Greenhouse structures made of polycarbonate replaced the traditional film and glass structures. The new material provided a number of advantages, including a unique combination of light transmission and coating strength. Polycarbonate is also characterized by mechanical flexibility, which simplifies its processing and installation operations in general. A continuation of the concept of such structures was the reinforced greenhouse, a photo of which is presented below. In this case, emphasis is also placed on strengthening the frame base due to high-strength metal profiles.
Features of Reinforced Greenhouses
The strengthening function is assigned to galvanized frames. Usually a U-shaped profile is used in different sizes. For example, the cross section averages 20 x 30-40 mm. The length of the structure can reach 5 m, if we are talking about private farms. The material from which the reinforced polycarbonate greenhouses are made in part of the basic design is also important. Steel is most often used, and manufacturers complete the most expensive assemblies with metal of the first grade. This solution guarantees a high degree of reliability of the frame.
At the same time, ensuring resistance to wind and precipitation is impossible without the use of appropriate connecting fittings. This task in most cases is performed by steel inserts. Depending on the general parameters with which the reinforced greenhouse is designed, profiles of different shapes can be used. In addition to the U-shaped profile, for example, pipes and square frames are also found. However, they make the construction heavier and are suitable only if a full-fledged building foundation is laid. On the other hand, thick polycarbonate requires a high load-bearing capacity, which corresponds to closed profiles.
Reinforced greenhouse assembly
Regardless of the characteristics of the profile elements, installation operations begin with the construction of the foundation. You can use tape or column technology - this choice will determine how to implement the main load-bearing elements in the basis of the greenhouse. This can be either a recess in concrete or fixing metal racks with fasteners. Already in the basic configuration, the reinforced greenhouse has a set of hardware for the implementation of the connection. The assembly may include the mentioned inserts that increase the reliability of the fixation nodes. Also, manufacturers provide technological grooves in the frames themselves.
By the way, the U-shaped profile in terms of installation is the most reliable, as it provides the most dense mixing of the two elements. The user only needs to use the carpentry tool and twist the provided hardware into the corresponding niches. At this stage, the accuracy of the calculations is especially important. Further, the fixing of polycarbonate sheets is provided. They cover the steel frame, securing through the same holes. In this case, it is especially important to correctly use the sealing pads, which will protect high-strength plastic from damage at the junction with metal frames.
Additional equipment
Basic kits usually include two window leaves and a pair of doors providing entry from opposite sides. As an addition, you can use engineering support in the form of ventilation, lighting and heating systems. Since the reinforced structure expands the possibilities of its operation in the winter, it will be useful to provide it with a thermal heat accumulator. Thanks to such equipment, a reinforced greenhouse will provide plants with energy that accumulates during the day. Next, the battery converts the accumulated potential into heat.
Positive feedback on reinforced greenhouses
Such designs can be attributed to full-fledged farm facilities, but among their owners there are many ordinary summer residents and gardeners. Most of them emphasize the reliability of the frame, so that the plants are protected from rain and wind gusts. The advantages of buildings include the possibility of increasing the area. This will require only a few simple manipulations with the dismantling and subsequent integration of additional components in the form of polycarbonate sheets and profiles. But this is not all the advantages that a reinforced greenhouse has. Reviews indicate that a robust frame allows you to use electrical equipment in the form of the same lighting and heating systems without risks.
Negative reviews
If ordinary film greenhouses based on aluminum and wood can be installed directly in the ground, polycarbonate with metal frames requires an initial foundation. Users note the possibility of acquiring good-quality ready-made basics. But they significantly increase the overall cost of the facility. Many also point to the fact that a reinforced greenhouse is potentially prone to burning. Polycarbonate has this disadvantage. Another unpleasant feature of such structures is also noted here. The fact is that the steel frame base can be covered only with polycarbonate. Glass in it is impractical to use because of fragility, and the film does not require high load-bearing capacity.
Conclusion
Installation operations, coupled with considerable cost, nevertheless limit the circle of fans of the reinforced greenhouse design. Nevertheless, for avid summer residents who have big plans for growing heat-loving crops, the presence of such an object on the site is a necessity. Correctly mounted reinforced polycarbonate greenhouses allow you to engage in crop production all year round. In the summer, polycarbonate provides all the advantages of traditional designs, including light scattering and ventilation. In winter, the climate control will be performed by special equipment in the form of thermal units and lighting and irrigation systems.