Plants aren’t just for aesthetics. They are essential for our survival as well. Installing a greenhouse metal building is one of the best ways to save them and grow your favorite veggies and flowers. But why metal? That’s what we will be discussing here. So, keep reading.
But First, What Is A Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure with glass walls and a roof. Here, one can regulate the temperature to grow plants that would otherwise be impossible to grow under external environmental conditions.
Usually, plants grown inside are cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, root vegetables, and some exotic flowers such as orchids, African violets, marigolds, roses, and geraniums.
Here Are 7 Benefits Of Owning A Steel Greenhouse Building
1. Low Maintenance
A wooden frame greenhouse will wrap, expand, and contract with heat and cold. This can lead to gaps around the glass panels. Loss panels can fall out or, worse, cause an accident. So, what to do?
Steel lasts longer than wood. It is easy to install and expand without adding much complexity to the building. Once installed, steel requires little upkeep, so you can devote your time to growing plants.
Metal frames are low maintenance and require re-painting once or twice a decade. They do not absorb moisture and do not expand or contract with changing seasons, which is why most agribusinesses use steel frames. Cleaning is simply done with warm water, a garden hose, and mild detergent.
2. Climate Control
Creating a microclimate inside a steel greenhouse is easier. You can use waterproof sealant to seal the entire building and insulate the structure to reduce heat transfer. This will reduce heat loss in the interior, keeping plants safe from harsh outdoor conditions.
Note: You can install vents and insulation to reduce heat transfer and maintain air flow.
3. Large Growing Space
Metal greenhouses are versatile in design and size. Whether for your residential home or for commercial purposes, you can rely on metal buildings for long-lasting performance.
For limited space, you can opt for a lean-to greenhouse attached to your main building, whereas for a larger structure, you can opt for a clear span installed without columns. A clear span structure provides maximum interior space.
4. Weather Protection
One of the benefits of installing a metal greenhouse building is that it can be engineered and certified to withstand high-speed wind, seismic activities, and heavy snow load. Not only that, the sturdy galvanized steel frame gives structural stability to the entire building in the event of harsh climatic conditions, thereby protecting your plants.
Timbers tend to absorb moisture with changing seasons, which can lead to twisting, bending, rot, and decay. On the other hand, metal is non-porous and resists moisture growth with proper insulation. You can get rust-resistant galvanized steel that requires less frequent cleaning compared to stick-built structures.
5. Pest & Disease Control
Plants are susceptible to fungus and bacterial infection. You must clean all your tools before using them on healthy plants. One good thing about steel greenhouses is that they are anti-fungal and resistant to most pest attacks, like termites and molds. The steel frame and panels are thick and dense, which rodents can’t chew through.
6. Increase Light
Light intensity during winter is lower than usual, which can affect crop production. Here, you can easily integrate light fixtures such as dimmable LED grow lights, making the entire metal building energy efficient. Further, you can install adjustable metal shades to complement the crop’s growth.
7. Multiple Base Option
It is essential to have a proper base before installing a metal structure to prevent high-speed wind from lifting the entire frame. With a greenhouse metal building, you can select the most suitable base for the plant. Here are some bases commonly used in a metal building greenhouse:
Concrete Slab: This is the most durable base, but you will have to plan ahead, as it takes 28 days for concrete to set firmly. Once set, you can fully focus on growing crops.
Wood Base: It is a cost-effective option that you can adjust for expansion in the future. It is easy to maintain, but pressure treated wood has chemicals that can hamper plant growth. In addition, you have to check for insulation during winter.
Perimeter Base: It can be made with wood or concrete. The inside is made of blocks, paving slabs, or wood. The downside is that if the slab is not secured firmly, the base will become unstable.
Raised Perimeter: It allows you to control the base height, providing extra space for taller plants. Since the base is raised, it reduces the chances of weed and insect infestation. You might have to create a step to enter the building.
Soil | Earth Base: This is the most affordable option. Just level the soil, place anchors, and install the metal greenhouse. It is ideal for small greenhouses as you can plant directly into the soil.
However, this is not ideal for large commercial greenhouses as rodents can tunnel in, indoor soil can become saturated with time, and if the area has poor drainage or compact soil, it may not have an ideal pH for growing plants.
Bonus: Easy To Add Accessories
With a greenhouse metal building, you can add shelves to grow vertical plants, artificial lights to help plants grow during winters, and vents to maintain fresh air circulation.
You can add the following accessories to the metal building greenhouse:
- Racks
- Shelves
- Insulator
- Ventilation
- Drip Irrigation (also known as Tickle Irrigation)
- Solar Panels
- Weed Mat
- Insect Net & Net roller
- Plant Support Ropes (for climbers)
Create Plant’s Powerhouse With Steel Greenhouse
Whether for residential or agricultural use, a metal greenhouse building is the best option for growing plants with minimum maintenance. When buying a new steel structure, ensure that the steel frame is sturdy enough to handle glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate sheets. Get your steel greenhouse building today and start growing.
