Greenhouse Roofing Material - You've probably never heard about this material

When I was shopping for greenhouse roofing material, I thought my options were limited to plastic poly, corrugated clear panels from Home Depot or Lowes, or very expensive twin poly. Working with my roofer we stumbled across a material that has so many pros. It cost $50 for a sheet or 3' X 12'. A metal supply store may call it white skylight material for metal buildings. The product is made by Stabilit (I was told later it's pronounced Stable Lite) who offers other more expensive options as well. This is a medium priced product that is so much more durable than what you get at the hardware store, easier to install and looks pretty good. It provide some deflection of sunlight while defusing the light that comes through. You will have to call Stabilit to find a local supplier, it's probably a place that sells metal, like Mueller metal or etc. That's what they told me when I called them, I couldn't find how to order direct.
This is the best link I could find www.glasteel.co...
***Update: See latest Videos as we've recently posted updated videos as of June 2020. New roof is being installed and I will get all the details for you, same type material. Subscribe and hit notification so you don't miss when we post the updated video. • Greenhouse Roof Update...
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[@mikefinley4367]

Thanks for posting and sharing this material. Possibly not great for more northern climates but researching the choices and appreciate you sharing this info.

[@AdvanceGreenhouses]

The 100% light diffusion polycarbonate is also available in 8mm twinwall and 16mm triplewall. They will give you added insulation, plus they have a 10 year warranty against hail damage. I have been dealing with polycarbonate sheets (installing and selling) for over 30 years and I have never had a hail warranty claim on twinwall or triplewall. Great aquaponic setup! Best of luck. Tammy

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Yes, I'd loved the double or triple wall! My quote was $5500 for the roof alone. My roofer accepted the $1800 insurance check, from the hail damaged home depot poly, to replace with the skylight material. That was installed pricing! Might have swung me a deal I guess as he probably made money on the house.

[@nancybienvenu2352]

Advance Greenhouses 8

[@imoneixusa9742]

Advance Greenhouses would that stuff work for Miami? I'm worried about storms and hurricanes

[@neirdareinal]

Advance Greenhous

[@katiekelley3984]

@@ShipmanAdventures what roofer got it for you? I'm looking at a build just east of you in mt pleasant TX

[@chipfriday8166]

Had an orchid greenhouse years ago and roofed with typical fiberglass. I took a pump-up 3 gal bug sprayer. I mixed 9 parts water and 1 part white latex paint. Took a light meter (in foot candles) and grouped those species that needed more or less shade. Books on orchids listed how many foot candles they were found in the wild. Over the course of the summer with rains the latex washed slowly away by fall/winter. I reapplied in the next spring. Worked great.

[@jtc1947]

WOW! Impressive green-house!

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

A lovely green house!🌹 Im in Texas also! God bless you and your family!

[@mooseknuckle8334]

Pretty sweet looking set up fella. Thanks for sharing.

[@thepalletwoodgardener8883]

Bummer about your roof.. 😣😣 Green house looks great. Sorry to hear about your plant loss.. Keep up the great Work!! 😊

[@Thewrightstuff777]

I love the evaporative cooler! I will be putting one in our greenhouse before Spring. I've had a really hard time keeping it cool enough, even with cold weather.

[@gregalbers7894]

Wright Aquaponics and Ranch

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Wright Aquaponics and Ranch yeah it works great. if you can build the entire end wall that would be best.

[@tagladyify]

Menards used to sell a similar product 10+ years ago in 4’x8’ panels for $12.00 each. They got smaller and smaller and flimsier, had fewer options, plus became exponentially more expensive. It’s ridiculous.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Agreed, pricing of everything is ridiculous right now. We're rving right now, $100 a fillup in the truck. Food has doubled, gas doubled, lumber double to tripled. I still feel fortunate to live in America, just pray things turn around very soon!

[@anitahamlin2411]

Sorry this happened to you! Appreciate your sharing the solution. Looks like a way better material for durability.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Yes, it all worked out in the end! I rest easier now when storms move through. Wish I'd know from the start about this being an option. We just couldn't justify the twin wall poly as it was 3x the cost. Good luck to you!

[@SIXPACFISH]

The big metal factory I used to work in had skylights like that and some have been there for 40 years and we have never had a panel break. They will get cloudy from wear but they are tough.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it's been tested through several large hail storms and crazy high winds as we are up on a hill. So far just a blessing, I use to get stressed when storms would come in and I'd hear that hail coming down.

