Easy-To-Retract Greenhouse Roof

Easy-To-Retract Greenhouse Roof BUILDINGS Miscellaneous A new retractable roof for greenhouses was developed in Europe and is now available in Canada and the U S “Most plants grow stronger and healthier with more vibrant color when exposed to natural sunlight breezes and light rains ” says Craig Riesebosch Westland Greenhouse Equipment and Supplies “However if grown outside plants can be damaged by hail strong winds heavy rains and frost The Novavert Retractable Roof can be closed quickly to protect plants against weather extremes ” The roof uses a system of struts cables and fabric screening strong enough for a person to stand on It can be designed with waterproof cloth to channel water away or shade or blackout cloth for light control where weather extremes aren’t a concern An insulated double layer is also available for even earlier starts and later season protection “Our initial target market is customers who raise pots for hanging baskets as well as bedding plant and flower producers in cooler temperature zones ” says Riesebosch “Our retractable roofs let the plants get started earlier in the spring and get them to market sooner In the fall the Novavert system protects against heavy winds rain and frost yet exposes the plants enough to ready them for next year’s growth ” The company is working on a lower cost version for orchards adds Riesebosch While every installation is unique he estimates average cost at between $6 and $9 per square foot “The cost depends on size height and type of structure ” says Riesebosch “It is not a low-cost alternative to a greenhouse but a better one for the plants ” The Novavert system uses all stainless steel wires and aluminum components Riesebosch notes that a clip that is made from plastic is like other components easily replaced “The beauty of the system is that any one piece can be replaced including the cloth which is easy to install or change ” he says “The system has been proven in Germany and we are confident it has a place in moderate climates in North America ” While he says the company is still experimenting with the system in colder climates he thinks it has a place there as well “In colder areas like Quebec they use heavy snowfalls to insulate plants for over-wintering ” says Riesebosch “It could be ideal for protecting plants when needed and letting the snow fall on plants when appropriate ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Westland Greenhouse Equipment & Supplies Inc 4029 11th St St Catharines Ont Canada L2R 6P9 ph 905 685-0578; mobile 905 658-9525; craig westland@bellnet ca; www westlandgreenhousesupplies com

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