Polycarbonate Versus Glass For a Greenhouse

When it comes to polycarbonate versus glass greenhouses there seems to be a lot of confusion for many people wishing to purchase one of these great gardening buildings. (Me included at first!) Here is a guide I have complied on based on my own experience combined with that I have found across the internet.

There are many pros for both Polycarbonate and Glass. See below.

Pros of Polycarbonate

Twin walls for better insulation- helps to keep temperature constant
Ribbed channels- These break the suns rays helping to reduce the need for shading
UV protected by diffusing light
Shatter resistant
Lightweight and easy to move if needs be
Supplied in exact lengths needed when ordered in a greenhouse kit
Heat loss decreased due to twin walls
Flame resistant
No condensation
Cheaper to buy and install
Better protected against vandals and children's ball games
Can cut panels easily at home with a Stanley knife


Pros of Glass

More aesthetically pleasing
Better light transmission
Stronger against the wind
If it doesn't get shattered its longevity will outlive that of a polycarb
Flame resistant

According to pros, polycarbonate seems to have more features that attribute to a good, long-lasting greenhouse. A glass greenhouse probably looks nicer and will last longer but only if it does not get hit and shattered first! If this does occur it'll be costly to replace a glass panel compared to a polycarbonate panel.

Here are the cons of a polycarbonate greenhouse compared to the cons of a glass greenhouse. Let's see how they compare:

Cons of Polycarbonate

Can warp over time and panels can fall out
Can get scratched


Cons of Glass

Up to 3 times more expensive than Polycarbonate
Can't cut out panels as easily at home
A glass greenhouse will require sealing which is expensive
More difficult to transport during delivery

It would seem that on pros, polycarbonate wins again. There are more cons for glass and more pros for polycarbonate. It all of course relates to your own individual requirements but I know I'll definitely be going for a polycarbonate greenhouse in the summer.