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Lean-to greenhouse

  • 19-10-2018 2:17pm
    #1
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭


    Thinking of building a small lean-to greenhouse onto a shed gable end, for growing tomatoes and the like in the summer season. No problem putting in a low rising wall with foundation and constructing a timber framework over that.

    But wondering about glazing and cost v benefit etc. Can see two options 1) polycarbonate type material cut to specified sizes and 2) using rejected glazing units from window manufacturer or salvage. Former could be expensive, latter might be doable, would require purchase first and construction to suit - but then what happens if a unit needs replacing. I suppose another alternative would be to clad with heavy duty polytunnel plastic, exposed location though in winter.

    Anyway just toying with idea. Has anyone else here done something similar and what did you use? Thx


Comments

  • #2
    quietsailor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,430 ✭✭✭quietsailor


    From option 2 - reject double glazing; Does it have to be double glazed? If you contact window fitters they might be willing to sell on at low prices windows they are removing from houses to fit new double glazed. It could work out a lot cheaper


  • #3
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Polycarbonate is not that expensive...

    http://www.ksbgarden.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63

    Prices are for one roll of 2 x 6 m

    Easy to cut to size and can be screwed right into the frame with the right screws.

    It's what I would choose rather than faffing about with windows of unsuitable sizes and with awkward frames

    My greenhouse from the same company is clad with the 4mm stuff and has survived Ophelia, Ali and all the other storms since and inbetween without a bother. But that uses whole sheets for the roof, for a custom frame construction I'd probably go with 6mm material for better strength

    Or you save yourself the trouble and just buy this (if it fits your space)
    http://www.ksbgarden.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_60&product_id=54
    It's half the size of what I've got and I can recommend


  • #4
    k123456
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,188 ✭✭✭k123456


    Ashbourne plastics do polycarbonate sheeting. Their max sheet size is 7 x 2 metres and will cut to size

    See their youtube channel for how to fit etc


  • #5
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭BarryD2


    quietsailor wrote: »
    From option 2 - reject double glazing; Does it have to be double glazed? If you contact window fitters they might be willing to sell on at low prices windows they are removing from houses to fit new double glazed. It could work out a lot cheaper

    True, reject flazed units not a great idea - add a lot of unnecessary weight as well.


  • #6
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭BarryD2


    peasant wrote: »
    Polycarbonate is not that expensive...

    http://www.ksbgarden.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=63

    Prices are for one roll of 2 x 6 m

    Easy to cut to size and can be screwed right into the frame with the right screws.

    It's what I would choose rather than faffing about with windows of unsuitable sizes and with awkward frames

    My greenhouse from the same company is clad with the 4mm stuff and has survived Ophelia, Ali and all the other storms since and inbetween without a bother. But that uses whole sheets for the roof, for a custom frame construction I'd probably go with 6mm material for better strength

    Or you save yourself the trouble and just buy this (if it fits your space)
    http://www.ksbgarden.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_60&product_id=54
    It's half the size of what I've got and I can recommend

    Thanks, what sort of polycarbonate cladding is on them? Are these rigid panels or flexible? Maybe the curved panels are preformed? Is it a cross between a 'traditional' greenhouse and a polytunnel? Worth thinking about.


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  • #7
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    The panels are flexible-ish :D

    The whole 6m long panel can be rolled up into a roll of about 70-80 cm diameter.

    The roof of one of those 3m wide greenhouses consists of one complete 6m long panel just draped over the frame and screwed down, which then becomes very strong and rigid.

    single panels do get a a bit floppy once the have an unsupported surface > ca 1 to 1.5 square meter.

    This video shows one of those greenhouses being put up...panel fitting from about 11:30 min onwards



  • #8
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭BarryD2


    Thanks, could see them working OK. Making a curved lean to framework wouldn't be as straightforward, easier to buy the full thing.


  • #9
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    The frame doesn't HAVE to be curved, as long as the frame offers enough support you can go with flat panels as well, see this model

    http://www.ksbgarden.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_60&product_id=72

    OTH..if you build your custom frame in a clever way you wouldn't have to cut small panels at all but could just screw the whole sheet (or a large section of it) straight on top of the frame. Just make sure that the supports are close enough to each other to prevent the sheet from flapping in the wind once we get a bit of a gale on.

    I put upright 1x2 wooden battens behind the large panels either side of the door in my greenhouse (the same as in the vid) for that reason.


  • #10
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭BarryD2


    A project for next spring. Will post a photo then if/ when it's built :)


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