When to Replace Greenhouse Cladding: A Complete Guide for Commercial Growers

Your greenhouse cladding protects crops from weather while letting in sunlight. Knowing when to replace greenhouse cladding saves money and keeps plants healthy. Old cladding reduces light, wastes energy, and lowers yields. Your greenhouse is an investment requiring proper greenhouse maintenance for plant health and productivity. Ruthven Greenhouse Construction helps commercial growers in Leamington and Windsor-Essex County decide when to replace greenhouse covering.

How Long Does Greenhouse Cladding Last?

Each material has a different lifespan. Understanding materials for greenhouse construction helps you make informed decisions. Glass lasts decades. Poly films and plastic sheeting need more frequent replacement.

Quality materials cost more upfront but extend their lifespan. UV-resistant films resist sun damage better. Consider when choosing greenhouse materials your crops, budget, weather conditions, and ease of installation.

Replacement Timeline by Material Type

Glass Cladding

Expected Lifespan: Decades (possibly lifetime with good care)

Glass provides the longest service life of any greenhouse glazing material. Best greenhouse glass resists UV damage and stays clear over time. Glass panels offer high light transmission for photosynthesis and healthy plant growth.

Frame condition matters more than glass itself. Replace broken panes immediately. Check glazing seals regularly to maintain insulation and the integrity of the greenhouse structure.

Polycarbonate Panels

Expected Lifespan: 10-20 years

Polycarbonate sheet materials offer good durability and thermal insulation. High-quality polycarbonate panels with UV coating last up to 10 years or longer. Multi-wall polycarbonate, also known as twinwall polycarbonate, provides superior light diffusion compared to single-wall options. These poly panels resist yellowing and maintain light levels better over time.

Polycarbonate for greenhouse applications weighs less than glass but provides high impact resistance. The cellular structure works like bubble wrap, trapping air for excellent heat retention. Wall polycarbonate costs more than film but less than glass. Quality polycarbonate sheets justify higher prices through longer service life and better thermal insulation. These materials are easy to cut and handle during installation.

Polyethylene Film

Expected Lifespan: 1-8 years (4-6 years typical for 6-mil UV film)

Polyethylene film costs less but needs frequent replacement. Six-mil UV-stabilized poly film typically lasts 4 to 6 years. Understanding different greenhouse plastic options helps you choose the right replacement.

Film works well in moderate climates for commercial greenhouses and home greenhouses. Strong winds like during a wind storm shorten film life. Film offers good ease of installation for greenhouse kit projects.

PVC, Fiberglass, and Woven Polyethylene

Expected Lifespan: PVC 5-10 years, Fiberglass 10-20 years, Woven 4-8 years

PVC becomes brittle with sun exposure. Fiberglass panels offer good durability for various types of greenhouse structures. Fiberglass provides a common greenhouse choice for mid-range durability. Woven polyethylene suits specific budgets.

Local weather affects how long these materials for greenhouse covering last. They offer a middle ground between film and polycarbonate sheet options.

Warning Signs Your Cladding Needs Replacement

Watch for these signs of wear that indicate you need new panels or greenhouse glazing:

Light transmission problems:

• Yellow or cloudy material that blocks sunlight and reduces the amount of light
• Dirt or mold buildup that cleaning cannot remove
• Plants showing signs of insufficient light affecting how plants grow

Physical damage:

• Tears, holes, or cracks in the material from wear and tear
• Drafts and temperature swings inside the greenhouse
• Entry points for pests and diseases

Material breakdown:

• Brittle or stiff material that cracks easily
• Warped or deformed sections
• Material shatters under normal stress

Constant repairs:

• Frequent patching of small problems
• Repair costs adding up quickly
• Multiple damaged areas across the greenhouse

Light Transmission Issues

Plants need specific light wavelengths to grow. Yellow or cloudy cladding blocks essential light. Reduced light transmission directly affects plant health and the productivity of your plants.

