Whitepaper Summary:

With the extensive selection of greenhouse covering (a.k.a., glazing) materials available, it is easy to feel as if you are lost in a sea of choices with no guiding compass.

Think of this whitepaper as the navigator pointing you in the right direction to make a well-informed decision when you select your greenhouse covering.

Given the primary purpose of a greenhouse involves harnessing sunlight — with transparent material making up nearly 90% of the structure to achieve this end — it stands to reason one would want to select the very best covering material available for efficient production that maximizes plant growth.

We’re often asked what type of greenhouse covering (a.k.a., greenhouse glazing) commercial growers use most frequently. The answer is polyethylene film, which experts estimate covers 95% of the world’s commercial greenhouses (Jacobson, 2021, p. 30).

A better question to ask, however, is what is the right greenhouse covering for my growing needs?

The greenhouse covering you choose impacts the energy consumption, performance and efficiency, and overall economics of your greenhouse, as well as plant growth and development.

When the covering you select doesn’t work for your unique production needs, you can end up unnecessarily spending money on other items such as supplemental lighting, heating, or plant growth regulators to compensate.
The smarter way requires starting with a strong foundation from the beginning, meaning the right covering for the right circumstances. By doing this, you’ll save yourself from a load of trouble and expenses down the road.

If you remember only one thing about greenhouse coverings, remember that they don’t stack up equally. Each glazing type possesses unique attributes and characteristics that determine its strengths and weaknesses for greenhouse use, and subsequently its limitations.

Lifespan, durability, weight, cost, light transmission, heat loss potential, insulative value, upkeep, fire susceptibility — all and more need to factor in when you evaluate your covering options.

What’s Inside This Greenhouse Coverings Whitepaper

• Three factors you must consider when choosing a greenhouse covering
• A breakdown of common covering materials and their properties:
  • Polyethylene
  • Polycarbonates
  • Acrylic
  • Glass
• How curtain systems boost efficiency when paired with coverings
• Key warranty considerations you shouldn’t overlook