Tips for battling violent weather in greenhouse business

As the climate changes, nature seems to be getting more violent in recent years with increased numbers of hurricanes and record-breaking storms. The International Building Code has revised its wind and snow loading requirements for some areas of the United States.

Damage to greenhouses from storms can include racking of the frame, bending of hoops, broken glass or torn plastic and uplifted foundation posts. Preparation ahead of time can minimize the damage.

Wind force

The wind passing by a greenhouse creates a positive pressure on the windward side and a negative pressure on the leeward side. An 80 mph wind on a 10’ by 100’ sidewall of a gutter-connected greenhouse would have to resist a 16,000 lb force.

• Tighten loose truss and frame connectors.
• Check that cables are tight and rigid braces secure.

Wind uplift

Wind can also create an uplift. An 80-mph wind blowing perpendicular to the side of a 28’ x 100’ hoophouse can create a lifting force of 220 lb/sf of length or 22,000 lbs of uplift on the whole structure.

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Image by wirestock on Freepik

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