Auto vent or not auto vent?

[AmberUK]

I have killed another auto vent after only a few years. I think its because I use external shading which puts extra weight/pressure on the vent. So I was going to change to ones I open myself as my greenhouse is open all Summer anyhow. Any downside to Amber opening vents?

[Guest]

I always use autovents because you can get really hot condition even at this time of year in the greenhouse and good air circulation helps to stop scorch.

Bob

[Roy]

I use autovents but I take them off in winter. It could be frost damage that is effecting the operating cylinder.

[Nick]

Instructions generally recommend removal in Winter, but i cant be bothered and mine have lasted 7 yrs or so. Could be for reasons of frost damage as Roy points out, or because of higher risk of storm damage in Winter,
Nick

[Chris43]

I use autovents, and also take most of them off in the winter. I leave just a couple on, of the 6 vents in all, to let some more air in if it gets warmish.

I have found in the past that they didn't last too long, but have Bayliss Mk7 vents now, and they seem to be lasting rather longer. They also fit rather more snugly to the glass, so I don't scrape my head to often now! But that's my fault for being taller than average.

[phil]

I have half the greenhouse on autovents all year and half on manual so I can leave some open 24 hours a day in the summer.
I can't recall ever having an autovent fail though?

[Roy]

Anyone know what is in the cylinder? Going back a long time the manufacturers would refurbish them.

[iann]

You can buy new cylinders to fit in a failed vent.

[Maria J]

Bayliss apparently use wax.

[AmberUK]

Mine are Bayliss and use wax I think. You can see where its leaked (again) just as the other one did.

Maybe I was suposed to remove them in Winter?