Ten things you must do if you get a polycarbonate greenhouse. This advise is bourn of experience.
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- I give you this advise now bourn of experience and wish someone had given it to me before I built my Polycarbonate greenhouse. Trying to rescue a greenhouse at night when it's raining and blowing a gale is no fun.
Ten things you must do if you're getting a polycarbonate greenhouse.
1. Make the assumption that you're going to lose some of it in the first strong wind if you don't take this advise.
2. Choose a site that's as site where your greenhouse is protected from the wind as best it can be.
3. Put a good heavy base down and fix your greenhouse too it but in any case you need your greenhouse fixed to the ground to stop it blowing away.
4. When you start the build if the instructions say it's a two man build, it's really four man build or better still get an octopus on the job.
5. The greenhouse is at its weakest when its half built so no stopping. This is a start to finish job that takes as long as it takes.
6. Building on a windy day is impossible, building in a light breeze possible but dead calm is best.
7. Aluminium nuts 'pick up' on Aluminium bolts if you over tighten them. To remove that nut will require you snap that bolt. This could lead to a shortage of nuts and bolts.
8. You are likely to be advised by the manufacturer to run a bead of mastic where the edge of the polycarbonate sheets meet the frame. Mastic not provided and only if you want too. My advice the more mastic the more likely your sheets will not blow out. Mastic the lot or use runs of sticky tape.
9. You may also want to add some strength across the walls and roof, I used domestic tile edging strips. They come in 8 foot lengths and have holes along their length that you can align with the slots in your frame.
Your remaining weaknesses are your door and your window. If either blown out, it could be
'good night Vienna' for your greenhouse so let's deal with these last two weaknesses.
10. Fastening your door shut at night and do the same during the day if there is a strong wind, should take care of it. Fastening your window shut at night and doing the same during the day if there is a strong wind, should take care of it.
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I have a palram polycarbonate greenhouse and have bolted mine to concrete flags and Ive siliconed every single joint inside and out..The recent gale force winds didnt effect it at all...except for the noise of the panels flexing. I'm 100% confident that without the silicone most of the panels would've blown out.
These things should come with a health warning. Jim.
Exactly
Health warning? Why?
Is the silicone that you put on every single crack working still?? It doesn't come with that recommendation does it? I wonder if that would make it too air tight. And might cause mold or something? We have to put one together and I'm worried its probably too flimsy but who knows! Sounds hard to put up, so we going to have to just do the thing anyway....
I never thought of that great idea. Thanx
My neighbour has 3 greenhouses in his home garden after big storms only the glass one is damaged he says he will never get glass again
Thank you for showing how it is in the wind. This is really important piece of information to make decision to buy this type of greenhouses.
I truly appreciate this video. I always say its best to learn certain things from others experiences and this is definitely one I'd rather be spared.
Glad it was helpful!
I erected my polycarbonate-glazed 8x6 greenhouse, all on my own, 22 years ago, and I have never lost a single panel due to wind. The manufacturer sent out standard glass glazing clips with the kit, realised their mistake, then sent me the plastic quadrant clips it required. I saw that these would not do the job on their own, so at the top and bottom of each panel, I drilled through both the frame and the glazing sheets, then secured them together with standard greenhouse nuts and bolts. Prior to assembly, I secured the bottom edge through heavy tent pegs into a cubic foot of concrete at each corner. I was advised by an old lag to cover the open ends of each sheet of twinwall polycarb with aluminium tape. This stops water, then algae from getting in. If windy weather is at all likely, I remove the pin from the autovent window opener, and wire the window shut with gardening wire. The sliding door is locked shut by a large screw pushed through a hole drilled in the frame beside the closed door. As polycarb doesn't like the standard whitewash shading stuff, I hang netting over the south-facing side of the roof to provide shade in the height of summer. After 5 years, the glazing was starting to whiten, so I bought extra panels to replace the roof ones on the south side, They are still in the shed after all this time, waiting to be used if the panels ever shatter. Happy growing!
Good Job.
Thank you for this information.
Yeah my neighbour has 3 green houses only the glass one gets damaged after big storms
Hello. Cld u possibly send this to me so I can show my daughter how to do hers. I can't seem to copy and paste. ? Ty
Thank you so much for this video. My wife is getting her first greenhouse and guess who gets to put it together. Your advise will save me a lot of headaches.
Best of luck!
