When it comes to covering your greenhouse, it’s important for growers to pick a material that is both durable and long lasting. During conversations with our customers, we are often asked whether or not visqueen is a suitable alternative to outdoor greenhouse plastic sheeting.
In short, the answer is no. We’ll be covering these 3 reasons why below:
- UV properties
- Transparency
- Anti-condensation
The Importance Of Having The Right Covering
The truth is that no matter how versatile a material is, the performance is different depending on the application it’s used in. Just like how a construction vapor barrier differs from plastic tarps, greenhouse coverings also have similar differences. Outdoor greenhouse plastic sheeting is purpose-built for greenhouse environments, taking factors such as UV exposure into account in ways that generic tarps and visqueen tend to overlook.
While the upfront costs of a specialty material may be higher compared to some of the available alternatives, greenhouse plastic sheeting will generally last longer than other materials, allowing you to use the same covering over multiple seasons without the need for replacement.
Related Article: The Difference Between Plastic Tarps and Construction Plastic Sheeting
Outdoor Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting vs Visqueen: UV Properties
Outdoor greenhouse plastic sheeting and visqueen may not seem that different at first, but after both have been left in the sun for an extended period of time, the differences are evident. Visqueen will become brittle and begin degrading quickly due to the harsh effects of direct sunlight. Greenhouse plastic sheeting is available with UV resistance from 1 year up to 4 or 5 years depending on the material.
Outdoor Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting vs Visqueen: Light Transparency
What really sets greenhouse plastic sheeting apart from visqueen is the manufacturing process, which allows for the incorporation of additives that can provide unique properties like UV resistance, varying transparency levels, anti-condensation, and more. Tarps and visqueen are simply incapable of protecting your greenhouse as effectively as a proper greenhouse film.
Most greenhouse plastic sheeting has been tested for light transmission and light diffusion – meaning you know exactly the level of protection you’re getting when you go to purchase a product. Light transmission refers to how much light will go through the material, and this rating helps growers ensure their plants are getting the right amount of light. Light diffusion, on the other hand, indicates how that transmitted light is distributed. In other words, it can help growers understand how evenly light will be shared among the crops. Visqueen isn’t typically tested for either of these properties because it’s an added expense.
Outdoor Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting vs Visqueen: Anti-Condensation
Water plays a crucial role in plant growth, but excess water can cause problems like pests, diseases, and stunted growth. Additionally, water droplets on plants can cause a burning effect similar to a magnifying glass.
To solve this issue, manufacturers have added anti-condensation properties to greenhouse plastic sheeting to redirect water droplets down the sides of the greenhouse, preventing them from falling directly onto the plants. However, using Visqueen on a greenhouse may cause a lot more damage than what you may have saved when you purchased the product itself when you consider its lack of features necessary for this application.
The Wrong Greenhouse Covering Can Hurt Your Bottom Line
Opting for the wrong greenhouse covering can really hurt your bottom line. While visqueen or tarps may seem like a cost-effective solution, their limitations in total protection can end up compromising your greenhouse’s long-term performance.
Building a durable greenhouse setup requires long-lasting materials. Don’t waste time and money constructing an ideal growing space only to have the cover fail. Opt for a premium greenhouse plastic sheeting product that will result in fewer replacement costs and less labor.
Related Article: Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting: Which Type Should You Use?
Find The Right Greenhouse Solutions
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information or a free sample, call us at 760-388-6294 or visit our Contact Us page.