When considering the construction or renovation of a greenhouse or similar buildings, there exists a wide variety of materials suitable for confidently, easily, and cost-effectively covering these structures. Clear Tarps and Clear Sheeting have emerged as particularly popular options. Clear Tarps for greenhouses offer numerous advantages and can be seamlessly integrated into various greenhouse designs. In this article, we will explore the different materials utilized in Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting and Poly Sheeting, examining their contributions to enhancing greenhouse functionality. Furthermore, we will look at the benefits of incorporating Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting in greenhouses, highlighting their increasing popularity.
Greenhouses have proven their worth over time, serving as structures engineered to foster the growth of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants that flourish in sheltered environments with regulated temperatures. They play a crucial role in agriculture, horticulture, botanical sciences, as well as in the pursuits of hobbyists, collectors, and residential gardeners. Modern greenhouses typically feature a framed structure with a double-sloped, single-sloped, or arched roof, enclosed either by glass panes or Transparent Tarps or Sheets to facilitate the essential transmission of natural light. Clear materials such as polyethylene and vinyl have emerged as cost-effective, dependable, user-friendly, durable, and safe options for enclosing greenhouses.
In choosing Tarps for greenhouse applications, the choice of material is paramount. While various options exist, not all will meet your specific needs. Clear Tarps are commonly crafted from either polyethylene or vinyl, each material offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate material for your greenhouse requirements.
Polyethylene, also known as poly, is a prevalent type of plastic extensively used in manufacturing Clear Tarps. Lightweight and durable, it proves to be an excellent choice for greenhouses. However, it may not offer the same level of transparency as other materials, potentially limiting clear views.
An additional popular option for Clear Tarps is clear vinyl. Clear Vinyl Tarps boast greater transparency than polyethylene, similar to glass clarity. Consequently, clear vinyl is also a durable material, capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, debris, UV rays, tears, and abrasions. While remaining relatively lightweight and easy to handle, it is slightly heavier and less pliable compared to Poly Tarps.
Regardless of the material selected, Clear Tarps provide an ideal solution for providing sunlight into your greenhouse while ensuring excellent protection for your plants. Lightweight and easy to install, they enable a fast greenhouse setup. We appreciate your time in reading this article and trust it will prove beneficial in your research and purchasing choice.
Enhancing The Importance of Natural Light
Envision a realm where plants revel in abundant light, thriving with vitality. This utopia begins with the cornerstone of plant growth: sunlight. Yet, nature often fails to provide the optimal conditions for plants to flourish on a consistent basis. Enter the nurturing domain of greenhouses, where gardeners, producers, and researchers can grow and safeguard their cherished botanical companions within a controlled environment that transcends the constraints of the natural growing season.
Greenhouses serve as magical portals, bending nature's rules and providing us with the ability to start growth earlier and extend it well beyond traditional seasons. While the luxury of entirely glass-enclosed partitions may be reserved for some, many greenhouses are outfitted with alternatives such as Clear Tarps or Plastic Sheeting. These cost-effective options not only make greenhouse ownership more realistic but also offer many advantages over their glass counterparts.
Lightweight and pliable, Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting streamline the greenhouse cultivation process. They facilitate easy manipulation and provide a versatile canvas for growers to realize their horticultural aspirations. Their practicality is undeniable, offering an economical choice without sacrificing functionality. The barrier of cost is thus lifted, making the art of greenhouse gardening accessible to a broader audience.
The benefits of greenhouses extend beyond financial considerations. These magnificent structures empower growers to cultivate seedlings that can later be transplanted into gardens, planters, or fields. By nurturing these delicate young plants within the sheltered confines of the greenhouse, costs are minimized while providing them with a head start in life. They emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to thrive amidst the challenges of the outdoors.
Greenhouses also serve as sanctuaries for tropical and delicate plants that would otherwise struggle in harsh cold seasons or foreign climates. Like protective cocoons, these structures shield fragile botanical wonders from biting winds and icy temperatures, ensuring their survival. Within the shelter of the greenhouse, they can bask in nurturing sunlight, receiving the sustenance they need to flourish even when external conditions are unfavorable.
Step into the natural light of greenhouses, where nature's brilliance is unleashed, and miracles unfold. With the ability to harness the power of light and provide a controlled environment, these magnificent structures empower us to nurture life in all its splendor. Let the enchantment of greenhouses inspire you to embark on a journey of horticultural magnificence, where the impossible becomes possible, and the beauty of nature knows no bounds with the help of Clear Tarps and Sheeting.
Common Tarps and Sheeting used for Greenhouses
Various dependable products are available as Greenhouse Covers, ranging from Tarps to other types of Plastic Sheeting. These materials efficiently transmit light while providing crucial protection against rain, snow, wind, pests, and debris. They are not only cost-effective but also durable, transparent, waterproof, and treated with UV protection. Clear Tarp fabrics play a pivotal role in safeguarding plants within the greenhouse and preventing damage to the structure as a whole. Below is a compilation of commonly used clear tarps and greenhouse sheeting frequently utilized in greenhouse growing.
