bf a3ricultural engineering

,.,.1.1;.',,depar.tment
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/eenhogfe+
by GeorgeA. Duncanand John N. Walker

of tentucti . college
university of ibricufture. c6operati.ie
extension
service
:.-
.....::....

Greenhousecoveringshave undergonerevolutionary and double-strength"hammered"glass.

changesin the last 10 to 20 years.Until recently,glasswas
essentiallythe only coveringused.Then,in the late 1940's,
Prof. E. M. Emmert of the Universityof Kentucky Depart-
nrent of Horticulture beganexperimentingwith transparent
films for coveringsmall "fieldhouses."His earlywork with
cellophane and other availableplastics pioneereda new
national and intemational era in greenhousecoverings.
Products now range from the least expensive,short-life
polyethylene to the highergradesand pricesof "fiberglas"
Due to a rapidly expandingteclnology, many green-
houseownersare perplexedwith the multitude of materials
and rangeof qualitiesand pricesnow on the market.Oues-
tions frequentlyariseover which is the "best" material,or
wfiat should be used in a given situation. Answersare not
simple, becausemany factors are involved.This publication
reviews the characteristicsand performanceof the more
widely usedcoveringmaterials.

T Y P E SO F C O V E R I N GM A T E R I A L S

Sareraltypesof coveringmaterialsare presentlyavail- greatly superior to those of the baseresin, resultingfrom

aHe and used for greenhouses. Most all, exc€ptglass,are of the preserrceof high*treng'th fibers imbedded in the com-
the plasticsgroup. position.
The plastic products presently availablefor green- Glas glazingsareessentially the samematerialasthat
housecoveringsinclude: of years ago exc€pt for some important product improve-
l. Filnr rnentsmaderecently.Theseinclude:
a. Polyethylene(Regularand Ultra-Violet 1. lncreasingthe size of panesto reducethe num-
(UVl resistant) ber of structural members,thus providingless
b. Vinyl shadingand fewer joints to seal.
c. (Tedlar*)
Polyvinylfluoride 2. Increasingthe strengthto resistbreaking
2 Rigid plastics ("dotrble" and "triple" strengthratings).
a. Polyvinylchloride(PVC) 3. Utilizing "frosted" or "hammered"
b. Acrylic(Plexiglas"l panes to break up light rays for
c. "Fiberglass" more even light distribution,
Plastics are light in fewer dradows, and non-see-
weight; but, for their weight, through properties.
they are exceedinglystrong.
More than 50 commercial
rRegisteredby E. l. DuPont De
types of plasticsare available.
Nemoursand Gompanv,Wilmingr
Reinforcedplastics,common-
ton. Del., 19898.
ly called "fiberglass" or '*Registered by Rohm and Haas
"FRP", are plastics with Company, Philadelphia,Penn.,
some strength properties 19105.

Issued in lurtherance of Cooperative Extension work. acls of llIey 8 end June 30, 191,(, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agricrrlture.
Charls E. Ba;nhart, Dlrector of Cooperative Extension Service, UnlveEity oI Keniucky College of Agrlculture.
 THE NATURE OF SUNLIGHT

Sunlight, the visible spectrumof solar radiation, is a
mixtnre of various colon whictr are described technically
by a specific wanelengthband. The blocks acrossthe top of
Figure 1 illustrate the visible spectrum which rangesfrom
t're 4tl0 nanometen {Nm} ultra-violet end throrgh t*re blue,
green,and red colors to 7@ Nm at the beginningof the
infrared region.
Figure 1 also shows the relative light energy of the
sun receivedat the earth'ssurfaceas solar radiation.Varia-
tions will occur in this curveowing to the sun'saltitrldeand
amount .of "atmosphere" (humidity, haze or clouds|
through which the sunlight must penetrate to reach the
surface of the earth. The total sunlight reac*ringthe earth's
surface as represented by the curve of Figure I'wtren
measuredasheat enerry can reacha summer maximum of
approximately330 BTU/hr"/sq.ft. on a horizontalsurface.
The wintertime ratesareconsiderablyless,of-course,owing
to the lower altitudeof the sun.

450 500 550 600 650

WAVELENGTH, NANOMETERS

roo
90
(9
G.
8()
lrl 70
z ao
lrl
lr, 60
: ao
F
J
l|J
G

too t60 .oo a60 600 660 Goo 610 700 ?30 aoo
WAVELENGTH, NANOMETERS

Figure l.-The visible spectrum represented by colors and wavelength bands and the relative solar energy of the eun received at the
earth's surface.

