedlings. The earlier you plant seedlings, the denser the agrofibre will be needed.

7. How well does agrofibre pass water - how to organize watering?

Agrofibre passes water quite well. But it is worth considering that immediately after laying a new agrofiber on the beds, water can collect on the surface. Over time, when the material settles, water will pass without problems.

You can water the plants through the agrofibre from above. If you are using drip tape, you need to lay it on top of the material. This is due to the fact that the tape needs to be collected for the winter, and the agrofibre will remain on the site for the winter (if the tape is under the agrofibre, this will be difficult to do). Secondly, in the case when the emitter in the drip tape is clogged, or the damaged area needs to be replaced, this operation will be possible only when the tape is on the surface.

A good harvest of agricultural crops can only be achieved by creating comfortable conditions for growing plants. Many summer residents grow plantings in greenhouses and hotbeds for this. A plant grown under such conditions is affected by many factors. Of no small importance is the material with which the greenhouse is covered. Therefore, many gardeners are concerned about the question: "How to cover the greenhouse?" Just about this and will be discussed further.

Types of coatings for greenhouses

How to cover a greenhouse for growing crops in artificial conditions? The range of covering material is diverse. The most popular shelters are:

glass;
film;
polycarbonate.

How to cover the greenhouse - with a film, or other material, each gardener must decide for himself, based on a number of specific conditions.

Greenhouse glazing

Glass for covering greenhouses has been used since ancient times. This is fully justified, as it has many positive properties:

High light transmittance of 94%.
Long service life.
Resistant to temperature extremes.
High thermal insulation qualities.
Resistant to chemicals, abrasives and detergents.

But in addition to the positive qualities, glass has a number of disadvantages, due to which many gardeners have refused to use it. Among them:

The need to create a strong frame, because the fragile base is not able to withstand the material.
Significant material investment.
Brittleness of the material.
penetration of ultraviolet rays.

The very procedure for covering the greenhouse with glass requires certain knowledge and is quite complicated. Not every gardener is able to glaze a greenhouse on his own, without resorting to the help of specialists.

For greenhouse glazing, absolutely smooth, transparent glass should be chosen. Its thickness must be at least 4 mm. Translucency directly depends on the width of the frames: the larger they are, the better conditions are created for plants. When choosing the width of the frame, the fragility of the glass should also be taken into account. On a large glazing surface, it will be much higher. If the glass is damaged, repairing the greenhouse will cost more than when using other materials.

Film application

How to cover the greenhouse so that the plants feel as comfortable as possible? Film is one of the most common and cheapest materials. The greenhouses covered with it turn out to be practical. However, this coating has a short service life.

Condensation often collects on the inside of the film, which creates favorable conditions for the spread of various diseases, bacteria and dirt that are unsafe for crops. Despite this, the film transmits and scatters light well, but only as long as its structure is not broken.
Despite the obvious disadvantages of covering material, gardeners do not stop using it. Three types of film are popular, these are:

polyethylene;
polyvinyl chloride;
reinforced.

The first is the cheapest, but very short-lived. It's enough for the season. The second one is more expensive. With proper care, it will last up to 7 years. The service life of the third film is three years. How to cover the greenhouse with a film with your own hands will be written later in the article.

Covering the greenhouse with foil

Before you cover the greenhouse with a film, you need to calculate the amount of material. To do this, measure the total length of the structure frame and divide by the width of the film. Ten percent around the entire perimeter is added to cover the material and fasten it. The number of canvases is multiplied by their length - and the desired length of the material is obtained. We should not forget about the ends, the size of which must be added to the calculated figure.

