Tag Archives: Greenhouses 101

Greenhouses 101 & 202

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Norm spoke at the Guelph Organic Conference January 31, 2015 on Greenhouses 101: Knowing the basics before you buy-Choices and Consquences
You can find the articles and information posted, as well as a video of his presentation and the Q&A below.

Greenhouses 101: What are you trying to accomplish? What are you dealing with?Greenhouses 101: Climate and Air Effects on your Structure
Greenhosues: 101: Covering Options
Greenhouses 101: Greenhouse Shapes & Configurations
Greenhouses 101: Orientation and Location
Greenhouses 101: Knowing the basics before you buy
Greenhouses 101: Greenhouse Choices

Norm did a presentation at the Guelph Organic Conference on Greenhouses 202: Making sure your structure survives the elements. The presentation is broken into three parts for easy viewing, the last section of which is the Q&A. These tips apply for greenhouses, storage buildings, livestock shelters, really anything we sell. Key Points Covered in the presentation:

1. Some basic principles of engineering so that the forces exerted on the buildings could be better understood.
2. The many components of anchoring. Anchoring prevents a structure from settling under snow load, prevents lifting under aerodynamic forces and prevents shifting with wind forces.
3. The similarities of an airplane wing to the shape of a structure. What happens when surfaces become bigger, wider. lower and higher.
4. How uneven loads can happen and how to prevent them.
5. The proper procedure to removing excessive snow load

Read more here: Greenhouses 202: How to get your structure to survive the elements

Watch more here:

https://youtu.be/TS1y_UmMJ38

https://youtu.be/zTAeGxObtGs

https://youtu.be/y8NGn4jqA4c

Greenhouses 101: what are you trying to accomplish? what are you dealing with?

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There are many factors to consider when purchasing a greenhouse structure. More so today then ever before, it is critical to speak with an experienced professional who knows the various challenges or pitfalls to be aware of and will work together with you to find a solution strategy for your specific requirements. There simply is no margin for error in today’s economic times. We at Multi Shelters take pride in working with you to find the intersection points of what you would like to accomplish, the location, landscape and climate circumstances you are faced with, as well as price range to be considered. With over 40 years experience in the industry, there is not much we haven’t seen to be able to offer you the best tips and advice possible. Please also see our steps to consider page for further information. We are happy to answer any questions that come up.

Check out the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. Stay tuned for the end of  January 2016 when he presents Greenhouses 202!

Greenhouses 101: Climate and Air Effects on your Structure

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You might be wondering, How does air volume affect the climate in a greenhouse? There also is the matter of air changes. What is the connection between shape and aerodynamics? You need to make sure it stays put.

There are 3 forces on every building which need to be considered if you want it to stay where you put it and in the shape you built it. There is down force (usually from snow build up), up lift (by wind) and lateral shift (both wind and snow). Mother nature is not restricted by lack of patience and will work away at any vulnerabilities in the structure, often without notice until it’s too late. There must not be any wiggle room that the weather can work on these vulnerabilities or things will come loose, unstable, and wear out faster..

There simply is no such thing as too many anchors. There are also various tips we can give you for ensuring that the plastic is tight enough to avoid wrinkling and flapping about, while balancing the issues of it being too tight. This can easily extend the life of your roof cover.

We also advise, especially this time of year, to cover the structure as soon as you can as the more snow you have on that spot which has to melt, the more moisture you will have in the building. The more moisture you have in the building the more condensation issues you will have. You want to give that ground the most time possible to dry up before you need to start using the building.

Contact us for more tips and considerations for building a structure that will stay put and have a longer life, we would be happy to help you.

Check out the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. Stay tuned for the end of  January 2016 when he presents Greenhouses 202!

Greenhouses 101: Covering Options

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We have previously covered the idea that while considering your structure choices you will have to weigh cost versus benefit or return. There is no area which this is more true then with cover choices.

The wide range of cover choices include glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene and woven products. Within each of these products there is an equally great variety of choices. Along with each of these choices there is a huge variation in cost and function or performance.

At Multi Shelter Solutions we manufacture a wide range of shapes and sizes of predominantly plastic and tarp covered buildings. Because these buildings and shelters are narrower and have a reduced hoop spacing, we can use a lighter cover of the options available. The easiest way to get a comparative cost is to take the replacement cover cost divided by the years of expected life span to get an annual cover cost.

Our 7.2 mil plastic covers can be used as a single layer or double with air between for a 30% reduction in heat loss and to minimize condensation. White plastic has a 4 year warranty against deterioration by the sun, clear has a 5 year warranty. Plastic is available in clear (greenhouses) and white (livestock shelters) and comes in various thicknesses. The average life span is 5 – 6 years for single layer and 6 – 8 years for double although 10 years is not uncommon.

Our 12mil white woven covers have a much greater tear resistance then plastic. This makes a good alternative when there will be some contact between product and cover. By providing shade, the white tarp is cooler in the summer. By still letting light in, it is warmer in the winter. Typical life span is 10 year.

You can see more info on these choices on our covering page or with the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. As always, we are happy to help you with any of your questions regarding planning or options as you are considering your structure purchase.

Greenhouses 101: Knowing the Basics Before you Buy

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Knowing the basics when you are starting the process of purchasing a shelter includes having a firm handle on what you are trying to accomplish and what you are dealing with. This applies for both greenhouses or storage structures. By efficiently choosing from all of our structure choices in combination with your goals and the restrictions or challenges in the best possible way, you will be creating a structure package that is going to serve you well for years to come.

Structure choices include not only size and profile but many choices of coverings. Anchoring choices will be determined by soil conditions and the possibility of relocating the building. Ventilation requirements will impact which structure package you choose. Size, spacing and shape of the hoops will allow you to effectively deal with the weather in your location.

Your goals will need to be specifically spelled out and will likely be modified once the realities of some of the obstacles have been determined. Goals should always include both short and long term plans since some structures and layouts are easier to expand then others.

Restrictions or challenges are not just limited to wind, snow load and other climatic issues. Accessibility of water, power, roadways and market opportunities will impact where and what you can or should build. As each of these parts are researched and developed, they will be impacted by the reality of your budget. By knowing your options, you will be able to get best value for your investment

Check out the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. Stay tuned for the end of  January 2016 when he presents Greenhouses 202!
Download our STEPS TO YOUR SHELTER CUSTOMIZATION for your Project for reminders of items to consider before you purchase.

Greenhouses 101: Greenhouse Choices

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GREENHOUSES 101: How do you match the available options with your circumstances and requirements?

You might be wondering……What is a greenhouse? Why is it necessary? What are some of my choices and the consequences of my choices? Greenhouse choices are determined by purpose, size, shape, covering, orientation and location. How do you prioritize? 

Making a wish list of the things you are dealing with and the things you would like the greenhouse to do can be a good start. What can you change or not change? We can help you with how to make your wish list and then prioritizing the things that are most important or the things that really can’t be changed.

Check out the presentation video and the rest of the series Norm spoke on Greenhouses 101 here. Stay tuned for the end of  January 2016 when he presents Greenhouses 202! Download our STEPS TO YOUR SHELTER CUSTOMIZATION for your Project for reminders of items to consider before you purchase.