If you’re a greenhouse owner, then you know that there are a lot of benefits to having one. Not only does it allow you to grow your own plants, but it also helps protect them from the elements. But one question that many people have is whether or not they need a clear roof. In this blog post, we’ll look at, does a greenhouse need a clear roof?
A greenhouse roof does not need to be clear. The transparency of a greenhouse should be determined by which plants are grown within the greenhouse. Some plants require more or less sunlight. A greenhouse should have a clear, opaque, or reflective roof that’s appropriate for the needs of the plants being grown inside it.
This article will look deeper into when you will need a clear roof and when an opaque roof will suffice. We will also look a little into the different roofing materials for greenhouses. Keep reading to learn everything you need to, on, do Greenhouses need a clear roof or not
- Does a Greenhouse Need a Clear Roof to Function?
- Should a greenhouse roof be clear or opaque?
- What plants are best suited for a greenhouse with a clear roof?
- What plants are best suited for a greenhouse with an opaque roof?
- Is opaque plastic OK for greenhouse use?
- Do Greenhouses Always Need Direct Sunlight?
- What Materials to Use for a Greenhouse Roof?
- All in All
Does a Greenhouse Need a Clear Roof to Function?
A greenhouse does not need a clear roof to function as it can use other materials to let sunlight in. However, a clear roof will allow for more sunlight to enter and help the plants grow faster. If you are choosing to not have a clear roof, make sure to choose a material that will let in light but also keep the heat inside.
Should a greenhouse roof be clear or opaque?
It really depends on how much sunlight your crops need.
- Clear roofs will maximize the amount of sunlight that can reach the plants inside.
- Opaque or translucent greenhouse roofing panels will diffuse light.
Both have their place on a greenhouse roof depending on what is grown inside.
If you are growing plants that need a lot of sunlight, such as tomatoes or peppers, you’ll want to use clear greenhouse roofing. This will allow the maximum amount of sunlight to reach the plants.
If you are growing plants that don’t need as much sunlight, like lettuce or some herbs, opaque roofing panels might be a better option. This will diffuse the light and provide a more even distribution inside the greenhouse.
What plants are best suited for a greenhouse with a clear roof?
If you’re looking to grow plants in a greenhouse with a clear roof, then you’ll want to choose plants that are suited for sunny conditions.
Some good options include herbs such as basil, peppers, and tomatoes; flowers such as petunias and impatiens; and vegetables such as cucumbers and zucchini.
What plants are best suited for a greenhouse with an opaque roof?
There are a few things to consider when choosing plants for a greenhouse with an opaque roof.
One of the most important factors is the amount of light the plants will receive. Plants that require a lot of sunlight may not be suitable for a greenhouse with an opaque roof.
Additionally, you’ll want to choose plants that can tolerate lower temperatures, since a greenhouse with an opaque roof will be less warm than one with a fully translucent roof.
Is opaque plastic OK for greenhouse use?
Greenhouses are often made with glass because it is a good thermal insulator and allows sunlight to pass through.
However, there are some alternatives to glass that can be used in greenhouses, such as plastic. Opaque plastic is one option that can be used in place of glass. It is less expensive than glass, but it does not allow sunlight to pass through as easily.
Opaque plastic can be a good option for greenhouses, but it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using this material before making a decision.
Do Greenhouses Always Need Direct Sunlight?
No, not always. Greenhouses can be built to allow for limited direct sunlight or even no direct sunlight at all. This is often done in cold climates, where the greenhouse can act as an extra room that can be warmed by the sun. However, greenhouses need some sunlight in order to grow plants effectively; too much shade will make it difficult for plants to photosynthesize.
What Materials to Use for a Greenhouse Roof?
If you’re reviewing your options for a clear greenhouse roof, you might be blown away by how expensive a greenhouse can get. While we recognize that a higher price will usually deliver better results, we also acknowledge that there are always corner-cutting options for stingy gardeners.
Read on for a comprehensive list of materials you might use on your greenhouse project.
Corrugated Polycarbonate Greenhouse Roof
Alright, here’s an option that might break the bank if you’re working with limited funds.
Polycarbonate is such a great material because it’s light, portable, and exceedingly easy to build with.
Polycarbonate is almost as clear as a good sheet of glass, it’s as easy to build with as corrugated tin. The problem with corrugated polycarbonate is that it’s hard to insulate.
A sheet of corrugated polycarbonate is about 30 bucks a sheet.
Considering the fact that you might need just around 15-30 sheets, depending on the size of your build, this can get a little expensive.
Polycarbonate Twinwall Greenhouse Roof
Corrugated polycarbonate is good, but polycarbonate twin-wall is better. So- so much better.
Polycarbonate twin-wall creates a transparent surface that’s flat on both sides. With two flat faces to work with, amateur builders will have a much easier time insulating their greenhouses.
The problem with Polycarbonate twin-wall is that it’s expensive.
If you want a really dependable greenhouse, a polycarbonate twin-wall may just be the way to go.
You can check these ones out on Amazon if it interests you – polycarbonate twin-wall (Amazon link)
Plastic Sheeting Greenhouse Roof
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution to the greenhouse lining problem, you’re looking for a good roll of plastic sheeting (Amazon link).
a 100 ft. X 20m ft. roll of plastic sheeting likely won’t cost you any more than $120, and unless you’re building an especially gigantic greenhouse, this will likely be enough to insulate and cover the whole thing.
We see plastic sheeting being used in all sorts of exciting ways. For example, some people create mini makeshift greenhouses with little PVC hoops and a single roll of sheeting. These small greenhouses rise to the level of a gardener’s knee but can keep cold-tolerant plants growing all winter.
All in All
So, does a greenhouse need a clear roof? A greenhouse roof does not need to be clear. The transparency of a greenhouse should be determined by which plants are grown within the greenhouse. Some plants require more or less sunlight. A greenhouse should have a clear, opaque, or reflective roof that is appropriate for the needs of the plants being grown inside it.
