Greenhouses are very quick to overheat. Not only do they need lots of ventilation but some sort of shading is essential in order to protect precious plants. Even as early as March, young plants will need shading on sunny days.
There are ways of fixing shading fabric to the inside of greenhouses with clips but whilst this method provides shading the sun has already hit the glass and raised the temperature inside the greenhouse. Only an exterior blind can reduce heat build up as well as provide shade.
The GroBlind is a high quality exterior roller blind made from rust proof aluminium, with fabric designed especially for horticultural use.
This system not only stops the heat build up and shades tender plants but also:
• is very simple to operate
• is free of cords or pulleys
• is robust and looks great too!
GroBlinds could not be simpler to operate. Just pull the central handle down with the pole and clip it to the greenhouse eave or bracket supplied. No cords or pulleys are involved at all! The blinds do not impede the operation of the roof or louvre vents, they simply expand or contract as the window opens and closes. The GroBlind is suprisingly good in windy conditions - the weight of the fabric, bottom bar and clip combine to hold the blind firmly in place.
Simply pull it down...
...and clip it over the eave.
Rhino Blinds allow vents to open fully.
Technical
GroBlinds are designed to fit most greenhouses without drilling holes, Designs of greenhouse ridges and eaves vary. In some cases the slide on brackets retaining the GroBlind will be substituted for clips and hooks. These will fix to the ridge and eaves with self tapping screws (supplied in the kit). The GroBlind fabric absorbs 63% of the solar incident energy. GroBlinds can withstand temperatures from -25°C to 80°C. GroBlinds are made in Gt. Britain.
Questions and Answers
Q Will GroBlinds fit my greenhouse?
A Almost certainly. We are not aware of any incompatible greenhouses but will publish the details here, should any problems come to light.
Q How do GroBlinds fit to an aluminium greenhouse?
A GroBlinds are fitted to the ridge of aluminium greenhouses. The back of the blind simply clips firmly into "gazelle clips." In the case of Europa Manor Consort and Viscount models and Alton greenhouses, the gazelle clips are screwed into the ridge. In most other greenhouses the gazelle clips are fitted to aluminum brackets which are bolted to the ridge.
Q Will GroBlinds foul on the roof vent?
A GroBlinds are fitted above the line of the ridge, allowing the roof vents to open fully. The GroBlinds are spring loaded allowing the fabric to unwind as the vent opens and rewind as it closes.
Q How are GroBlinds held in place at the eaves?
A Most greenhouse eave sections allow the GroBlinds to hook into place. Where the eave section does not provide this anchor point we can supply a bracket to secure it.
Q Will GroBlinds be the right size for my greenhouse?
A Aluminium greenhouses use a standard 2ft wide pane of glass, GroBlinds are made to suit this. A wider version of the GroBlind is available for Alton cedar greenhouses and others which use the "dutch light" panes, approx 30" wide. GroBlinds are supplied in one size to suit 5, 6 and 8ft wide free standing greenhouses and 4ft leant tos. GroBlinds can be supplied with longer fabric to suit 10 and 12ft models and 6 and 8ft wide lean tos (at a modest extra cost).
Q How are GroBlinds affected by the wind?
A GroBlinds are stable even in relatively windy conditions. The alumimium end to the blind keeps the lower edge stiff, holding the fabric firm. GroBlinds are spring loaded so any slack is automatically taken out of the fabric.
Q How do I gain access to the ridge of my greenhouse to fit the GroBlinds?
A In the case of aluminium greenhouses the roof vents slide in a channel along the ridge. By sliding the vent to the side, access can be gained to at least 3 roof bays. Access into the end roof bays is gained by placing a stepladder at the front or rear of the greenhouse. In the case of Alton greenhouses it may be easier to remove the glass retaining clip at the eave and slide a pane of glass out.
Richard says “ Try and see these at one of the summer shows - you really will be impressed!”