Where to put automatic openers?

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by Deegee, Mar 5, 2007.

  1. Deegee

    Deegee Apprentice Gardener

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    I've just built a new 12 x 8 house having moved house at the tail end of last year. I've got 4 roof windows (2 at each side of the roof 2 foot infrm gable ends) and have two automatic openers. The house runs north to south

    Where would be the best way to place the openers (Both on one side of the apex, both at one end or diagonally)

    Will this make any difference?

    Thanks
     
  2. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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    I put mine on opposite sides, but in pairs, not alternately.
    Does that make sense? :confused:
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Hi Deegee, Sorry mate but I think you need to buy two more. :D
    But for now I would put one on one side, and the other on the other side. Not directly opposite, so as to move as much air as possible.
     
  4. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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    I must be tired..... yes - I have 4, which was what I was attempting to describe! I think you'll find arguments for both things, directly opposite and alternate, as there are good reasons for both.

    Both our family and the friends along the road who have put up our greenhouses in the last year or so, the same size as yours, went for the way I described, after much (heated) discussion! :D
     
  5. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think if you have four vents you really need four openers.
     
  6. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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    Agree wholeheartedly with that! :D
     
  7. Deegee

    Deegee Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for the advice. Looks like I may have to put my hand in my pocket again. When we bought the house we were advised that two openers would be plenty. It's not common to find a slaesman talking himself out of business [​IMG]
     
  8. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

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    Rather than buy any more automatic roof lights I would be inclined to go for a couple of ground level side vents at either end on the north side. This will draw cool air into the house and even on still days it will vent hot air out through your roof lights and prevent stagnant air layering.
     
  9. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    The reason I would have four openers on four vents is that way you can leave it entirely to its own devices.
    If you have to go to the greenhouse to open the other two vents, which you will in the summer, you might as well manually open four, as two. [​IMG]
     
  10. Deegee

    Deegee Apprentice Gardener

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    My normal routine at my old place (with an 8 x 6 house) was to open the door on sunny mornings and leave the single roof vent on an automatic opener which seemed to give adequate circulation.

    On cooler days, the door was left closed, if the temperature rose while I was at work the vent did it's job and at least let some hot air escape.

    I'd envisaged a similar regime with the new house, so I may put the two vent openers at the end (opposite each other) furthest from the door and see how that goes in the first instance.

    If that doesn't work I'll add extra openers later.

    Thanks again
     
  11. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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