OPTICALPROPERTIES
OF COVERINGS
MATERIAL LIGHT
A greenhousecoveringfor low-light latitudes should
transmit the maximum amount of natural sunlight in the
ban6 requiredfor plant growth.
Light falling upon a materialis either:
1. Reflected ASSOREEO
2. Absorbed ( COT{VERTED
3. Transmitted T O H E A T)
Figure 2 illustratesfiese 3 charactedstics.Not all
wavelengths are uniformly absorbed, reflected or trans-
mitted by the different coveringmaterials,and the quality
(color) of light inside a greenhouseis therefore affected. ( DIRECTI ( DIFFUSED
)
Reflection and absorption of the wavelengtlrsor bandsvital
to plant growth shouldbe avoided. T R A N S MI T T E D
A material which permits a largeportion of light to
passthrough is called transparent A material which blocks
fight is e.alledopaque. Figure 2.-Ligtrt beaming upon a msterial n|ay bo reflected, ab-
Light may pass through a tranryrcnt material bry sorbed, or transmitted., . :'
either of two ways: dftect passageor diffu* passa(p.
Diret light passageis best illustrated with plain window
glass.Light rayspassdirectly through the glass,maintaining
the same direction with very little distortion or breaking
apart (Figure 2). Shadowsproduced by objects insidethe
glassare strong. On the other hand, a "translucent", or
$emi-transparent, materialbreaksup light rays,causinglight
to go in all directions,givinga very even tight and weak
shadowson the side of the glassoppositethe light source.
This behavior is illustrated by frosted glassor the newer
fiberglassmaterials.Remember,the total amount of light or
solar radiation pas.ingthrough a material is the important
factor, and a hazy or frosty appearancedoes not by itself
meana materialpossesses high or low transmitrance.
Table 1 lists both the diret and total visible light
tansnittance of typical materials.r4 Transmittance is
defined as a ratio of $e light passingthrougha materialto
the light beamingupon it. Wth the exceptionof the stand-
ard fiberglasstested, all materialslisted transmit approxi-
mately 90 percent2f the light shiningupon the rnaterial.
The fiberglas tested had the lowest transmittance,78o4.
Some of the newertypes of fiberglassare reportedto have
transmittanceof 85 to 92%. The largedifference between
direct and total transmittancefor fiberglassindicateda high
percentageof the light transmitted wasdiffused.
As mentionedpreviously,covering materialsdo not
transmit all wavelengdrsequally. In most casesthere are
regionswithin the light spectrum where the materialsare
essentially opaque (non-transparent).This results in a
changeof light quality within the gneenhouse rafien com-
paredto natulal light quality. This can harrea pronounced
effect on plants being grown. Hence,all successfulgreen-
house coveringsmust allow passageof maximum light in
the bands required for plant growth. As an example,
colored panelsare not suitable for greenhousecoveringsdue
to the reductionin ligrhttransmissionfor certainvital wave-
lengths.6Useonly the greenhouse formulationsof clearor
frosted fiberglass
for best results.
Table 1. PercentSolarand Thermal RadiationTransmittanceof Certain Materials
Solar Transmittance*
Film Type SingleGlazing
Polyethylene,Clear 93
Polyethylene,CommercialClear 76 (8e)
Polyethylene,UV 74 (88)
Glass 86 (eo)
Polyvinyl,Clear 86(91)
Polyvinyl,Haze (8e)
Mylar (Polyester) 86 (e0)
RigidFiberglass 1 g( 7 9 ) * *
rData rrrithout parenthesesis direct transmittance, data with parenthesesis total transmittance.
**Some newer fiberglassmaterials have 85€5% total transmittance.
Another form of transmittance of importance to a
greenhousecovering is its &ermal radiation transmittance.
Thermal radiation,as opposedto solarradiation,is the non-
visible energy generatedand transmitted by warn: or hot
substances. A red-trot object can radiate visible energy,
representedby its red color. Also, this energycan be felt as
heat. As the object is allowed 1e cool, its glow diminishes
until the eye can no longerseea visiblelight, though heat
can still be felt from the object. This heat is a form of
energy cfassified as thermal radiation. Obiects at room
tempeirture radiate this same thermal energy in lesser
quantities and exchangewith other objects nearby. Warm
objects radiate more energy to cooler oblects than they
receive.This resultsin a net loss of energyor gradualcool-
ing of the warm object.
Some greenhousernate_ri::.will permit thermal radia-
tion to passthrough, while otherswill block this passage. In
winter, those materialsthat block thermal radiationtend to
conserveheat better and keep a greenhousewarmer than
other materials.Data shown in Table 1 fepresentthe aver-
agetransmittanceof severalmaterialsfor tte solar (visible)
4
and thermal(hot obiect)wavelengths.r
Notice the mudr greater thermal transmittanceof
polyethylene than glassor other materials.This is what
causespolyethylenecoveredhousesto cool off so rapidly in
the eveningand at night. However,wtren a layer of conden-
sation occurs on polyethylene film, the radiant loss is
reduced. This effect has been studied and reported by
Walker and Walton.l s Dependingon the extent of conden-
sation on the surface of the film, they conclude that a
reduction of 50 percent in the radiant heat losswould be
realistic. This ten& to offset the greater loss of heat by
thermal radiationfrom polyethytenecovers.
WEATHERABILITY OF COVERINGMATERIALS
A common rnreakness of many of the new covering
materials is their low resistanceto weathering.The strort
