The glass greenhouse at the dacha, the types of glass greenhouses and the criteria for their selection

For more than a decade, elegant glass structures have been a strong competitor to greenhouses made from other materials. The article describes the greenhouses made of glass, the advantages and disadvantages of standard designs. The material contains information about the varieties, characteristics and characteristics of glass greenhouses. You will learn about the optimal materials and the choice of location, get acquainted with the criteria for selecting the finished model.

Advantages

Rare the owner of the summer cottage will refuse to have the pleasure of having fresh, just from the garden, vegetables and fruits, and in the winter to enjoy home canning. Unfortunately, the future harvest depends on the vagaries of Mother Nature, and the climate in many regions does not favor the cultivation of heat-loving crops. The solution to the problem was the glass greenhouses; The first such structures appeared in European countries a couple of centuries ago.

With the development of technology for the construction of greenhouses they began to use not only glass, but also other materials (polycarbonate, film). Despite the alternatives, glass greenhouses still adorn the countryside. The reason for the steady popularity is not the conservatism of the owners, but the properties of glass structures that ensure a stable harvest. The advantages of glass constructions are the following qualities:

• Transparency . Glass transmits sunlight better than other materials, so natural light can be used to the maximum. Transparency does not diminish over time, unlike, for example, some types of polycarbonate, which become cloudy under the action of ultraviolet radiation.

• Chemical Inertness . When caring for vegetables and herbs, amateur gardeners use fertilizers, pesticides and other compounds (both acidic and alkaline). The glass surface is immune to the effects of any chemicals.

• Durability . Glass is indifferent to moisture, solar energy, temperature extremes and mold fungi. The durability of the construction with glass cladding depends only on the material from which the frame is made.

• Physical properties . Glass is resistant to abrasion (for example, scratching or sand, lifted by the wind). The material has a low rate of thermal expansion, which facilitates construction.

• Easy care . Removing dirt from the glass surface does not cause problems; the choice of detergents is not limited.

• Simple repair . It consists in easy replacement of the damaged fragment.

• Aesthetics . Buildings of glass are distinguished by elegance and attractive appearance.

• Possibility of saving . You can significantly reduce the cost of construction if you use old windows or doors.

Disadvantages

Many dacha owners prefer a traditional glass greenhouse that can provide the optimal microclimate to vegetables, seedlings or greens. Choosing this or that material for the future greenhouse, do not forget about the disadvantages of coverage. The disadvantages of glass cladding include the following qualities:

• Fragility . The main disadvantage, stopping many owners. Hail, a fallen branch or a children's ball can cause serious damage to the building. The use of tempered glass will protect against such problems, but will increase the construction budget to an indecent size (tempered glass is about twice as expensive as usual).

• Cost . Glass is a very heavy material that requires a particularly strong frame and reinforced (and, therefore, a more expensive foundation). This means that the final price of the glass construction will be higher than the polycarbonate greenhouse with the same parameters.

• Low thermal insulation . Glass has a higher thermal conductivity than polycarbonate. If the building will be used during the cold season, you will need a well thought out heating system.

Species

Glass greenhouses may have the following form:

• Greenhouse-house . Classic, the most common option with a rectangular base and gable roof. Such a design fits into any environment. It is the most convenient to use, not the most difficult to build, and the slope of the roof does not allow snow to accumulate.

• Wall . The construction, which is attached to the wall of the house or business premises and is considered very economical. This greenhouse saves building materials and square meters to the owners, which is important for a modest-sized plot.Such glass projects are equipped, as a rule, with a sloping, with a slope, roof. It is advisable to choose the placement on the south side so that the seedlings and vegetables do not suffer from a lack of life-giving solar energy.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer metal construction installation service (sheds, greenhouses, etc.). You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the low-rise country exhibition.

• Toeplitz Mitlider . A variation of the classic greenhouse-house, invented by an American vegetable grower. The difference lies in the structure of the roof: One of the slopes is laid above the second, forming a vertical section. In this wall are mounted transom, providing effective air exchange.

