Why Do Nebraska Growers Choose Polycarbonate Glazing for Greenhouses

Nebraska growers face a wide range of climatic challenges: cold, dry winters with snow and ice; hot, often arid summers; strong winds; and frequent hail. Those conditions shape the choice of greenhouse glazing. Polycarbonate has become a common answer across Nebraska for hobbyists, commercial vegetable operations, nurseries, and controlled-environment growers. This article explains why polycarbonate glazing is often chosen, examines material and performance specifics, and offers concrete, practical recommendations for growers in the Cornhusker State.

Nebraska climate and greenhouse requirements

Nebraska sits in the continental climate belt. Winters bring sustained low temperatures and significant snow loads in many areas. Severe thunderstorms and hail are regular threats in spring and summer. Solar angles change dramatically between summer and winter, so a glazing system must support both maximum winter light capture and summer heat control.
These conditions translate into practical requirements for greenhouse glazing:

• impact resistance to survive hail and debris,
• improved thermal performance to reduce heating costs in winter,
• adequate light transmission and desirable light diffusion for crop development,
• wind resistance and dimensional stability under thermal stress,
• long service life with low maintenance in a harsh weather environment.

Polycarbonate addresses these requirements in ways that many growers find superior to simple polyethylene film or single-pane glass.

What is polycarbonate glazing?

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer produced in rigid sheet form. It is available as single-sheet (solid) panels or as structured multiwall (twin-wall, triple-wall, or more) panels. Manufacturers add UV-stable coatings on the exposed surface to prevent yellowing and material degradation.
Multiwall polycarbonate consists of two or more parallel sheets connected by internal ribs to create air channels. These channels create an insulating layer that reduces heat transfer compared with single-sheet glazing.
Common panel thicknesses used in horticulture include 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 16 mm (and thicker in some specialty panels). The choice of thickness and panel structure affects light transmission, insulation, weight, and cost.

Key performance advantages for Nebraska growers

1) Impact resistance and hail survival

Nebraska storms often include hailstones large enough to dent or shatter glass. Polycarbonate is highly impact resistant. It will flex to absorb impacts that would catastrophically break glass. This reduces downtime, crop damage, and repair costs after storms.
For growers in hail-prone counties, this is often the single most valuable advantage. Polycarbonate panels usually remain serviceable after impacts that would require glass replacement.

2) Insulation and energy savings

The air channels in multiwall polycarbonate give it much better insulating properties than single-pane glass or unheated polyethylene film. During cold spells the multiwall structure reduces convective and conductive heat loss, lowering heating energy demand and reducing temperature swings overnight.
In practical terms:

• choose thicker, multiwall panels for structures that need winter heating efficiency,
• use higher cell-count panels (e.g., 8 mm to 16 mm multiwall) on walls and roofs in colder climates,
• combine polycarbonate glazing with thermal screens or insulating curtains to multiply the energy savings.

Insulation reduces operating costs and improves crop consistency through more stable temperatures.

3) Light transmission and diffusion

Polycarbonate panels transmit a high percentage of visible light; clear solid panels transmit the most, while multiwall panels and diffused-surface panels reduce peak glare and spread light more evenly. Diffused light reduces plant shading and improves canopy photosynthesis for many crops (vegetables, leafy greens, ornamentals).
Practical points:

• use diffused multiwall panels for tall crops or dense plantings to avoid hot spots and improve overall light distribution,
• use clearer panels where maximum direct sunlight is required (for early spring growth or crop types that benefit from more direct radiation),
• consider roof vs. wall choices: roof panels need to balance maximum transmission with diffusion and heat control.

4) Durability and life span

Modern UV-stabilized polycarbonate is designed to last many years with reduced yellowing and maintained mechanical strength. Warranties commonly range from 8 to 15 years depending on product and manufacturer. In practice, properly installed panels often remain functional significantly longer.
Durability includes resistance to:

• hail and impact,
• thermal expansion and contraction,
• many cleaning chemicals (though strong solvents should be avoided).

5) Weight and framing advantages

Multiwall and solid polycarbonate are significantly lighter than glass of equivalent thickness. Lighter glazing reduces framing costs and allows for simpler structural designs, with smaller base loads on foundations and footings. This makes polycarbonate attractive for both small hobby greenhouses and larger commercial hoop houses or gable structures.

6) Safety and reduced breakage cost

Broken glass poses a safety risk to workers and plants. Polycarbonate breaks much more rarely and is less likely to create dangerous shards if it fails. This makes it preferable for structures with frequent human access or public visitors (farm stands, education centers).

Design and installation considerations specific to Nebraska

Choosing polycarbonate is not just a materials decision; correct installation and design optimize performance and longevity.