Thermal Transmittance
Two Layer Glazing SingleGlazinq
88.0
(81) 70.8
75 4-4
t8+1 12.0
(82)
80 16.2
(64) 1.0
life of the polyethylene plastics is a notable example.
Severaltypes of rigid plastic material that came onto the
nrarket in the early 196Osdid not perform well. Many of
them were easily shatteredby hail or soon begantuming
dark yellow or brown, thereby reducinglight transmittance.
These rypes of rigid plastic material, more notably the
foreign-madepolyvinylchloride(PVC) materials,createda
bad reputation and impressionfor early rigid'plastic
materials.Newerformulationsand developments,however,
are providingmore reliableand durablecoverings.T
A transparentsheet material of acrylic composition
has proven extremely resistantto weatheringfor over 15
years hJt, to date, has been too costly for generalgreen-
houseuse.
The testing and evaluation of new materialsfor
weatherabilityis an extensiveaciivity. Testsare continually
being conducted by manufacturers, private and public
agencies,and others interestedin the performanceof mate-
rials. Most long rangetests have been done under natural
outdoor weatherconditions.Various methods and tech-
niquesof conductingaccelerated weatheringtestshavebeen
attempted, but none have provided resultsequivalentto
naturalweatheraging.One industryrepresentative hasindi-
cated that a standardtechniquewill soon be published
which accomplishesa very dcturate and reliable artificial
weatheringin 3,000 hoursthat is equivalentto 3 yearsof
outdoor weathering.S
PlasticFilrr:
The weatheringof plasticsis dependenton many at-
mosphericfacton.e Ultra-violetradiation promotes photo-
chemicalprocesses in clearplasticsand playsa major role in
degradation.The radiation spectrum between 300 to 350
Nm is the rnost active on most polymers. This band of
ultra-violet(UV) sunlightactuallycomprisesonly 5% of the
total sunlightavailableat the earth'ssurfacebut is extreme-
ly detrimentalto most plastics.This is the same band of
ultra-violetthat causessuntansand skin burns on humans.
For many types of polymers,heat is a dominant factor.
Other less significantfactors are oxygen, humidity, and
w€tness.
The outdoor agingof plasticsis largely a photo-oxida-
tion process, leadingultimatelyto discolorationand a loss
in mechanicalstrength.l6 The rate and severityof these
changes dependmostlyon the material'sthicknessand type
of polynnr. Discoloration indicates the formation of
polyene chromophores.For the most part, weathering
resistanceof a plasticdependson the extent to which ultra-
violet (UV) radiationis absorbedand harmlesslydissipated.
Minute quantitiesof moleculardefectsor impuritieswhich
absorb UV radiation greatly reduce the photostability of
polyolefinsand other plastics.
ln 1962 the NationalAgriculturalPlasticsConference
initiated coordinatedtestingof plasticfilm at representative
locations throughout this country and in Ontario, Canada.
Resultsof thosetests:ndicatethe following life expectancy
of polyethylenefilms installedabout October 1.
AVERAGE DURABILITY
Weight Regular Ultra-Violet
of film Polyethylene Resistant
4 mil 9 mo. 1 2m o .
6 mil 1Gl1mo. 1 8m o .
The ease of i;rstallation,generalperformance,and
-popularity of plas+iccoveringshavebeengreatlyimproved
by the double-l I
ayer,air-infated r2
installationtechnique.
Rigid Plastics: -
More recently, similar weathering tests have been
initiated for the newerfiberglassand similar rigid plastic
materials.Resultsof thesetests are limited at the present,
but reportsarecontinuallybeingpublished.
One study reports on the spectralintensity and dis-
tribution through new acrylatedfiberglassand through
-'.
weathered (66 months) polyester fiberglass.3The report
{l
indicatesa decreasein transmissionthrough uncleaned,
weatheredpolyester fiberglass.A manufacturer'stechnical
bulletin statesthat when proper rnaintenancehas not been
practiced,surfaceerosionresultsin the appearance of fibers
on the panel surface,called "blooming."l These exposed
fibers entrap dirt particles which contribute to further
deteriorationand reducelight transmission.
Weatheredfiberglasscan sometimesbe restored to
"nearlynew" condition by cleaning and refinishingas
shown by Figure 3. Goldsberryreportedthat rnost of the
yellow color produced in the dirty fiberglassdisappeared
when the materialwaswashedand refinished.
Presentlyrecommended proceduresfor cleaningand
refinishingfiberglassare provided in some commercial
literature.lo'l Ho*"ver, a refinishing
materialhasnot been
found that will bondto FRPpanelsfor morethan 18 to 24
months.6The refinisherflakes off the panels,owing to
crackingphenomena. The effectof weatheringand cracking
on the bond is beingstudiedfurther.
A 15%acrylicadditiveto the basicpolyesterresinhas
given increasedresistanceto weatheringand most all the
better gradecommercialpanelsnow havethis feature.?
The most promising recent improvemont for fiber-
glasspanelshas been the "Tedlar" coating.T'l7 For more
than 20 years "f edlar", which is a film nuterial of poly-
v i n y l fluoride composition,has proven to be extremely
 soLAR RAOIAT|Oi{_ _
NET CLEAR
FISERGLASS -
too
POLYISTERTIBER-
r9o r/\ GLA6SUilCLEATf€O
Eao CLEAIIEDUTI-
ts er
o ,lm
FmrsxEo
2
lrl E
F o60
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=
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(,|/x) | ...:
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td
o. !r
6 9zo
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;ro
si
oooo oooo.
oooo oooo
{'roOF oqlo=

