English
Greenhouse Glass: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Created on 09.04
Considering a new greenhouse or a greenhouse extension? The variety of glass used in greenhouses probably is one of the most significant choices. It influences the plant growth and temperature regulation, your long-term expenses, and even the way your garden looks. Yet, sometimes it is not that simple to select the right glass. It is more than selecting clear or frost panels.
What Makes Glass a Smart Choice for Greenhouses?
It does not age like plastic and is clear and strong. When involved in constructing a greenhouse you want light - as much as possible. Glass permeates more natural sunlight than any other material (over 90%). This equates to happier, healthier plants.
Even unlike plastic panels, glass does not become yellow or cloudy with age. It also keeps things light season to season, without the continuous replacement of them. And when you use toughened glass you get in some serious durability. It can withstand storms, heavy snow, sometimes even collision, and in the event that it cracks it falls safely rather than shattered dangerously.
Then there is the appearance. A glass greenhouse not only functions, it is also very attractive. Elegant lines, traditional design, no warpage. It is a long-term investment to your garden space and it provides value addition.
Comparing Greenhouse Glass Types
Not all greenhouse glass is created equal. Your growing environment, plant types, and overall climate will influence your best option. Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help you understand the key differences:
Type of Glass | Light Transmission | Durability | Insulation | Safety Level | Cost per Sq Ft |
Horticultural Glass | Very High (~90%) | Fragile | Low | Low | $4–$6 |
Toughened Glass | High (~85–88%) | Very Strong | Moderate | High | $10–$15 |
Diffused Glass | Moderate (~75–80%) | Strong | Moderate | High | $12–$18 |
Double Glazed Glass | Moderate (~70–80%) | Strong + Insulated | High | High | $20–$30+ |
👉 Still unsure? Contact Evermade Glass for help choosing the right glass for your conditions - we’ll walk you through it with real-world recommendations.
How to Frame and Install Your Greenhouse Glass Correctly
Here’s a step by step guide to get it right the first time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Frame
Start by choosing a frame that can support the type of glass you’re using. Aluminium is the most popular choice - it’s lightweight, rustproof and strong enough for single or double glazed glass.
Wood is also an option if you want a natural look, but it needs maintenance and isn’t suitable for humid climates. Steel is very strong but only needed for large commercial structures. It also needs to be coated to prevent rust.
Step 2: Check Every Measurement Twice
Before you order your glass, measure every opening on your frame. Even small differences matter - a few mm out and installation will be difficult or panels will crack. Always measure the height and width of each section separately and don’t assume they’re the same.
👉 If you’re ordering custom-cut panels, send your exact specs to the supplier - Evermade Glass can cut to your precise sizes so there’s no guesswork involved.
Step 3: Prepare Your Sealing Materials
Glass needs a snug, weatherproof fit. The best setup usually combines rubber glazing gaskets and glazing tape. Rubber gaskets create a cushion that keeps the panel in place and seals out water. Glazing tape adds grip and reduces rattling from wind.
Avoid relying solely on silicone - it breaks down over time when exposed to UV. Have your clips or fixing bars ready too, as these will hold the glass firmly in the frame.
Step 4: Start with the Roof Panels
Begin the installation with the roof since it takes the most exposure from rain, snow, and wind. Use toughened glass only for the roof - it’s much safer in case of breakage and can withstand pressure from weather.
Position each roof panel slowly and carefully, leaving a small clearance (2–3mm) on each side for expansion. Secure the panel with your clips or frame bars, but don’t overtighten - pressure can crack the glass.
⚡️Pro tip: Always wear cut-resistant gloves and use suction lifters when handling roof panels. This makes the installation safer and gives you better control when lifting heavy sheets overhead.
Step 5: Move to the Side Panels
When the roof is complete, work down to the walls. You may use standard horticultural glass, diffused glass to have more gentle light, or even to have insulation using two layers of glass.
Place at the bottom rubber spacers to avoid placing the glass in direct contact with the frame, then place the panel into position. Adjust to fit straight, put on glazing tape, or other tools, in case of necessity, and put them in a stable condition. Where doors and corners are involved it is safer to use toughened glass again.
