If you are thinking of building or remodeling a Greenhouse, there is a wide range of materials available for use to confidently, easily, and cost effectively to cover these structures. Among these options, clear fabric Tarps and Sheeting have gained significant popularity. A Clear Tarp for Greenhouses offers numerous advantages for these structures and can be utilized with various Greenhouse designs. In this blog post, we will explore the different materials used in Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting / Poly Sheeting, discussing how they contribute to enhancing your planthouses. Additionally, we will delve into the benefits of incorporating Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting in Greenhouses, highlighting their growing popularity.
Greenhouses have stood the test of time, serving as structures designed to facilitate the growth of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants that thrive in protected environments with controlled temperatures. They play a vital role in agriculture, horticulture, botanical sciences, as well as for 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/Sheets to allow the essential transmission of natural light. Clear materials such as polyethylene and vinyl have emerged as cost sensitive, reliable, easy-to-use, durable, and safe options for enclosing Greenhouses.
When selecting Tarps for Greenhouse products, the choice of material is of utmost importance. Various options are available, but not all will suit your specific requirements. Clear Tarps are commonly made from either polyethylene or vinyl, with each material offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the appropriate material for your greenhouse applications.
Polyethylene, often referred to as Poly, is a popular type of plastic widely used in manufacturing Clear Carps. It is lightweight and durable, making it an excellent choice for greenhouses. However, it may not be as transparent as other materials, potentially limiting desired clear views.
Another prevalent option for Clear Tarps is vinyl. Clear Vinyl Tarps are more transparent than polyethylene being as clear as glass. As a result. Clear Vinyl is also a durable material that withstands adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, debris, UV rays, tears, and abrasions. While it remains relatively lightweight and easy to handle, it is slightly heavier and less pliable compared to poly fabric Tarps.
Regardless of the material you choose, Clear Tarps offer an ideal solution for allowing sunlight into your greenhouse while providing excellent protection for the plants. They are lightweight and easy to install, enabling you to set up your Greenhouse quickly. We appreciate your time in reading this article, and we hope it proves helpful in your research and purchasing decisions.
Extending The Value of Natural Light
Imagine a world where plants bask in an abundance of light, thriving and flourishing with vitality. It all begins with the fundamental element of plant growth - Sunlight. However, Mother Nature does not always provide the optimal conditions for plants to thrive. Enter the enchanting realm of greenhouses, where gardeners, producers, and researchers can nurture and protect their beloved botanical companions in a controlled environment that extends the growing season far beyond its normal natural boundaries.
Greenhouses are like magical gateways that allow us to bend the rules of nature, granting us the power to start growing earlier and continue long after the traditional growing season has come to a close. While the luxury of having greenhouse partitions made entirely of glass may be reserved for some, a vast majority of greenhouses are suited with alternatives such as Clear Tarps or Plastic Sheeting. These cost effective options not only make Greenhouse ownership more accessible but also offer a host of advantages over their glass counterparts.
Lightweight and malleable, These Clear Tarps and Plastic Sheeting make the process of Greenhouse cultivation a breeze. They allow for easy manipulation and provide a versatile canvas for growers to paint their horticultural dreams upon. The practicality of these materials is undeniable, as they offer a more economical choice without compromising on functionality. The burden of cost is lifted, making the art of Greenhouse gardening accessible to a wider audience.
The wonders of greenhouses extend far beyond financial considerations. These magnificent structures grant growers the power to cultivate seedlings that can later be transplanted into gardens, planters, or fields. By nurturing these delicate young plants in the sheltered haven of the greenhouse, costs are kept to a minimum while giving them a head start on life. They can grow stronger, more resilient, and ready to face the challenges of the outdoors.
Greenhouses also serve as havens for tropical and sensitive plants that would otherwise struggle during the harsh cold seasons and in certain climates. Like a protective cocoon, these structures shield these fragile botanical wonders from the biting winds and icy temperatures, ensuring their survival. Within the sanctuary of the Greenhouse, they can bask in the fostering sunlight, receiving the nourishment they need to flourish even when the outside conditions not accommodating.