w A v E L E N C T H ,mu

Figure 3.-Spectral distribution and intensity of vv€athered polyester

Fiberglass {66 rnonthsl when cleaned and refinished.

f
l^l
80
--4- T € D L A R( A R I z . I
() -A __ \,. \-
z 70 _l{*
- T € O L A R( F L A . )
F L--a--- b -
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= I - r o T E o L A(RA R r z . l
at,
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a-, rEoLAR( FLA.)
E 4.|
F

234
Y E A R S C O N T I N U O U SE X P O S U R E

Figure 4.-Transmittance of outdoor exposedacrylic modified gen-

eral purposefiberglasspanelsin Florida and Arizona test.
tough, durable and chemicallyinert. The cost of the film
alone was too great for generalgreenhouse use. However,
after years of researcheffort, the material.is now being
molecularly bonded to fiberglasspanels at the time of
manufactureto provide a surfaceof improvedweathering
resistance. lt is reportedrTthat acrylicmodified industrial
fiberglasspanels with this "Tedlar" laminate retain gS%
of their original transmissionafter 5 years continuous
Florida exposurewhereasthe panelswithout "Tedlar"
retainonly 55%of their originallight transmission. (Origi-
nal light transmittancewas 75-80%1.Fignrre4 illustrates
the transmittanceof "Tedlar" and non/Tedlar" coated
acrylic-moditiedpanels with over 5 years' continuous
exposurein Floridaand Arizonatest locations.
Warrantiesor guaranteeson fiberglassproductshave
been rather nebulous and not of much benefit to the
customer.2Better productsand more durability,though,
are helpingestablisha greaterlife expectancyand perform-
ancereputationon which manufacturers can basereliable
claims.
Acrylic:
Oneof the most durableflat sheetplasticmaterialsis
of acryliccomposition."Plexiglass"is an exampleof the
castacrylicsheetmaterial.Acrylicis transparent, rigid,half
as heavyas glass,approximately10 times more resistantto
impactthan double-strength glass,very resistantto weather-
ing, and non-flammable. Li$rt transmission is g0 to 95 per-
cent of availablesolarradiation.Testshaveshown only 1 or
2 percent decreasein transmissionover a fifteen year
exposure.
The cost of Plexiglass has generallybeen prohibitive
for regulargreenhouse use.Specialarchitecturalstructures
can more readilyjustify the higherinitial cost of $1.00 or
moreper squarefoot.
Glas:
The weatherability of glasshas been well proven,
through both tests and the experienceof many producers
in pastyears.ln one studya it was found that cleaned43-
year-oldglasshad essentially the sametransmittanceasthat
of new glass.The old paneswerewashedthoroughlywith a
cietergentand muriatic acid before testing. No significant
differencewas detectedamongthe 4 types of new and aged
glass.Sinceglassremainsessentially unchanged,any light
reductionin glasshousesis likely due to dirty panes,surface
etching, algae growth, or dull and deterioratedsashbars
that do not reflect light very effectively.
With age,someglassbecomesmore brittle. The caulk-
ing and sealingof the glasspanes is one of the main
problemswith glassmaintenance. Glassbreakageby hail or
vandalismis alsoa problemfor someproducers.
FLAMMABILITY
Severalof the rigid fiberglassplasticshave high flanr
mability characteristics.Both accidentalfires and planned
demonstrationshave shown the rapidity with which frese
rigid plastic materialsburn.S Consequently,fire insurance
coveragefor these housesis more costly or difficult to
obtain. Efforts havebeenmadeby manufacturersto adda
flame-retardantingredientto their formulations,but such
additivessacrificeresistanceto weatherability.One such
materialhavingf Iame-retardant characteristics
was recently
introduced, but the normal life expectancyis less than
other materialswithin the sameline of products,
INSURANCE
Insurance(ratesand coverage)is a factor worthy of
consideration.The country'slargestinsurerof greenhouses
provided the following infornntion on greenhouseinsur-
ancefor Kentucky.r3 ,Anaverage glass+overe{ greerihouse.
covering10,000squarefeet of groundareaand havingthe
