Building a greenhouse is no small task. And if you’re a serious enough gardener to have your own greenhouse, chances are you’re not into construction. So don’t risk thwacking your green thumb with a hammer, contact a local greenhouse contractor instead. Just remember, the “green” that greenhouse contractors are primarily concerned with is of the cash variety.
What is it?
A greenhouse, also known as a hothouse or glasshouse, is a building structure inside of which plants are cultivated. They are primarily built with a glass or plastic roof, and will oftentimes have walls that also consist of glass or plastic. The idea behind the greenhouse is that solar radiation from the sun will shine through and heat up the glass or plastic surroundings, therefore warming the plants and soil on the inside of the greenhouse. Primarily, glass and plastic can retain a lot of heat, ensuring that only a minimal amount of heat will be allowed to escape the structure. Therefore, the walls and roof are paramount to the success of cultivation, which is a primary reason why professional contractors are necessary.
Furthermore, greenhouses can be used for commercial use or personal use. In general, commercial greenhouses are normally built larger and can contain high-tech equipment such as screening installations and computer-operated heating, cooling, and lighting systems. Regardless, whether you’re greenhouse is meant for business or pleasure, it serves as a sheltered and controlled environment for crops to grow no matter what season.
Who needs it?
The construction of a greenhouse will pretty much always require the expertise of a greenhouse contractor. So if you need to have a greenhouse built, you’re going to need someone who is aware of the complex structure a greenhouse requires.
Benefits
While it may not be cheap, hiring a greenhouse contractor will be entirely beneficial to the structure, and therefore entirely beneficial to your plants. A greenhouse contractor can provide areas of expertise including engineering, welding, carpentry, masonry, electrical design, sealing, glazing, and irrigation. Not to mention that an adequate greenhouse contractor should have formal training in architecture and design. Needless to say, you’re paying a lot because you’re getting a lot in return.
Furthermore, they’ll also be able to make informed decisions about what specific materials should be used according to the area’s climate and plans for the greenhouse. For instance, if you live in an area where hail storms are frequent, a contractor might suggest using a cover made of fiberglass, as it is hail-proof. Or because fiberglass can reduce light penetration, he may suggest a tempered glass covering, which is more expensive but still more durable than regular glass. Likewise, a contractor may suggest building wider aisles, more doors, and lower bench heights if you plan on opening your greenhouse to the public.
Risks
Anyone planning on hiring a greenhouse contractor should first be aware of their local building codes and utility requirements, as they may vary from city to city and could potentially halt construction if building permits and stamped drawings are required. This also goes for built-in utilities such as drainage systems, as local code may require their connection to a larger sanitary system.
It should also be noted that it is extremely important to properly maintain your greenhouse once it has been built. Because of its closed environment, greenhouses need to be closely monitored for pests and diseases and need to maintain steady irrigation to provide water for growing crops. And although solar energy provides some heat, it is vital that secondary heaters are installed to keep crops at a steady temperature, especially in the winter months. Likewise, proper ventilation systems and air circulation should be practiced.
The bottom line
Greenhouses are major investments. And it takes a lot of work to maintain a greenhouse. Therefore, it’s probably a good idea to have it built by a professional.
