When purchasing a greenhouse, a gardener is faced with a few options in regard to the type of material the transparent panels are made from. Although all greenhouses are designed to allow sunlight to reach the plants, there can be a difference in the way a garden performs due to the materials that make up the greenhouse. Hobbyists looking to set up a greenhouse have essentially three choices when it comes to the greenhouse’s glazing options: single pane glass, double pane glass, or multi-wall polycarbonate. Each glazing option has its own advantages and disadvantages which means growers should examine each before making a final decision.
Single Pane Glass
The older-style single pane glass greenhouses with overlapping glass are less than desirable due to the fact that many of them are not adequately sealed. This can cause a series of problems including inefficiencies with heating and cooling and humidity/moisture problems. The good news is that most of the newer-style single pane glass greenhouses have full length glass panels and are sealed which solves many of the problems associated with the outdated, leaky designs. One great thing about single pane greenhouses is that they look fantastic. Single pane glass greenhouses are very aesthetically pleasing and will only cost a little more than a polycarbonate greenhouse. However, single pane greenhouses should probably be avoided by gardeners in northern climates. Single pane glass greenhouses are the least energy efficient type of greenhouse. In fact, a single pane greenhouse will have double or even triple the heating costs when compared to a double pane or multi-walled polycarbonate greenhouse. Single pane glass greenhouses allow for 92% light transmission. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your climate and the location of the greenhouse. Greenhouses should let in as much sun as possible, right? In some cases, a glass greenhouse can allow too much light to reach the plants which may create “hot-spots” and cause significant damage to the plants. The gardener may need to install a shade cloth in the greenhouse to rectify this problem. All in all, single pane glass greenhouses are a good choice for gardeners who will not be heating the greenhouse or who strongly desire an aesthetically pleasing greenhouse.
Double Pane Glass
Double pane glass greenhouses are the bee’s knees when it comes to greenhouses. Double pane glass greenhouses are designed to be the most energy efficient and offer gardeners half the heating costs associated with single pane glass greenhouses. In other words, gardeners can look at a double pane glass greenhouse as a long term investment that will pay for itself in the form of energy savings. Double pane glass can also include a special low-e reflective coating on the inner pane of glass which reflects heat and acts as an insulator. For a serious hobbyist searching for the nicest looking and most energy efficient greenhouse, a double pane glass greenhouse is for you. The only real disadvantage of a double pane glass greenhouse is the initial cost. Double pane glass greenhouses are by far the most expensive option but, again, when examining the long term energy savings, the increased initial cost of the greenhouse would be paid back over time.
Multi-wall Polycarbonate
Another glazing option for a hobbyist looking to set up a greenhouse is polycarbonate. Multi-wall polycarbonate greenhouse material comes in a variety of thicknesses (8mm triple-wall and 16mm 5-wall). The construction of the material varies slightly but all include multiple walls inside of the material which form channels that hold air. This airspace is important because it creates insulation value. A polycarbonate greenhouse offers similar energy efficiency to a double pane glass greenhouse. One advantage of polycarbonate material is that it naturally diffuses the sunlight. By diffusing the sunlight, polycarbonate greenhouses reduce the likelihood of “hotspots” and give the plants in the greenhouse an even distribution of light energy. Polycarbonate panels that are slightly tinted can also be installed in the roof of the greenhouse to reduce or eliminate the need for shade cloth. This is a great option for gardeners in hot, sunny locations. Although polycarbonate is not as aesthetically pleasing as glass, these greenhouses offer the best upfront value. Polycarbonate can also be used to retrofit older greenhouses to increase efficiency.
New polycarbonate materials
have 2-4 air pockets for maximum energy efficiency.
Please remember when making a decision regarding your greenhouse glazing options that efficiency and greenhouse performance are dependent on many factors including your geographical location and the orientation of the greenhouse. Where you live and what you grow will make a big difference in your selection of a greenhouse and greenhouse glazing. Take the time to explore all of your options to find the greenhouse design that will best serve your purposes.
Welcome to the world of horticulture, where the best greenhouse glass can be your secret to a flourishing garden. From our experience, choosing the right glass significantly impacts the health and productivity of your plants, ensuring they don’t receive too much light and temperature conditions year-round. It’s a pivotal part of gardening that often goes underappreciated.
