Yet ANOTHER question ...sorry !!!

[bradlo]

Would there be any problem/advantage/disadvantage in replacing any broken glass panels with polycarbonate ones?
and how do they compare in price etc! Sorry about ll the questions, but I am on a steep learning curve here!

[chris]

Don't apologise for asking questions!

Polycarb is cheaper than glass (in most cases) - it's easier to cut down to size for starters - its deemed safer in some views.

You can get the double skinned type too, which will help insulate better in winter. The light passing through it is cut down, but that can also be an advantage as quite often the first thing people do when they get a new greenhouse is put shading up all over the glass!

It's much lighter than glass, so you'll need to make sure that your greenhouse is properly secured to the floor that it's resting on - in heavy gales you could see your greenhouse decide to uproot and leave! They do blow out a lot easier, so quite a lot of people silicone them in.

Glass wise - you'll need to either cut the glass yourself, or find a glazer that can do it for you. Glass is more expensive, especially if you go for toughened glass... it breaks if you drop it (though, that said I dropped 3 panes of mine, and they didn't break! I've had my toddler bang them with bricks too (it's toughened) but a swift clip around the ear 'ole sort that out! ).

Other than that, bar the looks if you want to save money, go for it

[Potstubsdustbins]

Single skin poly is very susceptible to blowing out of the frame due to its flexibility. My GH is glazed in double skin 4mm poly fixed with glazing sealant and I have no problems.

Having said that I am not sure that double skin poly is much cheaper than glass.

Colin

[Alison]

I've always had standard glass in mine and had no problems with breakages etc (apart from when we dropped one during initial assembly 10+ years ago). The main reason I know that people go with poly is safety of there are kids about - is this true for you or is it a price thing?

[bradlo]

It was really just a general question..."happily" my kids have left home...and to be fair I don't plan to break too many when I move my new greenhouse (well previously owned but new to me!)
Thanks for your prompt and helpful replies...what a great site this is !!!!

[endymion]

Sorry about all the questions, but I am on a steep learning curve here!

There's nothing wrong with asking questions, especially as there's always at least one person who can help, and even more people who might want to know just the same as you.

[taff]

if you get in touch with local firms, they can probably supply you with glass far cheaper than 5 quid a pane. Here i can get it for 2 quid a pane, from a local firm.
I'ge with glass rather than polycarbonate because of the popping out in the wind thing, and you live in south wales, it's very windy in some places, especially in the valleys bits.

[Nicos]

Gosh- I've no idea how to reply to your question....answer away...there must be loads of us interested in the replies!!

( and welcome to the Vine! )

[j r hilton]

I have had glass in mine for nearly twenty years and only had to replace probably half a dozen panes in that time mostly due to my own carelessness. glass lets more light through lasts for years and doesn't blow out.

[welshleek]

You do not have to cut greenhouse glass, it is already cut to size after manufacture. Make sure you ask for 'horticultural glass', slightly lower quality and therefore much cheaper.

Don't apologise for asking questions!

Polycarb is cheaper than glass (in most cases) - it's easier to cut down to size for starters - its deemed safer in some views.

You can get the double skinned type too, which will help insulate better in winter. The light passing through it is cut down, but that can also be an advantage as quite often the first thing people do when they get a new greenhouse is put shading up all over the glass!

It's much lighter than glass, so you'll need to make sure that your greenhouse is properly secured to the floor that it's resting on - in heavy gales you could see your greenhouse decide to uproot and leave! They do blow out a lot easier, so quite a lot of people silicone them in.

Glass wise - you'll need to either cut the glass yourself, or find a glazer that can do it for you. Glass is more expensive, especially if you go for toughened glass... it breaks if you drop it (though, that said I dropped 3 panes of mine, and they didn't break! I've had my toddler bang them with bricks too (it's toughened) but a swift clip around the ear 'ole sort that out! ).

Other than that, bar the looks if you want to save money, go for it

[Aberdeenplotter]

All greenhouse glass is not the same size and sometimes it does need to be cut. I know, I've cut more than I would ever have wished to