Quality Standards in Greenhouse Materials

Investing in a greenhouse is not a short-term trading venture; it is the process of establishing a factory expected to remain standing and productive for decades. The efficiency and longevity of this factory depend on one single thing: The quality of the materials used.

There are countless greenhouse materials on the market that look alike on the outside but have vast differences in terms of performance and lifespan. So, how can you distinguish quality material

Greenhouse quality is measured under two main headings using standards proven in laboratory environments. Here is what you need to pay attention to:

1. Construction (Frame) Quality: The Backbone of the Greenhouse

The skeleton of the greenhouse is the load-bearing section, much like the foundation of a building. It determines whether the structure can withstand harsh greenhouse conditions.

Corrosion Resistance Test (Salt Spray Test)

The greenhouse environment is extremely humid and, due to the fertilizers/pesticides used, possesses a corrosive nature. A frame with low resistance will begin to rot within a few years, putting the greenhouse at risk of collapse.

Mechanical Strength and Load Capacity (Snow/Wind)

Your greenhouse must be designed with static calculations to withstand the harshest winter conditions and most severe storms in your region. A greenhouse that collapses under snow load or bends in the wind means the loss of the entire investment.

Galvanized Coating Thickness Standards

The armor that protects the steel from rust is the zinc (galvanized) coating on it. A thin coating loses its function in a short time; however, hot-dip galvanization that complies with standards can protect the greenhouse for 20 years or more.

2. Covering Material (Plastic/Polycarbonate) Quality

The Plant’s Shield

The covering material must protect the plant from external factors while admitting sunlight in the most efficient way possible.
UV Resistance and Lifespan Test: The biggest enemy of plastic materials is the sun (UV rays). A cover with low UV resistance effectively "cooks" in a short time and becomes unusable.
Light Transmission and Diffusion Rate: In greenhouse farming, light is everything.

Total Light Transmission

Indicates what percentage of the light the plant needs for photosynthesis actually enters inside.

Diffusion (Light Scattering) Rate

Determines whether the incoming light enters directly or is refracted. High-diffusion covers spread light to every point of the greenhouse, reducing shadow areas and preventing plants from burning.

Tear and Impact Resistance Tests: 

The covering material must be resistant to tension during installation, hail precipitation, or bird impacts.