Durability of Polycarbonite Greenhouses

[yfs1]

Hello All,

Every year I take it up a a step when it comes to having a greenhouse/cold frame etc solution.

The first year was one of those plastic 4x6 greenhouses with thin tubing - Worked a treat for a month or two until a big gust of wind flipped it several times, bending it completely.

Second year was low profile (but fairly cheap) cold frames from Lidl - Almost lasted the whole season before the wind killed them.

I am now considering a larger investment of a Polycarbonite Greenhouse ( like this)

How durable are these?

Is real glass the only solution?

I would spend the extra on the glass but the shipping is what kills me (Im in ROI).

Thanks

 

[merlin50]

its got to be glass, polycarbonate will bend and pop out.

 

[yfs1]

I'm coming to terms with that reality

I have found a place that has the option for polycarbonite or toughened glass and I can get them to ship up to someone I know in the North.

They are a reseller of "Simplicity" Greenhouses (Looking at the Stafford or Classic)

Anyone have any experience with that brand? Looks far more durable (plus the glass) and is prob a good investment at around £150 more than the cheap poly version.

 

[merlin50]

just make sure its fixed down, i use concrete blocks as a base and screw it to the blocks. no need for the toughened glass, greenhouse glass is fine.

 

[yfs1]

How breakable is horticultural glass? Would an errant football easily shatter it?

 

[merlin50]

yes it will smash it

 

[yfs1]

With a 15 month old ended up going with the toughened. Really glad I went with a higher quality greenhouse - Was wondering around B&Q and a local garden center at the weekend - both had the cheaper poly greenhouses on display.

Was a windy day and the panels were coming out of the displays (Plus the overall construction was a bit cheap).

Went with a Green Vitavia Venus (6x6) - Can't wait until it arrives.