Greenhouses and hotbeds, which are made of cellular polycarbonate, are distinguished by increased convenience and durability. In terms of their reliability and practicality, they are significantly superior to their counterparts made of glass or film. However, in order to appreciate all the qualities and characteristics of this material, it is necessary to observe a number of important rules for selection and operation. Novate.ru offers a selection of useful tips to help you build the best cellular polycarbonate greenhouse at your summer cottage and not regret your choice.
1. Why choose cellular polycarbonate?
This material has a long list of positive qualities that are so important when building a durable greenhouse or greenhouse. Among them: excellent light transmission, shock resistance exceeding the capabilities of glass by more than 200 times, reliable protection against ultraviolet rays, high thermal insulation, strength and durability. At the same time, using cellular polycarbonate is quite easy and pleasant, it is not affected by natural influences and looks very beautiful, modern and fits perfectly into any picture of a summer cottage, which is intended not only for growing crops, but also for a pleasant stay.
2. Choosing a suitable thickness of cellular polycarbonate
Before buying cellular polycarbonate, you need to decide on the exact purpose of its use. If it is planned to build a heated greenhouse, then the thickness of the material must be over 15 mm. If a greenhouse or greenhouse is planned that will be operated exclusively in unheated seasons, such as autumn and spring, then a thickness of 5 to 10 mm will do just fine. Depending on the choice, it will be necessary to calculate the strength of the supporting structure. If it will withstand snow and wind adversity, then the strength must be appropriate. For proper construction, it is necessary to carefully study the recommendations for the installation of cellular polycarbonate products.
3. Correct color
Cellular polycarbonate comes in various colors, sometimes quite bright and beautiful. They, of course, look fashionable and unusual; they are completely unsuitable for building a greenhouse. It is necessary to choose an extremely transparent polycarbonate that transmits enough light for good plant growth.
4. Important points of installation
Absolutely all sheets of cellular polycarbonate should be located in the same direction. When building a greenhouse or greenhouse, stiffeners are placed strictly vertically and they should be parallel to the length of the sheet of material. Only such a design will serve for a long time and without complaints. Also, the stiffening ribs of the polycarbonate sheet should be placed exclusively at right angles, waves or irregularities are not allowed.
5. Protective layer for proper plant growth
Polycarbonate should have a positive effect on the growth of plants inside the building. To do this, when buying it, you need to pay attention to the presence of a protective layer from ultraviolet rays. When assembling the structure, this layer must necessarily be on the outside.
6. Not worth saving
As you know, the miser pays twice. Therefore, when choosing a material, you need to focus on the price - it should not be too low. Cheap cellular polycarbonate is unlikely to last long and will become a reliable material for creating a greenhouse. The absence of dents, chips, scratches, irregularities, air bubbles and other defects will help determine the good quality of polycarbonate. In addition, it is also important to pay attention to the correct storage of the material before sale. In order for polycarbonate to serve for a long time, it should not be stored rolled up, or stand on the edge for a long time, its correct position is horizontal on a perfectly flat surface.
7. Reliable fixing of polycarbonate
High-quality and durable self-tapping screws should be used as fastening elements for polycarbonate. For greater reliability and proper operation, a small rubber washer must be placed under them. Polycarbonate sheets are connected with special profiles.
Helpful advice: To take into account the possible expansion of the material under the influence of temperature, the holes for the self-tapping screws should be slightly larger in diameter.
8. Additional elements for the structure
When installing a greenhouse or greenhouse, do not neglect the use of end tapes or profiles. They significantly extend the life of the building and help it withstand any weather conditions.
Well, in order for the harvest to be plentiful, you need to properly fertilize the soil. And for this you need to figure out how to properly make and use compost.