Greenhouse Glass

Greenhouses have long been an integral part of both agriculture and hobby gardening. Essentially a building constructed almost entirely from glass, a greenhouse is designed to let in as much natural light, including UV and infrared radiation, as possible. This creates what’s known as the “greenhouse effect,” wherein light and heat energy build up in a space and are trapped there, producing an interior climate that is several degrees warmer than outdoors and thus facilitates the growth of plants that would not normally thrive in a given regional climate.

Single-pane glass is usually suitable for smaller, private greenhouses or backyard sunrooms and atriums. Single pane glass absorbs and re-radiates heat into the greenhouse space, and glass panes with a passive low-e coating may be used to prevent heat loss at night and in colder months, keeping the greenhouse space warm enough to support healthy plant growth. With single-pane clear glass that allows almost all visible and UV light into a space, home growers can gather as much sunlight as required, or adjust as desired using shades.

Double-pane greenhouse glass provides a slightly lower percentage of light transmission, but a more reliable level of heat gain, making it useful for larger growing projects, especially for plants that require a warm or humid climate. In a double-pane glass greenhouse, manufacturers may use low-e coatings on one or both panes to adjust the level of heat loss and UV emissivity.

Since both the walls and ceiling of a greenhouse are constructed from glass, it’s important to use a durable product with appropriate strength ratings. Tempered and laminated glass is often used in greenhouse applications; however, recent trends have also led to the inclusion of low-e and insulated glass to optimize crop yields.