Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets From Emco Plastics

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

Lexan polycarbonate sheets, simply put, are a plastic. They're lightweight (1/6th the weight of glass), virtually unbreakable (impact strength 200 times greater than glass), have excellent weather resistance (due to the UV protection on one or 2 sides of the sheets), have superb insulation (due to the multiple layers with channels in between) and are flexible and easy to install (see specific information on each thickness). You can purchase it in solid sheets, corrugated, or multiwall. The typical configurations employed for greenhouse glazing are corrugated and multiwall. The reason the solid sheets are not recommended is due to the fact that they are not 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 affects 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 Ten years against yellowing as well as hail damage. This will change from manufacturer to manufacturer. There's also sheets available with UV protection on both sides. These are generally used for vertical applications for example fencing where both sides of the sheet experience the sun. Although this may be used for a greenhouse, it is typically more expensive and unnecessary.

Corrugated sheets are lexan polycarbonate sheets that are typically really thin, generally 0.8mm. It is 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 think about looking down the edge of a cardboard container. There is a sheet on the inside, a sheet on the exterior with a rib running in between the sheets. The rib in a cardboard box 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 rib will distort your view somewhat. It is 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 Two exterior lexan polycarbonate sheets. There are also some 8mm sheets available as a triple wall. Usually, the thicker the sheet, the better the insulation factor. One should consider the initial price of the polycarbonate when considering the overall cost savings due to power costs. The 16mm sheet is about 5/8" thick. Lexan polycarbonate sheets tend to be shipped by truck because they cannot be rolled and must be shipped flat.

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

Article Source: http://www.newsarticlessite.com

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

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