Topic: polycarbonate sheets suitable for a greenhouse ?

[KMARKSnr]

Hi all,
         I`ve been given a lot of polycarbonate sheets,(conservatory roof sheets),and was wondering if anyone has had experience of using them for a "home built greenhouse",- any do`s,and don`ts ?before i build.

                          Regards,
                                Mark.

[tricia]

Two years ago I had my lean-to small GH built using these sheets and am glad I did. With the door open it doesn't get too hot in summer and has yet to go below 5C in winter (with the door shut ;D).

Tricia

[Columbus]

Hi Kmark,  :)

I use triple-wall, tinted polycarbonate as the main glazing on my potting shed/greenhouse building, the roof is made of yellow corrogated plastic.

Its always cosy and warm even in the winter and my toms, peppers and seedlings all do well enough.

I am in the process of painting some large area of wood-walls white to maximise the relective properties but I don`t expect any great benefits.

I would be very happy to receive any polycarbonate sheets anybody wants to throw my way.

The only thing to watch for is that the weight of your structure is enough to stop it lifting in high winds. I have fencing wire stapled across my roof after some scary moments.

Col

[davee52uk]

I had all my glass smashed on my small greenhouse yesterday. This is in a small aluminium framed greenhouse. I would like to replace with something that doesn't break so easily and isn't such a pain trying to clear up. For a change the Police actually caught the culprits.

Would polycarbonate work O.K. Would it fit with the little wire catches used for securing glass?

[MrsKP]

sad to hear about that dave.  are the little darlinks going to have to pay for the repairs ??  or is that a daft question ?

i don't see why the wire clips wouldn't hold polycarb as some major g/h manufacturers actually offer that as an alternative glazing option.

[tim]

Horticultural glass is 3mm? So 3mm p/c should work? At a price!!

http://www.diyplas.co.uk/Product.asp?catid=1&subcatid=270

[Marymary]

We bought some polycarbonate glazing sheets from Wicks to replace missing panes in our inherited GH.  The sheets were VERY difficult to cut & we wasted loads, also it goes misty quite quickly cutting down light [which can be a good thing in the height of summer but you can't control it like shading.

[Deb P]

I agree with the comments about pc being difficult to cut;my OH is a joiner, and when he confidently started sawing, then power sawing, then specialist router bit cutting the stuff, it kept melting and never got a good clean cut! My greenhouse almost ended in the divorce courts cited as cause!! We ended up paying out for toughened glass (slightly less expensive than divorce!!!....) ;)

[tim]

DIY Plactics cut to size.

Just nipped out & wiped the dew off an Acrylic cloche - years old.

[Columbus]

hi all,

The hard plastic sheet that looks like glass is "cut" by scoring a deep line where you want to break it. then clamping it tight across the edge of a bench with a peice of timber across the whole length of the sheet and then bending it really fast. It doesn`t bend as it breaks at the score line. If you have to cut it with a saw use a hand saw with a fine blade.

I cut the multi-wall stuff with a hand saw.

Col

[mr plasma]

i agree Columbus thats the right way to cut it by scoring with a knife,if you ever wondered what the hooked shaped blade you sometimes find in a Stanley knife handle is for? well now you know :)

[Estcourt]

Hi there if you just use a normal handsaw that is sharp..........I construct conservatories and this is how we shape the poly for the roof....it goes through easily this way.....it usually comes with a protective sheet that you pull of so just leave this on till you have done the cut though.........hope this helps ;D