Film for greenhouses: features of choice

More recently, the film coating was the most common in order to equip the greenhouse. But today it is being squeezed out by glass and polycarbonate coatings, surpassing the film in its properties, but they cannot boast of low cost. If desired, it is possible to obtain products from the bed and under the film coating of the greenhouse, which will require the ability to choose the film, because one film differs from another in many ways. Manufacturers offer the most basic types of simple plastic films, as well as improved reinforced, PVC and stabilized coatings. Moreover, some sellers are almost trying to give out cheap types of materials for their expensive counterparts for the reason that the appearance of some types is very similar.

With a huge assortment of types of covering films for greenhouses, the question naturally arises - how to distinguish high-quality material from low-quality material.

To solve a problem, you need to take into account a number of factors:

• low price;
• Is the material practical?
• Is it reliable?
• does it protect against UV light?

Polyethylene film is used in the cultivation of greenhouse crops, and during construction work, and in the packaging of various goods. It must be said that each roll film can be used to cover the greenhouse. For example, at first glance, a strong film produced from low-pressure polyethylene is of low strength and does not tolerate a temperature jump and the radiation of the sun. It is subjected to deformation and break literally a couple of months in the summer,and guaranteed cracked, if the temperature drops to -15C in the winter cold.

Usually, film coatings are distinguished by many criteria:

• polyethylene (the most common and inexpensive);
• reinforced;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• antistatic;

• foamed;
• light stabilized;
• perennial;
• stretch;

• greenhouse;
• greenhouse;
• reflective;
• bubbly;

• oilcloth;
• spunbond;
• light scattering;
• inflatable;
• frost-resistant;
• dual layer and so on.

Consider some of the types of film and their more detailed characteristics.

One of the main advantages of this coating is a relatively low price. Such a film coating can pass up to 80 percent of heat in both directions and for this reason does not very effectively keep the temperature gained during the day. With proper installation, high-quality polyethylene film coating will last one summer, and in winter it will have to be dismantled due to temperature differences, when the winds and the snow layer destroy the film.

The polyethylene coating is quite easily damaged by literally anything.for this reason, the transportation and installation of such a material must occur with a high degree of accuracy, since the increase in the smallest damage occurs at a high rate of "sprawl", this will greatly slow down the process of arranging the greenhouse. The film is sold in rolls with a width of 1-3.5 m, it can be single-layer or in the form of a sleeve.

Reinforced film coating has the difference from the usual polyethylene with a kind of frame, which is usually made of fiberglass. The coating is made by pressing, twisting, stretching the material. The standard thickness of the frame yarn is from 0.3 to 0.35 mm. The polyethylene base turned out to be the most durable during operation, so that it would transfer the radiation of the sun, sometimes additives are included in it.The main load falls on the structure of the frame, for this reason, greenhouses with such films are resistant to the effects of winds, snow layers and hail. The film coating protects the greenhouse if the temperature drops briefly down to five degrees below zero.

Coverage can last up to three years, however, some manufacturing companies set a time span of up to seven years. Here the requirements are dictated by the climatic conditions of the areas and the technical characteristics of the film. Sheeting with reinforcement have high maintainability: the holes are sealed with adhesive tape, there is no widespread "spreading" of damage. The main characteristic of the film here is not called its thickness, but how dense it is. The most popular film has a density of 115-210g / m2. Today, covers are being sold that have pores that ensure the impermeability of moisture to a greenhouse and at the same time do not allow the presence of oxygen "conservation" inside.

The degree of reliability and strength characteristics of the film with reinforcement also has “reverse sides of the coin” - the material has a relatively high price.Another unpleasant feature is the relatively low degree of light transmission compared to a standard stabilized coating. And the dirt (due to the relief of the material) is difficult to wash off, which does not add transparency to such a coating.

One of the best coverage in the construction of a greenhouse. It is an elastic and durable material, operated for 2-5 years, depending on the climate. It contains impurities (yellow, transparent, green, blue, black, color, etc.) that have light-transforming and stabilizing characteristics.

This film can:

• skip almost the entire spectrum of sunlight (95%);
• skip almost all ultraviolet rays (85%);
• delay harmful infrared spectrum (96%).

The disadvantages of PVC film are also.

• High cost, double the polyethylene. Although if we take into account the fact that there is no need to acquire a new coating seasonally and engage in construction, such a high cost cannot be called an overly significant factor.
• A PVC film can attract dry particles from the air, although it is not at all difficult to wash off such dust.
• The material is relatively not frost-resistant, if the temperature drops to minus 12-17 C, the film will turn into an overly fragile state, for this reason, the presence of heating for the winter greenhouse from such material is necessary.

With the introduction of special agents into ordinary polyethylene mass, the quality of its operation can be improved to some extent.

• Stabilized film coatings are made by adding impurities that increase the properties of resistance to sunlight. The operation time doubles or triples, but the price rises. Such material may have an orange color or a pinkish tint. With the same appearance, the stabilized and the usual polyethylene coating is very similar and when buying, you need to study their packaging with marking.

