Why Choose an Aluminum Greenhouse?

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If you’re a commercial grower looking to invest in a greenhouse for your operations, you want a structure with maximum benefits for your plants. And depending on the type of operation you run, an aluminum greenhouse may be the perfect choice for you.

Aluminum is a durable but flexible material that can be great for designing customized greenhouses. Because greenhouses often employ a cross-sectional design, having a material that can be shaped to fit properly is important. If you’re considering an aluminum greenhouse for your commercial business but are not sure if this material is right for you, read on to understand some of the key benefits. 

And if you’re looking for a qualified team to help with your commercial frame greenhouse project, Prospiant can help.

Research-level, aluminum greenhouse located at Bridgewater State Univ. in Massachusetts.
The Department of Biological Sciences operates a research-level, aluminum greenhouse at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA.

Benefits of Using an Aluminum Greenhouse

So what makes aluminum a smart choice for greenhouses? Here are some of the main benefits:

  • Strong and Sturdy – Although aluminum is flexible, this material is known for its strength. When building a greenhouse, you want a structure that will protect your crops against the changing seasons and shifting weather. Aluminum can provide superior protection against the elements to help your plants grow and thrive year-round. 
  • Lightweight – Although this material is sturdy, aluminum is also lightweight. A key part of adding a commercial greenhouse to your operations is installing it, which takes time, effort, and coordination. An aluminum structure can help ease this burden due to its lighter weight, making the movement and placement of materials easier. Unlike wood and steel, this material isn’t bulky or heavy.
  • Has a Great Appearance – Even if appearance isn’t a top priority to your commercial operations, it doesn’t hurt that aluminum has a sleek look. Plus, you can paint this material a specific color to match the aesthetics of your business. As a company, having a sleek look for your greenhouse can help elevate your brand and keep your aesthetics consistent across operations. 
  • Aluminum Doesn’t Rust or Rot – Unlike iron, aluminum doesn’t rot when it comes into contact with oxygen and water. Because greenhouses are exposed to the elements year-round, it’s natural that the structure will come into contact with rain, sleet, and possibly snow. As a grower, you won’t need to worry about your frame material rotting away or needing galvanizing or extra maintenance to stay fresh. Instead, you can trust that this material will hold up through the seasons and can endure all kinds of elements without rusting or rotting.
  • Maximum Sunlight Exposure – No matter what you grow, all crops need a certain level of sunlight to stay healthy. Because of its makeup, aluminum can allow for a thinner or more narrow frame to be built to allow easy access to sunlight. This benefit can be significant for growers who operate in cloudy areas where sunlight needs to be used to its full potential. Thanks to the properties of aluminum, you can maximize the number of panels and siding you use to give your plants the light they need to stay healthy. 

Smithsonian greenhouse production ranges in Suitland, MD
Completed in 2010, the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility is located on the grounds of the Smithsonian’s Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland.

Additional benefits to aluminum greenhouses make this material the ideal choice for certain types of growers. While some commercial operations may need a different material, this could be the right choice for you, particularly if you have need of a greenhouse for research or teaching.

If you’re unsure where to start building your commercial greenhouse or whether an aluminum greenhouse is the right choice for you, Prospiant has you covered. Our team of designers, engineers, and agribusiness experts can help take your project from start to finish so you can maximize plant yield and grow your business.

Greenhouse facilities at University of Nevada-Reno
The 17,280-square-foot University of Nevada-Reno greenhouse complex is a state-of-the-art, 24-zone research facility located in Reno, NV.

FAQ

Galvanized steel may be a good option for your commercial greenhouse. This material comes at a lower price than other options and can be sold in bulk if you’re looking for a good deal. However, you should always research and connect with greenhouse experts before deciding what material is suitable for your operations.

Due to its chemical makeup, aluminum doesn’t rust. Unlike other metals, this material can withstand oxygen and water exposure without compromising its durability.

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