Reduce Worry by Winterizing Your Greenhouse
Winterizing your greenhouse now is a smart investment that can help you save money and avoid potential issues down the line
As winter approaches, preparing your greenhouse is crucial to avoid costly issues down the line. With rising fuel costs, the need for efficiency is more important than ever. Taking the time now to winterize your greenhouse by sealing leaks, inspecting heating systems, and performing regular maintenance can save you significant expenses—and help you sleep better at night.
Todd Beeler, Engineering Manager at Stuppy Greenhouse, emphasizes that consistent year-round maintenance is key. “Anything that moves will eventually need cleaning, lubricating, or adjusting,” he says. “While maintenance should be ongoing, there are specific tasks that are especially important in the fall.”
Stuppy Greenhouse provides 10 essential tips to ensure your greenhouse stands up to winter conditions both structurally and financially.
1. Strengthen the Structure: In areas prone to snow or high winds, check and tighten bolts and fasteners throughout your greenhouse frame. For regions with heavy snow, have a support system of 2″ × 4″ posts ready to reinforce the structure under bows and trusses.
Worst-case scenario tip: If snow buildup threatens your greenhouse, cutting the poly to let the snow fall through can save the structure. Replacing the poly is far less costly than replacing an entire structure—potentially 50 times cheaper.
2. Mind the Gaps: Heat escaping through gaps is money wasted. Ensure that doors, including personnel and garage doors, close tightly, and add weather stripping as needed. Beeler advises: “Inspect the roof and walls for any breaks or tears, and make sure lock inserts are secure. Caulk any gaps around gaskets, joints, or foundations.”
Insulating pipes helps to conserve heat through colder months.
3. Inspect and Clean Heating Systems: Your heating system often goes unnoticed until it fails—don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re considering replacing your furnace, now is the time. Schedule a licensed service company to inspect and clean furnaces, heat exchangers, and air ducts to ensure everything is in optimal condition.
4. Insulate for Efficiency: If your greenhouse uses floor heating, insulating the side and end walls is a smart move. This can be done with 1″ to 2″ insulation panels sunk 12″ to 24″ into the ground and extending up to the knee wall. Foam insulation can also be sprayed on the side and end walls at the same thickness. Be sure to insulate heating pipes, water pipes, and air ducts with 1″ to 2″ foam insulation as well.
5. Check Inflation Kits: Ensure that blowers are functional, and that air intake is unobstructed. A sagging inflation hose can collect condensation, leading to ice buildup between poly layers. Installing a manometer is good practice to monitor air pressure, which should be around 0.45 in winter to prevent plastic stretching.
Growers can save between 20% – 30% on energy costs when energy curtains are in good operating order.
6. Inspect Energy Curtains: Energy curtains can reduce heating costs by 20% to 30%, but only if they’re in good working order. Ensure the controls are functioning, the curtains move easily, and any tears are repaired. During heavy snow events, however, it may be necessary to let heat rise to the roof.
7. Inspect Vent and Lubricate Motors: Beeler recommends tightening and adjusting bolts and fasteners to ensure that vent racks work in unison, allowing vents to operate smoothly and efficiently.
8. Clean gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup. Ensure gutters are free of debris so water can flow away from the greenhouse easily.
9. Seal or Remove Evaporative Cooling Systems: If you’re not using an evaporative cooling system during the winter, drain the irrigation and cooling lines in cold regions. Remove the cooling pads and fans from unused greenhouses or cover them with poly to seal any openings.
10. Ensure Backup Power: Power outages are inevitable. Having a backup generator in good working order can prevent significant losses. A reliable alarm system will notify you of power outages, giving you peace of mind.
Overall Goal: Prepare, Inspect, Maintain
Winterizing your greenhouse is about prevention—taking action now will not only save you money and time but also help you avoid potentially catastrophic issues. The steps you take today will ensure a smooth winter season, both structurally and financially. Ready to take a step in the right direction? Contact the experts at Stuppy Greenhouse.