• Light Transforming film coatings are capable of converting hard ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to greenhouse inhabitants, to red and infrared spectra that increase yields. The above is due to phosphor additives, although it should be noted that for a long service life of the material it is necessary to include some kind of stabilizing substance.In order for the store to be confident in choosing the right light-converting film coating, you will have to organize its lumen with the help of a UV lamp and make sure that the color of the rays changes to red.

• Heat retention film coatings are distinguished by the presence of a matte whitish tint. They have a weak capacity for thermal radiation, for this reason, the temperature level in the greenhouse will be a couple of degrees warmer than the same, but covered with other types of coatings. This feature can serve to increase early harvests to 25, as it will affect the cost savings on heating. The operation time of such a coating is up to 3-4 years, if the coating has antistatic and hydrophilic characteristics.

• Stabilized hydrophilic film coating allows solving problems of “drops” that are peculiar to other substances. On the surface of such a film, condensation of “flat-droplet” forms occurs in continuous layers, so there is no negative effect on the fit. The degree of translucency contributes to a high heat transmission (up to 40%), for this reason a fairly high level of temperature is constantly spontaneously maintained in such a greenhouse.

• Bubbly film coatings are very similar to those in which fragile goods are packed. They have an excellent degree of light transmission, and the level of heat insulation can be compared to a polycarbonate coating. The degree of their strength is low, if you do not take into account the special species, although it is suitable to grow plants in small greenhouses.
• Foamed thick film coatings contain monolithic and foamed layers of polyethylene film that transmits light (up to 70%), perfectly keep the temperature, are suitable to build a greenhouse that is intended for vegetation.

• Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer The coatings have decent strength characteristics, keep the temperature well, they are resistant to damage, wind load, low temperatures, hydrophilic. They have a high degree of light transmission (90%), but in the summer heat it can be allowed to overheat the plants. The service life is three years.
• Photodegradable film coatings can break down after a while (from three weeks to two months). Used for greenhouses, which have no frame supports and mulching.Many experts recommend replacing the film after 36 months, because it tends to turn blue and let in less light. There are film coatings, where in the production process used a larger amount of added substances, which is probably the best option.

The factors of density and thickness of a film coating directly depend on how it will be affected by negative factors. If for a conventional polyethylene film a layer of thickness has practically no effect on the service life, then, if you mean stabilized materials, this means a lot. At first glance, the film thickness of 200 micrometers from 100 is almost impossible to distinguish. This is the cause of the scam of a number of unscrupulous sellers. In order not to become their victim, it is necessary to take into account the greater weight of the film of greater thickness,that is, the mass of a meter of film coating with a thickness of 200 μm is 530 g, (150 μm = 400 g, 120 μm = 320 g, 100 μm = 260 g, and 80 μm = 210 g). Greenhouses are more suitable film from 150 to 200 microns thickness.

It is preferable to choose a transparent material that can miss a large amount of solar radiation. To obtain such a coating of different shades, dyes are always introduced, which lose their color under the rays of the sun, which has no logic. With the durability of the dye, the light gets into the greenhouse in smaller quantities and the yield will decrease, therefore, an additional lighting system will also need to be organized. The colors of the films indicate a useful characteristic that allows plants to assimilate the most favorable rays of the spectrum of the sun.

Any color additive is a spectromixer:

• light-proof mulch black - covering cover for the greenhouse;
• blue and blue for a greenhouse has good anti-condensation properties and is mixed with the soil in 120 days;
• Pink three-layer - translucent and durable, will last up to 5-6 years;
• black and white will save from sunburn.

If the buyer chose a standard polyethylene coating, here he is minimally at risk when receiving a defective product.Most of the "fakes" can be found when buying in categories of coatings of high price segments. One way or another, it is preferable to purchase products from trusted manufacturers and closely monitor the accompanying documentation and labeling. China, Hungarian, Korean, Chinese, Israeli, Turkish products are on the market, and the following manufacturers provide high quality film coatings.

• NPF "Shar" - Production Russia, a company that was founded in the early nineties and specializes in the development of polymer composites. In order for agricultural production to use different films, domestic inventions are being developed, and durability is ensured to all materials, and some, as the producers say, can serve for about 8 years.

• "Agrohoztorg" is a leading domestic company producing polymers. His offer is varied, including the company offers a reinforced film for greenhouses called Vural Plastik.
• "Agrotema A" one of the domestic enterprises represented on the market since the beginning of the 90s.The main activity is the production of polyethylene films used in various fields. For the arrangement of greenhouses the company offers the usual polyethylene and films with reinforcement.

• “Stable” - a company that produces the same film. In its production using a patented additive Fitistab, which gives durability. It becomes suitable to apply the film year-round in almost any climatic zone. The company produces various types of film coatings, which differ in thickness and characteristics, but are always highly reliable. These coatings are sold in neighboring countries.
• "Odysseus" It has been on the market since the mid 2000s. The company specializes in the production of polyethylene. This manufacturer offers greenhouses conventional polyethylene and reinforced film with different thickness and width of the canvas.

