Why are Greenhouses Glazed with Polycarbonate?

For decades, hobby greenhouses have been synonymous with the combination of aluminum and glass. However, in the last few years the glass has to a great extent been substituted by a new high grade material - polycarbonate. The advantage of polycarbonate is that it has an insulating effect, so the temperature in the greenhouse will be more even and create a better growing habitat. All Juliana polycarbonate is UV stabilized for long life. Obviously, glass panes are subject to breakage. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is virtually unbreakable against hail, baseballs, and rocks. Polycarbonate is lightweight and ribbed to provide a diffused, UV protecting light which enhances plant growth and helps aid in temperature control. Sheets of polycarbonate as supplied with Juliana Greenhouses are constructed with top and bottom layers connected by ribbed channels (see sketch below) which is why twin-wall polycarbonate has a lot of advantages compared to glass. • Because of their construction, ...  more