Diy External Automatic White Greenhouse Shading

Hi,

I know a lot has been mentioned about shading before but was looking to try and create some form of automatic shading to give the best conditions.

The first problem seems to be trying to find a white shading cloth as nearly all are green which many suggest is not that effective at reducing the heat.

Have found some aluminium cloth which fits the bill, but not cheap !
Aluminium Shading 2.1m wide 50% Shading Per Sq Metre Simply Control

My greenhouse is a 8x6 lean-to so the roof is 6ft wide and about 8ft+ from front to back and facing south, so its quiet an area to cover.

Its got two auto top vents so rather than looking at something to lower a roller blind automatically, was thinking about using to openers to pull up the shading as they open in line with the heat or some electro mechanical system, though more complex.

Any ideas welcome ..

 

I like how the shade is supported above the glass rather than on it. I don't see any reference to a motor so am wondering about the "automatic" part.

@Marley Farley thanks for posting the link. I believe that I can duplicate that quite easily as I really only need to shade one side on my 6x8. I can probably install a clutch mechanism to make retraction fairly easy.

 

Begining to think thats the simpler way, just have the material on a dowel and have a little handle to wind it back up.

Easy enough to operate if I'm around or leave it up when going out /away.

 

In the summer I only worry about retracting shading when it is raining as I collect the water runoff from the greenhouses. We've had a fair amount of rain/snow the last couple of days and I now have about 50 gallons to use

Now back to shading. I did have a similar set up but it did not wind up. Instead I had a dowel through a channel I had sew in the material along both edges side to side. I then used eyes and strings to pull up and then the top dowel would aid through gravity to fall back down when the string was released. Don't think I have any old pics showing this but will have a look.

 

Thanks, was thinking along those similar lines, will have a try at a mock up this weekend as its forcast to be a really hot weekend 20c !

 

Yes @Marley Farley , I make real roman shades with designer fabrics as part of my wage earning life. I have loads of hardware which is considered obsolete for todays romas however work wonderfully outside. I use curtain rods to hang pots in the greenhouses until it's warm enough to go outside. I usde drapery rods to hang my solar panels and valance components to make stands for other solar panels. Just having fun

 

@Marley Farley I have a drapery workroom and because of the sewing, I grin and refer to myself as a sweaty betty Been doing this for 17 years and prior to that a manager in the steel industry.

I am also working on making roller blinds for inside the greenhouses.

 

Yes @Marley Farley . About 25 minutes from me. One of my sons lives there. That is where the passport office is located which will be on my to do list this week.