Shade Cloth Questions
Design & Selection
- Will just shade cloth cool my greenhouse? Greenhouses require shade cloth to help prevent overheating and plant burn. An effective greenhouse cooling system includes shade cloth, an appropriately sized ventilation system and sufficient humidity. Proper light, temperature and humidity are crucial in providing an environment for healthy plant growth and human comfort.
- Is black the only shade cloth color available? Yes, this is the only type and color of shade cloth we sell. Except for the 78% lath weave, which is green.
- How do I determine shade cloth percentage? See list of Shade Percentages Recommended for various Plant & Flower Types in Shade Cloth Specification. If plant types listed do not address your specific needs talk to growers of similar plants.
- How do I determine shade cloth size? Most greenhouse growers will position shade cloth so that the roof and 2/3 of the side walls are covered. Size your shade cloth panels so that this amount of covering occurs.
- What are your fabrication tolerances? Plus or minus 1", no orders for inches, only foot increments. Squares and rectangles only.
- What sizes are available? See Shade Cloth Pricing for standard width panels. Nonstandard width panels receive a small upcharge. Panel lengths are accepted for even foot panels only, no orders for inches or fractions. Always order panel width x length. State width 1st. on the form.
- Does shade cloth go on the outside or inside of greenhouse? Always position shade cloth on the exterior of the greenhouse. If placed on the inside the light will be transmitted through the greenhouse and the result will be overheating. Shade cloth will not harm the exterior surface of the polycarbonate sheet.
- Will shade cloth on exterior of polycarbonate harm the polycarbonate? Shade cloth on the exterior of polycarbonate is standard practice. It will not harm polycarbonate.
- How often do you suggest putting grommets? Every 2 ft. is the most common. Grommets every 1 ft. in the shade panel edge may be used in high wind installations and for greater attachment flexibility.
- May the shade cloth be purchased without tape and/or grommets. No, the shade panel weave will unravel unless the edges are at least wrapped with tape and stitched.
- How do I calculate the cost of a shade cloth panel? See Shade Cloth Quote & Order for Instructions.
Installation
- How do I attach shade cloth? Shade Panels come with edge reinforcement and grommets for a variety of attachment methods. Rope or cable are appropriate for various applications. See Installed Shade Cloth Photos
- For information on building shade structures see Shade Structure Primer.
Price Calculator does all the calculations for you. Follow instructions to place order.
Shade Cloth Panel Fabrication Time: Sept-Mar: 1 week, Apr-Aug: 1 to 2 weeks.
(allow UPS ship time from Georgia) Rush Orders Not Possible UPS signature required.