How to properly cover the greenhouse with a film? This is easy to do if you follow certain rules:

The material should not be cut in advance. First you need to transfer the roll through the greenhouse, stretch the film and add about 25 cm on each side to fix the shelter. Only then can the canvas be cut. So you should cut all the canvases.
The film is laid on a flat surface and the sheets are glued with transparent tape on both sides.
Details for the ends of the building, doors and vents are cut out with allowances for fastening.
To avoid sagging and strong tension of the covering material, it is mounted in moderately warm weather. There should not be strong winds outside.
For a longer operation of the canvas, the greenhouse is covered shortly before planting plants in it.

From the cut parts make the frame of the greenhouse. They put it on the structure and fix it at the base. The reinforced film is pressed down with a bar, and covered with earth from above. The polyethylene film glued with adhesive tape is stretched onto the frame. The edges of the canvas are stretched, a long rail is placed on top and fixed with nails. After the main part of the structure is covered, the ends, the door and the vents are mounted. All joints are connected with adhesive tape. If the greenhouse is made of plastic and metal tubes, then the material is attached to it with clamps of the appropriate diameter.

Application of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the most popular greenhouse material. It is a hard plastic. It is stronger than glass but weighs less. It happens monolithic and cellular. The latter is considered the most suitable for greenhouses. It is characterized by high thermal insulation and light transmission. Has a long service life.

The advantages of cellular carbonate include:

strength;
full lighting of greenhouses;
flexibility;
light weight;
long service life (up to 20 years).

Due to the positive qualities of the material, many gardeners invariably have the question of how to cover the greenhouse with polycarbonate with their own hands.

Experts advise not to rush and carefully read all the features of the material. Pay attention to the value of thickness. I advise you to take sheets with a thickness of 5 to 8 mm.

Before using honeycomb carbonate, attention should be paid to the fact that, when heated, it lengthens. A six-meter sheet, when heated, increases by 5 cm in length and 2 cm in width. Therefore, the greenhouse should be covered at a temperature of at least +10 ° C, while the polycarbonate blocks are mounted with an overlap.

How to properly cover a greenhouse with polycarbonate?

Standard polycarbonate canvases have a width of 2.1 m and a length of 6 or 12 m. All dimensions of the gables of the frame are transferred to the material, and then all the details are carefully cut out with an electric jigsaw. Sometimes the question arises which side of the polycarbonate to cover the greenhouse. During installation, the sheets are laid only with the correct side, outward, vertically. Otherwise, the throughput of light will drop, which will affect the cultivation of crops in the future.

After all the details are cut out, the greenhouse is installed, which is divided into:

point;
profile.

With spot mounting, the material is attached directly to the frame by using thermal washers. Holes are drilled at the attachment points. Polycarbonate is applied to the frame and secured with self-tapping screws. Upon completion of installation, all ends are closed with an end profile using thermal insulation tape.

With the profile method, sheets are inserted into special profiles for carbonate and pulled through. Holes are drilled for self-tapping screws, with which the covering material is fixed. The rafters are glued with thermal tape.

Spunbond

One of the popular materials for greenhouses is spunbond. This is a non-woven fabric consisting of extruded polymer fibers. It is ideal for sheltering greenhouses. It transmits light and provides free access of air, uniform distribution of both moisture and heat. Helps maintain a stable microclimate. It is characterized by optimal thermal insulation properties. Practical and durable. Resistant to frost, chemicals and the influence of bacteria and mold. Safe for plants. Can be used all year round.

This material is of three types:

for open ground;
for sheltering greenhouses or greenhouses;
for soil mulching.

The first two species are white, the last is black. Spunbond for sheltering greenhouses has a density of 30-60 g/sq. m.

Working with Aerofilament

Much has already been said about how to cover the greenhouse with your own hands. Installation of aerofibre (spunbond) is similar in its technology to covering a greenhouse with plastic wrap. In addition, there are some tricks when using non-woven material:

Sewing in the center of the web a strip of fabric that has ropes for tying the covering material to the frame of the greenhouse. This greatly facilitates the installation of spunbond.
To make the canvas fit tighter, it should be upholstered on the outside with thin wooden slats.
The material can be combined with PET film. Some gardeners make only a roof from aerofibre, others design inserts of a certain width and through a given distance.
If the greenhouse is arched, then it is not necessary to remove the airfiber for the winter.
Spunbond, unsuitable for sheltering a greenhouse, can be used to protect plants in the winter season.

