Shade Cloth FAQ's Part 1

Shade Cloth FAQ's

WHAT PERCENT SHADE IS BEST FOR ME?
30% Chrysanthemums, Asters, Snapdragons, Geraniums
40% Various Vegetables & Herbs, Iris, Lilies, Gloxinias, Misc. Bedding Plants
50% Bromeliads, Ficus, Orchids (Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Vandas)
60% Orchids, Azaleas, Ferns, (Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis)
70% Ferns, Philodendron, Orchids (Cypripediums)
80% Ginseng. Great for Patio Shade and Screen. Lets substantial water pass through
90% Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) Heavy Patio Shade
100% Full sun block, no water penetration, basically a tarp, solid material, not woven.

If your plant type is not listed select a % shade of a similar plant type. Most common are 40%, 50% and 60%. The higher % creates greater cooling.

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE KNITTED INSTEAD OF WOVEN?
Knitted will not unravel but woven will ravel loose. Both hold up well but knitted seems to last longer from the experience I have had with it.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
We have had shade clothes that are over 12 years old that are still in great shape.

HOW DO I ATTACH?
You can attach with rope, screws, nails, or cable.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET SHADE CLOTH ?
Normally during the Peak Season (March - Sept) Shade Cloth will be shipped within 2 to 3 weeks. The rest of the year it will take 1 to 2 weeks. We try to stock all sizes available but sometimes we are running behind... Just remember that when you need Shade Cloth most of the U.S. needs it also.

WILL SHADE CLOTH ALONE COOL MY GREENHOUSE?
Greenhouses require shade cloth to help prevent plant burn and overheating. For effective greenhouse cooling in a greenhouse shade cloth and appropriately sized ventilation system (FAN) are needed. The 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?
No, we can get Green, White, Saddle Tan, and Sea Blue in certain shades.

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.

ARE CUSTOM SIZES AVAILABLE?
Yes you can get custom sizes.
Click here for a Custom Quote. Always order panel width x length.

DOES SHADE CLOTH GO ON THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE OF GREENHOUSE?
We prefer to install 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. Also Shade can be remove if neede for winter.

WILL SHADE CLOTH HARM POLYCARBONATE GREENHOUSE COVERINGS?
Shade cloth on the exterior of polycarbonate is standard practice. It will not harm polycarbonate.

HOW CLOSE ARE THE PIECES OF SHADE CLOTH TO TRUE SIZE?
+/- 1 inch

HOW FAR APART ARE GROMMETS INSTALLED ON THE EDGES OF THE SHADE CLOTH?
Grommets are installed every 2 ft (most common), but if requested we will install every 4 ft or to your custom spacing.