Replacement glass for greenhouse roof - options

[Churchyard Yew]

Well, the weight of the snow on my aging 12x8 greenhouse was too much for some of the glass panes. Several are cracked and need replacing. I am considering replacing the whole of the roof glass as I have quite a few leaks where the original seals have now perished and are letting water in.

I am considering using twinwall polycarbonate rather than glass as a replacement option. I have used it before at a previous property for coldframe covers, I remember it was ok but eventually became mossy inside and reduced the amount of light getting to the plants. Maybe a solid sheet of polycarbonate would be better?

Anyone care to share experience and knowledge on this topic please.

Assuming good quality materials that contain UV stabilisers, longevity should not be a problem when compared to glass.

Thanks

Martin

[WendyC]

Can I ask why you are hesitating about replacing the glass with glass? Was it horticultural glass as my greenhouse is toughened glass and I've never had a problem.

[Churchyard Yew]

Hi Wendy,

I inherited the greenhouse when we purchased the property. Thus, cannot be sure whether it is standard glass or horticultural. I am only questioning replacing glass with polycarbonate because it would be easier to handle.

Martin

[veggiechicken]

I may be wrong but toughened glass doesn't crack - it shatters (like windscreens). So if its cracked glass it could be either standard window or horticultural (with imperfections) glass - its doesn't really matter - its still cracked glass.

[Two_Sheds]

I am only questioning replacing glass with polycarbonate because it would be easier to handle.

It's not as good though, and you'll have to be replacing it again in a few years. You can pick up odd panes of glass on Freegle and possibly eBay (you can place want ads or alerts for these).

I got rid of a whole shed full of various sized glass panes, it's the kind of thing people have in their shed and don't know what to do with.