Sheesh. I don't look forward to it myself. But it's the best way to save thousands of freaking dollars
SO grateful to see your videos on the greenhouse. In the process of re-building one. Had no choice but to stop for months after erecting 4 walls only and no door. Now I’m tearing it down and starting again. Don’t no whether to laugh or cry after seeing your videos!
Hello Wendy. If you watch any of the manufacturers or suppliers videos on UA-cam, building a polycarbonate greenhouse is soo easy. Then you try it! Nightmare!!!!!! I thought I would 'tell it how it is'. Jim.
Great tips. I built a wooden frame inside the whole greenhouse is tied together with 4x4 post and 2x4 connecting length to with and the gables. This allows me to hang my hops, hanging plants or whatever I need.
Aaron can you post a picture of your greenhouse? you added the 2x4 after the aluminum frame or you just built a wooden frame with carbonate panels?
Thank you for sharing your experience! We have a 6x8 that's still in the box and to be assembled this spring. Your tips will help ensure she'll have a much longer life, thanks!
Hello Dave. I didn't realise how flimsy my greenhouse was until I started building it. Its at its weakest when its only half built so once started, I couldn't stop. We got some strong winds a few days after I had built it and it started to 'come apart'. It was dark it was raining and it was a storm, not the best time to try and rescue the situation. Having added some struts and securing all the panels with mastic the greenhouse has stood for a few years now. Best of luck with the build. Jim.
Thanks Home Grown Veg, great video. video
I live in a high wind area and was going to buy one of these greenhouses.
Now instead I'm going to build my greenhouse using galvanised steel from a large unused trampoline and attach clear polycarbonate roofing sheets with 100's of self tapping Tek screws.
I got lots of advise telling me to drill the frame to take screws but my frame is so 'light weight' it would have weakened it even more. Good luck with your project. Jim.
I love it - I finally got a proper watering can with that extra "appendage" - I realized what it was for pretty quick, but love your demonstration. Now if only I could get one that does the watering for me ... I have a terrible black thumb when it comes to paying attention to my poor tomatoes.
Thanks for your support over the last 5 years. Jim.
Good morning, Jim! ☀️ I bought a poly carbonate cold frame a year ago. There was no octopus for hire at the time that I put it together, but I agree that I wish there had been. It took me two days to put it together in my garage before moving it out. It lasted one season before the Oklahoma wind ripped it out of the ground where I had buried it and wrapped it around a tree.
These things should come with a health warning. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg 😂😂😂
Hi, are you still in Oklahoma? I am currently building a 9x35 climapod and just finishing the foundation. Would like to know someone close to me (Ponca City) that I could bounce some ideas off of..?? I am in my 4th year of gardening and had a rough time last summer with the heat. I would be willing to help in return if it is possible.
Well that doesn't make me want to even put mine together!!!! 😮 id like a solid framed structure with windows in it...don't we all! Hummmm. Should I send this thing back?
This is an excellent video. I just got one of these greenhouses up, took 4 days. Had a car painter friend anchor it to the ground with rebar and 2x4s, works great. We shall see how well it holds up. Thank you again.
Sod's law says that when the big wind and the big rain comes it will be in the middle of the night. Have a little kit of bits and bobs including a torch ready, just in case. Hopefully you won't need it but if you do you will be glad you've got it. Now mines empty I will be checking all the nuts and bolts are still secure before winter arrives. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg, that’s good advise too! Make sure to check torque on all the fasteners every season, (but don’t overtighten).
@@davidbischoff9917 And if you do overtighten the aluminum threads 'pick up' and the nut will never slacken rather the bolt will snap. Been there got the tee shirt! Purchasing some spare nuts and bolts before you start the build is another good idea. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg thank you!!
Thank god I procrastinate. I started a huge 32 x 40 x 10' greenhouse attached to my southern house wall last year and just barely go started framing. Now, I will make sure to super reinforce it. Also, my wife and I love your accent. I am from Texas.
Hello James. I purchased my greenhouse over the internet so didn't know how flimsy it was. It was a stressful build, that took 2 of use several hours and we could not stop until it was completed. In a matter of days we had a storm that parted the roof from the side wall. That was another battle in the dark in a storm. Then we had 2 more storms within the space of a month. I wasn't prepared for any of this and all my emergency work to hold the thing together tended to be 'Heath Robinson'. That said its still standing. I wish I had been forewarned. Happy gardening to you and your good lady. Jim.
I own a 10x12 greenhouse it holds up to the strongest winds so far. If you feel crazy enough you can tap holes in frame to bolt the panels into
Thank you very much for your valuable advice. I wish I could like this video 10 times over 😊🙏😊
Thank you for the 'fore-warned' advice. A great vid. and knowledge of how to avoid future issues. Much appreciated. My greenhouse will be here tomorrow, and I will take all your advisement.
