Which greenhouse to choose

A person who is engaged in the cultivation of vegetables and various agricultural crops for personal needs or for sale receives quite large benefits. For this it is worth using a special protected ground. The best operational and technical characteristics are demonstrated by greenhouses made on the basis of a metal frame. Such structures have sheets based on cellular polycarbonate.

If the question arises, which greenhouse to choose, then your confusion is understandable. Of course, there are tons of options on the market today. These are constructions with original shapes, dimensions, which can be either of our own or industrial production. If you need a high quality greenhouse, but you are confused and do not know how to choose it, then our article will be really useful to you. As part of the presented material, you will receive an answer to the question: "Which greenhouse is better to choose?"

Design features and material

A classic greenhouse is an agricultural structure, the main purpose of which will be to provide reliable protection against adverse factors in relation to plants. It is customary to take a frame of a certain shape with bearing spatial properties as a basis. When building a structure, craftsmen often try to comply with GOST R 54257 - 2010, SNiP 2.10.048-85, as well as SP 107.13330201. Regulations are able to define the requirements for the structure and technical conditions.

To make a frame, you need to use a galvanized thin-walled profile or a steel pipe, which will have a square or rectangular section. Each of these materials has special advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to take these data into account. To get a better understanding of the issue, it is proposed to consider the options separately.

Galvanized roll-formed profile

The structure will be lightweight. The cost option is quite acceptable. At the same time, the characteristics of mechanical strength are clearly insufficient. This is compensated by the use of a large number of elements. The connections between the frame parts are needed in an additional type of reinforcement.

Such a frame consists of a number of joints. The thickness of the metal will be 0.5-0.8 mm, which is not a sufficient indicator to withstand peak snow loads or winds.

The picture below shows a galvanized roll-formed profile, as well as a frame made of it.

Steel profile of rectangular or square section

The frame of the supporting structure differs in that it is welded on the basis of a steel pipe. It has a rectangular cross-section. Distinctive features will be durability, resistance to mechanical stress, both permanent and temporary.

The main disadvantage is that the substrate is prone to corrosive process and needs protection of the parts on which rust can form. The construction frame is difficult to manufacture, which justifiably increases its price. Greenhouse arches are composed of several elements. They can even be whole.

The picture below shows a square steel profile and a greenhouse frame made of it.

As the material for the frame, those options are chosen that meet the requirements and capabilities of the customer. If you plan to buy a ready-made structure, then perhaps you will be offered a frame on a thin-walled profile. Less commonly, there can be a frame made of a rectangular or square profile. But on the basis of a thin-walled profile, the structure is less durable, but at a price it is a much more acceptable option for purchase. But keep in mind that there is a chance that you will fall into the hands of unscrupulous manufacturers, who, for the sake of economy, will make the frame not as strong as necessary.

But this does not mean at all that it is worth giving up on it. Just before purchasing such a greenhouse, you should make sure that the frame is strong, and is at least 1.2 m thick. Often, sellers have samples, and therefore you can consider those options that are available. It already depends on your desire to buy a quality product. If the seller hides, without showing samples of frames, then there is a possibility that the product will not be of high quality.

When choosing a frame, you should pay attention to the following points:

• what elements the arcs are made of. Better if they are solid;
• if the frame profile is equipped with a rectangular section of 20x40 mm, then this is a very relevant option for the base of the greenhouse. Therefore, if it is made of 20x20, then these parameters will not be enough;
• metal thickness indicators must be at least 1.2 mm, otherwise there is a risk that the structure will not serve its owner for a long time.

Greenhouse Polycarbonate Type

Coating will be of great importance in the quality of performance. When choosing polycarbonate, you need to take into account such parameters as:

• a type;
• light stabilizing layer;
• material thickness indicator.

There are 2 types of polycarbonate on the market. We are talking about a monolith and a cell. Among these materials, the second option is distinguished by the best properties.

The honeycomb type is presented in the form of sheets from the thermoplastic group. It consists of 2 or more layers, which have longitudinal internal bridges. Such a structure of the board makes it possible to provide excellent technical characteristics and properties of the application of the material.

The most significant during construction will be:

• low specific gravity;
• high thermal resistance;
• high properties of light transmission;
• high rates of flexibility;
• resistance to environmental conditions;
• high properties of mechanical strength.

Light stabilizing layer

If it is a high-quality cellular polycarbonate, then it will have excellent light transmitting properties. It will fully absorb UV radiation at a wavelength of 400 nm or less. The most dangerous radiation for plants, which maximally transmits rays in the visible and infrared range. This will help create a greenhouse effect. To protect the material from the destructive effects of UV, a special layer of light-stabilizing substance is applied to its surface from the outer part. For this purpose, the extrusion method is used.

The designations on the protective film should tell you what coatings are in this case. It is important for you to remain attentive. If there are no special marks, it means that these materials are calculated exclusively for indoor use.

Cases of attempts to use such materials for the production of a greenhouse can lead to failure of the coating prematurely. That is, the main property is to maintain special technical features throughout the entire service life. But some manufacturers say that the layer may be present in the bulk of the material.

In fact, this is too little. Such conditions only contribute to preventing the destruction of the material while maintaining.

Indicators of the thickness of cellular polycarbonate

This parameter is critical.It will directly determine the properties of panels such as the light transmission coefficient, the level of thermal conductivity, as well as the ability to withstand mechanical loads. When it comes to building a greenhouse, then sheets with a thickness of 4-10 mm are used.

Continuing the question of how to choose polycarbonate for a greenhouse, it is necessary to clarify that the thickness of the sheet itself is calculated based on the features of the frame construction. With an increase in the parameter, resistance to snow and wind loads is observed. In some cases, different types of panels can be used on the structure. For arched and flat roofs, sheets with a greater thickness are used, and vertical walls are made on the basis of thin panels.

