Wind and snow loads for greenhouses
The two loads that decide whether a cheap frame becomes an insurance claim.
What the calculation needs
Design wind speed, terrain category, exposure and the local snow zone, plus the roof geometry. A frame calculated for the Netherlands is not automatically valid for a steppe site.
Why geometry matters
Roof pitch, vent openings and the gap between houses change how wind loads the frame. Opening a roof vent in a storm can double a local suction load, which is why vent drives need a wind override.
Snow, drifting and asymmetry
Snow does not fall evenly: it drifts against walls and gutters, and a partially open vent can fill a bay. Asymmetric loading is what breaks trusses, not the average depth.
What to ask for
A load calculation note with the assumed values, the profile section properties and the safety factors. If a supplier cannot produce it, the structure was not engineered.
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