Winter is coming and with it the risk of damage to greenhouses caused by snow pressure. This damage can quickly result in high costs, although often simple measures are all it takes to prevent it. By taking action in advance, you will be on the safe side. Find out the best way to protect your greenhouses from snow and cold.
Avoiding damage from snow pressure:
Tips for the cold season
Take action in advance
As soon as the first snowflakes fall, energy-saving measures such as thermal insulation should be suspended immediately. It is also important to increase the temperature in the greenhouse to such an extent that the snow does not accumulate and thaw on the roof. “Once a layer of snow has formed, it is almost impossible to get rid of it again,” explains Konstantin Lang, head of the claims department at Gartenbau-Versicherung. “Then damage from snow pressure is almost unavoidable.”
Read on to find out how you can protect your business.
Fast action is crucial
The most important thing is to react quickly at the first sign of snow. Open all the screens and make sure that all the glass surfaces are warmed up to the same temperature. This will prevent a blanket of insulating snow from forming. If you notice that snow drifts and frozen gutters are making the situation worse, the use of strategically positioned supports can reduce the damage. Video: Using the example of damage caused by snow pressure in Münsterland, our risk consultant Klaus Bingel explains why it is so important to protect your business by insuring it appropriately.
General tips for winter
”It is essential to make sure that your heating system is regularly maintained and that you have sufficient fuel so that you can react quickly in an emergency and the heat gets to where it is needed in good time to melt ice and snow. You should therefore check your main heating system or decentralized heating appliances in plenty of time before winter.” Konstantin Lang advises. “If damage does occur, don’t hesitate to contact your local risk consultant. They will be happy to help and advise you.”
Sharing risks: Safety through precise weather warnings
The best protection starts with preparation. Gartenbau-Versicherung members can use the Meteosafe weather warning app from Kachelmannwetter. This is exclusively available to registered users in the Gartenbau-Versicherung member portal. The app provides minute-by-minute warnings of dangerous weather events, such as heavy snowfall or wind, at up to 10 locations of your choice.
Are you a member of Gartenbau-Versicherung but not yet registered in the member portal?
Further possible risks and causes of snow pressure.
According to our experts, there are also other factors that play a role.
Snow load
on roofs
Unevenly distributed snow on flat roofs can lead to excessive loads, which jeopardizes the load-bearing capacity of the greenhouses.
Fluctuations
in temperature
Fluctuating temperatures cause snow to melt and freeze again, which makes the snow denser and increases the pressure on the roof.
Insufficient snow clearing
If snow is not cleared regularly, it can form a heavy, wet layer that puts a lot of strain on the roof.
Unstable structures
Old or poorly protected greenhouses are more susceptible to damage from snow pressure and can collapse under heavy loads.
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