Film vs Fabric - Thoughts?

[Mike723]

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

Just wanted to get some opinions on coverings.. At the moment I have Sunmaster 6 mil film on the hoophouse.. I went with it because of the 92% transmission rate compared to the 85% on the 12 mil clear woven fabric. I question my decision because it has only been one year and I already have a tear! It has a 4 year warranty so I may just put in for it, but for all the trouble of disassembling the roll-up sides/wiggle wire etc, I'd rather just do it right. I'm just a little apprehensive with the added 7% decrease in light transmission..

[Nematode]

Looks like a summer grow. I dont think the plants need it. Many will chalk the greenhouse covering in summer. Winter might be another story.

[Mike723]

Nah that's why I purchased it last year.. Sick and tired of septoria and the like wiping me out lol.. I decided that never again will a rain drop caress my beautiful leaves haha.. Hedges my bets at the very least.. and I can play in the garden even when it's down pouring! lol nothing like it..

[Nematode]

We have a misunderstanding They dont need the 7% extra transmission in summer.

[Mike723]

I see what you're saying now ... I thought you meant to scrap the covering all together..

[BigVanVader]

Agree, the light transmission is a mute point in summer as they will get plenty of sun.

[Mike723]

Thanks gents.. It's strange, there's a noticeable difference between the light at the edge of the doors (outside the hoophouse), and the interior (filtered through the film). I have some pollen etc that doesn't seem to want to wash off.. Maybe it just needs a gentle scrubbing..