If it looks weak it is weak. What's stopping the thing blowing down is you! Being proactive is better than being reactive. Trying to 'beef it up' when its falling down, at night, with a gale blowing and lashing down with rain is a nightmare. Do it in the calm of the day and best of luck. You can do it. Jim.
Great advice! Mine flew up while I was in, luckily my friend was around to help me hold it and annex it.
I have one similar from Harbor Freight. I built mine on a 2x12 frame then added bench’s on each side. Really strengthens the frame
On my 2nd greehouse ( a tree took out the 1st on after 4 years)
Great advice for my second build.
I TRIPLE the W clips, does the job.
I am going to caulk the ends of the panel's this time to stop water and icky earwigs from going in the channel's of the panels.
I have done 90% of the build myself (65 year old lady)😊.
Although wind wasn't much of a problem, i am going to put your reinforcement strips along as well.
Being in Michigan, i also put a clear huge tarp over the entire structure and heat it when necessary in March each year to get a BIG headstart on the growing season.
CHEERS TO ALL❤
Well your certainly putting the work in there Cat. Have a good growing year. Jim.
I was going to buy a polycarb greenhouse but i think i will build another one . Honestly if your anyway handy working with wood you can make a dam strong greenhouse out of 2x2 timber and sheet it with clear corrugated pvc or poly carb, wont be nice looking as a bought aluminium but far stronger.
Go for it. Jim.
I’m still laughing at the Octopus. 🤣😂 so true hubby n I built ours together a good few years ago, it’s tucked up against a wall and has high trellis on one side. I did not know about the watering can Brilliant top tips. Thank You
I landed on this video when i was searching about greenhouses, and especially due to many reviews complaining about their polycarbonate greenhouses blowing away in the wind. I won't buy one unless I can hugely reinforce every part of it. However, a simple 8ft x 10ft greenhouse comes in many varieties and qualities so it is very hard to determine what one is best.
Mine is very poorly constructed. It was cheap. That said, more expensive polycarbonates' still lose sheets and have sheets that disintegrate after a few years sunshine. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg thanks for the comment. The biggest issue is that you can't go an view these greenhouses to check quality.. they are mailorder. One place even that was local only sold them in the box, so they didn't even have a display. Prices of one was around $1000 CDN (for an 8 x 10), and another very similar looking was $1800. The only difference I could tell from the limited info, was the boxes weight was 80 lbs on one, and 135 lbs on the (assuming the higher weight one was better). It seems to be a gamble regardless. :(
@@MicheIIePucca I went to the manufacturers site to leave a comment but comments were switched off. Tells you all you need to know really. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg No doubt. After more research, I'm 100% convinced that any polycarbonate greenhouse needs to be inspected before purchase to determine the quality of construction ie: how are the panels mounted), and not only that, the quality of the panels as I see many videos of those polycarbonate panels discolour and become extremely brittle. Also, manufacturers without-DOUBT are negligent in selling these low quality greenhouses knowing they can break up in weather conditions that are normal for the areas they are being installed in. I've decided to cancel my decision to purchase one, not only due to the need to substantially reinforce one that is purchased, but, that the panels can deteriorate so badly from I suspect is UV. Perhaps there are varying qualities of panels as well, but I cannot justify spending $1200 or $2000 (or even more) on one that will not last through one season.
@@MicheIIePucca The greenhouse is 8 foot long. None of the boxes it arrived in were over 6 foot long. The 5 x 8 foot lengths (2 on each side and one on the ridge) were cut in half to fit in the boxes. I had to bolt them back together in the build. Question (rhetorical) . If you wanted to seriously weaken a 8 foot length of anything, how would you do it? Answer. Cut it in half then bolt it back together again. You couldn't make it up. Jim.
Thank you! Invaluable and timely advice! I am currently trying to decide between a glass or polycarbonate greenhouse. I think you may have stopped me making a big mistake.
Hello Jen. If I'd known then what I know know I wouldn't have gone near a polycarbonate with a ten foot barge pole. Jim.
I bought one of these green houses today. Thank you for all your advice!
Good luck with the build. Jim.
Great Advice, also stake her down good, I use 1.5 feet or 45 cm lengths of rebar w/ a nut welded to top and a fender washer. Drive them in at opposing angles if possible instead of straight down. Love the tip on watering can, never realized that was what it was for Haha ! Learn something new everyday !
