ACRYLITE®
10 Reasons to choose an Acrylic Greenhouse
1. High Light Transmission for Growth Results
The acrylic multi-skin sheet transmits up to 91% of photosynthetically range (PAR) into the greenhouse. This is as much as 20% more light than a conventional double-covered greenhouse, particularly in the winter months. The ribbed design of ACRYLITE® multi-skin also diffuses light over the crop canopy, eliminating harsh ‘hot spots’ associated with growing under glass.
Lasting Clarity. Acrylite® will retain its light transmission and clarity for decades. Even after 10 years of use acrylic glazing transmits more light than brand new polycarbonate.
UV Light. All ACRYLITE® acrylic multi-skin sheets block UV light penetration. In applications where UV light transmission is desirable, ACRYLITE® Alltop is one of the only glazing materials available in a UVT version that transmits the full spectrum of light including ultraviolet.
2. Never Yellows
Acrylic will not yellow, become brittle or degrade – a promise backed with a 30 year non-yellowing guarantee – the best in the industry.
Yellowing of plastics is caused by the sun’s UV rays breaking down the glazing, but ACRYLITE® acrylic is 100% naturally UV-stable. Polycarbonate and other plastic covers need a UV barrier or coating to delay yellowing, but must often be replaced after a few years of installation because they have turned yellow. UV barriers are often thin and are highly prone to failure. But Acrylic is composed of 100% naturally UV-stable molecules throughout the material that stabilizes it from the inside out and protects the entire sheet, not just its surface.
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic doubleskin sheet is the ideal choice for replacing yellowed polycarbonate or weathered fiberglass.
3. Protection from Hail
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is strong enough to withstand hail impact – a promise backed by a ten year warranty. ACRYLITE® is ten times more impact resistant than traditional acrylics. Therefore, our hail warranty is not prorated. Glass and weathered, fragile polycarbonate cannot protect a greenhouse from damaging hail. ACRYLITE® protects not only your crops from hail damage, but protects your bottom line from replacement costs.
4. Over 40% Energy Savings
Thanks to the thermal insulation of ACRYLITE® multi-skin sheet, greenhouses using this material require less energy as compared to conventional glazing. Depending on conditions, ACRYLITE® 16 mm multi-skin sheets can lead to over 40% energy savings in greenhouses compared to single glazing. Huge savings!
5. Anti-condensate Technology
Thanks to our No-Drip anti-condensate technology, ACRYLITE® multi-skin acrylic sheets maintain optimal transparency even in bad weather. This water-dispersing layer causes condensation to flow off as a continuous self-cleaning film, resulting in the highest possible light transmission and eliminating uncontrolled dripping that can result in crop damage and disease. This anti-condensate technology also prevents water puddles on greenhouse floors that promote algae growth, insect breeding grounds, and are safety hazard for workers. The ACRYLITE® No-Drip feature is an integral part of acrylic sheets, not a coating that wears off.
6. Strength and Durability
The unique polymers of acrylic combined with the geometry of ACRYLITE® multi-skin sheets makes them inherently stronger than other multi-walled glazing. Thicker walls and ribs create a more rigid sheet of greater overall weight designed to provide high live-load carrying capabilities while allowing for greater span distances. The material meets or exceeds snow and wind requirements offering durability in extreme climates.
7. Reduce Additional Equipment
The multi-skin acrylic sheet naturally holds heat in, reduces shadows, hot spots and burning. This means less initial capital investment in heating systems, lights and curtains. It also means savings on costly maintenance over decades of use.
8. Life Expectancy of 30+ Years
The sheet has been proven to perform consistently over decades of use in all types of climates throughout the world. ACRYLITE® acrylic’s long service life means less replacement costs when compared to inferior glazing materials that must be replaced more frequently, often after just a few years of use.
9. Environmental Protection
Glazing with ACRYLITE® acrylic helps contribute to a healthier environment through reduced energy use, reduced emissions, environmentally-sound manufacturing processes, certified facilities and elimination of harmful chemicals. Long product life means less old glazing going to landfill sites due to premature failure, but if it must be replaced, it is recyclable for use in making consumer goods.
10. The Best Warranties in the Industry
ACRYLITE® high impact acrylic is backed with the industry’s best warranties. Our non-prorated, full replacement 30 year non-yellowing, 10 year light transmission and 10 year hail warranties protect both your investment in ACRYLITE® and your bottom line.
Our Customers Say:
C. RAKER & SONS, INC. – DECADES OF SUCCESS WITH ACRYLITE®
Location: Michigan
Crop: High quality plugs and liners, through seed and vegetative propagation.
Size: 450,000 sq. ft.
History: Their first install of ACRYLITE® was in 1985. “Above all else, the ACRYLITE® Resist high impact acrylic double-skin offers us consistent high light quality over time…the best light for any given condition,” explains Tim Raker. “We grow a variety of crops, based on the needs of our clients, so having the best possible light to start out with is a significant factor, and knowing that the light quality won’t change over a period of years means we can better predict other crop growth requirements.”
ACRYLITE® Resist high impact acrylic double-skin has proven itself to C. Raker & Sons, Inc. in terms of weatherability and impact resistance. Michigan experiences some extreme weather conditions throughout the year. In winter, severe snow and ice loads, which slide from greenhouse rooftops can cause other glazing products to break or show signs of crazing. Tim Raker has seen this acrylic withstand these conditions over the years without damage.
“Another important factor in Michigan’s climate is the energy savings we reap with acrylic glazing,” says Tim Raker. “Particularly in the winter months, our acrylic greenhouse are very energy efficient when compared to other glazing products.” In addition, condensation sheds well on the interior of the greenhouses. Because C. Raker & Sons, Inc. germinates and propagates seeds and cuttings, the prevention of drips on the interior is a factor, especially in colder months. If drips occur, plants can be damaged. With the ACRYLITE® anti-condensate coating, the condensation runs off in sheets, rather than dripping to the crops below.
The Rakers have never had to replace their ACRYLITE® Resist high impact acrylic double-skin. They have a small portion of their operation glazed with polycarbonate and find they must invest in replacing the polycarbonate approximately every 4 years due to yellowing and brittleness. It has remained consistent in clarity since the first installation, and it is not susceptible to brittleness, making it possible for C. Raker & Sons, Inc. to invest in other facets of the growing operation.
Of their 450,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses, 400,000 sq. ft. is covered with ACRYLITE® acrylic. Acrylic has been the choice for every new greenhouse build that has been undertaken at C. Raker & Sons, Inc.
“It’s been 25 years now since we started using acrylic, and when we build new additions to grow our young plants, our choice for glazing has always been a given – acrylic. Since our first installation, we have never considered another option. Acrylic is our choice.”
