
Thermax™ combines outstanding thermal qualities and exceptional condensation control properties in one revolutionary, diffused greenhouse film. The modified outer layer of the greenhouse film safeguards condensation control integrity by providing directionality.
- Outstanding thermal properties keep the heat in by reducing radiant heat loss. Heaters cycle less often and consume less energy to maintain a set temperature; a combination that offers potential energy savings of 15-20%.
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Directional condensation control ensures the additive migrates to the surface facing the crop. This not only controls
drips, but maintains light transmission and enhances thermal benefit. - Diffused light reaches plants from many different angles while par light transmission remains the same, optimizing light distribution in all parts of the greenhouse.
- Diffusion film helps protect plants from sunburn. Light is even, not intense.
- High strength at folds means higher resistance to punctures and tears.
- Increased tear and stiffness provide superior strength so Thermax™ greenhouse film handles years of snow and wind loads.
- Increased thermal film stiffness makes the film easier to install in greenhouse applications.
- Bee compatibility feature allows more of the UV spectrum to pass through the thermal film, making it easier for bees to navigate and achieve more efficient pollination than with mechanical means.
Research shows that a properly inflated double poly-covered greenhouse can save the grower over 40% in heating costs compared to a single layer of glazing. What is less well known is that using a thermal greenhouse film as one of the layers can result in an additional 15-20% heating cost saving. During the day, the greenhouse structure, plants, and soil absorb energy due to both visible and infrared light from the sun. At night, heat is released in the form of long-wavelength infrared radiation (IR) to the cooler outside air. Thermal condensation film transmits less IR energy as radiant heat. Thermicity is a measure of the transmission of IR through a film. The lower the
Formation of condensation on inner surfaces is a major issue in polyethylene-covered greenhouses. Condensation droplets have been shown to reduce light transmission by as much as 50%. In addition, crop damage/spots, washout on
How it Works
The advantages of a condensation control film are:
• Water is able to drain more evenly and will flow to the lowest point of the film’s surface more readily.
• Water on the film has an increased ability to flow over wrinkles that would normally be a prime location for dripping.
• Light transmission is significantly improved, often to the point of not being affected at all.
• The thin film of water will also act as an infrared absorber, which reduces nighttime heat losses, maintains leaf temperatures of the plants, and increases the overall effectiveness of the thermal film.
It’s important to allow for the normal expansion and contraction of
NOTE: Condensation control films are manufactured with a built-in additive for superior droplet control. To make a condensation control film, the film is modified to have the necessary high affinity for water. This is achieved by incorporating a unique additive into the polymeric matrix of the film during the manufacturing stage. The additive migrates to the film surface to achieve the desired effect. Films with this kind of built-in condensation control eliminate several inherent problems with surface modification techniques used after the film has been produced. For example, the most common post-production surface coating technique for greenhouse and row covers is to use a commercial product called Sunclear (or product equivalent), which is applied like paint by spraying the film after installation. Coating of the condensation film during the manufacturing process is not practical due to the large dimensions of the film, typically 20 to 50 feet wide and 80 to 500 feet long.