minimumvaluationof $24,000for structureand internal
equipment,would havea net annualpremiumof approxi-
mately $188. Hazardscovered include fire, lightning,
smoke,windstorm,hail, riot, civil commotion, vehicleand
aircraft damage,and explosion(exclusive of steamboiler
explosion).
When insuring fiberglass-covered greenhouses, this
underwriter separatesthe cost of the structure from the
cost of the fiberglass.
For the 10,m0 sqrrFre foot house,the
cioverage could generallybe $15,000 on the structureand
$4,800 on a 5-ounce-fiberglass covering, giving a total
protectionof $20,800with a premiumof $2rl8 per year.
Presentlythe undenryriterhas ho provisionfor insur-
ing any type of non-rigid plastic material. This would
includepolyethylene and the otherplasticfilns. Structures
and equipment,however,can be insured.For all types of
facilities,eachrisk must be inspectedand judgedon its own
meritsso that properratesand valuationscan be applied.
SHADINGCOMPOUNDS
In winter, all availablelight is neededfor maximum
plant growth, but in summersolar radiation is often too
abundant.This causeshousesto getvery hot and overloads
ventilation and cooling systerrn.In addition, some plants
are sensitiveto high solarenergryand exhibit foliag burn,
scorching,non-flowering,etc.
Of the various ways attempted to block and/or
reducesolar intensity,.shading compoundsrennin the most
common method.rl lf this method is tried, a reliable
productshouldbe used.ldeally,shadingcompounds should
be applied in early summer and then removed before
winter. Such is not alwaysthe case.Scrubbingto remove
residual material before winter can be tedious and costly.
Any materialwhich resistssummerrainsalso resistsmanual
washing.Chemicalremoversare sometimesused, but care
must be taken in selectingsuch productsto be surethesedo
not damagethe greenhousecovering or contaminate the
surroundingsoil drainage.
Glass is most suitable for use with shading conr
pounds. Fiberglassis marginal. A weathered and frayed
fiberglas covering may "soak in" a shading compound,
reducingthe future usefulnessof the covering.
Exterior shadingwith semi-transparent materialssucft
as cheesecloth might be used for smallerhouses.Interior
shading with cheeseclothor black cloth may protect the
crop but does not lessenthe heat load on the ventilation
and/or coolingsystem.
ECONOMTCS
The basiceconomicfactors to considerfor any partic-
ular coveringare:
1. The initial purchasecost.
2. The useful lift.
3. Maintenanceand repairs.
Initial purchase costs are obvious and prices are
generalfyreadily availablefrom suppliers.The usefullife ot
a coveringis not alwaysso well known and easilyspecified.
Data on maintenanceand repairthroughout a material'slife
are scaroeand erratic. In most cases,onegets about what he
pays for.
Table 2 comparest'te annual costs for severalcover-
ing materials,usingcurrent information. Regardlesof the
type of plastic rnaterial, greenhousecovering will cost
approximately2 to 3 cents per sQuarefoot per year. Poly-
ethylenehas the lowest initial cost but lastsonly a year.
Variousgradesof vinyl or fiberglassma.rbe expectedto last
longer,but they all end up costingabout the sarneper year.
Thus, the decisionis betweenlow initial investmentmate-
rials, with recurring labor and material costs, or more
expensiveinitial costs, with year-round enclosure.With
more permanentmaterialsthere is an annual maintenance
cost which should be considered.With glasscoveringsthis
involves: painting the supporting material, replacing
cracked or broken glass,reglazingloose glass,and posible
cleaningto removeshadingcompoundsor accumulateddirt
and partiorlate matter. Wth fiberglais coveringsthis in-
volves:checkingand replacingnails or screwfastenersthat
have pulled through frayed holes in the fiberglass,washing
and scrubbingto cleanthe surfaces,resurfacingmost types
(except "Tedlar" coated) with a clear acrylic sealerat
approximately S-year intervals (provided the refinishing
sealersprovefeasiblel.

