After implementing a sophisticated plan, when we have finally created a greenhouse, it is time to take care of the plants properly. One of them is watering the plants regularly. If the greenhouse is a little bit bulky, we need a decent amount of water. This will eventually lead to increased monthly water bills.So how about using natural rainwater? Apart from saving our water bills, it is beneficial for greenhouse plants. But now, the question arises, how will you collect the rainwater? Well, a gutter kit can catch and store the rainwater effectively. Though many ready-made gutter kits are available, you can set up your DIY greenhouse guttering. Here we will help you to install a gutter on your greenhouse step-by-step. Let’s begin without further delay!
DIY Greenhouse Guttering
Wondering how to set up a greenhouse guttering? No worries! Here are seven steps you have to follow to attach a gutter to your greenhouse system.
Those Steps are :
# Step 1 : Measuring Below the Greenhouse Roof Area
# Step 2 : Adding Filters to The Gutter
# Step 3 : Drilling the Gutter Kit
# Step 4: Adding the Gutter Brackets
# Step 5: Placing Gutter over the Brackets
# Step 6: Setting Up Downspout to the Outlet
Now lets check the detail steps
Step: 1 : Measuring Below the Greenhouse Roof Area
At first, we have to take a measurement of our greenhouse below the roof area. It is mainly located on the spot where we will set up the gutters.
Step 2 : Adding Filters to The Gutter
Choosing the right gutter is important. Leaves and debris will regularly fall on the greenhouse roof. So, make sure the gutter features a high-quality filter. This will prevent substances from going along with water. Or, purchasing a gutter mesh seems another effective alternative solution. Make sure the size mesh size is compatible with the gutter for perfect compatibility.
Step 3 : Drilling the Gutter Kit
Now, get a drill machine, and make a hole at the last part of the gutter. Make sure to add a 1/2-inch gutter saw before drilling. Keep the outlet closely above the downspout.
Step 4: Adding the Gutter Brackets
Locate the greenhouse frame and attach the gutter brackets to it. Make sure there is an equal distance between the gutter brackets. Also, keeping all brackets a little lower on the frame is necessary. It should be towards the downspout. After installing the gutter, it will have a slight slope direction, allowing the system to move rainwater more smoothly.
Step 5: Placing Gutter over the Brackets
Place the gutter on the brackets. It is better to use linking brackets when attaching several gutters together. Also, using silicone sealant or watertight rubber seals is essential to ensure no water dripping issues between two gutters.
Step 6: Setting Up Downspout to the Outlet
Now, we have to add the downspout to the outlet to make way for the rainwater to enter through PVC pipes. Since it is a simple greenhouse rainwater catchment system, we can customize it in the future if you want. At first we need to make a hole in the gutter than we have to connect the downspout pile on that hole. That will eventually help to drain all the rain water.
Step: 7— Testing the Gutter
Now, it is time to test the gutter. Add some water from the greenhouse roof to the gutter. Check if it goes off smoothly or if there is any disruptive water flow.Clear away any disruption if you notice. Also, make sure there is no leaking while the water is moving through the path.
What’s A Greenhouse Gutter
A greenhouse gutter is one type of water butt that has a large barrel to catch and store rainwater. It is a great way to collect naturally-resourced water. It is an affordable and easy-going solution for trapping rainwater and using it for our greenhouse plants. We just need to cut the guttering according to your greenhouse roof size. Plus, they are available in ready-made. Many greenhouse manufacturers sell them. Many of them allow us to choose a customized option depending upon our preferred greenhouse size.When setting up a new greenhouse project, the manufacturing company will willingly offer you buy guttering. They are generally effective during the summer days as plants need a lot of water in this period.
How does A Greenhouse Guttering System work
Generally, gutters are mainly installed on different sides of the greenhouse roof to let water make way for storing it in the container. After collecting the rainwater, it moves toward the downspouts. Water then finally gets inside the PVC pipes. These pipes are connected with water barrels. So, water moves from the pipe to the barrels and finally will be poured into the container for storing it safely. We can use that water for watering your greenhouse plants.
Gutter Connected Greenhouse Advantages
Greenhouse with ground-to-ground structures was more common in the past. But recently, a gutter-connected greenhouse has also become remarkably popular due to its several advantages. Here are some notable advantages of using this system.
- Better Control over Temperature
Keeping your indoor greenhouse temperature at an ideal level is crucial for the betterment of the plants. A gutter-connected greenhouse roof arches to ensure increased airflow. Hence, the temperature won’t drop or increase too quickly compared to the outside environment.
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Extra Flexibility to Grow Different Crops
Just because you have limited space doesn’t mean you can’t grow several crops in one greenhouse structure. With a gutter-connected greenhouse, you can either grow a large crop or divide the structure into 2-3 panels using a dividing wall.But you need to different setup heating and cooling system when choosing totally different plants.
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Fresh Working Environment
A gutter-connected greenhouse can encourage a refreshing environment inside the greenhouse. This will allow the workers to work more comfortably and boost their working productivity. This will reduce your monthly and yearly costs to maintain the greenhouse. Also, all valuable machines will be utilized precisely to get the best value.
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Increased Air Movement
The internal area of our gutter-connected greenhouse will have increased air movement due to the option of roof vents and roll-up sides.If too much warm water gets inside the greenhouse, you can pass it outside through the raised gutter vents or gutter vents. This will prevent mildew diseases.