• Toeplitz-thermos . Most of the buildings are made of brick or concrete walls, the glass remains the roof, and the structure itself is recessed into the ground. Heat losses are minimal, making it ideal for winter use. The downside is high material and labor costs during construction.

On our site you can find contacts of construction companies that offer construction service of small architectural forms . You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the low-rise country exhibition.

• Pyramid . More complex in design and execution, therefore it is quite rare, although it has a spectacular appearance. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite convenient to operate; most often used for ornamental crops.

• Dome . Due to its streamlined shape, it is characterized by increased stability and the most uniform distribution of solar energy. Big minus - an exact calculation of the structure is necessary; the frame will be difficult, and the details of the glazing - non-standard.

Materials and optimal parameters

Glass greenhouses can have the following frame options:

• From metal corners . Corners are welded to each other, forming a solid structure that can withstand strong wind and snow loads. The glass elements are fixed with clamps.

• Metal profile . The frame parts form the grooves in which the glass plates are installed. The strength and tightness of the fastening is ensured by high-quality rubber seals and sealant.

• Reinforced wooden frame . To withstand the weather loads and the weight of the glass, the frame is completed with reinforcement elements (booms). Such a decision makes the structure more stable with strong gusts of wind.

• Profiled galvanized pipe . Details of the frame system are fixed in two ways: by welding or using self-tapping screws. The glass plates are fixed with glue or using a clamping profile.

• Plastic . Must have sufficient strength to withstand the weight of the glass.

About the 8x4 m glass greenhouse in the following video:

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer an extension service to existing houses. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the low-rise country exhibition.

Special requirements are imposed on the construction of modern greenhouses from glass pane:

• Strong foundation . For bulky structures, a monolithic block or strip base with a depth of at least 0.8-1 m is selected.

• Frame . Chosen steel or reinforced wooden.

• Roof . The tilt angle is set to at least 15 °.

The optimal parameters suitable for use in a private sector are the following dimensions:

• Length . It is chosen at the discretion of the owner, starts from 3, but rarely exceeds 6 m (in a large, hard-working family it can reach up to 10-15 m). In a longer greenhouse, plant care will be quite difficult.

• Width : 3.5-4 m; optimal for two beds.

• Height in the ridge : 2.5-3.5 m; wall height from the foundation: 1.7-2.2 m.

• Low wall height : 1.5 m.

• Door opening dimensions . The main thing to pay attention to is the width of the door. It should be sufficient for garden wheelbarrows (approximately 1 m).

• Roof slope . An angle of 45 ° will not let the snow linger on the roof.

Choice of location

A warm glass greenhouse is an indispensable aid in the cultivation of much-loved tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. To get a great harvest, it’s not enough to use the right agricultural techniques. For a good result, it is important to place the greenhouse, so the place is chosen carefully, taking into account the following factors:

• Location . A place is chosen away from other buildings and trees that can create a shadow unnecessary for greenhouse crops.

• In a modestly sized area , the choice of location is limited. In this case, the greenhouse is located south of the building so that the maximum amount of sunlight falls on it.

• The construction cannot be placed on the slope , where there is a high probability of additional stresses and foundation damage.

• When choosing a place take into account the wind rose - in a draft the glass surface cools faster and the temperature inside does not reach the optimum.

• Convenience . Important proximity of water, easy access and the ability to connect to the mains.

• In a region with frequent squall winds , the framework and foundation are strengthened; They are also trying to build a greenhouse away from tall trees so that the fallen branch does not break the glass.

About the greenhouse of glass and aluminum in the Victorian style in the following video:

It can be interesting ! In the article on the following link read about polycarbonate greenhouses .

