[Market-farming] snow loads on greenhouses

Robin Follette lists at seasonseatingsfarm.com
Thu Feb 14 12:09:56 EST 2008


We've had 86" of snow, three or four sleet and freezing rain days, 
snow/sleet/freezing rain/down pours and whatever else you can make of that 
mix.  Will whomever pissed off the snow fairy please apologize before it 
starts to snow again tomorrow.

Sometimes just closing the door hard will create a chain reaction clear the 
greenhouse.  Gotta love days like that.  I start at the bottom and push 
against the poly with a dust mop (no sharp edges).  On a good day the snow 
will slide from the bottom up between each rib.  I try to get out there 
before it gets above freezing inside.  As soon as the snow starts to melt it 
doesn't slide off as easily as it does on dry poly.  I've given the poly 
some good taps to get it moving and not left a mark.

As of yesterday's 6" of snow followed by 2" of rain I'm officially sick of 
winter.

Robin Follette
Seasons Eatings Farm
Talmadge Maine 04492
www.seasonseatingsfarm.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ploughshare" <gjbrever at midwestinfo.net>
To: <market-farming at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:01 AM
Subject: [Market-farming] snow loads on greenhouses


> So last night we received our first moderate snowfall on our new gothic
> style hoop house.  First off, I really didn't see a difference in the 
> amount
> of snow that slides off compared to our old hoop house even with the 
> heater
> on full blast.  We received only 3-4 inches and I definately felt like I 
> had
> to go out  and "bounce" the snow off.  Today, with the sunshine the rest 
> of
> the snow at the very top should melt and slide off.  What I am wondering 
> is
> this.. the best method I have found for getting the snow off is to take a
> push broom and lift up and "bounce" the plastic from the inside (it's a
> double layer).    Is this the best method?  I feel like it could be 
> causing
> stress on the plastic or on the end walls where the plastic attaches
> especially if we receive any heavier snow loads.  After losing one
> greenhouse this winter I am a bit gunshy but it  seems like these 
> hoophouse
> really do take some babysitting in the winter--especially if receiving a
> large amount of snow.
> --Gary
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Market-farming mailing list
> Market-farming at lists.ibiblio.org
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/market-farming
>
> 





More information about the Market-farming mailing list