Non-woven material will provide plants with proper ventilation and watering, and if used for mulching, there will be no need to weed the plants. Spunbond also helps maintain a constant temperature in the greenhouse and regulates atmospheric humidity. Accelerates the ripening of fruits in the greenhouse and makes the growing season of crops longer.

Unpopular Covers

In addition to the above materials for the greenhouse, gardeners use other canvases that have certain properties:

Acrylic (plexiglass). Differs in special durability. Most preferred for the northern regions. Has a high cost.
Polyvinyl chloride. Represents corrugated sheets. They are transparent and therefore transmit light well. Prevent the penetration of ultraviolet rays.
Fiberglass. Produced from special It is reinforced. It has low thermal conductivity, as a result of which it retains daytime heat throughout the night.

Each of the above shelters has its pros and cons. What is better to choose - it's up to the owner of the greenhouse to decide.

Before buying a covering material, you should take into account all the nuances of the paintings, ask which material is best suited for certain conditions. The following factors must be taken into account:

shelter area;
climatic conditions of the area in which the greenhouse will be located;
the period of operation of the structure;
crops to be grown in the facility;
the amount of money allocated for the arrangement of the greenhouse;
the purpose of the building;
installation complexity.

When choosing a greenhouse, a gardener can also rely on other factors that are important to him.

Conclusion

What is the best way to cover the greenhouse? If it will serve year-round, then it should be covered thoroughly. Glass, polycarbonate or acrylic is suitable here. For growing seedlings, film or spunbond will be very useful.

It is important not only to choose the right material for covering the greenhouse, but also to properly care for it. Perform minor repairs promptly. If the greenhouse is not planned to be used, then the covering material should be removed. It must be stored in a dry and ventilated area.

You should always remember that the right choice of covering material will provide the proper conditions for the growth and fruiting of crops, in every possible way contribute to the collection of a rich harvest, which will more than pay off all investments.

Thanks to rapid technological progress, the ordinary gardener now has everything in his arsenal: the latest automatic heating and watering systems, self-opening windows, smart sensors, and even a wonderfully warm floor made of thin film. And the new century also did not bypass the covering material for greenhouses - today you can already forget about the heavy old windows and thin muddy film, from which large and small greenhouses were massively built due to the lack of a more affordable option. And even in cold Siberia today, heat-loving plants are successfully grown under closed ground conditions.

And now, due to the availability of all the necessary components in modern stores, absolutely every owner can build a solid greenhouse on his site - no matter where he lives and what kind of area it is. The only thing you have to work hard on is the calculations. And the very first thing you need to decide initially is the material with which you can cover the greenhouses.

Polyethylene film - is it so simple?

In the late 90s, when a market was actively formed in our country due to unemployment, reinforced film began to be aggressively advertised among summer residents. It was touted for its extraordinary strength and especially long service life - up to 6 years. Unlike ordinary film, reinforced and more sun-resistant, and dense, and warm. And, as it turned out, this covering material really exceeded all expectations: even today it can serve the most thrifty owners for as long as 8 years. It is only important to follow some rules: protect such a film at the folds at the points of contact with the frame, get rid of sharp corners and do not stretch it too much.

But the simple polyethylene film has not remained in the past either. Even though it sometimes serves only one season, it is cheap for its owners, and it copes with its functions quite well. So, the ability to transmit light even in a two-layer film is 80%. And someone even thinks that it's bad - it's much better, supposedly, that the material skips 100%. In fact, it is by no means better - with an excess of light, greenhouse plants are too elongated in growth, and then the fruits are not pleasing to the eye. But 80% is enough for the tops to be exactly what they should be. These are such tricky moments, so never discard the good old traditions and experience - they can come in handy!

