Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets - Information

We get a lot of questions about lexan polycarbonate sheets as a greenhouse covering. For the most part we find that people are trying to over complicate the issue. This information will address precisely what greenhouse lexan polycarbonate sheets are.

Lexan polycarbonate sheets, simply put, are a plastic. They are lightweight (1/6th the weight of glass), virtually unbreakable (impact strength 200 times greater than glass), have superb weather resistance (due to the Ultra violet protection on one or two sides of the sheets), have superb insulation (because of the multiple levels with channels in between) and therefore are flexible and easy to install (see specific information on each thickness). You can purchase it in solid sheets, corrugated, or multiwall. The normal configurations used for greenhouse glazing are corrugated and multiwall. The reason the solid sheets are not recommended is due to the fact that they aren't widely available with a UV protection on one side. The actual UV protection will keep the sheets from yellowing or even getting brittle. Some people will mistakenly believe this impacts the light transmission of the sheets. It has nothing to do with that. The sheets with UV protection on one side are typically guaranteed for 10 years against yellowing as well as hail damage. This will change from manufacturer to manufacturer. There are also sheets available with UV protection on both sides. These are typically used for vertical applications for example fencing where both sides of the sheet experience the sun. While this may be used for a greenhouse, it is typically more expensive and unneeded.

Corrugated sheets are lexan polycarbonate sheets which are typically very thin, generally 0.8mm. It's available in a wavy or greca design. It will work great for a greenhouse, however will not have as much insulation as a double wall sheet.

The easiest way to visualise a twin wall sheet is to consider looking down the edge of a cardboard box. There is a sheet on the inside, a sheet on the outside with a rib running in between the sheets. The rib in a cardboard container will be wavy. The rib in lexan polycarbonate sheets runs straight between the 2 sheets. Both sides of the sheet are flat. The lexan polycarbonate sheets are clear, but not "crystal clear" like glass. The actual rib will distort your view somewhat. It's available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 16mm thickness. The 16mm is typically a triple wall - which means there will be a sheet running between the 2 exterior lexan polycarbonate sheets. There's also some 8mm sheets available as a triple wall. Typically, the heavier the sheet, the better the insulation factor. One should consider the initial cost of the polycarbonate when considering the overall savings due to power costs. The 16mm sheet is about 5/8" thick. Lexan polycarbonate sheets are shipped by truck because they can't be rolled and must be shipped flat.

Most greenhouses tend to be glazed with clear polycarbonate. It is available additionally in bronze as well as opal. These will cut down on light transmission drastically. Of course, regardless of whether you want to consider opal or bronze is determined by the needs of your unique plants. In conclusion, lexan polycarbonate sheets are a great choice with regard to greenhouse glazing. It is easy to set up and durable.

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Emco Industrial Plastics Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets Cedar Groove, NJ 888-588-0597 www.emcoplastics.com

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