What are the Plastic Covering Options for a Hoop House?

When building a hoop house, choosing the right plastic covering is essential for creating a suitable environment for your plants. Different plastic types offer various levels of insulation, light transmission, and durability. Here are the main plastic covering options you can use for a hoop house:

1. Polyethylene Plastic (PE)

• Commonly Used: The most popular choice for hoop houses.

• Types:

  • Thickness refers to the durability e.g. 0.2mm; thicker plastic lasts longer and provides better insulation.

  • UV-Treated (UV Stabilized): This type is treated to resist UV radiation, which can degrade plastic over time. UV-treated plastic usually lasts 3 to 4 years, making it more durable than untreated varieties.

• Light Transmission: Transmits about 85-90% of sunlight, ideal for plant growth.

• Temperature Control: Good for trapping heat during the day and retaining warmth at night.

• Pros:

  • Affordable and widely available.

  • Good balance of light transmission and insulation.

  • Available in different sizes and thicknesses.

• Cons:

  • Can be prone to tearing in high winds.

  • May degrade after a few years, especially if not UV-treated.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film

• Durability: Much stronger and longer-lasting than polyethylene. It can last up to 5 years with proper maintenance.

• Light Transmission: Transmits 85-90% of sunlight, similar to polyethylene.

• Pros:

  • Strong and durable, especially resistant to tearing and punctures.

  • Retains heat well, ideal for colder climates.

  • Better resistance to UV degradation compared to untreated polyethylene.

• Cons:

  • More expensive than polyethylene.

  • Not as widely available as PE.

  • Can become brittle in extreme cold.

3. Greenhouse Polycarbonate Panels

• Structure: Instead of flexible plastic film, polycarbonate panels are rigid and provide excellent insulation.

• Durability: Extremely durable and long-lasting, often up to 10 years or more.

• Light Transmission: Transmits about 80-90% of light.

• Insulation: Offers excellent thermal insulation, reducing heating needs.

• Pros:

  • Highly durable and weather-resistant.

  • Good thermal retention, particularly useful in cold regions.

  • Long lifespan, sometimes lasting over a decade.

• Cons:

  • Much more expensive than plastic sheeting.

  • Difficult to work with for smaller or portable hoop houses.

4. Polypropylene (Row Cover Fabric)

• Purpose: Often used for pest control rather than for heat retention.

• Light Transmission: Allows about 70-80% of light through.

• Breathability: Allows airflow and moisture exchange, which is beneficial for avoiding overheating and excess humidity.

• Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle.

  • Protects plants from insects and mild frost.

  • No risk of overheating plants on sunny days.

• Cons:

  • Doesn’t retain as much heat as plastic coverings.

  • Less durable in strong winds or storms.

5. Reinforced Polyethylene (RPE)

• Strength: A more durable and tear-resistant version of standard polyethylene plastic, often reinforced with mesh or fibers.

• Light Transmission: Similar to standard PE, around 85-90%.

• Durability: Resistant to tears, punctures, and weather damage. Often lasts 4-6 years.

• Pros:

  • Excellent strength and durability.

  • UV resistance and long lifespan.

  • Handles wind and snow loads better than standard polyethylene.

• Cons:

  • More expensive than standard polyethylene.

  • Slightly reduced flexibility compared to thinner plastics.

6. Bubble Wrap Plastic

• Insulation: Provides superior insulation by trapping air in bubbles, making it excellent for overwintering plants in colder climates.

• Light Transmission: Typically lower than clear plastics, around 50-75%.

• Pros:

  • Great for retaining heat during winter.

  • Lightweight and easy to handle.

• Cons:

  • Not suitable for year-round use, as it reduces light transmission.

  • Less durable in wind or rain unless reinforced.

7. Infrared (IR) Plastic Film

• Special Feature: Designed to trap infrared radiation, helping to retain more heat at night, thus reducing the need for supplemental heating.

• Durability: Similar to regular polyethylene but with added infrared-blocking properties.

• Light Transmission: High, similar to standard polyethylene (around 85-90%).

• Pros:

  • Great for climates with extreme temperature fluctuations.

  • Reduces nighttime heat loss, cutting down on heating costs.

• Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than standard polyethylene.

Key Considerations:

• Durability: Thicker or reinforced plastics last longer but may cost more.

• UV Resistance: UV-treated plastics last longer when exposed to sunlight.

• Light Transmission: Depending on the plants you're growing, you may want more or less light entering the hoop house.

• Cost: Polyethylene is the most affordable, while polycarbonate panels are more expensive but extremely durable.

Each plastic covering option offers unique benefits, so your choice depends on the climate, your budget, and the specific plants you're growing.