So, 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 glory. Let the enchantment of Greenhouses inspire you to embark on a journey of horticultural splendor, where the impossible becomes possible, and the beauty of nature knows no bounds.
Popular Tarp Products utilized with Greenhouses
A selection of reliable products is accessible for Greenhouse Covers, including Tarps and other Sheeting. These materials effectively transmit light while offering essential safeguards against rain, snow, wind, pests, and debris. They are not only cost effective but also durable, clear, waterproof, and treated with UV protection. The Clear Tarp fabrics provide vital protection to the plants inside the Greenhouse and help prevent damage to the overall structure. Below is a list of commonly used Clear Tarps and Greenhouse Sheeting that are frequently employed in Greenhouse applications.
Clear Translucent Greenhouse Tarps and Greenhouse Sheets
Greenhouse Tarps and Greenhouse Sheets are created using durable 10 Mil thick polyethylene fabric. This material is translucent clear, allowing plenty of sunlight to reach the plants while effectively shielding them from the elements. With a waterproof and UV ray treated construction, these covers provide excellent protection for both the plants and the Greenhouse structure. The poly material is designed to maximize light saturation and minimize shadows, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Weighing only 5.7 ounces per square yard, these Tarps are easy to handle. To enhance 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 allows for easy and secure attachment of the Tarps to the greenhouse or the surrounding area. These Greenhouse Tarps are offered in two popular sizes, 40' x 60' and 40' x 100', to 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. The only difference is that the sheets do not include grommets for attachment.
Poly Sheeting / Plastic Sheeting
Poly Sheeting / Plastic Sheeting is designed primarily for construction and industrial purposes, including enclosures and scaffoldings. It is frequently employed as a covering for Greenhouses. This material is available in clear and translucent colors and is 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. In addition, options such as string reinforcement and flame retardant features are also available.
Clear Vinyl Tarps
Clear Vinyl Tarps are created with crystal-clear material that ensures exceptional visibility. Available in both 20 Mil and 30 Mil options, these Tarps are perfect for use as Greenhouse coverings. With their outstanding durability, they are waterproof and cold weather resistant. Clear Vinyl Tarps also provide excellent protection against UV rays, tears, abrasion, chemicals, grease, and mildew. The 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 offered for the 20 Mil thickness material.
Super Heavy Duty Clear Poly Tarps
Crafted from durable 14 Mil thick clear material, Super Heavy Duty Clear Poly Tarps boast reinforced white string for added strength. While the fabric is not optically clear, it is translucent, allowing ample natural light to permeate through. This feature makes it an ideal choice for greenhouse covers, as it supports optimal growth conditions. These Super Heavy Duty Clear Poly Tarps are designed to provide all-round protection. With grommets thoughtfully placed 36 inches apart around the edges, they offer a secure fit. Moreover, these covers are waterproof, UV resistant, and mildew resistant, ensuring the utmost protection against the elements.
Clear String Reinforced Poly Tarps
Clear String Reinforced Poly Tarps are a viable choice for Greenhouse coverings. These Tarps consist of three layers - two outer layers of polyethylene film, which are 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 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 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 provide a completely clear view. However, it allows light to easily transmit into the Greenhouse.
Mesh Tarps / Shade 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 are capable of repelling 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 covers 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
If you need a Greenhouse Tarp Cover, you may come across various Clear and Mesh Shade Tarp options that are suitable for the task. However, the standard sizes available might 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 incorporate unique features.
Greenhouse Fabric by the Yard or Roll
Clear and Mesh Shade Fabrics are readily accessible for Do It Yourself projects or for inventory needs. Many of these materials are available for purchase by the yard or rolls.