Hello Ricky. The wind wants to blow your panels out. The wind wants to relocate your greenhouse into next doors garden. The sun wants to degrade and eat your polycarbonate panels. Its a war zone out there. Jim.
I did not know what that protrusion on the watering can was for; I ought have been able to figure it out the first time I removed the sprinkler, put it down and later had to spend time looking for it again! Thanks!
I lost my polly greenhouse it went flying into the farmers field.
I wish I had seen this video first
Great content keep your videos coming
These things should come with a health warning. Jim.
I can certainly relate to this! My made in China model took me several weeks to assemble, including 4 trips back to the retailer to pick up missing parts or return wrong parts. I'm in Canada, so each trip was approx 100 miles. First winter storm, both doors blew off and several panels ended up in the neighbour's yard. Since then we have covered it in the winter with a heavy tarp tied down with strong ropes.All 4 roof hatches no longer work and leak badly on a rainy day. Other than that, everything works fine!
Just read your comment James and it made me smile. 'Other than that its fine' just about sum's it up. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg I would also like to mention that I get a kick out of your videos, especially the ones with Molly in them!
Thanks for the advice. I am considering polycarbonate, but after hearing the noise in the wind and reading the comments, I will save up another year for a model with safety glas, I think.
@@elenapaiuc4619 There is a company which makes polycarbonate tunnels in the Shetland Islands it's called Polycrub you should check them out. The design is excellent for high winds. I wouldn't buy one myself as I think that I could easily replicate it at a fraction of the cost, but it looks very good.
All the best.
Yikes, 100 miles? (And here I thought driving an hour round-trip to buy more parts was a headache!) My suggestion for others is to use Amazon reviews as a sort of "cheat sheet" because you can pick up many helpful hints that the basic instructions for these greenhouses lack. (The Harbor Freight greenhouse is essentially identical to those sold by many other brands so you don't have to find this exact same model on Amazon to apply what you learn.) This video, for instance, depicts the added screws installed through the polycarbonate panels into the frame - which, while doing nothing to protect against hail damage, at least prevented the panels from flying off entirely. (Others suggest to use self-tapping screws with neoprene washers, which will provide the added benefit of preventing the panels from rattling.) Another option is to purchase and install additional clips (generic clips available on Amazon) - that way, if a clip pops off there are more present to hold the panel in place. A third option is to use clear silicone to seal the panels, which can also cut down on how much water seeps in during rainy weather.
Thank you for the great tips. We are just starting to build our new polycarbonate greenhouse and it will need to be strengthened like you have done. (The polycarbonate we were supplied with is only 1.5mm thick!!!). Happy gardening and stay safe Sir
Forewarned is forearmed. Jim.
How did the build go? Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg Well after a few modifications to the main frame and door frame, having to drill screw and bolt holes in the correct places! One roof panel popped out a few days ago during strong winds, however I have added strips of wood vertically to hold them in place. We are to put scaffold netting over it for the winter to add further protection from the gales. Hope all is good with you. Regards Hamish
@@lordcondio1036 It never occurred to me at the time that when I built my greenhouse that it was so 'flimsy' it would 'come apart' in the first strong wind. That year we had three storms in a matter of months. It was a constant fight, usually at night, usually in the rain and always in high winds. Having pulled it back from the brink a few times and successive strengthening, its a lot less 'stressful'. Stay strong Hamish and your greenhouse stronger. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg Thank you for your reply. I know what you mean about it being flimsy. The frame is nowhere near as strong as my old greenhouse was. My reason for changing to the polycarbonate over glass, was due to me having poor balance and falling on occasions, the glass was too dangerous! The greenhouse seems to rigid enough now (I hope). Todays job is to add bubble wrap for the winter. Stay safe and carry on gardening Jim. Hamish
I wish we’d seen this last year !!!
I’m still chuckling at the the mess we had last year. I’ve picked up a few tips so hopefully we won’t have a repeat
We put up our Palram Snap-n-Grow 6x8 Greenhouse last summer (2023) and it lasted well through the fall, then in January we had a storm with 65 mph gusts. Fortunately the greenhouse was in our fenced off garden, which is also in a chain link fenced off yard. The greenhouse flipped upside down, right over the garden fence but stayed within the backyard fence. Once the weather calmed down and we had a slight warm spell, we turned it upright and secured it with webbing (like car seat belts) from one side, over the top, to the other side and wrapped the ends around huge and heavy long pieces of granite and we even piled some wall stone on top of those to be sure. It hasn't budged since, but we'll see with this next winter!
