The more humidity in the greenhouse or the greater the temperature differential (colder outside than inside) the more likely condensation will occur in the greenhouse.
Condensation will form on the inside of your greenhouse frame and/or glazing when there is enough of a temperature differential between the outside and inside of the greenhouse as well as enough ambient humidity inside the greenhouse.
This is most common in spring and fall. In many regions there is more seasonal rain, resulting in more humidity, in spring and fall. Typically, gardeners are also heating their greenhouses at this time of year so interior temperatures are greater than outside temperatures. Condensation will likely occur on the aluminum frame as there is no insulative quality between the outside and inside of the frame. The glazing will also transfer the outside temperature even though the glazing does have substantially better insulating qualities to the aluminum, it just won’t happen as readily. Condensation is still possible in winter months especially in hot house environments but is less of an issue as there is typically less humidity in the greenhouse.
What Should I Do?
In most cases, the condensation will resolve itself. Our greenhouses are designed with a condensation gutter and active weep system to expel typical condensation from the greenhouse as it runs down the frames and glazing in the roof and walls. We always recommend running a circulating fan in the greenhouse for consistent airflow. Besides keeping the air from getting stagnant and breeding disease, the circulating fan will also help dry out the air and lower the humidity in the greenhouse. For more severe condensation which results in water drips, we also recommend turning up the heat slightly. Although this creates a greater temperature differential, it will help dry out the air reducing the humidity which will have a greater benefit reducing condensation in spring and fall.
What if my Greenhouse is Really Wet?
Condensation will be most prevalent first thing in the morning after the temp differential has been the high and moisture has formed all night. When the morning sun rises, the increasing outside temperature will start to heat up the greenhouse walls and start the evaporation process. Along with adding a circulating fan and additional heat, we suggest heading to the greenhouse early in the morning and manually drying the walls and ceiling with towels. By removing this moisture, it will help get your greenhouse to a stable baseline where the fan and heat can maintain minimal condensation. Also ensure that there is no open sitting water or misting systems activated during this time.
The Water Problem Persists
It is possible that you have an abundance of ground moisture in your location that is pooling underneath the greenhouse. If you have a porous greenhouse floor like gravel, sand, or paving stones, this moisture can result in limitless uncontrollable moisture in the greenhouse. We recommend pulling out the top layer of the greenhouse floor and put down a layer of non-porous landscape plastic. It doesn’t have to be a perfect fit or sealed to the foundation walls. This will vastly reduce the ground moisture permeating the greenhouse.
What if I have condensation in the ‘flutes’ of the polycarbonate panels?
If you are noticing condensation inside the polycarbonate panels, there is no need for concern. The panels are intentionally designed to be ‘breathable’ to prevent moss and algae from forming. If you have inadvertently sealed your panels in a way that moisture cannot escape, you will have algae and moss issues. The design is intended to keep critters, dust, and dirt from getting into the panels but still allowing moisture to escape. Unless you see pooled water inside the bottoms of some of the flutes, then you do not have to worry. Condensation is common as a greenhouse is considered a wet environment. The water build up will evaporate after a few warm and sunny days.
Contact our team of greenhouse experts for more information today at 1-888-391-4433.