Tag Archives: Guelph Organic Conference

Greenhouses 202: Making Sure Your Structure Survives the Elements

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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

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions that may arise. You can see the rest of our how to collection of videos on our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLxDBMpNEv4qn_Nua9lg5Q

https://youtu.be/TS1y_UmMJ38

https://youtu.be/zTAeGxObtGs

https://youtu.be/y8NGn4jqA4c

Guelph Organic Conference Jan 30 & 31 We hope to see you!

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This weekend is the Guelph Organic Conference, January 30-31, 2016 at the
Guelph University Center, Guelph, ON and we hope you can make it out.

Norm is speaking on Greenhouses 202: How to get your structure to survive the elements. Last year he spoke on Greenhouses 101: Knowing the basics before you buy which you can view the archive of our previous posts and a video of his speech.

As a review of the Organic offerings and information we have posted, please see
Organic Greenhouses/Shelters-uses and benefits
Feature: Organic Greenhouses
Happy Organic Week

Greenhouses 202: How to get your structure to survive the elements

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Norm will be speaking on Saturday morning at the Guelph Organic Conference at Guelph University. We are eagerly anticipating getting to see many of you either at the workshop or the trade show. Below is an overview of what Norm will be speaking about. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

The purpose of this workshop is to share some of my 40+ years of experience to save you some grief and expense. This workshop is an expansion of part of last year’s workshop “Greenhouses 101” which is on our website.

We will be covering the three forces which are exerted on a building: Up, Down and Lateral. These forces will be looked at in the context of aerodynamics and weather. Examples of each problem will be given and preventive measures to be used.

Some basic principles of engineering – how going wider and/or higher becomes exaggerated
Security of your building starts with proper anchoring. How much anchoring is enough or too much?
How is stability affected when the anchor point is not at the ground?
How does structure shedding rain affect the holding power of anchors?
How does recent excavation have on holding power?

Down force is commonly referred to as snow load. The most commonly asked question is “how is the structure rated for snow load?”

A worst case scenario is a combination of freezing rain, snow, rain and wind.
The issues with an uneven snow load – all on one side or all on one end
Issues of snow sliding from a higher building to a lower building
Shape and slope are important to good snow shedding.

How does a structure get evaluated for strength?
Going from wind load to snow load, shape and size do matter.
Proper ways to remove snow and or ice from a building.

Uplift and Lateral forces are not the same but very interrelated
Comparing the profile of a structure to an aircraft wing
What effects are there when the cover area is expanded by going higher or wider?
How does aerodynamics change for multiple units side by side?

What is the minimum space requirement between structures?
How does orientation affect the structure?
Forces on a structure with no cover
What constitutes a good wind break?

We hope you can come out and ask any questions you have face to face with Norm. It should be a great day!

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: Shapes & Configurations

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There are many choices for shapes, styles and sizes of structures. These choices, more then any other, will force you to strike a balance between strength and cost or return and cost. There are many variables that will affect the cost per square foot of your building. Only by careful research and evaluation will you determine if a particular choice is a valid consideration for your application. Our planning checklist can also help to ensure you have all your bases covered.

The focus of Multi Shelter Solutions structures are those that are ground to ground with a gothic shape due their versatility, strength and economy. Gothic refers to a shape that is slightly rounded coming up from the base going up to a peak to maximize snow shedding and wind deflection. By modifying the shape and reducing or expanding the hoop spacing, we can accommodate interior space requirements while achieving ruggedness to deal with the elements for years to come.

Ground to ground style refers to individual units as opposed to multiple units that share a common base. Individual structures deal with snow more effectively and will allow someone to easily customize a building for different applications or uses. Ground to ground units still have the inherent flexibility of being mounted on various bases as the specific application requires. This includes mounting the building on concrete blocks or a short wall. The width of a ground to ground structure can easily be modified or the length increased to create and area to suit a required need.

From our perspective, when we understand what it is that you are trying to accomplish and what you are dealing with, we can best advise the shape and size that would best get the job done in the context of your budget. Feel free to give us a call and discuss the planning of your project. We are happy to help.

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: 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.