I am often asked - "which is better for me to use, Solexx or polycarbonate". There are several distinct differences between these two materials. They are both a plastic material. Solexx is polyethylene and polycarbonate is polycarbonate. Both are available as twinwall materials - although they are different thicknesses.
· Cost - Solexx is typically the best material for smaller projects (under 500 square foot of material to be used) due to the fact that it can be rolled and shipped by UPS or FedEx. It is softer than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate sheets must be shipped flat in a wood crate that is built for each shipment. It must be shipped on a truck line. There will be considerable differences in the shipping charges. Also, Solexx is typically less expensive per square foot.
· Warranty - Both materials have a ten year warranty. They are comparable in time, but will have slight differences. It is best to refer to the specific warranties for more information.
· UV protection - both will have UV protection. For Solexx the UV protection will be added as the plastic is processed and is not a coating. On polycarbonate the UV protection is co- extruded. In other words it is applied as the polycarbonate is being manufactured.
· Thickness - Solexx is available in 3.5mm or 5mm. Polycarbonate is available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 16mm and 25mm. For reference, 10mm is about 3/8". Solexx is always a twinwall material. Some polycarbonate sheets will be triplewall and may even have as many as 6 walls.
· Specialty sheets - Solexx is available in just one configuration. There are many polycarbonate specialty sheets available such as, Polycoolite, Polymatte, Lexan Thermoclear Plus, Lexan Thermoclear Plus Softlite, etc. These all have different attributes such as diffused light, blocking undesirable parts of the light spectrum, etc. It is best to study each of these on an individual basis.
· R Value - Solexx 3.5mm has an R value of 2.1 and the 5mm has an R value of 2.3. The 6mm clear polycarbonate sheets will typically have an R value of 1.6 which will increase with the thicknesses of the sheets. This is dependent upon the manufacturer of the sheets.
· Diffused light - Solexx will give 72 - 77% diffused light. Lexan Thermoclear Plus Softlite will give 100% light transmission with 79% diffused light.
· Cutting sheets - Solexx may be cut with a utility knife. Polycarbonate sheets must be cut with some type of power saw, such as a jigsaw or a circular saw.
Both materials are excellent greenhouse glazing materials. Which one to use should be made on a project to project basis.
Tammy Wylie has been selling and installing greenhouses since 1993. She currently owns two greenhouses personally. A smaller 8 x 12 is used to overwinter plants. Her 18 x 24 greenhouse is used to start vegetables, herbs and annual flowers. She also tests new products in this greenhouse and evaluates them for efficiency and user friendliness. She is the owner of http://advancegreenhouses.com. For more information on these products, visit this page.
http://www.advancegreenhouses.com/Polycarbonate%20Sheets%20from%20Advance%20Greenhouses.htm
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