One of the things we all struggle with is the number of things on our “to do” list. All of the things we have attached value to and need to be done “soon”.
Many people apologize for how late they have let their structure order go when they do get around to it.
This is just a gentle reminder that the more time you can give us for the structure order, the better we can serve you.
By not bending anything before we get an order, it allows us to customize the profile to your exact specifications.
Not carrying a huge inventory is one way we can keep building and manufacturing costs down. This does mean that we do not ever have buildings “on the shelf”.
There are commodity groups out there (i.e.salt) that have their customers trained to order well in advance to ensure receiving what they need and when.
By giving us the same consideration, we can serve you the same way. When we have orders in advance it allows us to group orders together for delivery, thereby adding to the savings all the customers can appreciate
We look forward to working with you to plan your structure purchase
We’ve had a number of requests from people very green to the process of purchasing structures asking “where do I start?” So we’ve made this check list and supplements to help you out with that! All the information can be found throughout our website as well, through the links below or the search field on the top left corner of the site. We are also here to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to your call!
1. Pick a Location: Your building must be level from side to side. If you can’t excavate we can design a variation. End to end slope is ok but if it is more then 1%, we need to know. If you are butting against a building, there may need to be some extra hoops in the first 12’ of length. Building behind something does not provide shelter. You actually increase wind turbulence.
2. Pick a width: Most of our standard widths can easily be modified if it needs to be specific. The widest we do with engineered drawings is 30’ but have supplied up to 36’ wide. Please review our recent article about drawings and permits to factor these things into your planning
3. Pick a length: Any length is possible; simply by adding hoops If you are building between 2 fixed points, the last hoop spacing can be modified to fit the spot.
4. Pick a height: We have 7 lengths of steel to pick from and do not bend anything until we get an order. Building higher will improve the snow shedding characteristics of the building. Building higher gives more interior space close to the wall but the structure catches more wind. Since building higher catches more wind, the structure may require reduced hoop spacing. Building higher will be a little more costly to heat but does improve natural air circulation. Building lower will decrease snow shedding and may required closer hoop spacing.
5. Pick a base or foundation: The standard package comes with a Base Brackets under each hoop to secure the building to a beam. This beam can be ground mounted or on blocks, posts, slab or shipping containers. We can supply a welded steel base rail if the structure needs to be movable. We can supply Anchor Posts. Each hoop would sit on a post that may need to be set into concrete. Please remember that there simply is no such thing as too many anchors.
6. Pick a cover: The standard covers we offer are 12 mil tarp (white) and 7.2mil plastic (white or clear) White tarp has a typical 8-10 year life and gives summer shade and winter light. 7.2mil clear plastic must be used for plants. Typical life span is 5-6 years. 7.2mil white plastic is used where shade is important but still need light. Typical life is 4-6 years. Doubling up on plastic reduces heat loss by 30%, minimizes condensation and increases life span by 50%
7. Determine ventilation: Roll up Side Walls are an economical add on to our greenhouses or livestock shelters to provide natural ventilation. Roof vents and exhaust fans are available options
8. Building ends: Our package prices include covers for both ends. The assembly guide gives pointers on framing Ends We can supply steel frame ends, with or without a variety of sizes and types of doors.
If you haven’t had a look yet, our installation guide has quite a few pointers and tips of things you may need to consider for your unique application as well. We look forward to hearing from you with any other questions or comments you have, either through our contact form, or call us toll free 1-866-838-6729
What are some of the benefits of going with a bigger structure over a smaller structure?
Budget often dictates that someone needs to start small, especially when a person is just starting out as a grower with a greenhouse.
There is also the perceived notion that staying smaller means less heating cost. In itself, that is true, since heat loss is in direct proportion to surface area exposed to the outside.
As I have mentioned before, it is very important to weigh expense
against return.
A smaller air volume has less natural circulation.
Proper air circulation for plants is critical regardless of the season.
Think of a deep pond versus a shallow pond. The deep pond never has algae on the surface because of the increased movement.
Going with a taller greenhouse will automatically increase the circulation the same way.
Another point to consider with a taller greenhouse, is that there is more open space above the plants.
This open space is where moisture can go, away from the plants even before the greenhouse ventilation system does its job.
With a lower greenhouse, moisture is always in close proximity to the plants. In a taller structure, the plants will be dry much sooner.
Moist plants in a stagnant air mass are prone to disease. These plants will, as a result, produce less.
Multi Shelter Solutions 