[@jimmartin3833]

Have y'all looked into a sun bandit system with a mirror that follow's the sun with fiber optic cable's that redirect the sun light over your crop's in the hydroponic green house causing plant's to grow straight up? The sun bandit system can drop down into a protective housing allowing the green house to have a solid build to protect crop's from climate change. 😀👍

[@davidekhalil944]

I lost my fibreglas-roofed heavy-duty greenhouse to a grass-fire - it was extremely flammable and took the whole structure down - i'd only ever use pvc or polycarbonate if ever again i built such a thing.

[@_dave4460]

i’ve had the same damage to my greenhouse; far more to everything out in the gardens! hoping for a hail free year in 2019, in eastern, nc - right...

[@gsmscrazycanuck9814]

This is what I used on my greenhouse. Pro panel profile.

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

I just sub'd. I'm planning a greenhouse so thanks for sharing!

[@edwardkeenan6138]

I have a lot of wind like 50/80 mile per hour here in the Mojave desert. I hear the winds were your at how bad are your winds? I like this covering this is exactly what I need . I have a greenhouse but a lot different than yours but am going to build one like yours now on my property thanks for the idea God bless

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Our typical winds aren't that bad maybe 25-35 mph, we do live a little elevated and no wind blocks. However, when we get tornados abd straight line wind storm gust can get pretty drastic. I've seen new 100 ft hoop houses thrown and balled up. Chuck Fenster got a hoop house rated for 90mph I think he said. Fenster Farms he has a youtube channel as well. I would suggest getting a footer poured if you can spend the $.

[@edwardkeenan6138]

Cool greenhouse.

[@tulipsmoran5197]

That's why double or triple layer poly carbonate is best for greenhouses...the materials you note from Home Depot I don't believe is rated for greenhouse roofing...

[@sagecreekwitt3301]

Good info!

[@francoispienaar1256]

Good video!

[@garywaterman814]

Hello. In your video you said the hail tore off your cheap "Perloff roof". What is that? What material was on your roof that got destroyed? Google cannot find perloff and any variation of it as a roofing material.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Just homedepot palruf, I believe is the correct product. Not sure why I was calling it purlof, probably got stuck in my head as that. The sides have suntuf panels and they have been fine for the sidewalls. Thinner so I wouldn't use on the roof unless you don't have to worry about large hail.

[@PH1M0]

This material could work for regular ( non greenhouse) construction 👍

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Yes, usually used for skylights in large metal buildings.

[@jiggyfun807]

I'm curious about the R-value, I'd love to use it on a normal house

[@paulmaxwell8851]

I don't know anything about this Stabilit product but I do know PalRam's ThermaGlas polycarbonate. The 8 mm thick twinwall is R1.49 (available in 4,6,8 and 10 mm) and the 8 mm triple wall is R1.99. The 8 mm is the most popular in either type. If you want to spend more you can get up to R2.36 from the 16 mm triple wall. These R-values don't sound great but they're sure better than what I get with the single layer of 6 mil poly on our greenhouse. I'm switching to Stabilit or ThermaGlas. I hope this helps, Jiggy fun.

[@jameswitte5167]

Single wall is probably R-1 ... Tops ... You can get this and others thru FarmTek online ...

[@zackofalltrades8118]

That's r 1.49 per inch... Not8 mm

[@jameswitte5167]

@@zackofalltrades8118 1.49 per inch ??? ... That's about 25 mm isn't it ??? ... Big thickness difference there ... Seems like it might be cheaper to use bubble wrap ...

[@robertwalker2923]

Hot as in summer and cold as in winter r rated rubbish

[@stevelowry3459]

Thanks this was great info

[@dennisgodaire485]

Thank you.

[@lowell5561]

Glad I found you . Do you need to install the cross links with them Thanks

[@windwalkerfpv]

Looks extremely costly for a small garden. I would just use a greenhouse for starting transplants late winter/early spring then plant a very large area.

[@esandquistSr]

local to me... I am using a steel frame from American Steel in Terrell... Been looking at side wall and roofing material so I can start assembly. Also, planning on aquaponics... What fish are you using?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Eric Sandquist I was using gold fish from petco. cheap for learning. I did tilapia during summer. killed everything and currently switched to hydroponics for a while. I determined my source water is horrible. I've improved my rain catching getting pure water now with perfect 7.0 ph. Hoping to catch enough to run entire system with no need for city water. I also need a better filter, and I think muratic acid is a bad idea.