Panel orientation and thickness by location

• North wall: Use thicker or insulated panels (or opaque insulated walls) because this wall does not contribute to solar gain; insulating north walls reduce heat loss.
• South-facing roofs and walls: Use panels that give higher light transmission and controlled diffusion to maximize winter solar gain while avoiding summer overheating.
• East and west walls: Moderate transmission; diffusion helps prevent low-angle sun glare.

In much of Nebraska, growers specify 8 mm to 16 mm multiwall panels for a good balance between insulation and light transmission. Roofs often use slightly thinner panels where snow-shedding slopes and framing allow.

Snow loads, framing and codes

Nebraska growers must account for local snow loads and wind speed when selecting panel thickness and framing. Heavier snow loads require stronger framing and possibly thicker panels. Always verify regional building codes and span charts from the panel manufacturer. Where in doubt, consult a structural engineer or experienced greenhouse builder.

Sealing, expansion gaps, and condensation management

Polycarbonate expands and contracts with temperature. Proper installation includes:

• leaving manufacturer-recommended expansion gaps at panel ends,
• using appropriate EPDM or neoprene gaskets in framing channels,
• sealing cut edges with aluminum tape or edge caps to prevent dirt and moisture entry,
• installing ventilation and/or anti-condensation coatings to reduce drip and disease risk,
• maintaining drainage channels in multiwall panels so meltwater can escape.

Ignoring expansion and edge sealing is a leading cause of early panel failure and leaks in the field.

Ventilation and climate control

Good ventilation is essential with polycarbonate because high insulation can trap humidity. Combine glazing choices with:

• automated roof vents and sidewall vents,
• exhaust fans and intake louvers sized to the greenhouse volume,
• desiccant or controlled humidity systems for sensitive crops,
• thermal screens to reduce nighttime heat loss while preventing daytime overheating when closed.

Maintenance and cleaning

Polycarbonate should be cleaned with mild soap and water and a soft cloth or squeegee. Avoid abrasive cleaners, strong solvents, and high-pressure washers at close range. Inspect seals, edge tape, and gaskets annually and replace damaged elements promptly.

Economic considerations and lifecycle

Polycarbonate often sits between polyethylene film and glass on the cost and durability spectrum. Compared with single-pane glass, polycarbonate usually has:

• lower initial framing and handling costs (lighter weight),
• lower breakage and repair costs over time,
• better insulating performance if multiwall,
• comparable or faster payback in colder climates because of heating energy savings.

Comparing to polyethylene film:

• film is cheaper up-front but must be replaced every 3 to 6 years in many climates,
• polycarbonate has a higher initial cost but longer life and better insulation and impact resistance.

For growers in Nebraska who need year-round production and protection from hail, polycarbonate often delivers the best overall total cost of ownership.

Crop and operation examples: when polycarbonate makes sense

• Hobby and home growers who want a durable, low-maintenance structure that handles snow and hail without the fragility of glass.
• Nursery operations raising potted ornamentals that need diffuse light and protection from hail.
• Commercial vegetable producers who need winter and shoulder-season heat retention without the weight and breakage risk of glass.
• Hemp and controlled-environment growers who require stable temperatures, security, and low maintenance.

Glass may still be chosen for high-light crops where maximum total transmission and spectral fidelity are critical; however, for most Nebraska operations polycarbonate gives a practical balance.

Practical takeaways and checklist for Nebraska growers

• Specify multiwall polycarbonate (8 mm to 16 mm) for year-round production in central and northern Nebraska; thinner panels may be appropriate for seasonal or lower-load structures.
• Choose UV-stabilized panels and ensure the UV-protected surface faces outward at installation.
• Design framing and span according to local snow and wind loads; consult manufacturer span tables and local code requirements.
• Use proper edge sealing, gaskets, and expansion gaps per manufacturer instructions to avoid leaks and premature failure.
• Pair polycarbonate glazing with thermal curtains/screens and adequate ventilation controls to manage heating costs and humidity.
• Clean panels with mild soap and water; inspect seals annually and replace damaged materials promptly.
• When hail risk is high, prioritize polycarbonate for its impact resistance; it often prevents costly crop losses and brittle glass replacement.
• Balance light diffusion and transmission to crop needs: diffuse panels are generally better for canopy crops and high-density plantings.

Final assessment

Polycarbonate glazing is widely chosen by Nebraska growers because it combines impact resistance, improved insulation, diffusion of light, and a favorable lifecycle cost in a state with extreme weather variability. Proper selection of panel thickness and structure, correct installation with attention to expansion and sealing, and integration with ventilation and thermal management systems are central to getting the long-term benefits.
For growers building new greenhouses or retrofitting existing structures, polycarbonate often represents a durable, practical middle ground between low-cost film and fragile glass–especially where hail, snow, and seasonal temperature extremes make resilience and energy efficiency priorities.