Check light levels regularly to monitor greenhouse performance. Poor transmission reduces yields and increases energy costs per square foot of growing space.

Physical Damage Problems

Tears and cracks let cold air in and warm air out. Materials that retain heat properly protect crops. Small holes allow pests and disease entry.

Wind and snow make small damage worse quickly. Patches perform poorly compared to intact material. Damaged sections compromise the life of your greenhouse.

Material Brittleness

Brittle cladding means UV damage has broken down the material. Test flexibility during inspections by gently bending a section. Material that cracks with slight pressure needs replacement soon.

Stiff or warped cladding cannot handle normal weather and poses safety risks during storms or heavy snow.

Frequent Repairs

Constant patching means widespread material failure. Labor costs for repeated repairs add up fast. New cladding eliminates ongoing maintenance and performs better.

Add up repair costs over one season. Frequent repairs signal time for complete replacement.

Best Time to Replace Cladding

Choose spring or fall for replacement based on best practices. Timing affects ease of installation and your greenhouse needs during peak seasons.

Fall Replacement

Fall installation gives maximum light during winter months when plants need all available sunlight. New panels or greenhouse glazing also insulate properly before cold weather. Proper heat retention during winter protects crops and reduces energy costs.

Moderate fall temperatures make installation easier. You also have time to fix structural issues before spring.

Spring Replacement

Spring replacement prepares your greenhouse for peak growing season. Fresh material captures maximum sunlight when plants need it most.

Schedule early spring work before planting begins. Late spring installation may disrupt operations during critical production times.

Weather Considerations

Many materials need specific temperatures for proper installation. Wind makes handling large panels or film sheets dangerous.

Ruthven Greenhouse Construction schedules installations to avoid weather problems and minimize disruption.

How Cladding Affects Your Crops and Energy Costs

Old cladding reduces light reaching plants. Even small reductions affect growth and yields. Poor insulation increases energy bills significantly. The right choice for greenhouse cladding directly impacts productivity and profitability.

New cladding restores proper growing conditions immediately. Better insulation and light transmission increase yields and lower costs. Choosing the right greenhouse covering improves plant health and efficiency for commercial greenhouses.

Inspection and Maintenance

Inspect cladding twice yearly, before and after winter. Look for issues that affect how panels last:

• Discoloration or yellowing
• Cracks, tears, or holes from wear and tear
• Material becoming brittle or warped
• Dirt, algae, or mineral deposits

Clean surfaces regularly. Take photos to track changes. Address problems immediately. Regular maintenance helps extend their lifespan and protects the integrity of the greenhouse. Understanding factors to consider when choosing replacement materials helps you prepare for upgrades.

Why Use Professional Installation

Professional contractors spot problems you might miss and understand best materials and best practices for different types of greenhouse structures. Experienced crews complete work faster with less disruption.

Professional installation ensures warranty coverage and proper techniques for all materials, from glass to polycarbonate greenhouse systems. Experts recommend the right choice for greenhouse applications.

Ruthven Greenhouse Construction brings decades of experience to every project in Windsor-Essex County. We work with all greenhouse plastic options, fiberglass, and polycarbonate sheet materials for greenhouse kit installations and custom builds.

Making Your Replacement Decision

When to replace greenhouse cladding depends on material condition, crop needs, and costs. Don’t wait for complete failure. Plan ahead to schedule work during good weather and slow periods.

Calculate the real cost of delaying replacement including lost yields, higher energy bills, and repairs. Modern materials often pay for themselves through better performance.

Get Expert Help for Your Greenhouse

Ruthven Greenhouse Construction specializes in cladding replacement for commercial operations in Leamington and Windsor-Essex County. Our experienced team helps you determine when to replace greenhouse cladding based on your needs. We install all major cladding materials and work efficiently to minimize downtime.

Contact Ruthven Greenhouse Construction today for professional evaluation of your current systems for retrofits and maintenance. We provide clear assessments and honest recommendations. Let our expertise help you maintain optimal growing conditions and protect your investment.