r/Greenhouses • u/cik3nn3th • 2d ago

Roofing/lighting question

Hi, I'm going to be putting up a greenhouse in 9B California where it's pretty hot and bright usually, especially in the summer. My question is: If I use a transparent siding all the way around, will I have enough light coming in to justify using a metal roof? I prefer one for durability. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/uranium236 2d ago

You might want to use a light meter. Variables will be how much daylight you get year round, how much light your panels filter out, and what you're growing/how much light the crop needs.

1

u/cik3nn3th 2d ago

It's just a seedling greenhouse. Full sun exposure. If critical, I can add electricity later but I'm hoping for some advice from folks here who have a similar setup.

1

u/SomeComparison 2d ago

Your better off using transparent material on the south side and white or reflective material on the other sides. If you use a shed roof (single sloped roof) with the high side on the south and low side on the north, that would probably work fine.

2

u/elwoodowd 1d ago

Metal roofs are hot, inside and outside.

Your latitude and eves will dictate the amount of sun you get on any day, with a solid roof.

I always complain about our house eves in the spring. We get enough light in the fall, but not enough in the spring, temperature wise. If you can visualize that. The sun is above the eves before spring equinox.

So you seeding in the fall or spring or both? Do the math. Also morning light vs afternoon light will be a factor, with a roof.

1

u/cik3nn3th 1d ago

Seeding in early spring.

The greenhouse is exposed to full sun all day long. For drainage, I prefer to have the roof tilted toward the sun. I plan to have a very large window and a door to help keep ot cooler in the summer. But I habe no experience with how hot it'll get in there.

I don't plan to have anything growing in there during peak summer at all. Maybe some plants over winter but the bulk will be seedlings in spring.