Storm-Proofing Your Greenhouse: Essential Tips for Severe Weather Protection

Is your greenhouse ready to face the next big storm?

As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, protecting your greenhouse from the elements is more crucial than ever. 

Your plant haven must withstand howling winds, heavy snowfall, torrential rain, or destructive hail.

This comprehensive guide explores practical strategies for safeguarding your greenhouse against weather threats. Keep reading to discover how to keep your plants safe during any storm!

Essential Tips for Storm-Proofing Your Greenhouse

When storm clouds gather, a well-prepared greenhouse can differentiate between thriving plants and devastating loss.

Planta Greenhouses stand out with their durable construction, featuring sturdy polycarbonate panels and galvanized steel frames.  

These offer exceptional protection against winds up to 65mph and can support up to 6 feet of fresh snow, ensuring your plants remain safe and flourishing even in extreme conditions. 

Here are some extra tips to secure your greenhouse when a storm is coming: 

1. Secure Windows and Doors

Your greenhouse's windows and doors are its most vulnerable points during a storm, as potential entry routes for destructive wind and rain: 

  • Ensure all the windows in your greenhouse are shut and locked. 
  • If you have automatic windows, double-check they’re properly secured. The last thing you want is wind getting inside and causing havoc. 
  • Close all the greenhouse doors securely. Even a slight opening can let in rain or wind, damaging your plants and the structure.

2. Strap Down the Greenhouse

Anchoring your greenhouse is not just a precaution—it's a necessity for survival during a storm.

An adequately secured structure attached to the base transforms from a vulnerable target into an immovable one.

Planta Greenhouses exemplify this resilience. When correctly anchored, they can withstand winds up to 104 km/h (65 mph). This crucial step protects your investment and ensures your greenhouse emerges unscathed.

Listen to Patrick retelling his experience with a fierce windstorm and one of our greenhouses: 

3. Seal the Greenhouse

Sealing your greenhouse is a crucial step in storm-proofing. Proper sealing prevents leaks, which can cause water damage and affect the temperature and humidity levels inside. 

To ensure a tight seal, follow these techniques: 

  • use weather stripping around doors and windows, 
  • apply silicone sealant to any gaps, 
  • check for any cracks that might need repair. 

For more information, check out Planta Greenhouses' sealing guide, which is packed with valuable tips for keeping your greenhouse leak-free.

 

4. Clear the Surrounding Area

Lastly, make sure the area around your greenhouse is clear. Remove: 

  • any loose branches, 
  • garden tools, 
  • or other items that could be blown into your greenhouse during a storm. 

This simple step can prevent significant damage from falling debris. Plus, a clear area around your greenhouse can help wind pass through without creating pressure points that could damage the structure.

Specific Strategies for Different Storms

Different storms require different strategies to keep your greenhouse safe and intact. Here are some specific tips for handling various types of severe weather.

Windstorms

  • Ensure all greenhouse doors and windows are securely latched to prevent them from blowing open during strong winds.
  • Use heavy-duty straps or anchors to secure your greenhouse to its base, ensuring it stays put during high winds.

Snowstorms

Heavy Rain and Flooding

  • Install efficient drainage systems to divert water from your greenhouse, preventing flooding.
  • If your area is prone to flooding, consider elevating your greenhouse on a platform to keep it safe from rising waters.

 

Hailstorms

  • Use protective screens or covers to shield your greenhouse from hail damage.
  • Ensure your greenhouse is constructed with materials that can withstand the impact of hail, such as polycarbonate panels.

Fortifying Your Greenhouse Against Nature

With the proper preparation and a few strategic adjustments, your greenhouse can withstand even the fiercest storms. 

By securing windows and doors, reinforcing weak points, and preparing for specific weather threats, you can prepare your greenhouse to withstand severe storms. 

Ready to storm-proof your greenhouse? Learn how to keep your greenhouse safe with our guides, or explore our DIY Greenhouse Kits to get started! 

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