Cellular polycarbonate is the sales leader of the modern market

Why do most summer residents still prefer cellular polycarbonate? It's all about durability - you only need to build such a structure once, and you won't have to think about repairs anymore. It remains only to grow and enjoy the harvest.

Cellular polycarbonate is indeed much warmer than window panes - even with a thickness of only 8 mm, it already retains heat inside the greenhouse twice as well, and a thickness of 16 mm is comparable to triple glazing. For modern greenhouses, the material is sold exactly cellular - i.e. with cellular structure. It consists of an upper and lower layer, between which there are stiffening ribs. The sun's rays settle on the bottom and top sheet, but penetrate inside in different directions - scattering, which is especially good for the growth of the future crop. Manufacturers also claim that it delays "hard" ultraviolet rays - exactly those that act destructively on plants, but "useful" ones completely miss. Therefore, in such constructions, you can even sunbathe safely, without fear of getting burned - this will not happen.

According to its chemical structure, it is a polycondensation of diphenylolpropane with carbonic acid. And all derivatives of the latter are called carbonates - that's where the famous name comes from.

For traditional use, special aluminum fastening systems, profiles and other designs that can be ordered. But many summer residents are stunned by the question of how to fix polycarbonate - is it really possible to do without branded thermal washers or is it more rational to use self-tapping screws for profiled sheet? Should the sheets overlap or use a special profile to connect them? To answer this question, let's look at the coefficient of thermal expansion - 0.068 mm from each meter per 1 degree. At first glance, this seems insignificant - but with a temperature drop from -20, as in Russia in winter to +30 in summer, a six-meter sheet will change in size by exactly 34 mm, and this is already quite noticeable. And the self-tapping screw, which is always in place due to the almost complete absence of thermal expansion in the metal, will simply “break” an oval hole in the material. At the same time, branded washers with a diameter of more than 30 mm completely seal the holes and are designed for any thermal deformations that are invisible to the eye. Just pay attention when buying plastic thermal washers that they are too fragile after two years - due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

And, finally, polycarbonate has high impact resistance - it perfectly tolerates strong hail and even a thrown stone will not particularly harm it. That is why the manufacturer generously gives a guarantee for such covering material for all 10 years. And sheets can be bent, unlike glass - and therefore such different structures are built from them today. A real outlet for landscape designers!

Tent as a shelter: clear advantages or advertising?

Unusual options have also found their application - they are somewhat similar to a foreign awning, only their properties are slightly different. Day by day, non-woven materials are becoming more and more popular - Agril, Lutrasil, Thermoselect and others. There are many such brands, and all of them are designed for multifunctional use.

But the closest attention should be paid to their qualities and properties - so that it does not turn out that the plants will subsequently lack some important light spectra, and the harvest will be poor. In total, modern non-woven options hold heat well in the greenhouse and slowly release it at night. But they cannot save seedlings from frost, and like fabric, they can tear and cost a lot. The choice is yours!

If you nevertheless purchased such material, then during the rains, be sure to cover it with ordinary plastic wrap, and then remove it: this way the non-woven fabric will last longer.

Glass - for the most industrious gardeners

But it is more expensive, and, at the same time, it will cost you the cheapest. Why such a paradox? Because some build it from old discarded wooden windows, which can always be obtained free of charge due to the mass replacement of those with fashionable metal-plastic bags, while others erect powerful frames on concrete foundations and order covering material at the factory. Sometimes the last option turns out to be comparable in price to a small country house - famously, isn't it? But this option is really absolutely environmentally friendly and durable, it is not afraid of any sunlight, tons of snow and severe frosts.

Decided on the covering material? On our website you will find many detailed photo and video instructions on how to properly build greenhouses from polycarbonate, film and glass, and our experts will answer even the most tricky questions. Feel free to get down to business!