Table 2. Comparisonof GreenhouseCoveringCosts

lnltlal Itstallation Yean Maintenance CostPer

Cost Labor &rst Exp*ted Cost,Avg. Per YearPer
Material C/sq. FF d /Sq. FLa Life Year/Sq.Ft. SC.Ft

Poly (4,6 mil) lto1112C 1 1 1 2 t o 2C 1 21/2-31/2C

PolyUV (4, 6 mil) 2to21l2C 11l2to2C 2 2-21/2i
Vinyl(8, 12mil) 6to9C 1 1 1 2 t o 2d 4 ln db 2-3t
Fiberglass,
15%acrylicmodified
14oz.l 2Oto25 C 1 1l2to 2 4 8-10 1 112cc 3-3112C
{5, 6 oz.} 30to35C 1 112to.2d 12-15 1ln dc 2114-2112C
TedlarCoated,
(5, 6 oz.) 40to55C 1 1 l 2 t o 2d 15-20 1n cb 2112-3C
Glass 50d 2to3C 30+ 1-1lncd 2to3C

sEstimated; actual costs depend on quantity price of rraterials, quality of product, local wagss,type of house, and skill of the
installationcrew.
bWashingev€ry year or two to removedust, pollution, etc. Estirnatedone man towash and clean(maybescrublentiresurfaceof 3Otx
60'house in 8 hours@ $2.00 per hour.
tVashing every year 9r tv\ro as above,then smoothing with steel uool and applying resealingresinevery4 to 5 years.Labor estimatedas
abovefor washing(1/2dl doubledfor rhealing process(ldl with resinsealercost added (3dl and pro-ratedoner 4 to 5 year interwl
(1d + 3C = 4l i 4to 5 years-4/S to 1d per yearl.
dclass rnaintenancedependsmainly on cleaning,replacencnt of broken panes,and reglazingof loosepanes.Maintenancecostsestimated
as 1/2 rnanday (4 hrs.) per month for 10,0OOsq. ft. hotrse,$2.00 per hour, $50.0Oper year for materials.
 SUMMARIZED
CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE
O F C O V E R T N GF USE
SO R G R E E N H O U S E
The generalcharacteristicsand perforrnancedata of
the more widely usedpresent-daymaterialsare summarized
asfollows:
1. Film Plastic
A. Polyethylene(Regularand UV)
1. Lowest cost covering: regular-0.7 to 1 cent
per sq. ft.; UV-1 1/2to 2 centsper sq.ft.
2. Widely available,though some manufacturers
report re@ntly they havestopped production
of this product for greenhouseuse. (Thus, be
cautiousof buying any product of unknown
quality for greenhouse use.)
3. Relativelyshort life in sun: regular-9 to 11
months;UV-12 to 18 months
4. Splitsmore easilyat the folds. Should useun-
foldedor lay-flatrollsfor maximumlife.
5. Transmits approximately 85 to 88% solar
energyavailable at the earth'ssurface.
6. Transmits all wavelengthsof action spectra
requiredfor plantgrowth.
7, Transmits the wavelengthsof thermal radia-
tion, allowingthe houseto cool more rapidly
at night.
8. The strengthof new 4 mil and 6 mil film is one
to two times that of 1/8 indr standardglass.
9. Permits double-layercowring which resultsin
35 to 40% reductionin heat loss,reducedcon-
densation,and only 8 to 10% reduction in
light due to the second(clean)layer.
10. Providesa "tight" housewith little air leakage,
which causessomewhathigherinsidehumidity
conditions.
11. Film is most usefulfor low cost temporaryor
seasonal coverings.
12. Polyethylenefilm reinforcedwith synthetic
fibers is also availableat a cost four to five
times that of regularfilm, but generallythis
materialis not usedfor greenhouses.
13. Double-layer coveringon top side of structure
with centrifugal fan developing pressure
between the t\,vo layers is a way to reduce
labor and installationcosts.Life equal to or
better than that of conventional installation
methods.
B. Vinyts
1. UV forms are more resistantto sunlight than
polyethyleneand lasttwo to five years.
2. Cost is 6 to 1Ocentsper sq. ft. for 8 to i2 mil
thickness.
3. Made in narrow widths {5 to 7 feet}. Must be
heat-seamedtogether by manufacturer for
wider widths.
4. Soft and pliablematerial.
5. The materialstend to be electrostatic, with the
result that dust and dirt are attractedto them.
