KNOW YOUR SNOW LOAD

When you invest in a greenhouse, you want it to stand the test of time. Unfortunately, thanks to wind and snow damage, it can be pretty common to have shattered glass, ripped out panels or even structural collapse.

Budget is always a factor when building structures, but greenhouses with a guaranteed snow load and wind rating are worth the investment.

“Our standard greenhouses are rated for 85-mile-per-hour winds and 32-pounds-persquare-feet for snow,” says Angela Drake, marketing director for BC Greenhouses Builders in Canada. “You can upgrade to sustain even higher loads of snow and wind, with strength for up to 100 psf of snow and 140 mph hurricane-force winds.”

Before choosing your greenhouse, ask your local municipality for local snow and wind ratings. You can compare your ratings to the type of greenhouse you’re interested in, and you’ll know what to expect when winter arrives.