Are your plants struggling to thrive in a greenhouse with poor air circulation? Roll-up sides are a game changer for greenhouse growers, offering easy and efficient ventilation. This blog post will guide you through the ins and outs of installing roll-up sides, ensuring your plants enjoy the perfect environment.

Keep reading – it’s simpler than you think!

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What Are Roll Up Sides For Greenhouses?

Benefits of Greenhouse Roll Up Sides

The main benefit of doing this is that it gives you the ability to manage the internal environment of your greenhouse. In a nutshell – it comes down to control. The more control you have, the easier it will be to create a great growth environment for your plants.

Here are a few more key benefits:

Temperature Control	Greenhouses can get excessively hot, especially in sunny weather. By rolling up the sides, you allow hot air to escape, reducing the internal temperature. This is crucial because high temperatures can stress plants, inhibiting growth or causing damage.
Humidity Management	Greenhouses naturally trap moisture, leading to high humidity levels. While some humidity is good for plants, too much can encourage the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungal diseases. Ventilation helps in reducing humidity to healthier levels.
Air Circulation	Good air circulation is essential for plant health. It helps to strengthen plant stems, reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and improve pollination and CO2 distribution within the greenhouse. Rolling up the sides facilitates better air movement.
Pest and Disease Control	Good ventilation can help in controlling pests and diseases. Many pests and diseases thrive in stagnant, humid conditions, so by ventilating the greenhouse, you create a less hospitable environment for them.
Energy Efficiency	Natural ventilation is an energy-efficient way to regulate the greenhouse climate. It reduces the reliance on mechanical systems like fans and air conditioning, which can be costly to run.

Should You Use Manual Or Automatic Greenhouse Roll Up Sides?

You might have gathered this, but you can have a manual or automatic system that rolls up the sides of your greenhouse… But which is right for you?

Here are the details on each:

Manual	Automatic
Cheaper in cost	More expensive initially
Require physical labor to operate	Operate with the push of a button or set schedules
User controls when to open and close	Can be connected to climate control systems
No need for power supply	Require electricity or solar power
Suitable for small to medium-sized greenhouses	Ideal for larger operations where manual labor is impractical
Simple to install and maintain	May need professional installation and maintenance
Manual adjustments allow for nuanced control	Sensors can automatically adjust to weather conditions

Now that you know the differences – you probably have an idea of which one works for you. So let’s talk about equipment.

What You Need To Roll Up The Sides Of Your Greenhouse

I’ll break this section up into manual systems and automated systems.

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Manual Systems

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Manual systems are generally the best option for small and medium sized greenhouses.

#1: UYGALAXY Hand Crank Winch

The UYGALAXY greenhouse hand crank winch is a handy tool for managing greenhouse ventilation. It’s designed to open or close the side windows of your greenhouse. This device can handle a max roll length of 393 feet and a height of 4.9 feet, ideal for greenhouse sidewalls. It features a 4:1 gear ratio for easy cranking and an automatic brake that locks the sidewall in place. The winch is durable, with a weather and rust-resistant stainless steel handle and a dual rust-resistant body. It’s perfect for greenhouses without power, supporting a self-sufficient homestead. The winch’s compact design is also suitable for smaller spaces.

Overall, it’s a reliable, efficient tool for controlling greenhouse conditions.

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Plus – It’s easy to install

What else do you need?

The crank will do most of the heavy lifting, but here are some things that will make your life much easier.

1 – PVC Pipe: The purpose of this is to guide the roll up motion and keep even tension on both sides.

2 – Insect Netting: When you raise the sides of your greenhouse, it creates the opportunity for insects to come in. I like to get these to stop that happening.

3 – Clear Greenhouse Plastic: It’s never a bad idea to have plastic sheeting in case you make a mistake when winching. I always have a little spare lying around in case I damage my greenhouse.

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Automatic Systems

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An automatic system comes into play when you have larger greenhouses.