[@dystopiagear6999]

I presume those sheets are cut with the ribs running the long way. How flexible is that stuff when you bend it along the direction of the ribs? Would it bend to say a 5' or 10' diameter arc without breaking? I'm thinking of building a small hoop house and that material seems perfect except for that question. I'd rather not have to cut it all up and install it in pieces if possible.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Stabilit material may flex some, but ours is installed only on the roof and it's installed flat, ribs vertical. Side walls are the home depot material and were installed horizontal. I wouldn't use those on the roof.

[@dystopiagear6999]

@@ShipmanAdventures thanks, that's about what I thought.

[@sandrajones3994]

I am in process of building a similar structure. Can you tell me how you did your ridge cap?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

They put a metal ridge cap on, probably talk to a metal supply company like Mueller Metal.

[@carolewarner101]

You said you would put a link to this material in the notes below but I don't see any links. Could you please send me more info about it? Many thanks for posting this!

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Sorry about that, this is the best link I could find www.glasteel.com/en/Brands/76/polylit I've added to my description. I did try to call and order direct, however, they told me to call a local supplier like Mueller metal. Metal suppliers don't seem to know what you're talking about until you mention skylight material. However calling Stabilit might help you find a local supplier. Info from the website: ROOFLIGHT & SIDELIGHT POLYESTER FRP Polylit panels are made with Unsaturated Polyester UV Stabilized , are specifically designed to fit various light transmitting applications such as post frame buildings, pre-engineered metal buildings and greenhouses. Polylit Panels are available in a variety of popular shapes which makes it a perfect choice where natural lighting is preferred.

[@carolewarner101]

Many thanks!

[@tabithah2161]

Hi! Thanks for sharing the info on these panels. The company carries a lot of types of translucent roof panels, so I am wondering if you could name exactly which product you went with. Polylit, Polylit Plus, Acrilit? Thanks!

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Tabitha Hendrickson my roofer said it was white polylite what the metal company calls skylight material. Said many companies putting on metal roofs use this as the skylight. Equal to 26 gauge steel. feels 3 times the thickness of the home depot clear panels. white is perfect here as now I don't need cloth in the winter months.

[@HeyZeus667]

It appears that you have chosen to use a fiberglass reinforced plastic for your greenhouse, while this covering is thicker than the polycarbonate, polycarbonate is 4 times stronger than fiberglass and the fiberglass will discolor over time. Thicker doesn't always mean stronger.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

HeyZeus667 My determination was when I'm standing in my poly greenhouse watching hail go right thru it. Not all poly is the same. I'm standing in the same greenhouse watching golf ball size hail bounce off the fiberglass. I did use poly and yes it was installed properly. I'm not saying all poly is bad, but the stuff at the big box store didn't hold up 1 year out here.

[@lowell5561]

Shipman Farm - Home and Garden Sorry I couldn't find the company by the name in the description. Could you please let me. Thanks

[@jenskuhn2052]

So will the polycarbonate sheeting. Best to use Acrylite or any other pmma which will never yellow, letting in the maximum sunlight required for plants.

[@dougtwigg3285]

This video is 5 years old I'm interested in knowing if this greenhouse is still standing?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Still standing strong! I've done less in the summer inside as fighting Texas heat is ok, but fighting the bugs isn't as easy. The natural insects that eat aphids don't find their way inside as easy as the garden. However, winter crops are awesome! Love Jericho Lettuce!

[@joegrow1602]

My dream os to do full blown aquaponics!

[@jamesridley184]

love to see how thermal under ground heating would go with climate control with green house

[@ShipmanAdventures]

I'm guessing would do well. Our shelter stays around 65ish summer and winter with only a foot of dirt over top.

