6 Facts About Greenhouse Wet Walls

What Is A Wet Wall?

Wet walls are cooling devices for greenhouses that are comprised of cooling pads within an aluminum wall. They use a pump to circulate water through the wall and a fan on the opposite side of the wet wall to cool the evaporated water. The water is recirculated and continuously cools the air in the grow environment. Wet walls must protect the underlying structure from moisture that could cause damage. Oftentimes you’ll find that using plastic sheeting as a base layer against the wet wall will help protect from potential damage. Adding layers of fabric to the outside of the frame will help keep the plants in place while simultaneously retain moisture from the wet wall system to water the plants.

6 Facts About Greenhouse Wet Walls

1. Owning wet walls in your greenhouse will be useful when the climate is drier, as this method works as an active cooler. They are most suitable when humidity levels are low in a hot climate, like in Australia and the Southwestern United States.
2. The design of the wet wall looks like a honeycomb and is made up of cellulose material to avoid degradation and the build-up of moss. The honeycomb design allows air to pass over the wet cooling pads.
3. The gutter at the top of the wall is where the water trickles down into a collection pipe, which then enters and passes through a filtration system and recirculates, making this an efficient and eco-friendly method of cooling greenhouses.
4. The combination of wet walls and extraction fans will reduce the temperature by 10 –15 degrees. On one side of the wall, a bank of wet walls is placed and on the other side is a bank of extraction fans. The fans blow air toward the evaporated water, thus creating a cooling system.
5. Create a hybrid system for extremely hot days! Use a wet wall during the day and natural aspiration in the evening.
6. Wet walls are mainly used by large commercial establishments due to the cost and the installation. The system requires foundational plumbing and a sophisticated setup, leading to a higher initial setup cost, but overall can be a very effective cooling method.

Cooling Your Greenhouse

As we’ve mentioned, it’s super important to control the temperature and humidity levels in your greenhouse to ensure your crops are healthy. While wet walls are an excellent solution for large, commercial growers, there are many other options to consider for your specific needs. For example, proper ventilation and fans allow heat and moisture to leave the greenhouse. Keep in mind that finding the right cooling solution depends greatly on the location of the greenhouse, the overall climate and weather in your region and your budget.

Want to explore wet walls or other cooling methods for your greenhouse? Contact Autogrow today.