Clear Translucent Greenhouse Tarps and Greenhouse Sheeting
Greenhouse Tarps and Greenhouse Sheets are crafted from strong 10 Mil thick polyethylene fabric. This translucent clear material permits ample sunlight to reach plants while effectively shielding them from the elements. Featuring a 100 percent waterproof and UV ray treated construction, these Covers offer superb protection for both plants and the greenhouse structure. The poly material is engineered to maximize light saturation and minimize shadows, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Weighing just 5.7 ounces per square yard, these Tarps are easy to handle. To bolster their strength, the hems are reinforced with rope, and sturdy metal grommets (eyelets) are evenly spaced at 36-inch intervals along the entire perimeter. This facilitates easy and secure attachment of the tarps to the greenhouse or the surrounding area. Available in two popular sizes, 40' x 60' and 40' x 100', these Greenhouse Tarps accommodate common greenhouse designs. Additionally, the same high-quality polyethylene fabric is available in the form of Greenhouse Poly Sheets, which come in the same sizes but do not include grommets.
Poly Sheeting | Plastic Sheeting
Poly Sheeting, also known as Plastic Sheeting, is primarily designed for construction and industrial purposes, including enclosures and scaffolding, and is often used as a greenhouse covering. This material is available in clear and translucent colors and is typically manufactured in full rolls. It effectively allows sunlight to pass through. Greenhouse Poly Sheeting is made from polyethylene, a commonly used plastic formula, and is produced in different thicknesses such as 5 mil, 6 mil, and 10 mil. It is available in various widths, including 15', 20', and 40', with roll lengths of 100 and 200 feet. Additionally, options such as string reinforcement and flame retardant features are also offered.
Clear Vinyl Tarps
Clear Vinyl Tarps are crafted from crystal-clear material, ensuring exceptional visibility. Available in both 20 mil and 30 mil options, these Heavy Duty Tarps are ideal for use as greenhouse coverings. They boast outstanding durability while being waterproof and resistant to cold weather. Clear Vinyl Tarps also offer excellent protection against UV rays, tears, abrasions, chemicals, grease, and mildew. This combination of strength and clarity makes these clear coverings highly sought-after for a wide range of applications, including residential, agriculture, commercial, industrial, and transportation uses. For an added layer of protection, a fire retardant version is available for the 20 mil thickness.
Super Heavy Duty Clear Poly Tarps
Manufactured from robust 14 mil thick clear material, Super Heavy Duty Clear Poly Tarps feature reinforced white string for enhanced strength. While the fabric is not optically clear, it is translucent, allowing ample natural light to penetrate. This quality makes it an excellent option for Greenhouse Covers, fostering optimal growth conditions. These Super Heavy Duty Tarps are engineered to deliver comprehensive protection. With grommets strategically positioned 36 inches apart along the perimeter, they ensure a secure fit. Furthermore, these Covers are waterproof, UV resistant, and mildew resistant, guaranteeing maximum defense against the weather and other hazards.
Clear String Reinforced Poly Tarps
Clear String Reinforced Poly Tarps are a practical choice for greenhouse coverings. These Tarps are composed of three layers - two outer layers of polyethylene film laminated together with a middle layer of molten polyethylene. The middle layer contains a durable white diamond-shaped string reinforcement, providing additional strength. This style of Tarp is constructed using 7 ounces per square yard polyethylene fabric that is 10 mil thick. It offers waterproof, UV-resistant, and mildew-resistant properties, and features sturdy brass grommets evenly spaced every 24 inches along all four sides. While the material is translucent with a milky appearance and the presence of reinforced strings, it does not offer a completely clear view. However, it allows light to easily transmit into the greenhouse.
Mesh Tarps
Mesh Tarps and Shade Tarps are a popular choice for providing sun protection and shielding plants when direct sunlight is undesirable. They can be placed over roofs or attached underneath ceilings. These versatile Covers come in different shade percentages, ranging from 40 percent to 95 percent. Despite being lightweight, they are remarkably strong and can be effortlessly installed or removed within minutes. While they are not water-resistant due to their porous weave design, they can repel heavy rain. Mesh Tarps and Shade Tarps allow for airflow while offering resistance against UV rays, tears, and mildew. To ensure secure tie-down and installation in greenhouses, the Tarps are equipped with grommets in the hems on all four sides. Mesh and Shade Tarps are available in various options, including different colors that can complement the facility, surroundings, or branding.
Custom Tarps
When searching for a Greenhouse Tarp Cover, you will encounter a range of Clear and Mesh Shade Tarp options that can suit your needs. However, the standard sizes available may not be convenient or suitable for your specific setting. In such cases, it is possible to have Custom Tarps made to fit your desired dimensions or integrate unique features.