Lucky escape or early warning? Either way I'm glad you recovered the situation. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg actually I'd say early warning. We did have to replace one roof panel, but I opted to buy another window opening that can be propped open, it gets really hot inside. My husband had to realign everything, but he put the handles on wrong or something and now I can't even open the door. I wish there was some other option for an easier opening door.
I saw this morning on a Facebook group a great idea ! Using 100 x 60 electrical wire baskets along a length of the greenhouse which would otherwise be wasted space... to put 9cm pots in 😊 so clever!
Excellent vid, espesh the tip.....always searching for the rose when I need it!!
Perfect!
I've got two of these greenhouse and in all the 10 years I've only ever lost two sheets , mine are screwed in place as well as clips and door has lock on it or id lose the produce inside it. All best Bill and val
Did Val help you build them? Me and the Mrs took about 8 hrs none stop to build mine of which the last few hours it rained on us. We were like 'drowned rats' . Next night we had a storm, blowing a gale and raining heavy. There was lots of noise outdoors and when I went to investigate the greenhouse roof was starting to lift off the side wall and end sheets were starting to pop out. How I kept it in one piece I'll never know. Over the next few days I got to work 'beefing' it up and its now stood several storms. These things should come with a health warning. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg first one val helped with second one we were given frame and carried to her plot , then my daughter helped cut polycarbonate sheets and screwed them in , it in our play list. All best Bill and val
@@billvalsallotments5915 Hello Bill. Just watched a few of your vids. How are you holding the greenhouses down?
@@HomeGrownVeg they have base anchored down with metal stakes in corners and wood on sides , my first greenhouse one plot one been there 10 years not moved .
@@HomeGrownVeg Best tip I can suggest aside from research on UA-cam is to read Amazon reviews. Most of these polycarbonate greenhouses are designed identically so the reinforcement tips, like adding self-tapping screws with neoprene washers and using silicone to secure the panels will translate across multiple retailers/brands. Adding small concrete piers of the type sold for pergolas and decks is a good idea if you don't have an actual concrete slag to bolt the frame to. (The instructions will say how to build a basic foundation but the foundation, in turn, should be anchored to something.) Also, situating the greenhouse in a protected location (i.e. behind a outbuilding or garage) is also helpful vs. installing it in the open with no protection on any side.
Top man mine 1st greenhouse blew into next doors garden but surprisingly I managed to save it and it’s fine lol
Is it still standing Duncan?
Great advice thanks 👍
Love the sound of the rain on the roof 😊
Me too!
Great tips, Thanks. Really enjoyed your accent.
Thank you for great tips. we do get some heavy duty winds on the california coast.
Glad to help!
Thank you 😊
Well, that's neat about the watering can.
I had mine 10 years before I realised I could do 🤦
😂 to the surprise at the end. Well done, Chap!
Saw your tile trim before so got plenty of that, went a bit ott probably but don't care. Also used glazing tape in and out and silicone over the edges and clips.
I think I had every problem you mentioned when building my first polycarbonate greenhouse about 5 years ago. I did it on my own...Doh!, so only had it half finished when I went to bed, so I had to pick the pieces up in the morning. I siliconed all the panels inside and out and haven't lost a panel. What has happened though, and I wonder if any of your viewers has had this, is that literally hundreds of small holes have appeared on the outer layer. I haven't a clue what caused it and it's only on the roof panels. I'm changing them out for glass next week.
Not got the little holes problem yet William but I've only had the greenhouse a couple of years. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg They're only about a quarter of an inch in diameter but there's loads of them. At first I thought hailstones or bits of fire ash but I still don't know for sure. Hope you don't them.
This was good to see..we have bought one of these but its still in its box. Must get it together soon as its January already. Apart from anchoring it down, i wonder if a bungee cord set up to fasten the thing to the fence would help also? Ours is going in a corner that has fence on 2 sides....we might bungee the frame to the fence. We had a cheap platic greenhouse there and the wind ripped the plastic off the bottom of it. Hopefully this will be worth it! I just want to grow strawberries without all the critters getting them all!!!!
Look at the weather forecasts. Try to find a few days wind and rain free for the build. If you can leave some of the paper on the sheets until the end of the build, so that all the sheets have paper on the outside, then peel it of, that way you will not get any sheets in 'the wrong way round'. Have another look at this video before you start the build and after you finish. Good luck. Jim.
