Greenhouse exposed to wind advice needed
Twodogs
Posts: 3
I have just erected my first greenhouse in Hants on the south coast. In order to make best use of the sun, it is in an area of the garden that can catch strong to very strong westerly winds that seem to have become routine. During the latest front, we lost 3 panes of horti glass and were lucky that no further damage occurred. Since then I have just bought some windbreak material (netting) which is 2m high and plan to erect this over the weekend. It states that the net will reduce the wind by 50%. Is this true or just sales talk ? Due to the location of the greenhouse, the net will be about 12 inches from the glass. Is this too close or OK ? Also, if I double-up the material will this be more effective or is there a reason not to do this ?? I also plan to put many more glazing clips onto the frame than the 4 per pane provided with the kit. Any advice welcome and thanks in advance.
Posts
I wouldn't double the material as that may have the effect of giving you a solid wall, and 12 inches may well be too close, 2-3 ft yes, or why not get the stronger glass for the one side of the greenhouse which faces the wind. Adding glazing clips will mean the glass won't give in a wind. Contrary to belief, glass has a slight flex in wind. Making it firmer with glazing clips will reduce the flex.
Be sure to use very sturdy supports for your windbreak. I put this fabric up to protect my garden this winter, attaching it to posts buried in 2' of concrete and the increased wind resistance has meant the recent gales have blown every post to a drunken 45° angle because the soil is so wet it had no resistance. We'll be addressing that problem over the long weekend.
On the other hand, the fruit bushes and overwintered curly kales are still standing in the veg plot and there has been no wind damage in the rest of the garden except for a few old plastic chairs blowing about.
Thanks Dave - is 12" too close if I don't double it ? I don't really have much choice !
Thanks obelixx, I plan to use tree stakes and have good anchor points nearby, fingers crossed !
Hi Twodogs
I had the problem with a metal G.H,lost panes regularly.I replaced clips and siliconned the glass in .I have not lost a pane now in 4 years
I did the same as mike w, Used clear waterproof bathroom sealant,round the edges of the panes inside and out,Its withstood all this winter winds without any panes coming out.