The useful procurement question is not “Do you sell a polyurethane greenhouse?” It is “Which covering or panel is proposed for each part of the building, and what verified data supports that choice?”
Start by identifying the material
Polyurethane and polycarbonate are different polymers. Polyethylene or PO films are also different materials. Supplier pages sometimes use “poly” loosely, so a quotation should state the full material name, manufacturer data sheet, thickness or layer construction, UV treatment, warranty basis and intended location.
| Material term | Possible greenhouse use | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastic polyurethane film | Specialty flexible membrane applications | Visible-light transmission, haze, UV stability, tear strength, condensation behavior, attachment method and replacement availability. |
| Polyurethane-core sandwich panel | Opaque insulated wall, service room or north-wall section | Panel facings, insulation value, moisture sealing, fire classification, joint detail and whether lost daylight is acceptable. |
| Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet | Rigid roof or wall glazing | Sheet construction, UV-protected side, light transmission, thermal performance, expansion allowance, fastening and condensate drainage. |
| Greenhouse film | Single- or multi-span flexible covering | Resin type, layers, thickness, UV/IR/anti-drip properties, inflation system and expected replacement plan. |
| Glass | Rigid commercial greenhouse roof and wall system | Glass type, safety treatment, dimensions, coatings, gasket system, breakage plan and structural interface. |
Where an opaque insulated panel may fit
A polyurethane-core sandwich panel can be useful where daylight is not required, such as a service room, equipment enclosure, pack area or selected wall zone. It should not be presented as a transparent crop-zone substitute without optical data. Every opaque area changes daylight distribution and can affect crop layout and supplemental-light demand.
RFQ questions that remove ambiguity
- What is the complete material name and product data sheet?
- Which roof, wall, door or service-room areas use it?
- What are the declared optical, thermal, UV, fire and weather properties?
- How are joints, fasteners, edges, gutters and condensate handled?
- How does thermal expansion affect panel length and fixing?
- What maintenance, cleaning and replacement method is assumed?
- Which values are manufacturer declarations and which require project engineering?
Need to compare covering specifications?
Send the proposed material data sheets, site climate, crop, required service life and greenhouse drawings. We can help identify missing quotation inputs and compare the covering interfaces.
Request a specification reviewFrequently asked questions
Is polyurethane the same as polycarbonate?
No. They are different polymers with different product forms and properties. Confirm the full material name and data sheet.
Can polyurethane sandwich panels cover the greenhouse roof?
Opaque insulated panels may fit selected non-crop areas, but covering a crop roof removes daylight. Use them only where the light plan and building design support that decision.
What should appear in a covering quotation?
At minimum: material, construction, thickness, optical and thermal data, UV treatment, attachment, seals, accessories, warranty conditions and excluded work.
Planning references: UC Davis, Greenhouse Structure and Glazing Material; Government of British Columbia, Greenhouse Checklist.
Click to Chat