#1: Premility Roll Up Motor

The upgraded Premility roll up motor, is a really good option for larger greenhouses. It’s an improved version with a more stable and reliable motor and gear system. This motor is well-suited for most greenhouse films, handling winding distances up to 100 meters and film heights up to 4 meters, making it ideal for operating the side and top windows of greenhouses. Constructed with high-quality aluminum alloy and anti-rust coating, the motor boasts durable, high-hardness gear steel for efficiency and longevity, with a lifespan of over 4 years. It comes with two connecting sleeves to fit greenhouse film coiling pipes of 22mm and 25mm diameters.

Additionally, it includes a limit switch adjustment feature to ensure optimal operation, involving testing and setting the motor’s direction and the roll film’s width to achieve the best working position. This electric film rolling machine is widely used across various greenhouses like breeding, vegetable, plastic, and flower greenhouses.

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Here is how you install it:

What else do you need?

The crank will do most of the heavy lifting, but here are some things that will make your life much easier.

1 – PVC Pipe: The purpose of this is to guide the roll up motion and keep even tension on both sides.

2 – Insect Netting: When you raise the sides of your greenhouse, it creates the opportunity for insects to come in. I like to get these to stop that happening.

3 – Clear Greenhouse Plastic: It’s never a bad idea to have plastic sheeting in case you make a mistake when winching. I always have a little spare lying around in case I damage my greenhouse.

4 – Gear Box: In motorized systems, this component regulates speed and ensures consistent performance for high tunnel ventilation.

How Do You Secure Roll Up Sides On A Greenhouse?

Securing roll-up sides on a greenhouse involves several steps to ensure that they are both functional and safe. Here’s a general process:

1. Install the Base Rail: This is the track or guide where the bottom of the roll-up side will be secured. It should be anchored firmly to the greenhouse frame.
   
   
2. Attach the Roll-Up Mechanism: This typically includes a roll bar, which is the core that the greenhouse plastic or fabric rolls around, and a mechanical system for rolling, such as a hand crank or an automated system. Ensure that this mechanism is securely attached to the greenhouse frame.
   
   
3. Fix the Greenhouse Covering: Attach your greenhouse plastic or other covering material to the roll bar. The material should be securely fastened to the roll bar to prevent it from slipping or tearing.
   
   
4. Ensure Proper Tension: The greenhouse covering should be taut when rolled down. Some systems include ropes or wires that run from the roll bar down to the base rail to keep the covering tight. These should be adjusted for proper tension.
   
   
5. Install Wind Bracing: Roll-up sides can act like sails in the wind, so it’s important to have wind bracing. This can be in the form of ropes, wires, or strapping that secures the rolled-up sides to the greenhouse structure.
   
   
6. Regular Maintenance: Regularly check all components of the roll-up sides for wear and tear. Replace parts like ropes, cranks, or clips as needed to ensure that the system remains secure and functional.
   
   
7. Locking Mechanism for Security: If security is a concern, install locks or latches that can keep the roll-up sides in place when they are down.
   
   
8. Weatherproof Seals: Ensure that the edges of the roll-up sides seal well against the frame of the greenhouse to prevent water or pests from entering when the sides are down.
   

Conclusion

Start reaping the benefits of roll-up sides for your greenhouse. Improve ventilation, prevent pest and disease, and ensure better pollination. Upgrade to this hassle-free maintenance solution now! Maximize energy efficiency and create an optimal environment for your plants.

Boost plant care with roll up sides today!

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FAQs

What are the benefits of using roll up sides for my greenhouse?

Roll-up sides provide improved ventilation, temperature control, and natural airflow inside the greenhouse.

How do roll up sides help in maintaining optimal growing conditions?

Roll-up sides aid in preventing overheating during warm days and allow for better air circulation, creating a healthier environment for plants.

Are roll up sides easy to install on a greenhouse?

Yes, roll-up sides are relatively simple to install and operate, offering convenience in adjusting airflow as needed.

Can I use roll up sides year-round for my greenhouse?

Yes, roll-up sides are versatile and can be utilized throughout the year to regulate temperature and humidity levels within the greenhouse.

Do I need professional assistance to set up roll up sides for my greenhouse?

No, setting up roll-up sides can be done by following manufacturer instructions or with minimal assistance due to their user-friendly design.