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Glazing Materials for Greenhouse

MUKESH BISHNOI
PhD FRUIT SCIENCE
(2020A54D)
HORTICULTURE – FRUIT SCIENCE
Glazing Materials for Greenhouse

Mukesh Bishnoi
PhD Horticulture (Fruit Science)
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Glazing is referred to a material like transparent material cover
that is used to allow sunlight and heat to retain inside
greenhouse. It is used quite commonly for covering greenhouse
frames.
The frame can be made from different types of materials such as
PVC, aluminum, wood and allows sunlight to retain inside the
greenhouse and helps in protecting plants. The most common
type of covering materials used is glass, polycarbonate, Plexiglas
and plastic sheeting for greenhouse.
 Things to Consider Before Choosing Any Glazing Option

Light Penetration : Proper care should be given to choosing a

material that allows maximum light to penetrate inside the
greenhouse.
Ease of Installation : If you are planning to build own greenhouse
then it is also important to bear in mind how easy is installation of
material you are about to choose. Most of the installation kits are
easy to put together but some of the materials are sensitive and
also possible to get broken or shattered.
Ease of Repair : If you feel that the glazing material you are
about to choose has some damage and also you find it hard to
repair then it is better to choose a material that can be patched in
case of any damage instead of replacing whole panel.
Budget : Not all materials are available inside budget. Cost of
glazing material may vary depending on type of material chosen.
Lifespan: Most of the materials have a certain lifespan before
they need to be replaced or repaired. Glass has long lasting
lifespan but can be costly compared to plastic sheeting or
polycarbonate.

Durability: Another key thing to consider is ensuring that the

material you are about to choose is able to withstand high winds,
debris, hail or snow. Even UV rays can cause deterioration of
certain glazing materials so choose material accordingly.

Heat Retention: Insulating factor must be kept in mind before

choosing glazing material.
Glass: A clean, transparent provides the maximum light
transmittance to the extent of 90%. However, being heavier in
weight, it requires elaborate structure for adequate support. It is
brittle and can break with minimum shock or vibrations resulting
in high maintenance costs.
Acrylic: This material has long service life, good light
transmittance (80%), moderate impact resistance, but prone to
scratches. It has a high coefficient of expansion and contraction.
Being inflammable and costly, it is not a preferred material.
Polycarbonate: It is available in single or double wall sheets of
different thickness. A new polycarbonate sheet has good light
transmittance of about 78%, but reduces with age. It has excellent
impact resistance and low inflammability. High cost limits its use
on large scale.
Fiberglass reinforced plastic panels (FRP): These plastics
consist of polyester resins, glass fibers stabilizers etc. It has a
initial light transmittance of about 80% and has high impact
resistance with a service life ranging from 6 -12 years. Good
quality FRP materials for greenhouse coverings are not quite
assured.
Polyethylene: A clear, new polyethylene sheet has about 88%
light transmittance. Its higher strength and low cost have made it
most popular replacement to glass. An ultra-violet (UV) stabilized
plastic sheet can have a service life of 3 years. These sheets are
generally av ailable in 7 and 9 meter widths with 200 micron (0.2
mm) thickness.
Net house: It is enclosed structure with perforated screen
primarily to act as a barrier for the entry of insects and pests.
Insect-proof nylon nets are available in different intensities of
perforations, ranging from 25 mesh to 60 mesh. Nets of 40 or
higher mesh are effective means to control entry of most flying
insects and save crop from diseases
Shade house or shade nets: These are perforated plastic materials
used to cut down the solar radiation and prevent scorching or wilting
of leaves caused by marked temperature increases within the leaf
tissue from strong sunlight. These nets are available in different
shading intensities ranging from 25% to 75%. Leafy vegetables and
ornamental greens are recommended to be grown under shade nets
whose growth rates are significantly enhanced compared to
unshaded plants when sunlight is strong
SYMBOL OF TRUST