Greenhouse Glazing Maintenance

There are two factors that are critical to maintaining a correct amount of solar heat that is maintained inside the greenhouse. The first is the orientation of the greenhouse to the sun; the next is the efficiency of glazing that is used.

While the orientation of the greenhouse as it relates to the sun enables it to have the potential solar heat that could be used, the glazing on the other hand is what allows and keep heat and light in the greenhouse. In choosing a glazing material then, the rule of the thumb is to choose a material that could let solar heat in while preventing heat loss as much as possible. Heat loss and control are managed by the ventilation system and its components. Glazing is what absorbs and keep it.

Minimizing energy loss has been a subject for greenhouse developers and designers that there are several choices and variants that you could use for this purpose. Typically glazing materials should allow natural photo synthetically active radiation to be absorbed into the greenhouse. For this, treated double-layered plastics, rough glass, and fiberglass are used. While plastics are the most common, the component that makes all the materials even more effective are enhanced weather ability, ultraviolet degradation inhibitors, radiation transmission properties, and infrared radiation absorbency.

In some areas, greenhouse growers add additional glazing for the greenhouse during winter. Materials that are used are thermal films that create additional insulation to retain the heat. In areas where winter cold could be severe, double and sometimes triple layer of films are mounted for added heat retention.

The manner of mounting the glazing material too will determine the amount of the heat conserved or lost. Holes and cracks during the mounting will allow heat to escape while spaces in between the mounting will affect energy retention.

In the installation of glazing, it is well to note that while plants grow well both in direct and diffused sunlight, the glazing of the greenhouse must allow adjustments so that there is an even distribution of diffused light to all the plants as much as possible. The structural supports of the green house could often get in the way of sunlight, that the result would be plants that are healthier and more developed in most areas while those where the supports of the greenhouse are obstructed by the frames are stunted.

DIY Greenhouse Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep it in good condition for as long as possible and to keep a level of cleanliness and hygiene inside the greenhouse.

Checking the panes - Routinely inspect windows, doors, vents, and covers of your greenhouse, especially after high winds or after a storm. Cracked or broken panes should be replaced immediately to prevent endangering you and your plant, and to avoid losing heat and humidity inside your greenhouse.

Check the frames - Wood frames, treated or not, should be checked regularly for termites and decay. Check for rusting if you use metal frames. Repair rusted metal to prolong the frame's life and make sure to coat exposed metal with layers of paint to stop metal deterioration.

Clean the floor - Concrete floor are easy to maintain. Sweep any dirt or dry leaves first and hose the entire area with water. Use mild soap and scrub to remove stains or stuck objects from it. Make sure that you have a good drainage system, especially if you have gravel or wood flooring to draw out any excess water as a result of daily watering. Dirt flooring can turn into mud if you do not provide sufficient drainage system too.

Clean the panes - Use warm water and sponge to clean the outside panes. It is best to do this during a fairly breezy day. Let the wind dry the glass panes without leaving too much watermarks on the surface. Clean the inside panes using warm water and sponge as well. If the outside temperature is not too cold, take the plants outside to better clean the interior panes. This is the perfect time to inspect each plant for damaged or infected leaves and discard plants that are dead or dying.

Equipment maintenance - Essential items such as ventilation, irrigation and heating systems should be checked regularly to keep the environment inside of your greenhouse working properly. Any damage should be repaired immediately. Containers, capillary matting, staging, containers and pots should be sterilized regularly to prevent disease and lower the risk of infestation. Insulation should be checked for leaks to prevent unnecessary heat loss and to keep pests and rodents out.

Cleaning the inside of the greenhouse regularly not only provides a healthy living environment for your plant, but gives you with a clean and pleasant place to work. Regular maintenance meanwhile, extends the life of your greenhouse and keeps you from future repairs.