Are you and your greenhouse winter-ready?
What’s the best way to protect your greenhouse from dangerous snow loads? It depends on its design, location and how willing you are to perform active outdoor maintenance. Let’s start with discussing basic design options that will help shoulder the load you could face this winter.
Greenhouses based in snowy climates, should feature a peaked roof design such as the Rimol High Tunnel. Accumulated snowfall typically collects at the top of the peak, which facilitates snow to slide off the roof and next to the structure’s sidewalls down below. This lightened load reduces stress for the building’s truss supports and overall framing. In cases of heavy snowstorms that occur back-to-back, it’s a good idea to use an extended roof rake to give the greenhouse bracing some much needed relief.
A high tunnel greenhouse makes it easier for snow loads to fall by the wayside, but that fallen snow can cause issues for the structure’s sidewalls (especially if they have automated roll-up sides). A sturdy shovel or snow blower is the perfect solution for regulating snow height as long as you are willing to go out and do the work (which we know you are!).
This is where choosing the plot of your greenhouse plays a pivotal role. A tight and narrow greenhouse location limits where you can put the excess snow and how much of it can be accessed. Whenever possible, go with a wide open plot of land when installing your greenhouse.
Something that often gets overlooked is snow that undergoes repeated freezing and thawing. This process turns soft, fluffy snow into dangerous blocks of ice that can be detrimental to your greenhouses’ structural integrity if not properly regulated. Keeping the greenhouse roof and sides clear will reduce the chances of any of the polyethylene covering from ripping.
There’s a few tools you should keep handy to assure your greenhouse remains functional throughout the winter. A backup generator is a good first step. Any automated ventilation parts to your greenhouse will sit idle if a powerful snow, wind or ice storm wipes out electrical power. Another tool that is often overlooked is repair tape. For any section of greenhouse covering that gets ripped, repair tape is the perfect temporary solution.
If you’re interested in any backup polyethylene film or repair tape, we’re your answer. It’s time to take charge of the winter months and start your growing season on the right foot!
For more information
Rimol Greenhouses
40 Londonderry Turnpike
Hooksett, NH 03106
T: (877) 746-6544
Email: [email protected]
www.rimolgreenhouses.com
