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Ventilation

Ridge Vents, Eave Vents, and In-System Skylights by Solar Innovations, Inc.

Ridge vents and eave vents are an essential part of any functioning greenhouse that provide a functional, passive ventilation system. A greenhouse truly is a glass box which will overheat if not properly vented.  This is one of the biggest problems that owners encounter with their greenhouse. When the air is not vented it becomes stagnant, stale and allows diseases to breed. To help prevent this, ridge vents and eave vents need to be installed in a greenhouse. 

The systems act the same way, but on different areas of the greenhouse.  Both units are operable panes of glass enclosed within a frame separate from the greenhouse's structural frame. The vent will open by a motor which is moisture-resistant or by manually with the aid of a rod operator. It opens to a specified angle and allows air into the greenhouse. Screens come with both systems to prevent insects and leaf debris from entering the greenhouse. 
 

The ridge vent is very important to the greenhouse .Hot air always rises and it is no different in a greenhouse.   The hot air will accumulate at the peak of the greenhouse. As the ridge vents are opened, the hot air escapes and fresh, cool air enters.  The ridge vents also allow the air to circulate. If there is a breeze outside, it will come into the greenhouse and help to circulate the air which cuts down on the spread of disease. If your greenhouse is utilizing intake louvers/exhaust fans, the ridge vents will be used in removing the hot air so that the new air can enter the greenhouse. 

The size of the greenhouse will determine the size of the venting systems but a general rule of thumb to follow is that the total venting area should be between 25-30% of the glazed greenhouse area. Solar Innovations® ridge vents are typically manufactured to a 27" diagonal on the slope. They are available in various bay widths up to 48" with a total overall length up to 24'. Our eave vents are typically 27" high and are available in various bay widths up to 48" with a total overall length up to 24'. Eave vents will match the bay widths of the structure; however, numerous custom designs are available.

Ridge Vent Video

	Arm and Rod Operator	Ridge Vent with Motor

Eave vents are similar to the ridge vents except that they are located on the walls. It looks like a large awning window. The vent will span several bays and all be operated on one operable arm. A breeze can bring fresh air into the greenhouse while keeping out the insects. At times people prefer windows which do the same operation of an eave vent except that each window has to have a motor or be manually opened. The beauty of an eave vent is that an entire wall can be opened with the flick of a switch. It is much more convenient to have an eave vent than individual windows but either option will do the work.

Both ridge vents and eave vents can span multiple bays. The best design is to line-up the eave vents with the ridge vents to help with cross ventilation. The units can be set up to a timer, say every fifteen minutes the vents will open. Another option is to set them on a temperature timer. When the greenhouse reaches a pre-determined degree the vents will open. Rain sensors can be added to the units so that when snow or rain hits the vents they automatically close. If your greenhouse utilizes an environmental control system, the ridge vents can be programmed into your specific system. Without the ventilation your greenhouse will be a glass box filled with stagnant air.

The diagrams below show the benefits of ridge and eave vents in both our lean-to and double pitch structures. With a ridge vent, the accumulated hot air is released. This provides a cooler environment as well as proper circulation. Without a ridge vent, hot air builds up at the top of the structure. This prevents fresh air from entering the structure, which in turn delays the cooling process and limits air circulation.

Without Ridge Vents	With Ridge Vents	Without Ridge Vents	With Ridge Vents

In addition to our ridge vents, Solar Innovations, Inc., offers hooded cooling fans. The fan is installed near the ridge of a structure. The placement allows the fans to remove the hottest air at the ridge first and then continue to cool the rest of the space. The unit is operated by a manual control or thermostat, making it suitable for most applications. It comes standard in bronze white, and sandstone, includes a wall mounted thermostat, and is glazed in-system like a piece of glass.

Description	CFM	Open/Close Time	Height Above Flange	Depth Below Flange	Weight
TC1000-T	800	10 seconds	5"	2.5"	16

In-system skylights are the perfect solution if venting is necessary in the roof of a low pitch Solar Innovations® structure (below 3/12 or 14° roof pitch). In-system skylights serve a purpose similar to that of ridge vents. The skylights feature a higher profile and a low pitch seal to ensure protection against leaking. These skylights can be operated either manually or with a moisture resistant motor. (One motor can operate up to a two-bay skylight. Three and four bay skylights will require two synchronized motors.)

An in-system skylight helps to ventilate the greenhouse. Without ventilation a greenhouse is just a glass box where temperatures can reach 100 plus, and will kill your plants. Hot air always rises and accumulates at the ridge of the greenhouse. Air can become stagnant and will promote the spread of disease and fungus. This air needs to escape to allow your plants to continue growing. The in-system skylight will open and allow the hot air to escape while bringing in new fresh air. The new air will circulate through the greenhouse which promotes healthy plant growth.

The skylights are constructed out of thermally broken aluminum which does not rot, rust, warp, or require constant finish maintenance. The models are thermally enhanced to match the greenhouse framework. Each skylight is available in seven standard colors and two anodized frame finishes or any required custom color. Insect screens come standard with the skylights which allow air into the greenhouse but prevent unwanted insects from entering. The insect screens can also keep in the good insects you may use for bug control such as ladybugs or wasps.

In addition, Solar Innovations® operable skylights can be retrofitted for existing glass structures or other roof applications.

 Our manual pole operators are available in three standard sizes, 65", 77", and 97". Custom sizes are available upon request.

We will be happy to assist you or answer any questions. Please call 800-618-0669 or e-mail us at info@solarinnovations.com.