This necessitatesregularcleaning.
C. Pclyvinylfluoride
1. The "Tedlar" film hasprovento haveexcellent
weatherability but is too costly to compete
with existingfilms as a covering.lt is now
being used as a surfacecoatingwhich is molec-
ularly bondedto fiberglasspanelsto improve
their weatherability.
z Rigid Plastics
A. Potyvinytchloide (?VCI .
1. Transoarentto solar radiation, but the un-
protectedpolymer darkensduring weathering
due to the influenceof UV rays. Most of the
PVC materialshave not beensuitablefor more
than 2 to 4 yearsasa greenhouse coveringand,
therefore,are no longeradvisedfor greenhouse
use.
B. Acrylic
1. Acrylic plastic has been availablefor many
yearsbut has not beenwidely usedas a green-
house covering (with the exceptionof special
climatic or conservatorytype facilities)due to
its high cost.
2. Acrylic is much more resistantto impactthan
glas.
3. Transmits approximatelV90-92% of available
sunlight and is availablein UV-transmitting
and UV-absorbingtypes.
4. Has long life and weatheringresistancecom-
parableto that of glass.
5. Softer than glass,it is easily scratchedand is
sensitiveto somesolvents.
6. C,ostsappreciably more than glassand other
possiblecoveringmaterials.
7. Flexibleenoughto be usedascurvedpanelsin
glasshouses.
8. Strong enough to resist snow and ice loads
nearguttersof c-onnected houses.
9. Expands and contractsgreatly with tempera-
ture changesand shouldnot be directly nailed
or screwed down but held in a channel or
under a cover strip with soft mastic sealerto
allow movement.
c. Fibergls Reinforced Rigid Plrtics (FRPI
1. Many brandsof the basicpolyesterresinrein-
forced with fiberglassare availablein flat and
corrugated forns. Corrugatedform adds
strength.
2. Made in "weights" from 4 to 8 ouncesper sq.
ft., widths up to 51 1/2 inches(48-inchcor",-
agel and lengthsprecut up to 30 or morefeet
(specialorder).Useminimumnumberof joints
and laps to reduce chancesof dust and dirt
accumulation i-etween panels and also air/
water leakage.Use proper clear sealeron laps
for tightness.
3. Cost rangesfrom 20 to 30 centsper sq.ft for
4 to 5 oz. panels,30 to 35 cents for 6 oz.
panelsand 45 to 55 cents for fsclla. uoatd
panels.Culls (Grade B) and assortedlengths
are sometimesaslow as 15 centsper sq. ft. but
be cautiousof the quality of theseproducts.
4. Two to four times more resistantto impact
and lateral loading than glass.Crazing(not
shattering)usually resultsfrom impact, but
this crazinghas no harmful effect unlessthe
panelsurfaceis crackedor broken,
5. The polyesterof the panelsburns freely and
rapidly;entirehouseshaveburnedin approxi-
mately l0 minutes.Flanreretardantsand god
weatherability have not been successfully
combined.Insuranceon fiberglassis not easily
obtainable.
6. Clear or "frosted" panels of greenhouse-
quality materialtransmitapproximately78 to
90% of availablelight when new. Non-green-
houseformulations,especially coloredpanels,
shouldbe avoided.
7. Paneli-with15% acrylic additivehaveproven
more durable than straightpolyesterformula-
tions.
8. Acrylic modified polyesterpanelsneedclean-
ing at leastannually,and, generally,re-surfac-
ing with an acrylic liquid sealerevery 4 to 5
years to restore weatheredsurfacesto near-
n e w t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d s u r f a c ec o n d i t i o n
(except Tedlar Coated).The durability of the
sealercoat is questionableand is undergoing
morestudy.
S. Some manufacturer'sguaranteesare rather
nebulous.Until accurateevaluationprocedures
and quality standardsare established, judgea
product more on its performanceand compa-
ny reputationthan by "guarantee."
10. Proper attachment to the structure and
