Diy External Automatic White Greenhouse Shading

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by ricky101, Apr 7, 2017.

  1. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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    Hi,

    I know a lot has been mentioned about shading before but was looking to try and create some form of automatic shading to give the best conditions.

    The first problem seems to be trying to find a white shading cloth as nearly all are green which many suggest is not that effective at reducing the heat.

    Have found some aluminium cloth which fits the bill, but not cheap !
    Aluminium Shading 2.1m wide 50% Shading Per Sq Metre Simply Control

    My greenhouse is a 8x6 lean-to so the roof is 6ft wide and about 8ft+ from front to back and facing south, so its quiet an area to cover.

    Its got two auto top vents so rather than looking at something to lower a roller blind automatically, was thinking about using to openers to pull up the shading as they open in line with the heat or some electro mechanical system, though more complex.

    Any ideas welcome ..:smile:
     
  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Well my friend in Oz has one of these shades on her g/house.. Never seen anything like it here though but you could use the idea to suit you perhaps.? Maybe using a heavy muslin.?
    Dorset 3000 Shade
    I use the green net shading on mine with good success bit I fix it on the outside of roof not inside.

    I have used the paint on Cool glass one in the past but it is messy..
     
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    • CanadianLori

      CanadianLori Total Gardener

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      I like how the shade is supported above the glass rather than on it. I don't see any reference to a motor so am wondering about the "automatic" part. :scratch:

      @Marley Farley thanks for posting the link. I believe that I can duplicate that quite easily as I really only need to shade one side on my 6x8. I can probably install a clutch mechanism to make retraction fairly easy. :)
       
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      • Marley Farley

        Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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        Hi @CanadianLori yes I think one could replicate something similar her.. My friends hasn't got a motor but I expect you can get them, she just pulls the blind down on both sides of hers.. I think she has a central pull a bit like a blind but I think it could be done easily without.. Maybe a hand crank to wind it back up.!
         
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        • ricky101

          ricky101 Total Gardener

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          Begining to think thats the simpler way, just have the material on a dowel and have a little handle to wind it back up.

          Easy enough to operate if I'm around or leave it up when going out /away.
           
        • CanadianLori

          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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          In the summer I only worry about retracting shading when it is raining as I collect the water runoff from the greenhouses. We've had a fair amount of rain/snow the last couple of days and I now have about 50 gallons to use :)

          Now back to shading. I did have a similar set up but it did not wind up. Instead I had a dowel through a channel I had sew in the material along both edges side to side. I then used eyes and strings to pull up and then the top dowel would aid through gravity to fall back down when the string was released. Don't think I have any old pics showing this but will have a look. :)
           
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          • ricky101

            ricky101 Total Gardener

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            Thanks, was thinking along those similar lines, will have a try at a mock up this weekend as its forcast to be a really hot weekend 20c !
            :hotsun:
             
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            • Marley Farley

              Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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              So a bit like a Roman blind then Lori..
               
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              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                Yes @Marley Farley , I make real roman shades with designer fabrics as part of my wage earning life. I have loads of hardware which is considered obsolete for todays romas however work wonderfully outside. I use curtain rods to hang pots in the greenhouses until it's warm enough to go outside. I usde drapery rods to hang my solar panels and valance components to make stands for other solar panels. Just having fun :)
                 
              • Marley Farley

                Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                Ah ha no wonder you are clued up on blinds then. I do love blinds I don't have curtains any more as I have s friend who makes them too @CanadianLori. You should work out a design for greenhouse blinds then :thumbsup::SUNsmile: but carry on having fun.
                 
              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                @Marley Farley I have a drapery workroom and because of the sewing, I grin and refer to myself as a sweaty betty :) Been doing this for 17 years and prior to that a manager in the steel industry.

                I am also working on making roller blinds for inside the greenhouses.
                 
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                • Marley Farley

                  Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                  Wow @CanadianLori you are certainly busy then.. I had and still have friends in Hamilton, is that anywhere near you.?
                   
                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  Yes @Marley Farley . About 25 minutes from me. One of my sons lives there. That is where the passport office is located which will be on my to do list this week. :)
                   
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                  • Marley Farley

                    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                    Oh cool now I have had a few visits to Hamilton and surrounding areas. Niagara of course and Toronto but so enjoyed around Hamilton and the people.. A nice place and loved the history..
                     
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