Greenhouse Fabric by the Yard and Roll
Clear Vinyl, Clear Poly, and Mesh Shade Fabrics are readily available for do-it-yourself projects or inventory needs. Many of these materials can be purchased by the yard or in rolls to allow you to purchase the exact amount you need.
The Major Benefits of Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting
Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting serves the purpose of allowing sunlight to enter while protecting the plants and everything else underneath, as well as regulating moisture inside. The following are the major benefits of these Greenhouse Tarps.
Moisture Control
Greenhouses aim to regulate moisture, preventing it from entering or leaving, and enabling growers to maintain optimal humidity levels. This is especially critical during colder months when greenhouses are heated. Two effective materials for controlling moisture and humidity in this context are Poly Sheeting and Tarps made from polyethylene or clear vinyl. Additionally, these products are completely waterproof, ensuring that the greenhouse remains protected from the damaging effects of heavy rain, snow, and unpredictable external humidity. This protection safeguards the valuable plants housed inside.
UV Ray Protection
The Tarps and Sheeting discussed in this article are crafted from Ultraviolet (UV) ray-treated polyethylene and clear vinyl fabric. These treatments enhance the covers' ability to resist the transmission of damaging UVA and UVB rays while still allowing ample nourishing sunlight for optimal plant growth. Moreover, the UV ray treatment applied to the Sheeting and Tarps safeguards the materials from weathering, ultimately prolonging their value.
Heat Transmission
Clear Tarps and Poly Sheeting provide excellent light transmission and also generate a slight amount of indoor heat. These polyethylene and clear vinyl products effectively maintain the climate and protect against temperature fluctuations. The Tarps and Sheeting greatly reduce heat transfer, a common issue associated with glass panels.
Affordability
Covering your greenhouse with Clear Tarps or Poly Sheeting is much more cost-effective than using glass panes. Additionally, it enables the use of a lighter frame, which can lead to further cost savings and improvements. If you need to replace any Tarps or Poly Sheeting, the cost will be only a fraction of what it would be to install new glass. You can see the extreme affordability through these Clear Covers.
Tips for Installing Greenhouse Tarps
Installing Greenhouse Poly Sheeting and Clear Tarps on greenhouses can be a basic process, with ease depending on the specific type and design of the structure. Usually, the Sheeting or Tarps are placed over the greenhouse framing and secured at the base on both sides. This can be accomplished by attaching them to furring strips, wood blocks, or other dependable supports, generating a secure hold for the Covers. Otherwise, strong plastic blocks, piping, or panels can be inserted at the base and connected to the frame for additional stability.
In many instances, greenhouse operators use flexible installation strategies to maintain humidity control. This involves the ability to easily pull up or detach the strips, allowing for quick ventilation or heat control by rolling up the Tarps or Sheeting along the base of the greenhouse.
It is important to point out that the mentioned installation techniques are only suggestions based on common procedures. It is advised to follow the instructions and designs provided by the manufacturer or designer of the greenhouse to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Maintaining Greenhouse Tarps
Maintaining and caring for Clear Tarps and Poly Sheeting is a simple task that requires regular monitoring to prevent any potential problems. Here are some tips for preserving and caring for your Greenhouse Covers.
Keeping Fastened
Make sure that the Greenhouse Tarps or Greenhouse Sheeting are securely fastened at every point of attachment across the greenhouse frame and structure. Loose Covers can lead to material issues and exert undue pressure on grommets or the cover's attachment spots. Additionally, unsecured material can disrupt humidity and heat control, potentially compromising the superior growing environment inside the greenhouse structure.
Repairs
Despite their durability and flexibility, Clear Vinyl and Poly Sheeting can occasionally suffer rips and tears. In the event this happens, a basic patch is often enough. Tarp Repair Tape, available in both Poly and Vinyl versions, can effectively seal these issues, preventing additional damage and restoring the proper functionality.
Replacement
Replacing damaged or weathered Clear Tarps or Sheets is a necessary, easy, and safe process. The replacement of Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting provides significant cost savings and convenience advantages over windows when compared to replacing glass panels.
Clean Greenhouse Covers
Dirt, grime, bird droppings, and tree branches can accumulate on Greenhouse Tarps and Greenhouse Sheeting, particularly noticeable with Clear Vinyl Tarps and Shade Tarps. To help address this, these Heavy Duty Tarps can be removed and washed properly with warm water and mild dish soap or dedicated Tarp Cleaners. As for the sheeting, it can be gently brushed or replaced if the dirt buildup becomes too much.
Tarps Now is Your Source for Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting
If you operate a greenhouse or are planning to build one, we recommend considering the installation of Clear Tarps or Plastic Sheeting around the structure. The mentioned materials facilitate the easy transmission of light while providing protection for both the greenhouse and the valuable plants it houses. When you choose to utilize these efficient and cost-effective Covers, Tarps Now is the premiere destination. As the ultimate source for Tarps and Sheeting, you can contact us at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and pleasant team members located at our Michigan headquarters are happy to assist you.
