Glass or polycarbonate for your greenhouse?

The choice of glazing determines the comfort, safety and durability of your greenhouse. At Euro-Serre, we offer different types of glazing, each with its own properties in terms of light transmission, insulation and strength. Compare the options below and choose what best suits your greenhouse.

Glass type	Thickness	Light transmission	Strength	Price	Remark	Euro-Serre offer
Safety glass (tempered float glass)	4 mm	90%	++++	€€	Breakage? Small pieces	Standard
Polycarbonate	8 mm	70%	+++	€€	Unbreakable	On request
Polycarbonate	16 mm	70%	+++	€€€		Tropic range
Thermopane glass	14 mm	80%	++++	€€€		Tropic range
Float glass	4 mm	90%	+++	€€	Breakage? Sharp shards	On request
Horticultural glass	3 mm	90%	+	€	Breakage? Sharp shards	Not in range

Why is safety glass the best choice for your greenhouse?

At Euro-Serre, we use safety glass (tempered float glass) as standard. Why? Because it combines maximum light transmission with full safety. The main advantage lies in what happens when it breaks. While untreated float glass or horticultural glass shatters into dangerous shards, tempered safety glass breaks into thousands of small, blunt fragments.

An additional advantage: the rounded edges make handling much safer. No risk for children, pets or yourself. Its high strength also means breakage rarely occurs. Safety glass is also highly resistant to hail and strong winds.

Thermopane glass: maximum insulation for tropical greenhouses

Thermopane glass is insulating double glazing consisting of two glass panes with a dry air space in between. This structure ensures excellent insulation: heat is retained in winter, while excessive heat is kept out during summer.

It also helps reduce condensation, contributing to a more stable and healthier greenhouse climate. Thanks to these properties, thermopane glass is ideal for heated greenhouses or tropical plants and is exclusively used in our Euro-Tropic range.

Polycarbonate: the insulating alternative to glass

Polycarbonate is not glass, but a strong plastic sheet, making it slightly less durable. The material is lightweight, flexible and unbreakable. Thanks to the air layer between the panels, polycarbonate offers excellent insulation, making it ideal for heated greenhouses.

Its light weight also makes installation easier. However, polycarbonate is not fully transparent. Whether you choose clear or opal (milky white), it does not offer the same clarity as glass, resulting in less natural daylight in your greenhouse. For those who prioritise insulation and sun protection over transparency, it is a good choice.

Not sure which glazing suits your greenhouse best? Euro-Serre is happy to help. Contact us and we will look at your greenhouse plans together.