I cannot shut my window in sunshine, it just gets too hot, as lon as it is on the catch ok. I have lost my window a couple of times, even when it is breezy. I put my polycarbonate gr on a concrete base, that has a least stopped the whole thing from blowing away. The base is starting to rust after nearly twenty years so may have to consider buying a new one soon. Poly is great if there is danger from balls of any sort, but toughened glass probably better still. I think the poly that I have with a double wall probably provides some insulation.
Nice to see we are not the only ones to be making repairs at odd times. It is also permanently taped in some places. All the best for the year ahead.
Wow. Thanks. My greenhouse arrives at the end of the week. Also, I actually was wondering what that was for.
How's your greenhouse.
excellent information
Sound advice from a very experienced gardener, take notice guys 👌👌🙂🙂
Great video sir! I am looking into building my own polycarbonate greenhouse because I cannot afford the kits. This was great information!
Thanks for the tips.😊
Very useful chap thank you 😊
Didn’t guess the thingymebob on the watering can! Wish I had one on mine…forever coming across the spray bit in the yard where I took it off, put it down, yeah…I’ll remember where I put it …not…lol. Will look out for that in my next watering can purchase :)) thanks for showing!
Hello Elizabeth. Your not the only one who didn’t know what the thingymebob on the watering can was for. I have had quite a few telling me this over the years. Jim.
I anchored mine to the base using rachet straps bought from Aldi
Hi Jim, Hope you had an enjoyable safe Christmas. I can appreciate the video, I have built 2 greenhouses 8ft x 6ft and 12ft 6in x 10ft and not only should one build in calm dry weather but READ the instructions. eventually, they were both built but I am delighted with the results, more importantly, I still have them.
Thanks for your video Jim
Gordon, Halifax
Builders band siliconed to the outside,all panes fastened to steel bars with silicone on the inside. This turned a very loud drumkit to a soft murmur in 60 mph winds.
I followed your struggles with your greenhouse..good advice. I remember how big the container you recieved and the length of the greenhouse structure rails.
All great advice Jim.
TYFS, Mark and Rosa
I got a same size greenhouse but it got glass panels in it when the wind come and rain don't break the glass . had it for years fix to ground glass is better
Yep i agree i had to go out at midnight to stop mine getting distroyed in snow, not fun
Is it still standing Florence ?
I never would have know that. Thanks I won’t be acquiring one of those lethal greenhouses.
Excellent content!
Hi thanks for the video im thinking of ordering one now but its a Augarden brand looks exactly the same. i want to build it in my workshop so i can take my time and have no interruptions with wind and weather and do it properly with sealant and brace it a bit more now my question is do you think this could be picked up by 4 people on each corner to move it say 50 meters, 150 ft with out it falling to pieces? Simple yes or no would be appreciated. Thanks
Yes
@@HomeGrownVeg thanks mate so you think it won’t buckle in the middle? Cheers
I moved mine one man at each end. Two big mistakes! 1. I moved it before I had added some bracing strengtheners to give it more rigidity and 2. It was a two man lift when it should have been a four man lift. Nobody told me how flimsy and lightweight these things are, the first big wind did that, when it was lashing with rain and in the middle of the night! Forewarned is Forearmed.
One thing that’s putting me off getting one that’s having to spend time maintaining it rather than just being able to relax and grow in it they should all come with a chose of ether glass or polycarbonate sheets
thanks! this is good information that I will use
I am so happy to see this video. I am looking to purchase a greenhouse and appreciate your advice. I will make sure that mastic does go on the panels to hold. The watering can is awesome. I have not seen one sold where I shop that has that holder on there for the sprinkler. Good day to you.
Is your greenhouse sloped a little? Mine is but it's sturdy enough and doesn't seem to be a problem and it helps the water run off into the water butt
If its sloped its unintentional. All the work I put in was absolutely necessary. It was a fight. I don't know if I mentioned this but the guttering along the sited of the roof came in two sections and simply but up to one another, end too end, with no joint. Another job I hade to take care of.
@HomeGrownVeg nightmare. What greenhouse do you have? Mine is a Canopia 6x8ft hybrid polycarbonate. Mines surrounded by outbuildings which gives some protection from the elements.
@@a14n71 It's a Dancover polycarbonate greenhouse. There's a company video on UA-cam showing how easy and trouble free the one man build is. The comments are switched off. Draw your own conclusion.
The devil really is in the details! Awesome info...thanks for sharing and saving so many others the headaches!
Love your videos 🙂
Great advice thank you
Great advice.