• "Polymer" - an enterprise from Kemerovo, with thirty years of experience in the manufacture of film coatings. Coverings for greenhouses of this manufacturer are considered the best in Russia, they are offered in the widest range, which is periodically replenished with new items.
• "ORA" - a manufacturer from St. Petersburg,which is equipped with modern imported media, producing films of different types, for example, high-quality coatings of the Svetlitsa type of Polisvetana or Anti-Molds at quite reasonable prices.
• Richel serres de france - manufacturer from France, offering a comprehensive solution for the construction of greenhouses. His official dealer in Russia is Greenhouse Technologies, which offers Richel coverage. It, according to responses, can keep at application in the conditions of winter long time.

When choosing a film today, the buyer is offered a wide range of more advanced in its characteristics and quality film analogues, which has traditionally been the most common material for greenhouses. It is worth mentioning some of their advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages are as follows.

• Not very expensive. Different types of films have a difference in cost, but in comparison with materials such as glass or polycarbonate, the film is in any case a more affordable option.
• High characteristics of elasticity and plasticity, for these reasons, with its help the greenhouse of any kind of construction is easily settled.
• Resistant to water penetration.
• High levels of transparency dispersion of sunlight.
• Relatively light weight and easy installation.

Disadvantages are also available.

• It is short-lived. When choosing a plastic film, you need to know that it will have to be changed seasonally, except that its substitute can last a little longer.
• It is not resistant to sunlight. This quickly destroys it, although some films do not have such a pronounced flaw.
• Condensed moisture that accumulates on the floor can harm many plants that grow in greenhouses. From this feature partially got rid of the invention of the hydrophilic film, making which special additives are used.
• It accumulates an electrostatic charge, which attracts dust and dirt, which lowers the degree of transparency of the film. To a certain extent, this was overcome by the introduction of special additives.
• Many gardeners do not like sagging film coating and its property to stretch.

It should also figure out how to properly solder, glue, stitch, connect, cover, fasten, solder, glue, pull the film on the frame.

Reinforcing frames are made of various materials:

• specially processed polyethylene (twisted, elongated, monofilament);
• polypropylenes;
• fiberglass.

Fiberglass frames are found in our latitudes very rarely, they are almost never used. The construction process of a greenhouse usually takes place according to the standard scheme: components are selected, a supporting structure / frame is made of wood or metal, on which the chosen material is pulled. Note that the parts, the joints and the assembly of the frame itself, as well as the fastening of the covering material are important operations that must be carried out according to the technology.

The wooden frame is preferably designed from coniferous wood, impregnated with any organic compound, to prevent the appearance of rot, fungus, damage from insects. Every detail should be properly cut, they should not be burrs, preferably, if the chamfer goes along the edge.Each connection must be glued or attached in another way, sunk into the structure to prevent the possibility of breakthrough covering material.

Any metal frame construction will necessarily heat up from the sun, so that the shelter is not subjected to deformation, it is recommended to provide on each guide strip made of wooden slats, self-adhesive tape, plastic panel of a small thickness. The use of double-sided adhesive tape will be a reliable barrier against overheating of the metal structure. Scotch tape helps to prevent deformation and, in addition, fixes the covering material on the frame structure.

It is necessary to calculate the required area of ​​covering material in accordance with the size of the greenhouse / greenhouse. It should be taken into account in the calculations that the film in rolls should be laid with an overlap of 120-260 mm in each joint. In order not to be mistaken and not get a shortage at the end, it is advised to add up to 15% to the total surface area of ​​the greenhouse.When cutting material in size, it is advised to cut out each end piece, adding up to 260 mm for each attachment. To fix, you can use a wooden rail 20 x 35mm.

Material fixation occurs:

• wooden stripes;
• strips of pieces of used flooring;
• laces, twine;
• tapes for packaging;
• networks with large meshes - this is an ideal option if the cottage is located in a windy region;
• clips - galvanized rail-guides with a length of up to 3000 mm, which were previously attached to the frame structure, film cover was placed on the clip, which was fixed with the help of plastic inserts.

As a rule, they first carry out installation operations on the main parts of the structure and only after that fix the film on the end parts of the greenhouse. The remaining parts of the coating at the bottom sprinkled with soil to avoid their gusts.

To extend the life of a greenhouse covering material, the following simple rules should be followed:

• to stretch the film or other covering material should be only if the temperature is within +12 +21 C, in calm weather, which partly eliminates the possible appearance of film sagging;
• recommend covering greenhouses with one-year material for 1-4 days before the first planting of plants;
• do not recommend using clamps, screws, nails, wire to avoid damage to the film.

Even taking into account the fact that the film cover is not very durable and durable when arranging greenhouses, if you competently approach its purchase, the gardener has a good opportunity to spend minimal money and simultaneously arrange a greenhouse / greenhouse in accordance with all the rules. As a result, a good harvest will not take long.

About what film to choose for the greenhouse, see the following video.