The Major Benefits of Greenhouse Tarps and Clear Covers
The purpose of Greenhouse Tarps and Clear Covers is to allow sunlight to come in and protect the plants and everything else underneath along with generating moisture control inside. To follow are the major benefits of these Greenhouse Tarps.
Moisture Control
One of the objectives of Greenhouses is to prevent any moisture from entering or leaving, allowing growers to maintain optimal humidity levels within the structure. This is particularly crucial during colder months when the 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. Also, these products are completely waterproof, ensuring that the Greenhouse remains shielded from the detrimental impact of heavy rain, snow, and unpredictable external humidity. This protection safeguards the valuable plants housed within.
Ultraviolet Ray Protection
The Tarps and Sheeting discussed in this blog are made of 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 usefulness.
Heat Transmission
Clear Tarps and Poly Sheeting offer superior light transmission while also generating a slight amount of heat indoors. These polyethylene and clear vinyl products effectively preserve the climate and safeguard against temperature fluctuations. They significantly reduce heat transfer, which is a common issue associated with glass panels.
Extremely Cost Effective
Using Clear Tarps or Poly Sheeting to cover your Greenhouse is significantly more cost effective than using glass panes. Moreover, it allows for the use of a lighter frame, which can result in additional 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.
Installation Tips for Greenhouse Tarps
Installing Greenhouse Poly Sheeting and Greenhouse Clear Tarps on Greenhouses can be a relatively straightforward process, with the ease depending on the specific type and design of the structure. Typically, the Sheeting or Tarps are draped over the greenhouse framing and secured at the base on both sides. This can be achieved by attaching them to furring strips, wood blocks, or other suitable supports, ensuring a secure hold for the covers. Alternatively, strong plastic blocks, piping, or panels may be inserted at the base and connected to the frame for added stability.
In some cases, greenhouse operators employ flexible installation methods 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 note that the mentioned installation techniques are merely suggestions based on common procedures. It is strongly advised to adhere to the instructions and designs provided by the manufacturer or designer of the Greenhouse to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Taking Care of Your Greenhouse Tarps
Maintaining and caring for Clear Tarps and Poly Sheeting is a basic task that requires regular monitoring to prevent any potential problems. Her are some tips in maintaining and looking after your Greenhouse covers.
Keeping Attached
Ensure that the Greenhouse Tarps or Sheeting are securely fastened at every point of attachment across the Greenhouse frame and structure. Loose covers can result in material problems and exert undue pressure on grommets or the Cover's attachment points. Moreover, unsecured material can disrupt humidity and heat control, potentially compromising the optimal growing environment within the Greenhouse facility.
Repairs
While Clear Vinyl and Poly materials are known for their durability and flexibility, occasional rips and tears can occur. In such cases, a simple patch is usually sufficient. Clear Repair Tape, available in both Poly and Vinyl versions, can effectively seal these problems, ensuring that further damage is prevented.
Replacing
Replacing damaged or weathered Tarps or Sheeting is a necessary yet simple and safe process. Replacement of Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting offering a significant advantage over windows in terms of cost and convenience when compared to replenishing glass panels.
Cleaning Your Greenhouse Tarps
The accumulation of dirt, grime, bird droppings, and tree branches can gather on the Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting. This is especially noticeable with Clear Vinyl Tarps and Shade Tarps. To address this, these Heavy Duty Tarps can be detached and washed thoroughly using warm water and mild dish soap or dedicated Tarp Cleaners. As for the sheeting, it can be gently brushed or replaced if the amount of dirt becomes excessive.
It is Clear that Tarps Now is your Source for Greenhouse Tarps and Sheeting
If you own a Greenhouse or are planning to construct one, we recommend considering the installation of Clear Tarps or Poly Sheeting around the structure. These 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 ultimate destination. As the premier source for Tarps and Sheeting, we can be contacted by telephone at (888) 800-1383. Alternatively, you can reach us conveniently via email at sales@tarpsnow.com. Our friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced team members located at our Michigan headquarters will be delighted to assist you.