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Sophisticated Design
Compared to the ground-to-ground structures, gutter-connected greenhouses are a more practical choice. You can easily setup overhead irrigation systems and shade systems without facing any difficulty. Generally, gutter-connected greenhouses come with several gutter-connected greenhouses, which you will use to install different systems. This will give full coverage.
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Utilization of Each Inch of Production Land
It is mandatory to leave a considerable space when using several ground-to-ground structures. After all, you need to keep snow removal space.But with gutter-connected greenhouses, you don’t need to leave any space. You can use all space for crop production.
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Energy-efficient option
Gutter-connected greenhouses cover a reduced roof and wall area than floor area. Their roof has a slopping pattern. As a result, they are more energy-efficient. So, you will have to bear the minimal cost for maintenance.
Gutter Connected Greenhouse Disadvantages
Just because Gutter Connected Greenhouse has multiple advantages doesn’t mean it is free from drawbacks. Here are some notable disadvantages of this system.
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Reduced Light
Since Gutter Connected Greenhouse has eaves structure on all sides. They provide less natural light.The roof area is not flat, so sunlight can’t reach the lower area directly. You may need to use artificial light during cloudy or low light conditions.
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Affecting Crops Growth
Since Gutter Connected Greenhouse often offers poor light distribution, flowers and fruits may not grow freely in all areas.Some parts of the flowering may have adequate growth, while the other option may lack growth. This will result in poorer uniformity.
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Insect Growth
A lower level of lights in certain spots inside the greenhouse may encourage insect growth. You should always inspect vulnerable areas. Apply sprays whenever you notice bugs or insects. Avoid delaying the action. Otherwise, they will harm weaker plants.
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Snow Accumulation over the Eaves
A gutter-connected greenhouse features eaves, which overhang the face of the roof. This makes it vulnerable to collect snow after a heavy snowstorm.If you live in a lower temperature area, regularly cleaning the roof area during the winter season will be necessary.Otherwise, it will lower the internal temperature of the greenhouse more rapidly. This will harm the plants, which can’t withstand lower temperatures.
Greenhouse Guttering Accessories
Although setting up a gutter is not highly affordable, you can cover the cost by reducing your monthly water bills. There are some important items you will need to make the entire guttering system for your greenhouse.
| Items name | Price |
| Gutter x 2 | $50-$85 |
| Gutter Outlet | $4-$6 |
| Gutter Guard Mesh | $20-$30 |
| Downspout x 2 | $12-$15 |
| Gutter Brackets | $5 |
| Rainwater tank x2 | $70-$200 |
Things To Check Before Use A Greenhouse Gutter
No doubt, greenhouses are an incredibly worthy investment. But taking extra care is necessary to provide the right level of insulation.Before using a greenhouse gutter for your greenhouse, considering a few aspects is crucial. Wrong consideration may put you in trouble.Here are some crucial points we are mentioning below that you must consider before using a greenhouse gutter.
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Position
Since you are growing plants indoor areas, ensuring adequate sunlight is necessary. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid setting up a greenhouse where trees or fences are located.This tall structure will disrupt the natural sunlight, which will ultimately prevent sunlight from entering inside the internal area of the greenhouse. More importantly, setting up the green position in an open space is better. More rainwater can directly reach the roof, so you will get more water.
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Using High-Quality Materials
It is a good rule of thumb to use high-quality materials for a higher level of insulation inside the greenhouse. Gutters may moderately help you achieve the optimum level of temperature. But you can’t get an effective temperature control system if the insulation materials are cheap. A wide range of products is available. You can do some research and pick an appropriate option.
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Weather Condition
Why are we installing a gutter for your greenhouse? Obviously, we want to collect rainwater. But what if your location doesn’t regularly rain? Setting up a gutter appears only effective if your area has regular rain. Otherwise, the installation cost is nothing but a waste.Also, you have to consider how often snowstorm occurs in your area. If snowstorms are more common in your location than rains, you should avoid using a gutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a rainwater tank do I need to collect gutter water?
It depends on how often the rain occurs in your area and your greenhouse roof size. You should aim at getting the maximum amount of rainwater to reduce your monthly water bills.
What is the best rainwater tank for garden use?
It is a good rule of thumb to choose a polyethylene-based rainwater tank. This type of plastic doesn’t get prone to damage easily from salty water. Also, they are highly durable and suitable for outdoor purposes.
How much it cost to make a greenhouse gutter?
The total cost of making a greenhouse gutter includes several items such as Gutter, Gutter Brackets, Gutter Guard Mesh, Gutter Outlet, etc. You may need to spend around $200 to $250 to build the entire greenhouse guttering system.
Guttering is useful for what types of greenhouse?
Guttering is mainly suitable for ridge and furrow-type greenhouses because they have removable shared walls and a number of even spans.
Final Thought
DIY greenhouse guttering setup can easily reduce our greenhouse cost. Moreover, we can also save a lot of water through this process. All you have to do is just need to follow some simple steps, which we have already mentioned in this article .Hopefully, this article help you to learn some precise details on how to install a gutter for a greenhouse. And more importantly, you had an overview of the pros and cons of using a gutter for greenhouses.