[@bigred796]

Was the material called acrylit ? I found it and it is about $75 for a 3x12 now. It is used for skylights alot on commercial buildings but also greenhouses. I really want to use this and was wondering how yours is holding up.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

We had a pretty bad storm back in June, I'll do a video when I can. Storm was the worst I've seen, it was like small bricks. We were in the hospital as it was the same night our Daughter was born in Greenville, tornado hit next door. It broke the siding on the house, house roofs getting replaced, dented the F-150 pretty good. The grey material from home depot got holes through it. The fiberglass has some spot where you can see daylight, but the impacts spots are more like small shattered glass. Need to wash the roof as it seems to retain dust some over the years. We live in a daily windy dusty area though. I've torn up the ground around it many times and it would probably be less of an issue if you have grass or even less daily winds. Overall I'll go back with the same material if possible, if insurance ends up replacing. I did ask my roofer for detailed info this time around so I can do a better video. I'd just ask Mueller metal, I know he said he got the skylight material from them. I don't know the current cost, I'll ask if it gets replaced.

[@christinemurray1444]

How did it hold these years?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

We actually sold last year, but the roofing material is amazing. Highly recommend. It looked good the day we sold.

[@christinemurray1444]

@@ShipmanAdventures thanks 👍

[@aznxchange01]

do you have a video on building the frame of your greenhouse

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Sorry I never saw your post. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnJl5Rnotxmi9k Is a video that shows the construction. I was a little lazy, didn't do a footer in concrete and did post every 8 feet and 2x4s every 24". It's ok, but I hate to put center block supports at 4ft because I didn't turn the bottom 2/4 on end and double it up. I'd either have put a footer around to have a level surface that seal tighter or I'd at least put 4x4s every 4-foot. The footer around could help prevent little mice from digging under your siding. I did put flashing around bottom end, but I have to keep traps out. Hasn't been a big deal until this year and I have it under control now, but something to consider. You need build it air tight as well to draw as much air as possible thru the cooling wall if you live in a warmer area. Best luck! Let me know if you end up building!

[@highclassgeneticstv8087]

Solexx is the best material enjoy the information

[@LindaPow]

great logo highclass

[@fawsya3924]

bad logo highclass, cannabis is medicine but that ''medicine'' logo is nothing more than a Serpentine representation going up the Kundalini Spine, representing human brain stem spine and chakras. The cannabis leaf has no need of such satanistic reference.

[@paulmaxwell8851]

There is absolutely no 'satanistic reference' to be seen here. That's quite the vivid imagination you have there @@fawsya3924

[@AnnyaMoon]

Good to know, thnx for the tip. 📌Pin that! lol

[@richardboschsuero4535]

AnnyaMoon hi

[@babairoy8436]

hi everyone ,if anyone else trying to find out backyard greenhouse plans diy try Lomonting Easy Greenhouse Mentor (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my brother in law got excellent success with it.

[@zenekzbawiony965]

Ljubljana l.moo

[@slterry01]

What was the total cost and size (cpsf) of your setup? It looks awesome.

[@earthdweller4685]

No idea of the total cost, you're looking at over 10k as little things add up. A tunnel is cheaper and a little more air tight, plus you can double layer add a blower and create an insulated greenhouse. I live up on a hill and we have extreme winds, that's why I built it more solid. If you live in a colder area than Texas and have some wind break, a tunnel is probably a better idea. Many tunnels can withstand 90mph winds, pay the extra! Good luck! Let me know if you end up building.

[@godcandoallthings691]

I want to know please, do you still use grow lights in this green house???

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Never! I find they bring in white flies.

[@jacewalton6677]

How much light gets into the green house?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

I'd read at some point it was around 65%. My shade cloth I have is too dark, originally I ordered for the other roof. I'll probably drop my summer cloth down to 30%. We get full sun all day.

[@ozoneswiftak]

Does it hold up in the cold

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Our temp get down into the 20s but not very often. I have a couple of 1000 watt heaters on thermostats and that has seems to keep it above freezing. I have the heaters blow on my peppers, which so far has saved them. Lettuce, kale, peas and etc do just fine. I would do double poly with blower if I had colder weather. I think the air tight seal would be very benificial if you needed to retain the heat. I have used 55 gallon water barrels which seems to help. They warm up in sun and put off heat on the cold nights. Best of luck!

[@engineerjay420]

What's the cost and life expectancy?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

With the cost of materials right now, no idea on the wood. The roof would cost you $3400 as insurance replaced severL months back. Materials probably only $1200-1400 or so to do it yourself. I didn't track cost that well I estimate the entire project was 10-12k. Probably not the best ROI if that is your main concern. Growing for profit would make more sense in a hoop house, larger area and etc. Its been a fun hobby. I don't have the time usually to weed the garden and etc. I should do a video covering some of the things I'd do differently and etc. I've been very busy at work, hard to do too much extra right now. Thanks for watching. What are you trying to build? What zone are you in?