😂 on water can
Thank you for the foresight.
Lock nut
Lock washers
Cattle panel on the outside bottom. 5' high. Can place rail on the inside/ superstrut or metal support with grommets for point of contact (poc with +/- matching on the outside with rubber poc).
You have the basic structure build upon it.
We did have questions on the wind effects.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Former QA (Quality Assurance)
We will add green coated chicken wire, creatinf a honeycomb effect.
We're looking to adding heat source alt for the winter.
Sheets can be replaced with clear corrugated sheets.
Idea of option
ua-cam.com/video/IzdhFghVsYk/v-deo.htmlsi=p9KO3DE-_JgoFdms
Alt option for panel
ua-cam.com/video/dtUQ9pQ1pac/v-deo.htmlsi=xFc6bde9oWzO49pa
Well you've certainly put a lot of additional work into your greenhouse. Was it worth it?
Thank you for sharing. I didn’t know about the watering can 💦 lol . Thank you for the tips I’ve got my 1st greenhouse coming in a month and trying to get tips .I appreciate your advice and privileged to of found you I’ve 👍🏻🔔 and look forward to watching your videos .👍🏻💛🤍🇬🇧
How did the build go? Jim.
Me and my brother just put up a 6x4 greenhouse and that two man job is really a four man job hit home 😂😂
Ive got bar capping on the outside and polytunnel repair tape on the inside of the panels and haven't lost one as of yet
Its for putting the rose on to store it
Ours is wind rated and snow load in the Manufacturing Design it’s harder to install but really worth all the effort
Wow! Just been over to your channel to check out your greenhouse. It's massive. So big it wouldn't fit into my garden (back yard). Way out of most peoples league in terms of space required and cost. Wishing you a good growing year. Jim.
Thank you for coming ❤️We are used to growing lots for our Farm and market garden. Farming is our profession and we love our greenhouses. It keeps us busy
@@homefamilyfarm This guy is well worth a watch. A gardeners gardener in the UK. He is a market gardener like yourself. His name is Charles Dowding. This link will get you to one of his videos. Jim. ua-cam.com/video/JW89BBji2U4/v-deo.html
@@homefamilyfarm @The Farm at Concession 2 This guy is well worth a watch. A gardeners gardener in the UK. He is a market gardener like yourself. His name is Charles Dowding. This link will get you to one of his videos. Jim. ua-cam.com/video/JW89BBji2U4/v-deo.html
tile edging strips: Brilliant! How do you fasten your automatic windows closed when it's windy but hot?
Its a tough one. Hot and windy! Cold and windy is more usual that's when I keep the door closed and the window fastened shut. Hot and windy is something I've never had to deal with. HGV.
we learn by trying!!! loved the video, I've made sooo many mistakes myself. makes for some funny videos ;). cheers from Canada!
As Bob Ross (the painter) would say " we don't make mistakes we have happy little accidents" . Jim.
Could the tiny holes be caused by some sort of airborne pollutants?
How thick are youe pc pannels i jist orderd the amerlife 8x10x7.5 it comes with 6mm pc pannels most others i found under the price i paid at 1099$ they all had 4mm pc pannels
The polycarbonate panels are 4mm. The slots in the frame that captivate the panels are 4mm. I couldn't fit anything bigger without a lot of extra fitting which would involve drilling the already weak frame full of holes to take screws or bolts. It is what it is. A nightmare! Good luck with your new channel. Jim.
After watching a couple UA-cam videos, I am going to design and order an aluminium Double Glazed GreenHouse. That is going to be the mother of all Greebhouses.
How's it going?
use rubber washered self drilling screws to secure each panel to the ali frame
I had thought to do this Glyn but didn't want to add any weaknesses by drilling lots of holes. I did what I did in a hurry and its held up over two winters and several storms. Jim.
i did nt know that lastt part. thank you
I’ve definitely learns something, thank you
can I ask where you got your domestic tile edging strips?
Thank you!
You're welcome!
where do i get the strengthening bars from thanks
They are tile edging strips 8 foot long sold to use in kitchens, so try shops that sell kitchens. The ones I got many years ago are gold in colour. At the time gold was not fashionable so I got them off the sale rack. The guy just about gave them to me to free up some space.
In the USA the big box stores carry them. Also flooring companies like "Floor and Decor". They are called "Schluter" (a brand name) strips. Tile flooring section. HTH
Brilliant!! Thankyou.🙏🌹
I'm planning on posabley getting the £80 plastic one from wilco personally because it's the biggest I can get locally under £100
Thanks for all the info. In what state is this greenhouse located? Where I live I get stronger winds than you got, so I’m a bit scared to put one up.
