Greenhouse covering
Polycarbonate vs Polyfilm Greenhouse Covering
Covering choice sets your recladding cycle, light transmission and structural load. Polycarbonate lasts far longer per m² but costs more upfront and needs a heavier frame; polyfilm is cheapest to install and replace but is a recurring OPEX line.
Direct answer
Is polycarbonate always cheaper over the life of a greenhouse?
No. It usually wins in cold or hail-exposed climates where heating and damage losses are high. In mild climates with cheap film and cheap labour, double polyfilm on a 3–4 year cycle can be the lower lifetime cost.
| Dimension | Polycarbonate sheet | Double-layer polyfilm |
|---|---|---|
| Typical covering cost | USD 12–30 / m² (6–10 mm twin/triple wall) | USD 1.5–4 / m² per layer, installed |
| Service life | 10–15 years (UV-coated) | 3–4 years (single season in harsh UV) |
| Light transmission (new) | 78–84% (diffused options lower direct light) | 85–91% single layer, 78–83% double |
| Insulation (U-value) | 2.6–3.3 W/m²K (twin wall) | ~6.0 single layer, ~4.0 inflated double |
| Structural load on frame | Higher — heavier purlin/rafter spec | Low — lighter frame acceptable |
| Hail / wind damage | High impact resistance | Vulnerable; repair or reclad |
| Recladding labour | Rare; panel-level replacement | Full-house cycle every 3–4 years |
| Best-fit use | Sidewalls, cold climates, hail belts, long-life assets | Roofs, mild climates, phased or lower-CAPEX projects |
Cost delta at a glance
- •On a 1 ha structure, polycarbonate roofing typically adds USD 90K–250K of CAPEX versus double polyfilm.
- •Polyfilm recladding runs roughly USD 20K–45K per hectare every 3–4 years, plus 1–3 days of production downtime.
- •Over a 12-year horizon the two options often converge; heating savings from polycarbonate insulation decide the outcome in cold climates.
Planning-grade ranges for budgeting only. Actual pricing depends on site, specification, climate and supplier scope.
Choose Polycarbonate sheet when
- Cold or hail-prone climates where heating and damage costs dominate
- Sidewalls and gables on any climate-controlled house
- Assets financed over 10+ years where recladding downtime is unacceptable
Choose Double-layer polyfilm when
- Mild or tropical climates where insulation matters less
- Phase-one projects that need the lowest entry CAPEX
- Crops needing maximum light transmission in low-radiation seasons
Frequently asked questions
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