What's the meaning of PSF?

PSF stands for 'pounds per square foot.' It's the unit of measurement used to describe how much weight or pressure a structure can handle.

Snow load · psf = pounds per square foot

The structure of your Planta Greenhouses is sturdy and highly resistant to heavy snow. However, extreme conditions coupled with a lack of maintenance could increase the risk of damage to your structure.

If you're more familiar with the metric system, the same measurement can also be expressed as kg/m² (kilograms per square meter). Both units describe a greenhouse's snow load capacity, indicating how much snow the roof can safely support.

The chance of a Planta greenhouse sustaining damage from snow load is less than 0.01%. You can keep the risk rate low by following the greenhouse care tips below.

Greenhouse care tips

Six things that keep the risk of snow-load damage as low as it already is.

Load test: a team seated on a bell-shaped Sungrow roof

TIP 01

Choose the bell-shaped

The bell-shaped Sungrow model offers the highest snow load rating and is ideal for areas with particularly heavy snowfalls.

TIP 02

Follow the installation instructions

Ensure that the greenhouse is properly secured to the greenhouse base.

For a simpler installation experience, use the BILT App for interactive step-by-step assembly instructions, or follow the printed installation guide included with your greenhouse.

TIP 03

Don't place your greenhouse near other structures

Position the greenhouse at least 6.5 feet (2 m) away from fences or borders where snow can accumulate. Erecting your greenhouse too close to fences, trees, or buildings may increase the chances of sustained damage.

TIP 04

Monitor weather conditions

Check weather conditions to be prepared for heavy snowfall. Keep an eye on local weather reports, and take action to protect your greenhouse when heavy snow is forecasted.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can prevent your greenhouse from sustained damage due to heavy snow.

TIP 05

Pay attention in early spring

Wet snow can weigh as much as 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) per foot, and icy snow weighs even more. Ice and wet snow buildup usually happen in the early spring and can damage your greenhouse. If ice and snow pile up this time of year, shovel around the greenhouse.

We've sold 25,000+ greenhouses since 2019, and less than 0.01% collapsed. All collapses happened in the spring.

TIP 06

Remove snow from the top and surroundings

Fresh fluffy snow weighs about 4 lb. (1.8 kg) per cubic foot. Regular snow weighs about 12 - 18 lbs. (5.5 – 8.2 kg). Packed snow weighs about 25 lbs. (11.3 kg) per foot.

Clean the fresh snow around the greenhouse to keep the structure safe and lower stress on the frame. Use a snow rake or a broom to remove the snow from the top gently. Do this as soon as possible after a heavy snowfall, before the weight of the snow becomes too much for the structure to handle.

Not sure which snow load you need?

River, our greenhouse specialist, will check the rating against your region. Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm EST.

Call 1-877-669-1286

Greenhouse Performance Comparison

The Sungrow, Sigma Gen II, and Sigma Gen III are built to different snow load ratings — here is how they compare.

Sungrow
(Gen II & Gen III)

Sigma
(Gen III)

Sigma
(Gen II)

Snow Load

6 ft

75 psf / 360 kg/m²

4.5 ft

55 psf / 265 kg/m²

3 ft

32 psf / 160 kg/m²

Wind Resistance

65 mph

Warranty

10 Years

5 Years

Available Sizes

Standard (10 ft)

Small (6.5 ft) · Medium (8 ft) · Standard (10 ft)

Standard (10 ft)

Warranty Terms

An extended warranty is included with all Planta Greenhouses. A 5-year warranty is available for the Sigma and Ministar, and a 10-year warranty for the Sungrow.

However, your greenhouse may not be covered by warranty in case of damage caused by:

Mishandling, misassembly, misuse, accident or collision.
Forces of nature, inclement weather, or general wear and tear.
Unnecessary loads inside of shelves.
Unnecessary loads hanging from the frame (Sungrow's arches withstand up to 100 lbs/45.3 Kg. Sigma's arches withstand up to 5 – 10 lbs / 2.2 – 4.5 Kg).
Heavy snow that isn't cleaned on time (lack of maintenance).
Snow build-ups due to the greenhouse location and structures surrounding it.

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Speak With a Specialist

If you're not sure which snow load rating your winters call for, get in touch with River, our greenhouse specialist. She will help you review options and make an informed decision.

Call 1-877-669-1286

Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm EST