What to look for when choosing (ordering)

It does not matter whether you choose a ready-made greenhouse or order an individual design, there are nuances that allow you to the best choice; the following factors are taken into account:

• Greenhouse size . For the harvest to be good, vegetables and greens should have enough space and get enough sun.

• Framework . The lifespan of the greenhouse depends on how well the fastenings are tightened and how tightly the glass and the vents fit to the frame.

• Frame protection . Well, if the profile is covered with powder paint. This method of painting is environmentally friendly, protects the metal from atmospheric moisture and improves the appearance.

• Glass . It can be simple or hardened, but the thickness has a limitation of at least 4 mm. The use of tempered glass in the construction of greenhouses has advantages: it is stronger by 3-4 times, and when it reaches the critical load is less traumatic because it crumbles into small non-sharp pieces.

• Compactor . High-quality sealer eliminates the vibration of glass elements in windy weather and prevents water from leaking inside.

• Check if the hotbed has enough convenient entrance .

• Vane . An important element of a professionally made greenhouse. Many plants do not tolerate overheating, and the vents or transom will allow you to flexibly regulate the microclimate.

In the design of greenhouses there are sometimes elements of functional decor, for example, a ridge or a gutter system. Some models of greenhouses are equipped with additional elements that make the care of plants more comfortable. The number of useful devices includes:

• Microclimate Automation . A useful accessory for those who can not always live outside the city, and is forced to periodically leave (for work or vacation). The automatic system includes a thermal actuator, which does not allow the air to overheat, opening the transom when the temperature rises. Constant air exchange protects garden crops from dehydration and fading. If the temperature drops in the evening, the vents close, and the desired level of heat is maintained in the room.

About the installation of the structure in the winter in the following video:

It can be interesting! V article on the following link read about the winter garden in a private house .

• Rings for garter seedlings . Some manufacturers care about the usability of a glasshouse and provide it with devices for tying up plants. Rings are mounted on the rafters of the frame, and tapestries are tied to them, to which grown plants are tied up.

• Automatic watering . The drip irrigation system is one of the latest innovations that facilitate the work of the gardener. It accurately measures the amount of water; plants are watered according to your chosen mode.

• Shelves . It's nice when the kit includes such a practical detail as a shelf. 2-3 meters long, it is ideal for storing gloves, pruners and other small items.Thanks to the shelf, you do not need to install an additional cabinet absorbing precious meters.

Characteristics of Standard Models

A complete set of common models is described by the following parameters:

• Frame . Most often consists of aluminum profile elements protected by a polymer coating. There is also a steel profile with a zinc anti-corrosion coating. Since all parts of the greenhouse are reliably protected from moisture, during operation it does not require maintenance (priming or painting).

• Filling (coating material). Plain or tempered glass, glass pane 32-60 mm thick.

• Foundation . Specifies the type of base.

• Door . The compartment door from two shutters (sliding) or rotary (oar) is established. The door has warming and filling with a double-glazed window.

• Window leafing , Side, end, louvered, tilt, or sliding. At the request of the customer, the windows for ventilation are equipped with an automatic ventilation system.

• Sealing profile . The type and color (usually black or white) is determined. High-quality rubber profile is the main condition for the tightness of the building and maintaining an optimal microclimate.

• Fasteners , ebb.

• Additional elements . At the request of the owner arranged internal partitions and borders, fencing beds.

It might be interesting! In the article on the following link read about the home-studio on the shores of the state of Washington .

Conclusion

The technical documentation does not indicate only the dimensions of the glass greenhouse and the materials from which it is made. You can find out what will be the area of ​​the covered ground and the weight of the structure with glass. Thus, a greenhouse made of aluminum with a height of 2.75 m and a width of 3.6 m with a length of 3.2 m will weigh about 420 kg, with a length of 4.4 m - 510 kg, with a length of 6.9 m - no more than 700 kg. Many companies offering services for the construction of standard and individual greenhouses, place on the site calculator. You can independently set those or other parameters of the future greenhouse and evaluate the options.

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