Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Design and Construction => Topic started by: longey on December 11, 2011, 15:22

Title: greenhouses
Post by: longey on December 11, 2011, 15:22

hi all
im in the proceeds of purchasing a smallish g/house ,has polycarbonate sheeting got many advantages over glass ,the adverts show its unbeatable or is this just a selling ploy
i owned a 8x6 yrs ago in glass,But now with grandchildren i wondered if it might be a tad safer with poly
are the growing conditions under poly as good as under glass, would welcome any replies i/e advantages /disadvantages +any good cheap outlets for purchasing 1

6x4 or 8x6  cheers dave    (longey) ;)

Title: greenhouses
Post by: LilacSandy on December 11, 2011, 16:14

Quote from: longey on December 11, 2011, 15:22

hi all
im in the proceeds of purchasing a smallish g/house ,has polycarbonate sheeting got many advantages over glass ,the adverts show its unbeatable or is this just a selling ploy
i owned a 8x6 yrs ago in glass,But now with grandchildren i wondered if it might be a tad safer with poly
are the growing conditions under poly as good as under glass, would welcome any replies i/e advantages /disadvantages +any good cheap outlets for purchasing 1

6x4 or 8x6  cheers dave    (longey) ;)

Hi Longey,

I purchased a secondhand greenhouse and had to replace about half the glass so used polycarbonate as was cheaper.  I would say if you are going down this rout to not use the very cheap stuff as it does not make a very good seal and part of it blows out every winter.

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: mumofstig on December 11, 2011, 18:30

If you go for a polycarb one, seal the panes in so they don't pop out in gales - sorted.

Apart from that I think they are fine, I don't notice any difference between mine , one glass - one polycarb :)

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: LilacSandy on December 12, 2011, 13:09

Hi MOS,

How do you get yours to seal, I tear my hair out with mine?

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: lmpd on December 12, 2011, 14:09

I nearly bought a poly one from one of the major DIY stores after seeing it on their website, when I saw it in the flesh I quickly changed my mind, the panes could not have been much thicker than the plastic used in the tray out of a box of chocolates.
I then moved on to plan B and got a proper 8x6 off ebay!!!

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: Auntiemogs on December 13, 2011, 08:56

I bought one where the polycard slides into the frame rather than clips in as I've heard that it can pop out when it is windy and it seems ok so far...

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: mumofstig on December 13, 2011, 13:56

Quote from: LilacSandy on December 12, 2011, 13:09

Hi MOS,

How do you get yours to seal, I tear my hair out with mine?

Sorry for the delay, I've not been on much the last few days!
I just used leftover bathroom sealant between the ali frame and the glazing panel and none have popped out since.

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: longey on December 13, 2011, 22:44

thanks all :D

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: savbo on December 14, 2011, 12:08

as well as sealant you might want to do what I have with twinwall panels, and put in a piece of thin wood or metal across the middle of the pane - holds it in and has little effect on light. I had some old aluminium shower rail lying around the lottie that was perfect...

Title: Re: greenhouses
Post by: LilacSandy on December 15, 2011, 08:13

Quote from: mumofstig on December 13, 2011, 13:56

Quote from: LilacSandy on December 12, 2011, 13:09

Hi MOS,

How do you get yours to seal, I tear my hair out with mine?

Sorry for the delay, I've not been on much the last few days!
I just used leftover bathroom sealant between the ali frame and the glazing panel and none have popped out since.

Quote from: savbo on December 14, 2011, 12:08

as well as sealant you might want to do what I have with twinwall panels, and put in a piece of thin wood or metal across the middle of the pane - holds it in and has little effect on light. I had some old aluminium shower rail lying around the lottie that was perfect...

Thanks guys,  I will try that, great ideas