The best option is to use honeycomb-type polycarbonate with a thickness of 4-6 mm. In doing so, you need to make sure that it is factual. To do this, arm yourself with a caliper. If the manufacturer's declared parameter and the actual one do not match, it is recommended to look for another material.

But you should not buy polycarbonate, which will have a thickness of 3.5 - 3.7 mm. This material can be touted as one that has a high density, and therefore sellers recommend it instead of 4 mm. But this is most likely a low quality option that has a low shelf life.

If he just bends when exposed to him with his hands, then this is a bad proposal. In addition, the light stabilizing layer may not be indicated at all. Those. he will not be able to serve you for more than 2 years.

When deciding which polycarbonate to choose for a greenhouse, be careful. Pay your attention to the following aspects:

• the fact that the panel thickness parameter matches;
• the presence of a film on the sides of the sheet, which will not allow the material to wear out prematurely;
• there must be accompanying documentation for the batch, certificates, passports.

Greenhouse shape selection

For a good harvest, it is not enough to know how to choose a greenhouse in accordance with the frame and material, you also need to find the shape. The most popular options would be:

• arched forms. You can also designate a dome and a droplet here. They are able to keep warm, they will not be difficult in the arrangement, and they do not include sharp corners. For this reason, less covering material is needed. In this case, precipitation will not linger for a long time. Such designs can be transformed, but they are limited in the choice of coverage. Mainly used polycarbonate. Please note that access to the last beds is difficult;
• there can be forms equipped with a 2-pitched roof. They need more stuff. The area for planting in them is also larger. This design provides excellent illumination, even though the sky can be overcast. These options differ in that they perfectly withstand snow loads. But the price will be higher than the arched form;
• it is customary to equip greenhouses of a lean-to shape near the wall of the room. Due to this, you can significantly save money. The slope is best directed south;
• there is also a pyramid option. This is for those who prefer everything unusual. Such options are difficult to implement, and are in demand among gardeners;
• polygonal shape. The structure is spectacular and quite expensive, but due to the presence of a large number of edges, the structure will warm up well no matter what time is on the clock.

When studying the question of how to choose a greenhouse, the tips will be helpful. One of them is that you need to pay attention to several factors. Take into account what the true purpose of the greenhouse is, how much you might have on a budget. If you plan to grow seedlings, then a small wall structure or a greenhouse equipped with lifting walls will suffice. But if you plan to produce vegetables, then you need to give preference to arched and gable greenhouses, which have substantial installation and production costs.

Determine the size

In this subparagraph, we will consider not only what are the optimal sizes of the greenhouse, but also its individual elements. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the purpose and planned production volumes. The work on the project will make it possible to calculate with sufficient accuracy the number of materials that is necessary for the structure.

Continuing to consider the question of how to choose the right greenhouse, you need to take into account the rules for the implementation of these measures. These include:

• setting the length, height and width of the structure. The area, site configuration, ease of work are taken into account;
• you need to figure out what the angle of the roof slope will be, which will ensure the snow slides spontaneously;
• keep in mind that the size of the door should be comfortable so that a person can carry tools and agricultural equipment. In addition to the entrance, a folding transom is provided in the wall to ventilate the structure;
• the structure of the frame should be such that the joints between the individual sheets of material fall on the elements. This solution will strengthen the structure even more.

Fixing to the foundation

Very often greenhouses are characterized by significant windage and light construction. Those. this suggests that with strong winds there is a chance that the structure will be overturned. Greenhouses based on polycarbonate must be carefully fixed to the base area, which will be represented by a strip foundation with a stone or brick base. Such a support structure requires a large investment. It can be used for fairly large stationary greenhouses.

As for the fastening of the supporting frame to the foundation area, it is carried out through the use of embedded elements. The steel tube structure is welded to metal parts in a special way. They are embedded in the base. Frames based on a galvanized profile are attached to the masonry by means of dowels and anchor bolts. This mounting method will be more reliable.

The choice of a polycarbonate-based greenhouse design is determined by the size, shape, on the basis of the purpose and capabilities of the owner. The structure will be of high quality, it will be necessary to correctly install it on the site and ensure long-term use.

Equipment

Many summer residents pay attention to options for ready-made greenhouse designs. But keep in mind that it is important to evaluate what is included in the package. In addition to the covering material and frame, seals, doors and vents are also needed. The location of these elements is of great importance. In the summer, you need to ensure good ventilation of the plants, if this is not done, the plants will simply burn out. For this reason, it is better if the doors are equipped on 2 sides. It is also important to install vents.

If the prefix “economy” is present in the model's name, it means that the greenhouse can be used only in warm weather, or it will be necessary to spend time on finalizing the design later. Often the step between the arcs is large. Producers, if they value their reputation, provide clear instructions on how to install a finished greenhouse.

List of the most popular greenhouse manufacturers

Choosing a quality greenhouse can be simple if you know one secret. You shouldn't be low prices. As practice shows, these are most often manufacturers from China. Better to give preference to reputable brands. We advise you to go to the official website of the company or to a company store, but not to an intermediary.

Firms that are unknown, and even one-day ones, are not a good option. Soon they may be closed, but claims against them will not be possible if something happens to the greenhouse. In this case, the savings will not bring the desired result.

Today, the following brands have proven themselves in an excellent way in the market: Volia, New Forms, Ready-made Greenhouse Plant, People's Greenhouse Plant, North Greenhouses, Rus-Teplitsy.

The choice of ready-made structures is very wide. For this reason, many owners of the private sector and summer cottages resort to buying them.Although there is also that category of craftsmen who independently resort to the task of building a greenhouse. Whatever it was, but when choosing, it is worth considering all the nuances that are described above, in which case you can count on a long-term high-quality greenhouse.