How to prevent condensation stains on your greenhouse profiles
You’ve ordered your Euro-Serre and the delivery is at your door. Not planning to assemble your greenhouse straight away? Then make sure you unpack it right away. That way you avoid the risk of condensation stains on your aluminium greenhouse profiles.
Good to know: condensation stains can only occur on greenhouses in bare aluminium. If your greenhouse has a powder-coated finish, in other words painted in a colour of your choice, there is no chance of condensation stains.
What are condensation stains?
Condensation stains result from a chemical reaction between the aluminium and trapped moisture: a form of oxidation, also known as white rust. This reaction attacks the top layer of the aluminium and is therefore irreversible.
How do they form?
Aluminium conducts heat extremely quickly. If you bring cold aluminium into a warmer space, the moisture in the air condenses on the metal almost immediately, a bit like a cold can of soda that is instantly covered in water droplets when you take it out of the fridge. If your build kit stays packed or stacked, that moisture has nowhere to go. A greenhouse effect develops, the ideal breeding ground for this reaction.
White stains versus black stains
- White stains or haze: this is the first stage of oxidation, also known as incipient “white rust”, caused by trapped moisture. Treatment is still possible.
- Black stains: if the moisture remains for longer and receives too little oxygen, the damage penetrates deeper into the material. A reaction with acids from packaging material or wooden slats can also cause these dark stains. Unfortunately, black stains can no longer be treated.
How to prevent condensation stains
Assemble your greenhouse as soon as possible after delivery, or choose assembly by the professional Euro-Serre team, to reduce the risk of condensation stains. Can’t do that (yet)? Then follow these steps to avoid condensation stains:
- unpack your delivered greenhouse immediately and remove the plastic wrapping, so the material can “breathe”,
- store the profiles in a dry space with sufficient ventilation,
- place dry slats between stacked profiles, so air can circulate,
- choose a spot with a stable temperature.
After installation, also make sure your greenhouse is well ventilated. A fully closed greenhouse works just like sealed packaging, leaving the moisture nowhere to go. So ventilate your greenhouse regularly.
Ordering a Euro-Serre? We always include these tips, so you know exactly what to do from the moment of delivery.