Greenhouses are vulnerable structures no matter where they're located. But for operations in higher-risk regions—such as coastal zones, Tornado Alley, or areas prone to wildfires—additional protection is critical.
In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate events that individually resulted in more than a billion dollars in damage. Many of those events occurred in areas that are often considered higher-risk by insurance providers.
But weather isn't the only risk impacting greenhouses in these regions. Beyond the impact of extreme weather conditions, structural wear, and a business's financial preparedness also affect greenhouse longevity and operational resilience. Proactively addressing these risks can help you keep your greenhouse—and the employees who work in and around it—safe.
Identifying key risks to your greenhouse
Recognizing the various threats to your greenhouse is the first step in mitigating potential damage. This includes weather-related threats such as high winds, storms, hail, and heavy snowfall, aging materials in the greenhouse like cracked concrete, corrosion, and weakened fasteners, unclean environments and financial risks.
Risk management strategies to help protect your greenhouse
Create an emergency preparedness plan: A well-designed preparedness plan can help you minimize damage from unexpected events. Develop a response plan for storms, floods, and other disasters. Train all staff members to be familiar with your procedures and their roles.
As part of that plan, instruct employees to secure loose materials and tools before severe weather strikes to help prevent additional damage. Keep stock of backup supplies, such as extra greenhouse cladding and support materials, allowing for quick repairs when needed.
Implement a preventive maintenance program:
Routine maintenance is essential in helping prevent small issues from evolving into major structural failures. Make sure you inspect greenhouse cladding regularly for damage and weaknesses, maintain all operational components, including fans, louvers, motors, blowers, and irrigation systems, to prolong efficiency and durability, watch for corrosion on the gutter posts (especially at the base), bracing, trusts, and areas where water pools, as this can lead to structural deterioration, and conduct seasonal structural checks to help ensure that all joints, bolts, and fasteners remain secure, reducing the risk of unexpected failures.
Ensure a safe working environment: To ensure a safe working environment in your greenhouse, it is essential to develop a comprehensive safety plan that addresses the well-being of both workers and equipment. This plan should include training staff to follow emergency procedures diligently and to respond swiftly to any incidents. Proper maintenance of ventilation systems is crucial to maintaining safe air quality, thus preventing health risks to personnel. Additionally, installing vital fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers and smoke detectors, and testing them regularly is imperative. Maintaining clear walkways throughout the greenhouse can significantly reduce trip-and-fall risks and facilitate faster evacuation if necessary. Together, these measures create a safer and more efficient work environment.
Maintain a clean premises: Maintaining a clean and organized greenhouse is crucial in reducing the risk of pests and diseases. Regularly removing debris and weeds helps prevent infestations by eliminating potential breeding grounds for unwanted insects. Additionally, frequently disinfecting tools, tables, and other surfaces can limit the spread of pathogens, safeguarding plant health. Proper drainage is also essential, as it prevents mold growth and water damage, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the greenhouse over time. By implementing these practices, you can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for both plants and workers.
Monitor your greenhouse covering for timely replacement: Greenhouse coverings deteriorate over time, reducing their effectiveness and increasing vulnerability to structure and crop damage. We recommend replacing standard plastic covers every four years. Polycarbonate covers can typically last 10–20 years, depending on exposures.
Signs of polycarbonate deterioration, such as significant yellowing, indicate that the material is weakening and becoming more susceptible to damage or breakage—especially wind and hail damage. Monitoring the condition of greenhouse coverings and following recommended replacement schedules can help you maintain a secure and efficient growing environment.
Be financially prepared: Having financial safeguards in place can help you stay afloat in the face of unexpected repairs. Adjusting your insurance deductibles can lower overall premium costs, while budgeting for scheduled material replacements can help prevent financial strain.
Insurance considerations
Your business insurance plays a crucial role in helping protect your greenhouse, providing financial security against unforeseen damage. Additionally, regularly reviewing coverages that can apply to weather-related damages is essential to ensure that policies cover specific perils.
Equipment breakdown coverage is particularly important, as it helps cover costs to get your essential systems, such as heating and ventilation, up and running again. This coverage can also serve as a safeguard for any crop spoilage due to a mechanical failure or an error like a system rebooting at the wrong time after a power outage.
Proactive protection
Protecting a greenhouse in a higher-risk area requires a proactive approach that includes structural reinforcement, regular maintenance, financial preparedness, and specialized insurance coverage.
By implementing risk management strategies, you can help safeguard your investments and ensure long-term sustainability.
For more information:
Hortica
www.hortica.com