Step 6: Seal and Inspect Everything
When all panels are in place, do a full walkaround of the greenhouse. Check every edge for tight seals - no light should be visible between the panel and the frame. Test for any movement or rattle by gently tapping each section.
If anything shifts or hums, add an extra clip or adjust the seal. You’ll also want to ensure water won’t leak in during rain, so spray the outside with a hose and look for any wet spots inside.
⚡️Pro tip: Do your inspection on a windy day when possible. You will see the insecure panels and poor seals in strong gusts that you would not have noticed in calm weather.
Step 7: Seek Support When In Need
Working on big glass sheets may be dangerous when you are not accustomed. Installation can be a tricky business when required to work with a panel more than 1.5m tall or with a double glazing unit, a second pair of hands may be what you require.
👉 If you're unsure about any part of the process, talk to your glass supplier - Evermade Glass can connect you with experienced installers or help troubleshoot specific fitting issues.
Budgeting and Costs: What Should You Expect?
The cost of greenhouse glass depends on type, size, and any custom features like coatings or thickness. But it’s not just the glass itself - don’t forget to factor in frame materials, tools, and labor if you're hiring help.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Horticultural Glass: $4–$6 per square foot
- Toughened Glass: $10–$15 per square foot
- Diffused Glass: $12–$18 per square foot
- Double Glazed Units: $20–$30+ per square foot
Additional costs may include:
- Aluminum or steel framing
- Rubber seals and gaskets
- Shipping and handling (especially for custom sizes)
- Optional tinting or anti-reflective coatings
💡Example: If you’re building an 8x10 ft greenhouse and choose toughened glass, you’ll need about 300 sq ft of panels. At $12 per square foot, the glass alone is $3,600. Add framing, seals and labor and the total is $5,000-$6,000.
We also suggest to add an additional 10% to your order as precaution of broken pieces, off cuts, or mis-measurements. When it comes to a large scale set period, it is worth going to the suppliers or Evermade Glass to take favorable numbers and quotations.
Environmental and Safety Benefits
Among the most important benefits of glass, there is the fact that it is highly consistent with the contemporary sustainability standards. It is recyclable completely, does not pose any harmful chemical during its prolonged use, and lasts at least 25 years and more. It also can cut heating costs and your carbon footprint with double glazing or special coating.
On the safety side, toughened and laminated glass options meet safety standards. If you’re working in areas with kids, pets or high foot traffic, this isn’t something to overlook.
👉 At Evermade, we don’t just meet these standards - we test every panel using a multi step inspection process that covers strength, optical clarity and impact and temperature resistance. That is why greenhouse builders in more than 40 countries rely on us.
With a focus on long term value and sustainability, we will gladly provide you with examples of how our clients reduce heating costs by over 30 percent by switching to our high efficiency thermal panels.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of glass will also directly affect the success of your plants, the frequency in repair or replacement of any of the parts as well as the energy you will consume to ensure that the environment inside is well maintained. When you are serious about a long term results, it is wise to work with materials that have been proven to perform. That begins with greenhouse glass you can rely on.
👉 Want to talk to someone before you commit? Reach out to Evermade Glass - our expert team will guide you through every decision, from panel thickness to custom sizes.
Don’t settle for what your local hardware store carries. Work with experts who know what a greenhouse really needs to perform at its best.
❓Frequently Asked Questions❓
What type of glass is best for a greenhouse?
Toughened glass is the safest and most durable. Double glazed panels for better insulation.
Does glass let in more light than plastic panels?
Yes. Glass lets in over 90% of natural light, plastic less and often fades over time.
How long does greenhouse glass last?
With proper installation and care, quality greenhouse glass can last 25 years plus.
Is diffused glass worth the extra cost?
Yes if you grow crops that need even light. Diffused glass reduces glare, spreads light evenly and prevents leaf burn.
Questions or Consulting
We are committed to excellence in everything we do and look forward to working with you!
Evermadeglass Co., Ltd.
Evermadeglass Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Johnny
E-mail: info@evermadeglass.com
Tel: +86 13714074610
Add: Room 101, No.1, Shixi Seventh Lane, Longxi Community, Longgang Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
WhatsApp