How to limit frost damage to your greenhouse

1. Pipes and drains
Make sure rainwater and condensation in pipes and drains can drain away by turning on an immersion system or opening a drain line in time. This prevents pipes and drains from freezing and bursting.
 
 2. Windows

• De-ice the greenhouse deck and facades as soon as possible to prevent windows from breaking.
• Do not open the vents with temperatures below zero. Although the outside temperature is above zero, the windows can still be stuck due to the frost. A save margin for preventing damage is a climate computer setting not to open the windows till of 3 to 4 degrees above zero.
• Additional safety can be achieved by adding an extra temperature sensor above the curtains. It provides you extra info to determine it's safe to open the windows.

3. Roll gable screens & Outside shade screens

Roll gable screens can become frozen in place. If the temperature between the glass and the facade screen drops below freezing, condensation droplets running down can get into the fabric, causing the screen to become frozen in place. Outdoor screens can also freeze solid due to moisture and condensation. The motor of the screen system will be unable to turn, which can damage both the motor and the fabric.

• Check whether the fabric is frozen in place before opening the roller screen.

• If it is not necessary for the screen cloth to open, leave it closed.

• If the screen is frozen solid, remove the default settings from the climate computer that opens the facade screen in the morning

4. Water silos

• If you want to keep your water silo defrosted, install heating hoses on a separate circuit by using a heat exchanger.
• If ice forms on the top and sides of the water silo during a frost period, stop using water from the silo. The ice formation creates a layer of air under the ice. The weight of the ice causes the ice layer to pull on the foil, and possibly the anti-algae sheet, leading to additional wear and damage to your silo.

5. Coolers

• Consult with your CHP plant's maintenance contractor regarding who is responsible for checking the mixture in the cooler. Annual inspection of this mixture is necessary because the water to refrigerant ratio determines the maximum temperature the cooler can withstand.
• Place a temperature monitor in the water circuit and connect it to the central alarm.
• Connect the circulation system for the cooler and heat supply to an emergency generator. This guarantees continued circulation in case of power failure.

6. Air handling units
The air handling units’ louvres are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Monitor the temperature of the circulating water and safeguard it with an alarm.

We are happy to help

It is important to know that you are not alone. Your broker is happy to give you advice to help you prepare for a harsh winter as well as possible.

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