Polycarbonate greenhouse: do-it-yourself installation

A greenhouse on a summer cottage is intended for growing heat-loving garden crops, which, due to climatic conditions, are quite difficult to grow in open ground.
Install a polycarbonate greenhouse with your own hands easy, but certain requirements must be taken into account when constructing it.
After installing such a greenhouse, you do not need to spend money on repairs or replacement of film. A high-quality polycarbonate greenhouse will last a long time.
Content:
- Construction of a greenhouse: preparatory work
- Foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse: selection and installation
- Types of polycarbonate greenhouse structures
- Technology for installing polycarbonate sheets
Construction of a greenhouse: preparatory work
Among other types of plastic, polycarbonate looks quite attractive. By choosing polycarbonate you can save a lot of money.
Before purchasing a polycarbonate sheet, you must carefully inspect the material. The thickness of the polycarbonate must be at least 4 cm, and the weight must be at least 10 kg.
Polycarbonate is a flexible material that has good thermal insulation properties. Ultraviolet rays, which have a destructive effect on plants, do not pass through polycarbonate sheets.
When constructing a greenhouse, you should calculate the number of sheets required. To calculate the required number of sheets, you need to divide the length of the greenhouse by 210 cm.
They produce polycarbonate sheets in sizes of 6 and 12 meters.
The most convenient are 6 meter sheets. The width of the greenhouse will be equal to double the radius.
To build a greenhouse you will need the following materials and tools:
- Frame material
- Polycarbonate sheets
- Self-tapping screws
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Jigsaw
When constructing a greenhouse, it is necessary to take into account some features. There should be optimal space inside the greenhouse. Sheets should be used judiciously to avoid large amounts of waste.
The material for the frame must be selected taking into account the climate of the greenhouse. The most suitable option would be a galvanized profile. If you use wood, it must first be treated with special antiseptics.
Foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse: selection and installation
When choosing the location of the greenhouse, you should take into account the light regime, soil composition and groundwater level.
There are different types of foundations: brick, wood, strip. The most budget option would be to build a wooden foundation. For a greenhouse made of timber, it is necessary to make a section measuring 50x80 mm, but larger is possible.
Pre-timber should be processed special protective composition. Next, on a flat surface, install supports on which the beams are subsequently attached. Then tie the beams together and lay them on waterproofing.
The most durable and reliable foundation for a greenhouse is a brick one. Before laying bricks, a small cement or concrete pad should be installed. Laying should be done in several layers.
Next, a waterproofing layer is laid. When constructing any foundation, it is imperative to install fasteners for the frame.Any durable reinforcement or metal corners can be used as fastening material.
Types of polycarbonate greenhouse structures
The greenhouse frame can be of various designs. Depending on the shape of the structure, the following types are distinguished:
- Arched design. It is a versatile, durable and affordable design that easy to manufacture, installation and maintenance. This form is very economical, the load-bearing elements are not loaded. As a result, the load on the foundation and material consumption are reduced.
- Greenhouse-house. This structure can be built in any size. The only drawback of the greenhouse-house is its large cross-section, unlike the arched structure. Such a greenhouse will require more material.
Depending on the material of the structure, several types of frames are distinguished:
- Wooden frame. Features simple installation. A significant disadvantage is fragility. Wood requires constant care and repair.
- Galvanized profile. It is the best option as it combines strength and lightness of construction. It features fairly simple installation. When constructing the profile, you should bend the arch, and also make holes for the bolts. This is the only drawback of this structure.
- Steel pipe frame. This frame is strong and durable. It is not advisable to use such a frame for an arched greenhouse. You will need a welding machine to bend the pipes.
After choosing the shape, material and installation of the structure, you can proceed to installing the greenhouse with polycarbonate.
Technology for installing polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate sheets can be installed in several ways.The simplest and most convenient way is to install it on a polycarbonate profile.
To properly install the material, holes should be drilled in the sheets and screwed to the rafters using self-tapping screws. Polycarbonate is installed throughout the greenhouse. The sheets are laid in an overlay and secured on top using aluminum or galvanized tape.
Connections in the internal part must be reinforced with perforated tape. It prevents dust and drafts.
The structure is completely closed, first the roof and the ends of the arches, and then the side walls. Cover the corners of the polycarbonate sheet joints with corners or tape.
For the doors you need to prepare boards in advance. Saw them and screw the hinges.
Next, place the finished door frame on a polycarbonate sheet and cut to size. Then screw it to the doors. After this, the doors can be hung and handles installed.
When installing a greenhouse with polycarbonate, you should follow important recommendations.
There is a protective film on the polycarbonate material. It must be left until the greenhouse is completely covered.
Installation should be carried out carefully, since the material is quite flexible and can be bent or broken. Dust and shavings from the cut edges should not get inside the plastic.
When fastening sheets with bolts, holes must be drilled in advance. They must be larger than the diameter of the bolts themselves and located at least 4 cm from the edge.
To build a greenhouse you will not need a lot of money and effort. At the summer cottage A polycarbonate greenhouse will allow you to grow plants for a long time.
Correct installation of a good-quality greenhouse with your own hands:
Interesting information about the vegetable garden
Comments
A greenhouse like this is just my dream. I saw it for the first time at my neighbors and fell in love.Very convenient, no need to fuss with the film, the material is durable and transmits light well. Just beautiful. not a greenhouse.