[@engineerjay420]

@@ShipmanAdventures Thank you for your response. I have a green house in zone 6 and looking for a durable long lasting cover for it. The cover it came with lasted about 2 seasons before it started to fall apart. I really like your solution but may be too expensive.

[@W.O.V.E.N]

what's the thickness and width of each panel

[@ShipmanAdventures]

26 gauge equivalent. As far as panel width, I'd suggest getting that from your metal supplier. Ask for the skylight material.

[@paulhunter3477]

its been 3 years almost...how it held up?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

It's awesome! It's been through several large hail storms which I'm learning to relax through now. It's held up great! I'm very impressed.

[@paulhunter3477]

@@ShipmanAdventures GREAT! just bought a building in Palestine needs skylights replaced...am definitely going with this stuff!

[@fatheadsadventuresinhomestedin]

could you please leave the link, its not in your description

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Sorry about that, this is the best link I could find www.glasteel.com/en/Brands/76/polylit I've added to my description. I did try to call and order direct, however, they told me to call a local supplier like Mueller metal. Metal suppliers don't seem to know what you're talking about until you mention skylight material. However calling Stabilit might help you find a local supplier.

[@W.O.V.E.N]

okay I see the width and length, what is the thickness though?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

equal to 26-gauge steel

[@lutherlerfald984]

that is approximately 3/16 of an inch; very thick !!

[@oldshield]

im in greenville... where are you?

[@niccolealdrich4890]

How many mils thick is that material?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Niccole Fales not sure the mil. Feels way thicker the home depot clear panels, maybe 3 times as thick. Roofer told me the metal place selling it as skylight material said it was equal to 26 gauge steel.

[@markthornton871]

divide the gauge by 100 so, 26 gauge divided by 100 equals .26 mill. mill measurements .001 equals 1 mill

[@earthdweller4685]

equal to 26-gauge steel, used for skylight material

[@skipburroughs8679]

What the hell is a ruf?

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Relax shot that spur of the moment, was excited to get the new roof. It was so much insurance drama was just happy to have it done. That material was awesome, took baseball hail few years later, only spider cracked but nothing came through.

[@troybrown6012]

Never transfer outside plants indoors. You will bring in bugs to your room

[@aaronfischer9885]

Am assuming you are a chemical style farmer. An organic farmer knows that bugs are part of the soil food web. Therefore an ally.

[@juliecain6397]

The roar of the wind ...I cannot understand you.

[@OldSloGuy]

Unfortunately, this is not the worst audio I have heard today. Sorry, you are in second place.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Lol...yeah my worst video had to be the one that has the most views. I was just excited to have a new roof and wanted other people to know they had an affordable option that was higher quality than the box store. Still love the material. See a comment I responded to with material details I got from the roofer finally. Best of luck!

[@joesmathers1158]

great info

[@lakecrab]

Oy, wind noise.

[@ShipmanAdventures]

Yeah, sorry about that. I was just shooting with my phone because I was so excited about the new roof, thought I'd share with a few friends and didn't realize so many people would view it, took a few long months to get the new roof on after the bad day. We've purchase a better camera and mic to do more recent videos. I literally finished my greenhouse after months of work in the Texas heat, cleaned it up as my in-laws were driving to my house and a silent storm rolled in and it started hailing on a nice day. I was actually in the greenhouse when I heard it hit, then all the sudden it started coming through and hitting all the plants and myself. I put some pictures on my hail storm video, it was bad. I'm glad now cause the new roof has been awesome. Hopefully a few people learn from my mistake.

[@Adam-up2cc]

Lemmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@benjoe3868]

I cant hear you

[@igotajopamerica3040]

Turn up your volume.

[@rbrack54]

fix your wind block on your mic

[@jimmartin3833]

Have y'all looked into a sun bandit system with a mirror that follow's the sun with fiber optic cable's that redirect the sun light over your crop's in the hydroponic green house causing plant's to grow straight up? The sun bandit system can drop down into a protective housing allowing the green house to have a solid build to protect crop's from climate change. 😀👍

[@jmcintyre1420]

Thank you.