Winterize rooftop sim ideas?

[DaveJorg]

Hey everyone,

I built a sim on my roof this spring with plans to just not use it in the winter. I am now trying to figure out a way to use it this winter. (I'm up north.) As you can see in the picture, I have a NetReturn Pro and mounted a TV on the "doghouse." I would love to put some sort of bubble/dome/enclosure over the net and hitting bay and put a portable heater in there. (I'm inspired by the outdoor dining pods I have seen around the country.) Obviously, It am concerned about the wind blowing over my structure and the weight of snow. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I recognize that I probably won't be able to use the TV in the winter; seeing data on the Quad and potentially bringing a laptop in the makeshift personal golf dome would certainly help me get through this winter...

Anyway, thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas!

[andygg1986]

I would think building a structure to withstand wind up that high as well as snow on the roof would be pretty tough. What about getting a couple of propane heaters and just aiming them right at you while you hit, then bringing them inside? It wouldn't help if it was snowing at the time, but maybe could be enough while the sun is out and it isn't too windy. There are some at Lowe's made by Mr Heater that mount on top of a propane take and put out 30000 BTU. I realize "cold" can vary quite a bit depending on where you are, but the Top Golf facilities in my area have electric heaters in the ceiling above the hitting bays and those keep it surprisingly comfortable.

[DaveJorg]

Thanks, Andy. That's a good point - I'm in Chicago and I hit balls outside throughout the winter at ranges that have electric heaters overhead (at least until it gets down to about 20 degrees). Thanks for the suggestion on the brand.

I was hoping that I could find a structure that is somewhat collapsible along the lines of my NetReturn - which I just lay down flat when I'm not hitting - but perhaps a couple powerful heaters will do the trick get me through the winter.

[xfactor989]

I think you would want to use an infrared heater pointed at your hitting area. Infrared heaters are designed to heat objects (you) and not the air. I would look for a infrared heater in what ever fuel source you have available (electric, natural gas, propane) should be a lot more efficient than trying to heat your rooftop with the wind etc. This is what they use in the outdoor heated hitting bays, restaurant patios, etc

I am pretty sure those Mr Heater propane tank top mounted ones are infrared.

Looking at your setup, I would probably purchase a 1500W wall mount infrared patio heater and mount on the wall, unless your gas line happens to run up to the roof. No propane tank hassles. The patio heaters are designed to be used outside, just check the ratings before purchase.

[DaveJorg]

Thanks! I was looking at the infrared heaters, but frankly didn't know where to start. I take a look at ones around 1500W.

[xfactor989]

1500W is the largest you should run on a standard 120 volt 15 amp. If you have 220V on your roof you can larger.

[hype03]

Hi DaveJorg! I’m following this as I also live in Chicago and have a small city backyard that I would like to utilize during the winter months. Just curious, what neighborhood are you in? I’m in the west Bucktown/Logan square neighborhood.