20 Commercial Greenhouse Terms to Know
If you are considering purchasing a Commercial-level greenhouse for your home, school, business, or community, chances are you will encounter some unfamiliar terminology while browsing for your greenhouse. Have no fear! We are here to help. Below are some common words you will come across while you shop.
1. Sidewall
Sidewalls are the straight sides of the greenhouse from the ground to the roof. The length of these walls is called "Sidewall Height."
2. Endwall
The walls on the front and back of the greenhouse frame
3. Bow
The steel tubing that creates the top of a curved structure
4. Gutter
Some greenhouses can be connected. Gutters are the channels placed between connected greenhouses that allow for water runoff.
5. Purlin
The horizontal beam along the length of a roof
6. Truss
Additional beams or pipes that run horizontally and vertically in a greenhouse for extra support
7. Heater
Natural gas or propane heaters usually hang at the top of the greenhouse with a vent that runs outside. They are generally hung with a heater hanger kit.
8. Horizontal Airflow Fan (HAF)
A hanging circulation fan that moves air around in a horizontal pattern
9. Shutter
Shutters are installed in the walls of the greenhouse and open to help ventilate the structure. They can be manual or motorized.
10. Evaporative cooling
The reduction in temperature resulting from the evaporation of a liquid removes latent heat from the surface from which evaporation occurs.
11. Wall Fan
Fans built into the end-walls of a greenhouse at the opposite end of a shutter wall to pull air through the shutters.
12. Roll up the curtain
A type of greenhouse film that can be manually or mechanically rolled up and down to increase natural ventilation
13. Rollbar
An arm that attaches to curtains for easy roll up
14. Holdback
Similar to home curtain tie-backs, but made of metal and attached to the frame
15. Premium roll-up curtain kit
An upgraded roll-up curtain that come with a roll bar and automatic gearbox, usually made of woven fabric curtains instead of poly film
16. Shade cloth
A fabric or monofilament sheet that is used to create more shade and decrease temperatures inside greenhouses
17. Polyfilm
The least expensive greenhouse covering option, it is a plastic sheeting infused with additives to make safer to use in the sun.
18. Polycarbonate
A rigid greenhouse covering that comes in panels and is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors. Strong and durable, it usually comes with a 10-year warranty
19. Profiles
Profiles are channels that connect consecutive polycarbonate panels. H profiles connect two panels side by side, R profiles are used as a ridge cap or corner profile, U profiles are used to seal the open ends of the sheets
20. Solawrap
A plastic covering similar to bubble wrap helps insulate a greenhouse by adding a layer of air between surfaces.