This may be a little late, but I am currently testing agribon AG-19 for my pvc conduit hoop house(8' high, 20' wide) for the following reasons:
1) It is comparable to the price of 4 mil construction sheeting at "big box" stores.
2) I was able to find the width I wanted Of 30 feet. Comparable price plastics came in 10'-12' widths, so I would have to find some way to splice the plastic.
3) Assuming it lasts me a full year, it will cost about the same per year as what I've found for actual greenhouse film.
4) I expect it will allow sufficient water(rain/humidity) to pass through, reducing/eliminating the need to water and preventing excessive humidity.
5) It will retain heat and reduce the possibility of excessive frost(zone 7b), but I also hypothesize that it since it is breathable, it will reduce or eliminate the need for venting during warmer days.
I do not expect to grow tomato's in mid-winter, but my goal is to achieve a space to grow cold weather crops through most if not all of the winter in my climate, be able to use the space to transition spring transplants to the outdoors, with minimal daily upkeep such as watering or adjusting venting. Without the higher costs of other alternatives such as automatic venting, irrigation lines.
I just recently completed the install, and it is warmer inside, but I haven't tested the temperature difference other than with frost on the ground outside during early/mid morning, I am not unbearabley cold inside with just a T-shirt on.(that may be attributable partially to an increase in the wind chill temperature and not the actual temperature as the fabric reduces wind speed.)
During install, I did notice that it snagged and ripped easier than a plastic would have, but overall it seemed like it would be at least as durable to wind as plastic would be. Snow is minimal in my area, but In areas with snow I believe, because it isn't as slippery as plastic, it would not shed snow, and because it snags easily brushing off the snow would not be an option.
I will try to remember to follow up with the success or failure of the system. I would also be interested in knowing if you found something that worked.