I garden in the UK and have sight of the sea from my garden. My garden catches all the wind that blows inland off the sea. After a lot of additional work my greenhouse is still standing into its 3rd year. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg thanks for the reply. Where I live we get tornados. In fact, as I type this we were just under a tornado watch today. I’m just starting with my garden and still researching how to plant here.
@@Carolina-ef3uy I'm guessing but if a tornado strikes it wouldn't matter what your greenhouse was made of , it would be good night Vienna.
@@HomeGrownVeg Haha yes. But even if we don’t get hit by an actual tornado, the winds can be very strong here. I wonder if an aluminum greenhouse with polycarbonate panels would be strong enough.
@@Carolina-ef3uy There's lots of stuff on you tube about Polycarbonate greenhouse's, lots of it negative. Looking at the unboxing / build videos you get to see the year it was built from the text below the video. If it was built a few years ago look for updates on the channel. That'll give you an idea as to how well this type of greenhouse performs over time. Jim.
Would a good polytunnel be any better? Also in a windy spot
I think a polytunnel is less likely to suffer wind damage although they do. I think they are probably more aerodynamic allowing the wind to roll over them. Jim.
thank you great advice, what is mastic, i am american so maybe we have another name for it? anyone? thanks!
Hello Zak. Its the sticky stuff that you would use on most if not all outdoor plastic sealing jobs roof guttering for example. . A bit like the sealant you would use around a bath edge. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg that clears it up jim, that was a quick response by the way!
Thank you very helpful
You greenhoue look's very flimsy / flexing in the wind. Is the Frame metal or Plastic {Polycarbonate} ? ? ? From my Festival & Market day's in Retailing, I would use rope over the roof to hold the greenhouse down. This worked extreamly well in some pretty bad wind's when I was on the Festival circuit with a 24 x 12 Marque with my China & other Breakable's inside....
Some of the aluminum bracings are no thicker than a paperclip. Its well held down with each corner leg set in concrete in the ground. That doesn't stop it flexing and panels disintegrating. The 8 foot roof and side lengths were cut in half to facilitate postage. They then needed bolted back together at the build. It was a nightmare. Jim.
Thanks
There's one advertised in our daily paper looks a lot like mine. 'Cheap as chips', what could possibly go wrong?
What is the thickness of the polycarbonate panels in this one?
My guess would be around three sixteenths. Not that thick at all . Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg Thanks. I have been considering a tunnel house where I can choose between 4mm and 6mm - 3/16 inch should be just above 4mm. I may have to reconsider when I see the rattling panels you have. They're channeled though and seem more flexible.
@@SunMasterXIV My problem was, we got 2 or 3 storms in quick succession across my garden within days of me building the greenhouse. Those 1st few weeks were horrendous, I thought I was going to lose it. That said after adding some strengtheners to make it more ridged and lots of mastic around the panel edges to secure it to the frame, its all gone quiet. Its in its 3rd year now and 'sound as a pound'. This video was to warn other who might be getting one of these greenhouses so that they could avoid those nightmares. Jim.
If you know anyone who is planning to purchase or build a greenhouse this video might just save them from a catastrophe. Hit the Share icon above this text and send them a link to this video on one of your social media platforms. It's what a good friend would do. If there was a 'Flimsiest Greenhouse In The World' competition, mine would be up there with the flimsiest.
Ps Now some of my Polycarbonate sheets are disintegrating. Check it out at the end of this updated video: ua-cam.com/video/B8GjoJgcRAk/v-deo.html
Thanks just about to put one up.
Best of luck Randy. Let us know how the build goes. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg Got a friend who's going to help, but he only has two hands.
@@RandyFelts2121 Me and my wife built mine. Its a miracle we were still married by the time we got finished. It took all day and once started you can't stop until you complete. That's because a quarter built or half built greenhouse will just fall over. Again, best of luck. Jim.
@@HomeGrownVeg My wife told me to get Michael to help so I reckon we'll stay married. We celebrated our 50th last July.
@@RandyFelts2121 Congratulations Randy, sounds like you both made a good choice. Jim.
My advice would be to wait until you can afford glass, a glass greenhouse is a lot heavier and stronger, been there with polycarbonate it's now in the Irish sea. 🤔😏 Thanks for sharing.
Aren't they about the same price
No a glass greenhouse is a bit dearer. X