GROWER 101: Structure Basics, Part I: Helpful Hints on Glazing
What is greenhouse film?
Greenhouse film is generally ultraviolet-protectedpolyethylene (similar to sandwich bags) with a thickness from 2-8 mm in theUnited States.
What are the three different categories of glazing?
Type I: Thin films, generally from 2-8 mm (0.002-0.008inch), normally double-layered and air-inflated. Examples: Polyethylene, EVA(ethylene vinyl acetate), polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl fluoride .
Type II: Flexible plastics such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic(FRP), acrylic and polycarbonate panels, and the “ladder profile”type structured materials such as polycarbonate, acrylics and laminarcomposites of both.
Type III: Rigid materials. Glass, including annealed,tempered and laminated forms of float, sheet and rolled (patterned) glass.
What is polycarbonate?
A clear, impact-resistant, thermoplastic polyester ofcarbonic acid produced from dehydrated polyhedral penols.
What is polyethylene?
There are two major types with different chain structures:the stiffer, stronger, linear material high-density or low-pressure and the more flexible, lower-melting, branched polyethylene, known aslow-density or high-pressure polyethylene.
What is acrylic?
Acrylic is a clear, weatherable thermoplastic generallypolymerized from methyl methacrylate monomers.
What is polyurethane used in?
Polyurethane is used in foams, fibers, elastomers, sheetingand coatings.
What is the “U” factor? What does “U” value mean?
The measurement of time rate of heat flow per unit areaunder steady conditions from the medium on the warm side of the barrier to themedium on the cold side. The values used to identify the amount of heat passingthrough one square foot of material for each F-degree difference between indoorand outdoor temperatures. It is expressed in BTU/hr/sq. ft. per temperaturedifference.
What does PAR mean?
PAR is abbreviated for photosynthetically active radiation,which is the visible portion of the spectrum from 400-700 nanometers (ameasurement of light) and is regarded by many horticulturalists as beingcritical for proper plant growth and development.
What are infrared and ultraviolet?
Infrared is light on the long-wave end of the spectrum.Invisible to the human eye, it is where the heat is found. Near infrared isaround 780 nm and far infrared is 25,000-1,000,000 nm. Ultraviolet (UV) is theinvisible radiation below the lower end of the visible spectrum. It initiatessome chemical reactions, causes plant bleaching, causes sunburn to humans anddegrades most plastics.
What is near infrared transmission?
Near infrared energy is the thermal solar radiation thatadds to the heating of the greenhouse yet has less energy than far red. Thisinfrared transmission from 700-2,500 nm is measured by procedures specified inASTM E-903. ASTM is the Association of Standards and Test Methods.
What is medium/far infrared transmission?
Far infrared energy is the energy reproduced by the massinside a greenhouse. Transmission rate of far infrared energy through a greenhousecovering affects the heat retention capability of a greenhouse. Five to 20microns is the range of importance and 7-14 microns is the most critical areaof that range as measured by procedures specified in ASTM E-903 modified.
What is total solar radiation?
Solar radiation is applicable to all glazing types. Itincludes the entire available energy in the near infrared waveband and isuseful in calculating total energy gain in a greenhouse so heating and coolingrequirements can be calculated.
How is solar/light transmission measured?
Solar/PAR values of controls and weather samples aremeasured by ASTM guidelines to determine the percentage of light transmissionloss for a given period of time.
What are UV absorbers?
A chemical compound with the ability to selectively absorbUV radiation. When incorporated into plastics, it reduces the degrading effectsof ultraviolet energy.
What does NGMA recommend for comparing potential plant growth?
The NGMA recommends that glazing manufacturers test andreport the PAR data derived from a uniform test procedure that reportstransmission between 400-700 nm and below.
How are flexible plastics tested for strength?
Flexible plastics, like those used on greenhouses, aretested for strength and control using Association of Standards and Test Methods(ASTM) guidelines. The plastics are tested for tensile strength, flexuralstrength, flexural modules, impact resistance, hail resistance and impactresistance.
What is the best covering material for my greenhouse?
It really depends on location, climate, type of crop, timeof year you grow, number of square feet to be covered and budget.
When is poly film the right choice for covering a greenhouse?
Poly film is the least expensive covering and has theadvantage of additives that can reduce heat, light intensity and condensation.Light transmission varies but is generally a few percentage points less thanglass. Replacement averages around 4-6 years.
Should I cover my greenhouse with polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate has the advantage of being less expensive thanglass, has an approximate life of 20 years and is hail-resistant. Disadvantagesare possible loss of light transmission over time; however, today’s clearpolycarbonates should not yellow for over 10 years and offer around 85-percentlight transmission.
When is glass a good choice?
Glass has the advantages of high-light transmission(approximately 92 percent when clean) and durability and the disadvantages ofbeing the most expensive and shattering in a strong hail storm.
Why is anti-drip important, and does it last?
Anti-drip reduces incidence of moisture-dependent diseases anddamage to delicate crops. It ensures high light quality during the critical,early morning hours. Today, polycarbonate anti-drip systems can last as long as10 years and films up to four years, depending on moisture demands
Can a product be made to withstand hail?
Yes, some polycarbonates aremade to withstand hail. While initially more expensive, in areas with a highprobability for hail, it can be worth the extra investment
Is there a covering made that will reduce heat in the greenhouse?
Yes, one poly film canactually reduce the heat in the greenhouse. Utilizing film additives, heat isactually reflected away from the greenhouse. Simple light diffusion results inaveraging leaf temperatures, which helps plants withstand heat
Are there any government regulations regarding greenhouse coverings?
Yes, OSHA governs theinstallation of greenhouse coverings, and building permits may be requireddepending on local zoning and codes.
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