With decades of knowledge under our belts here at Greenhouse Emporium, we’ve seen how the right glass can transform a greenhouse into a thriving oasis. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, let us guide you to the glass that’s just right for your green paradise.
A glass panel serves as the foundation for successful, year-round gardening. It controls light transmission, heat loss, and retention, and offers protection against harsh external conditions.
Choosing the best greenhouse material is a significant decision every gardener needs to make. While glass is traditionally used, recent advances in greenhouse technology have introduced us to alternative materials like polycarbonate sheets, which have their own unique properties.
The best polycarbonate greenhouse has gained popularity due to its durability, light transmission, and insulation capabilities. This lightweight yet sturdy material offers UV protection, making it a worthy competitor for the title of best greenhouse material.
There’s more to a glass greenhouse than just, well, glass. A variety of greenhouse covering materials exist, each suited to different gardening needs. From polyethylene film to acrylic panels, understanding these materials helps you choose the right one for your unique horticultural situation.
Last but not least, we can’t forget about our greenhouse shade cloth recommendations. These cloths can reduce light intensity and control temperature, making them a vital accessory for gardeners in particularly hot climates. Your choice of shade cloth can be as crucial as your selection of greenhouse glazing.
In the end, greenhouse owners need to understand the different types of glass and their alternatives. It’s the first step towards creating an ideal environment for your plants. From there, you can delve deeper into the world of greenhouse materials and accessories, armed with the knowledge you need to make informed choices.
As greenhouse enthusiasts ourselves, we know the importance of making the right choice when it comes to your final decision. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our expert recommendations.
A greenhouse is more than just a structure; it’s a protective home for your plants. So it’s crucial to opt for the best greenhouse covers. From our experience, Solexx Greenhouses provide some of the best covers on the market. They offer superb light diffusion, insulating properties, and unmatched durability.
For those with limited space, small glass greenhouses can be a great option. In this category, Janssens leads the pack with their compact yet high-performing offerings. These greenhouses perfectly balance space efficiency with top-notch plant growth conditions.
If space isn’t a concern, Riga’s greenhouses offer exceptional quality and room for diverse plant species. These greenhouses provide excellent insulation and light transmission, making them a perfect fit for those looking to engage in large-scale gardening.
For those seeking a modern and stylish approach to gardening, Lumen & Forge’s geodesic greenhouses are our top pick. With their unique greenhouse design and innovative technology, these greenhouses offer aesthetically pleasing functionality like no other.
If durability is your main concern, we highly recommend Mont greenhouses. Known for their robust build and superior materials, these greenhouses can stand the test of time and weather.
At the end of the day, the best greenhouse for you will depend on your individual gardening needs and environmental conditions. So take the time to assess what matters most to you, and rest assured that you’re making a well-informed decision.
Here at Greenhouse Emporium, we pride ourselves on being more than just a provider of quality greenhouses. We are your dedicated partners in the horticultural journey. But why should you trust us? Let’s break it down.
We’ve spent years cultivating our knowledge and skills in the field of greenhouse technology. We’ve seen the industry evolve and have kept pace with every advancement. This experience ensures that we can provide you with reliable, time-tested advice and products.
We stock an array of greenhouses from the best manufacturers in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a small glass greenhouse or exploring the innovative world of geodesic greenhouses, we’ve got you covered.
We understand that each gardener’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to match your specific requirements. From our experience, we know one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to successful gardening.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch customer service, ensuring your greenhouse buying experience is seamless and satisfying.
Above all, we are passionate about greenhouses. We live and breathe horticulture, and nothing brings us greater joy than helping our customers create their perfect gardening haven.
When you trust Greenhouse Emporium, you’re partnering with a team of experts who share your passion for gardening and are committed to delivering the best greenhouse solutions. So let’s grow together!
Choosing alternatives, or the right kind of glass, for a greenhouse and accessories can transform your gardening journey. It’s all about making informed decisions that suit your unique horticultural needs.
At Greenhouse Emporium, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier products and expertise to help you achieve this. Remember, a thriving garden begins with the right greenhouse kit.
Why wait? Start exploring our wide range of high-quality greenhouse accessories today, and let’s cultivate a greener future together.
Visit our website or get in touch with any questions – we’re always here to help!