sealing/fastening of lapped joints are essential
for resistanceto wind forces. (Use fasteners
every 8 to 12 incheson endsand sides,or per
manufacturers'specifications.)
3. Glas
A. Rqular Glas
1. Single strength and small panesare not used
mucfi on newer designsand constructions.
Replacementof panes in existing houses
should be with double-strengthglassfor more
resistanceto breakage.
B. Tempered Glxs
1. Two or three times strongerthan regularglas.
2- Frosted or "Hammered" types availablefor
better light diffusion, reducedshadows,and
non{ee-through properties.
3. Largerpanesizesfor redudbdstructuralmern-
bers,hencefewer shadows.
4. Reguiresspecialstructuralmembersand glaz-
ing methodsto givewater-tight,air-tightcon-
struction.
REFERENCES
lFilon Corp., Tshnicat Buttetin No. 724 (Revised).
Technical ServicesDepartment, 12333 South Van Ness
Avenue, Hawthorne, Califomia, 90250, November,1968.
2cray, Harold E., "lmpact of FRP Panelsin the Green-
house Industry," Proceedingl, Tenth National Agriculwnl
PlasticsConferetne,November24, 1971.
3coldrberry, KennethL., "Light Transmission of Refin-
ished Fibergfass," Bulletin 202, Colorado Flower Growers
Association,Inc., 2785 N. SpearBlvd.,Suite 230, Denver,
Colorado,80211, February, 1967.
4coldtberry, Kenneth L., "spectral Transmissionof
GreenhouseGlass,"Bulletin 208,C.oloradoFlower Growers
Association,lnc.,2785 N. SpearBlvd.,Suite230, Denver,
Colorado,8021 1, August,1967.
Scoldtb.r.y, KennethL., "FlammabilityControl of FRP
GreenhouseCoverings," Progrx Report 1., Bulletin 242,
ColoradoFlower GrowersAssociation,lnc., 2785 N. Spear
Blvd.,Suite230, Denver,Colorado,802.|1, July 1970.
6coldsberry, Kenneth L., "Evaluating Performanceof
FRP Panefsfor Greenhouse Coverings,"Prrceedings,Tenth
National Agricultural Plrtics Conference,November 24,
1971.
7Ha.t.an, Harold, "Glass-FiberReinforcedPanelsin
Greenhouse Construction-PresentDevelopmentsand
Future Prospects," Proeedings, 2*d Annuat Tshnica!
Conference,1968, Sect. 4-A, pp. 1-7. ReinforcedPlasticV
CompositesDivision, The Societyof the PlasticsIndustry,
lnc. Published
in ReinforcedPlastics,
February,1969.
SHartman, Harold, private Communication, Technical
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Robertc.; and Searie,Normanz.,"Energy charac-
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Apptied Polymer &ience, Applied Polymer,SymposiaNo.
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l1Lurrun, John E., TexasGreenhousevegeable Growerc
conferenceNewsletter'Number17' December'1967'
12Rob".tt, W. J.; and Mears,D. R.,
"Double CoveringA
Film GreenhouseUsing Air to Separate Film Layers,"
ASAE, Yol. 12, No. 1, pp. 32-33, 38, 1969.
Transactions,
Educational programs conducted by fie Kentucky Cooperative Extension Seruice ate available to all perconsregardles of
reEe, sex. religion, national origin. smial-rconomic level or geographic location.
l3schroeder. CharlesW.,Private Correspondence-
June29,
1971. Florists' Mutual InsuranceCo., Edwardsville,lllinois, :
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CoveringMaterials."Transxtionsof ASAE. Vol. 13, No.5,
pp' 682-684,1970'
1Swrlk"r, J. N. andwalton, L. R.,,,Effectof condensation
on GreenhouseHeat Requirement." Transcrionsof ASAE.
Vol. t4, No.2, pp. 2g2-2g4,1971.
l6winslow, F. H.; and Hawkins,w. L., ,,Someweathering
Characteristicsof Plastics."Joumal of Applied Polymer
*ience, Applied Polymer SymposiaNo.4, 1967. John
wiley and sons' New York'
l7wilson, D. D., ,,GreenhouseGoveringsof Fiberglasssur-
faced with "Tedlar" PVF" Film." Proc€edings, Tendt
National Agricultural PlasticsConference, pp. 160-167,
November24, 1971.
'1
I
lssued
B-73,5M;5M-8-75