Our Ultra Heavy-Grade Reinforced Greenhouse Plastic is produced by weaving narrow strips of high-density polyethylene and coating them with a layer of low-density polyethylene. The heat from this process permanently bonds the layers, resulting in enhanced resistance to tearing, stretching, and punctures.
This film is well-suited for outdoor applications that need weather protection and excels as a heavy-duty greenhouse cover. With a material thickness of 12 mil, this plastic is well suited for a wide variety of different applications where a heavy-duty greenhouse plastic is required. The plastic provides a 87% light transmission rate and is engineered as a non-stretch film.
All of our greenhouse plastics are commercial-grade and are designed for use in both residential & commercial greenhouse installations. Our greenhouse plastics are designed for years of continuous use in the designated application.
How Are Our Plastics Different?
We only offer commercial-grade greenhouse plastic which is designed specificly for greenhouse installations. Our plastics conform to high quality control standards and are manufactured in the United States not overseas like most of the greenhouse plastics sold online.
Why Purchase a High Quality Greenhouse Plastic?
When building your greenhouse most of the cost of construction is typically put toward labor. Because the plastic acts as the roof of the greenhouse it is very important to not cut corners and choose a plastic that is designed for years of continual use and has been ASTM tested to ensure that the plastic's physical properties are indeed what the seller is claiming. Many "four year plastics" are not engineered to survive four years in real world conditions. Additionally, in a commercial growing application the cost of the plastic is quickly dwarfed by the value of the plants inside. Again, another reason to invest in a high quality plastic.
Compare Our Different Greenhouse Plastics:
Calculating Greenhouse Plastic Sizes
Download the guide below for help calculating how much greenhouse plastic you will need to cover your greenhouse.
All Greenhouse Plastic Ships for Free (standard ground, see map)
Expedited shipping only available on orders over $2,000 Call: (800) 520-7731 for pricing and ship times
Shipping estimates shown on the map pertain to this specific product only. Greenhouse plastic orders typically require a 3-5 business day lead time prior to shipment. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, and are approximate. The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.
Other Greenhouse Plastics Available:
Greenhouse Covering Guide
Greenhouse Plastic — Ultra-Heavy Reinforced Grade: Maximum Strength, High Clarity, Long Service Life
This comprehensive guide explains how ultra-heavy reinforced greenhouse plastic is manufactured, why it
outperforms standard films, and how to size, install, and maintain it for multi-year reliability—plus a real-world
case study.
What Is Ultra-Heavy Reinforced Greenhouse Plastic?
Ultra-Heavy Reinforced Grade (12 mil) is a non-stretch, commercial greenhouse film
engineered for extreme duty. It’s produced by
weaving narrow strips of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) into a scrim and
coating the scrim with LDPE (low-density polyethylene). Heat bonding fuses the layers
permanently, creating a tough, dimensionally stable sheet with excellent resistance to
tearing, stretching, and punctures.
Plain-English: think of a rugged fabric core sealed inside clear plastic. The woven HDPE
“skeleton” stops tears from spreading, while the LDPE coating adds clarity and weather protection.
Key numbers: 12 mil thickness • ~87% light transmission
• UV resistant • non-stretch • commercial grade • Made in USA • non-biodegradable longevity.
Large commercial greenhouse with 12 mil ultra-heavy reinforced cover.
Why Choose Ultra-Heavy Reinforced?
Non-stretch stability — maintains tension and shape through heat/cold cycles.
Maximum tear & puncture resistance — woven HDPE scrim arrests damage before it spreads.
High clarity (~87%) — supports photosynthesis without sacrificing durability.
Weather armor — UV-stabilized for sun exposure; resists wind flutter and hail better than
single-layer films.
How the Woven-Scrim Laminate Works (Technical vs. Plain-English)
Technical: An HDPE woven scrim provides biaxial strength. LDPE coating encapsulates the
scrim and heat-bonds into a monolithic laminate. The scrim handles tensile loads; the coating ensures
environmental resistance and optical transmission.
Plain-English: the inner “grid” takes the stress so the outer plastic doesn’t stretch or tear.
