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Is glass greenhouse a good option? If you plan to build a greenhouse, you will need to decide what material will be best suited for your project. Polycarbonate, plastic and glass are the two most common transparent materials to use for building a greenhouse. Of these materials, glass is the highest quality and long-lasting material for a greenhouse.

What is a Greenhouse?

Glass greenhouse

If you have heard of a greenhouse before but don’t know what it means, you are not alone. A greenhouse is a transparent building usually made with glass or other material like plastic. 

The building is used for growing vegetables, flowers or any other plants that require special temperature. This way, the plants are cultivated under an enclosed environment. With a greenhouse, you can control what comes in and out of the building. Greenhouse farming has helped curb pests from destroying crops. 

Glass has long been used as material in constructing a greenhouse. A reason for this is the benefits glass offers over other materials. What are the benefits of a glass greenhouse? 

Benefits of Glass Greenhouse

Aesthetics

Glass greenhouse is more aesthetically pleasing than polycarbonate greenhouse. It has been the oldest glazing material for the greenhouse. Glass greenhouse will not fade or get discoloured over time like other materials. You can see through a glass greenhouse easily, which makes it more visually appealing. Many gardeners prefer using glass for constructing a greenhouse due to its aesthetics. The glass glazing option will make your structure look beautiful and classy. 

Transmittance

Sunlight is essential for plant growth. Of all the glazing material options for a greenhouse, glass provides the highest amount of sunlight. It transmits the highest amount of natural light when compared to a polycarbonate or plastic greenhouse.

 Glass is a good glazing option in building a greenhouse since it allows sunlight penetration. Polycarbonate glazing can become opaque over time, while a glass glazing offers clarity for a lifetime. This advantage makes glass superior to other glazing options.

Durability

In terms of durability, glass is more durable than polycarbonate material. Gardeners choose to use glass to build their greenhouse because glass is stronger than other material options. Since the glass is durable, it also makes it last longer than other glazing materials. Using glass to build a greenhouse is a good investment if you want your greenhouse to last longer.

Cost-effective

Although glass is expensive, it is a cost-effective material. It is more durable than polycarbonate and aesthetically pleasing. Glass greenhouse also has a prolonged lifespan. Its durability, aesthetics and lifespan make it an excellent material choice. The high light transmittance of a glass greenhouse also helps in saving money on electrical bills. 

What Type Of Glass to Use For Greenhouse

Glass Greenhouse

Glass is the best material option for constructing a greenhouse. If you want to construct glass greenhouses, you can choose from different glass options.

 Annealed Glass

Annealed glass is a plain kind of glass for a greenhouse. It is the cheapest glass option for building a greenhouse. Annealed glass is ideal for building glass greenhouse in places without heavy snow or wind. The downside of annealed glass is that it can shatter into sharp edges if damaged, causing injury.

Tempered Glass

 Tempered glass is expensive and more durable than annealed glass. It is a good choice in building a glass greenhouse. Gardeners can use tempered glass to build the wall, roof and door of a greenhouse. Tempered glass is also preferable to annealed glass because it poses little risk for people when broken. The glass breaks into tiny granulated fragments, which is unlikely to cause injury to people.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is the most expensive and best for building a glass greenhouse. It is stronger and more durable than tempered glass. It has a high resistance to high wind and snow. Also, the glass is so strong that it can’t break. Even if the glass is damaged, its ethylene vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyral layer will hold it together and keep it from shattering. It makes it impossible to get injured if something happens to the glass. Laminate glass is the best option in building the roof and door of a glass greenhouse.

How to Clean a Glass Greenhouse

Cleaning your greenhouse is important to make it look tidy. Gardeners can use a hose to remove dirt and dust from the glass.

In addition, gardeners can also clean their greenhouse with a window squeegee tool. Mix a glass cleaning solution with water in a bucket. Then, use the squeegee tool to apply the solution to the glass. 

Conclusion

A glass greenhouse provides an excellent environment for growing your plants. Gardeners should consider using glass in constructing a greenhouse.