9 Benefits of a Polycarbonate Greenhouse

If you’re wondering what the best material is for a greenhouse, then look no further. Polycarbonate provides numerous advantages and a level of durability that traditional greenhouse materials just can’t match. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the nine benefits of utilizing polycarbonate as panels for a greenhouse and how our customers use our greenhouses in extreme weather conditions. Let’s get started! 

1. Shatter-resistant

Polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than regular glass and virtually shatter-resistant. The durable panels can easily withstand hard impacts from the following elements without showing any signs of damage:

  • Hail
  • Stones
  • Rain
  • Wind
  • Snow
  • And more

.

 

 

       

Customer images of the Sungrow Greenhouse withstanding heavy snowfall

2. Different shapes and designs

Polycarbonate is highly flexible and can easily be bent into new shapes without breaking. This opens the door for creative and custom designs that would take much longer to create with traditional glass.

       

      

Top left: Sungrow, Top right: Sigma
Bottom left: Astra, Bottom right: Ministar

3. Long-lasting

Drastic temperature fluctuation and extreme weather can’t compete with the strength of polycarbonate. Not only can this weather-resistant material outlast glass by years, but it’ll stay in much better condition over the same period.

4. Better insulation

Stay warmer for longer in a polycarbonate greenhouse. The material can insulate better than traditional glass, with much less warmth escaping through the roof. This level of heat retention will keep your plants healthy and happy beyond the standard growing season.

Customer image of the inside of their warm greenhouse in the middle of winter in Saint John, New Brunswick

5. Light diffusion and UV protection

Polycarbonate panels can diffuse light from the sun, spreading it evenly across your entire greenhouse. Unlike glass structures, polycarbonate can help provide light and warmth to every corner at once, whenever there’s sunshine. Not to mention, it also doubles as a natural UV filter, keeping harmful rays away from your delicate plants.

6. Extended growing season

Say hello to longer planting seasons with a polycarbonate greenhouse! The enclosed environment and warmth allow for more fruits, vegetables, and plants to be harvested beyond the limits of outdoor frost dates. Learn more about how to extend your growing season based on where you live.

 

Customer image of the inside of their greenhouse during winter

 7. Flame resistant

Feel comfortable having BBQs, bonfires, and more nearby your polycarbonate greenhouse. The fire-resistant material will stand firm in the event of any runaway flames or smoke.

8. Lower costs

The value of a polycarbonate greenhouse dramatically outweighs the actual cost. Once an expensive material, polycarbonate is now streamlined and improved to make these quality products much more accessible.

9. Low maintenance

Polycarbonate doesn’t require regular cleaning. The low-maintenance material requires less upkeep than glass and should only need cleaning once or twice a year.

Why Planta Greenhouses?

Shop Greenhouses

Back to Learn

Share Your Thoughts

Ask thoughtful questions, share helpful tips, or offer words of encouragement for other greenhouse owners.