If a puncture occurs, the grid keeps it from running.
Hoop houses benefit from non-stretch stability and long service life.
Ideal Applications
High-wind or hail-prone regions needing maximum tear resistance.
Large commercial tunnels where re-skins are costly and disruptive.
All-season production sites requiring stable tension and minimal sag.
Specification Snapshot
Property
Ultra-Heavy Reinforced
What it means
Construction
Woven HDPE scrim coated with LDPE (heat-bonded)
Permanent laminate; high tear/puncture resistance.
Thickness
12 mil
Heavy-duty durability with manageable handling.
Light Transmission
~87%
High clarity to drive strong, even growth.
Mechanical Behavior
Non-stretch
Holds tension; resists creep and flutter.
UV Stability
UV-resistant
Built for multi-year outdoor exposure.
Grade / Origin
Commercial • Made in USA
Consistent quality & supply.
End-of-Life
Non-biodegradable
Long service life; follow local recycling/disposal guidance.
Sizing, Overlap & Fit Tips
Measure frame width + arch rise; add 12–24″ per side for fastening and seasonal tensioning.
Overlap seams 6–12″; tape on the warm side for best adhesion.
Protect contact points (purlins, doors, baseboards) with edge tape or trim to prevent chafe.
Even tension—avoid “drum-tight”; ultra-heavy film needs firm but balanced pull.
Installation: Step-by-Step
Prep structure — Deburr/shield edges; install wiggle-wire channels or battens.
Stage clean — Unroll on a tarp; keep grit away to protect the LDPE coating.
Pull on a calm day — Center sheet over ridge; align scrim with frame lines.
Secure from center outward — Alternate sides in small increments to hold alignment.
Seal seams — 6–12″ overlaps; greenhouse-grade tape pressed firmly on warm side.
Final check — Trim excess; re-tension after first warm day for set-in.
Pro tip: For high-wind sites, add perimeter battens and windbreak fencing on
the prevailing-wind side.
Quarterly cleaning: lukewarm water + mild soap; soft cloth only (no abrasives/solvents).
Inspect channels & clips: add protective tape where chafe appears.
Patch promptly: greenhouse repair tape stops small punctures from spreading.
Seasonal review: verify tension after heat/cold swings; plan long-term replacement by
condition.
Case Study: Coastal Farm Switches to Ultra-Heavy Reinforced
Site: Coastal vegetable farm, frequent 35–50 mph gusts • Structures:
Four 30′×96′ hoop houses • Problem: Recurrent tears and sag with prior standard film, plus
mid-season repairs after wind events.
Scope
Re-skin all houses with 12 mil Ultra-Heavy Reinforced (non-stretch) film.
Add continuous wiggle-wire channels; reinforce door frames and ridge with edge tape.
Seams overlapped 8″; warm-side taped; even tension from center outward.
Results (after 16 months)
Zero tear propagation events despite multiple >45 mph storms.
Improved interior light with ~87% transmission—more uniform early-spring starts.
Maintenance time down by ~60%; no in-season re-skins required.
Tension stability held through summer heat without creep or sag.
FAQ: Ultra-Heavy Reinforced Greenhouse Plastic
How does ultra-heavy reinforced differ from heavy or medium grades?
Ultra-heavy uses a woven HDPE scrim laminated with LDPE to create a non-stretch, tear-arresting sheet. It’s
thicker than medium grades (10 mil) and matches or exceeds heavy grades for durability, making it ideal for
high-wind or hail-exposed sites.
Will ~87% light transmission limit growth?
No. ~87% still delivers high PAR while the laminate structure protects against damage. Many growers see more
consistent results due to fewer interruptions from repairs.
Is it truly non-stretch?
Yes—compared with ordinary films, the woven scrim substrate resists elongation. Proper, even tensioning keeps
the cover taut across seasons.
What sizing and overlap should I use?
Add 12–24″ per side beyond frame dimensions for fastening. Overlap seams 6–12″ and tape on the warm side for
the best adhesion.
Can I patch punctures?
Yes. Use greenhouse-grade repair tape promptly. The internal scrim localizes damage so small holes don’t become
long tears.
