Internal vs External Shade Net for a Greenhouse – What is Better?

Greenhouse plays a considerable role all year long in influencing the mass production of fruits and vegetables. Shade nets around a greenhouse are essential to growing plants and giving them the required conditions to thrive. A common question is whether you should install shade netting for a greenhouse (the inside or outside). Let us find the answer below!

Internal vs External Shade nets for a Greenhouse

Below are some comparable points; let's take a look!

1- The Setup

An internal shade net is installed on the inner side of the greenhouse. Setting this up requires attaching the net with the greenhouse on the ceiling and walls. However, an external shade netting is put on the outer side of the greenhouse. Some farmers prefer leaving space between the greenhouse and shade netting, but it totally depends on your requirements.

2- Energy Conservation

Internal shade net is good at energy conservation as it allows the energy to get inside the greenhouse. Thus, the greenhouse temperature with an internal shade cloth is higher than the outside. Dark shade cloth absorbs energy to convert it to heat while light color shades reflect the energy. The color does not quite influence the outcome since the shade is on the inside.

On the other hand, an external shade net stops Sunlight/heat from entering the greenhouse. Thus, it creates a significant cooling effect inside the greenhouse.

As a result, you should go for an external shade netting if you want to create an excellent environment for the plants inside and an internal shade net if you aim for a hot temperature inside the greenhouse.

3- Durability

Regarding durability, internal shade cloth defeats external shade cloth by many points. Sun shade netting on the inside is not exposed to external environmental conditions such as wind, dirt, water, and insects, so it will last quite a long. You can easily make it work for years. Other than the durability, it is also easy to maintain. Nothing is unwanted accumulated on it, and it does not quite get dirty.

While in the case of the external sun shade net, it does not have protection like the internal net. It is exposed to the sun and all kinds of weather conditions. Thus, it might get ripped even before its durability years are over. To maintain it better, you should clean it every day. If things do not accumulate on it, you can increase its lifespan significantly.

4- Ventilation

External shade net will interrupt proper ventilation as opposed to internal sunshade net. Because the former is on the outer side and tightly tied to the greenhouse. Leaving some space between the two can improve ventilation. But you should always have a smart air circulation system when installing an external shade net.

Conclusion

As the discussion shows, on what side of the greenhouse you place shade netting depends on plant needs. You should choose internal shade nets for a greenhouse if you want to increase the inside temperature and external shade net to decrease the temperature. If you are looking for high-quality shade cloths, Shijiazhuang Qibang Imp&Exp Co., Ltd. is the right shade net company to contact!