During the construction of the greenhouse, many install additional vents. You will learn about what they are intended for, what types are and how to make ventilation in a greenhouse yourself, from our article.
Purpose of a window for the greenhouse
Good conditions for greenhouse plants can be created through ventilation. To do this, it is necessary to correctly make and install window leaves in order to avoid the appearance of microorganisms. They are also needed for growing plants in winter and hardening planted seedlings.
Many people use polycarbonate for vents, because it does not allow light and air to pass through. Often two window leaves are installed, this is necessary in order to avoid burning plants, while their number depends directly on the size of the greenhouse. Most often, structures are placed on the roof. You can purchase a ready-made window or make it yourself.
Features and principle of the mechanism
There are two methods for ventilating greenhouses: manual and automatic.
Did you know? According to archaeological data, the cultivation of various plants at home began in ancient China.
Consider the principle of operation of each mechanism, as well as its advantages and disadvantages:
- Manual ventilation. By determining the temperature with a thermometer and a hygrometer, you yourself set the ventilation mode or create additional heat for the plants. This process is performed by opening and closing the window at the time you need. The advantage of this method is the low cost of the devices. A disadvantage is the constant binding of the sensor to devices to determine their performance. If you don’t have the opportunity to constantly be in the greenhouse, then you need to optimize the principle of the mechanism, for this you can use self-opening vents or automatic equipment.
- Automatic ventilation method. This method is easy to use, it creates the necessary climatic conditions for crops in the greenhouse. In this case, you do not need to constantly be in a room with plants to control when you need to open and close the window, since the opener controls the process. This method has many advantages, the most significant is the lack of the need for constant monitoring of the system. The disadvantage is the fact that it will be rather difficult to make such a system and it will take more money to invest than in the previous version. There are also several types of automatic method, you will learn more about them below.
Video: Installing a window with automatic ventilation of the greenhouse
Types of window leaves
There are such designs for ventilation:
- mechanical;
- automatic.
The autofocus is equipped with an electric drive. The mechanical device is inferior to automation, since the system responds to temperature changes with the help of an installed transom. The design creates the necessary climatic conditions for the cultivation of various crops, thereby simplifying the care of them. Automatic devices are divided into three types, we will consider them below, each separately.
Hydraulic
Simple system with integrated hydraulics. It is connected to the design of the window. This type of work autonomously, as well as it is more reliable. The advantage of the hydraulic design is that you can independently set the required power in the system. The principle of operation of such ventilation is as follows: the device measures the temperature and humidity of the air, with the help of which it decides whether to open or close the window. This technique regulates the ventilation process. Let us consider in more detail what this type of ventilation consists of.
Two containers with liquid, which are a lever connected by a hose. These containers are placed at different heights - one from above, the second from below. The lower fully sealed container is a temperature regulator, and the upper one is used as a weighting agent. The work process is organized according to the laws of physics. At a time when the temperature rises, the air heats from below, then displaces the liquid under pressure and moves it up, as a result of which the weight of the flask increases, the design opens. When cooled after 20 minutes, the system automatically closes.
The main disadvantage of this design can be considered the inability to protect plants vulnerable to hypothermia.
Did you know? Holland is one of the countries in the world in which the largest number of greenhouses with automatic ventilation is built. The Netherlands has the largest greenhouse with an area of 10,500 hectares.
Electric
Electric consists of a fan and a relay. When the temperature rises, the relay activates and the fan turns on.
- The main advantages are:
- sensitivity to temperature;
- high power
- this design takes up little space;
- its work can be regulated.
Important! In order to avoid this problem, a square window is installed, to which a handle or hooks are attached, with which it can be opened manually. You can also install additional power using solar panels or a generator.
Despite the circumstances, an additional window that can be opened independently will solve any problem of caring for plants in the greenhouse, since not only automation, but also the will of the gardener will decide in what conditions the plants will be. You can also build a home-made lift window with the help of windows. To do this, it is necessary to install a thermostat, which serves to measure the direction of the electric motor to determine the temperature using the microcontroller in thermostat mode and in the same way turns off the motor at the limit switches.
The principle of operation is that two limit switches are integrated in the design. When the device is turned on and the temperature is lower than set, the engine moves to the side and closes the window, since the first trailer is triggered. When the temperature rises, the engine moves clockwise, the second trailer is triggered, and the structure does not close, but opens. And so on the cycle.
Bimetallic
The drive of this ventilation works due to the properties of different metals, which can be compressed and stretched. It uses sliding metal elements with an excellent coefficient of heat expansion.
The essence of this system lies in the drive, which, when heated, bends and opens the window, closes when cooled. Thus, the auto-opening of the transom occurs. The main disadvantage of bimetallic ventilation is its low power, which is why this type is not used for industrial purposes, but only in small greenhouses.
How to make a window leaf in a polycarbonate greenhouse with your own hands
To make polycarbonate vents on your own, you need to determine the amount, size and location. Then choose a more reliable and convenient way to mount and install.
Definition with quantity, size and location
When arranging a greenhouse, it is important to consider the number and size of window leaves. Two structures must be installed at six linear meters, because one structure is installed at two linear meters. To ensure good ventilation in a 3x6 mm greenhouse, four structures must be installed.
In the purchased greenhouse from the manufacturer, a drawing should be included in the package, in which it will be indicated where it is necessary to arrange the window leaves. Installing the structure from above or from the side is a good option. However, it is best to install a roof ventilation system, because all the heat is concentrated there. When arranging the windows on the side, the height must be divided into three parts and the structure should be installed, retreating from the ground by two-thirds.When installing the window independently, the following rules for its location must be considered:
- do not place at the entrance;
- the first structure must be installed in the center of the greenhouse;
- it is better to place a window on the south side of the greenhouse.
Mounting options
Each window must have a latch, as it is responsible for the angle of opening.
There are two options for adaptation:
- Comb. This type allows you to attach the element in the desired position. This method of fastening is not used in the automatic system, as it limits the mechanism, which will require repair.
- Chain spring. It consists of a limiter on a chain with a spring, which is installed on the automation.
Important! In order to determine whether the required number of windows you have installed in the room, look at the walls. If condensate collects, then the design needs to be improved.
Installation
Windows in the greenhouse can be made independently, if you follow the installation rules.
To do this, you need:
- Decide on the location of the transom.
- Cut out in the place part of the material of the required size.
- Make a frame from a metal profile.
- Screw the frame of the cut out part of the material.
- Lubricate the edges of the structure with sealant.
- Fasten hinges, a lock and a stop to it.
- Install the design.
Video: assembly instructions for windows for a polycarbonate greenhouse
Information about how many windows you need for good ventilation, as well as the ability to make a window with a hinged roof will help you provide plants with suitable climatic conditions. Having studied the mounting methods, installation and installation of structures, you can implement them in your greenhouse, creating high-quality and hermetically sealed window panes.