From Newsgroup: uk.rec.gardening

Later this year, or early next, I need to replace the existing lean-to greenhouse before it completely collapses. It's south-facing and backs
onto a brick wall, the other side of which is an old apple and log store.
The plan is to have a dwarf wall at the front, maybe 2 blocks (430mm)
high, and then to glaze everything else. The size will be about 6.5m x
2.5m, with a door at one (or both?) ends and some openable sections in
the roof. There are some mature tree canopies above the area so I wonder whether the roof glazing should be polycarbonate or wired glass. Timber
will probably be Oak or Accoya.

Part of the existing GH uses 2.4 lengths of 6mm angle to form an
inverted T to support the roof glass. In the absence of a suitable
supply of aluminium section this seems like a great idea for the
rafters. All I need is a cheap supplier of MS angle or tee section.
This older GH also has wired glass which I would like to re-use, but
don't know whether it would be inferior to so-called greenhouse glass.

I presume others here have done something similar so I'd appreciate suggestions for suppliers of "bits", and for design details to consider.
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From Newsgroup: uk.rec.gardening

On Mon, 2 Jun 2025 19:58:39 +0100, No mail <nomail@aolbin.com> wrote:

Later this year, or early next, I need to replace the existing lean-to >greenhouse before it completely collapses. It's south-facing and backs
onto a brick wall, the other side of which is an old apple and log store.
The plan is to have a dwarf wall at the front, maybe 2 blocks (430mm)
high, and then to glaze everything else. The size will be about 6.5m x
2.5m, with a door at one (or both?) ends and some openable sections in
the roof. There are some mature tree canopies above the area so I wonder >whether the roof glazing should be polycarbonate or wired glass. Timber
will probably be Oak or Accoya.

Part of the existing GH uses 2.4 lengths of 6mm angle to form an
inverted T to support the roof glass. In the absence of a suitable
supply of aluminium section this seems like a great idea for the
rafters. All I need is a cheap supplier of MS angle or tee section.
This older GH also has wired glass which I would like to re-use, but
don't know whether it would be inferior to so-called greenhouse glass.

I presume others here have done something similar so I'd appreciate >suggestions for suppliers of "bits", and for design details to consider.

Use aluminium frames, won't rust or rot of need painting.
Have some openable windows in the sides for additional ventilation
Use twin-walled polycarbonate instead of glass for insulation in
winter
Put an external-type mains socket in there to power a heater or
propagator
More suggestions here https://greenhouseing.com/greenhouse-glazing/
and https://tinyurl.com/2nabrpw3
--

Chris

Gardening in West Cornwall, very mild, sheltered
from the West, but open to the North and East.
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From Newsgroup: uk.rec.gardening

On 02/06/2025 19:58, No mail wrote:

Later this year, or early next, I need to replace the existing lean-to greenhouse before it completely collapses. It's south-facing and backs
onto a brick wall, the other side of which is an old apple and log store.
The plan is to have a dwarf wall at the front, maybe 2 blocks (430mm)
high, and then to glaze everything else. The size will be about 6.5m x
2.5m, with a door at one (or both?) ends and some openable sections in
the roof. There are some mature tree canopies above the area so I wonder whether the roof glazing should be polycarbonate or wired glass. Timber
will probably be Oak or Accoya.

Part of the existing GH uses 2.4 lengths of 6mm angle to form an
inverted T to support the roof glass. In the absence of a suitable
supply of aluminium section this seems like a great idea for the
rafters. All I need is a cheap supplier of MS angle or tee section.
This older GH also has wired glass which I would like to re-use, but
don't know whether it would be inferior to so-called greenhouse glass.

I presume others here have done something similar so I'd appreciate suggestions for suppliers of "bits", and for design details to consider.

For the roof opening sections use automatic openers for the vents. They
are very reliable, last years, and quite flexible at what temperature
you want them to open. Louvre-type vents can be used at the ends, and
they can also be operated by automatic openers.

If you go with any glass, toughened glass is essential if you have to
replace any of the wired glass panes.

Depending on what you want to grow, and what the minimum winter
temperature should be, consider UV stabilised bubble polythene for
insulation in winter. In that case, it will be easier if the fitments to
hold the insulation are in place all year round, or can be added easily
when the cold weather approaches. If the same fitments can be used for
fixing up any shade in summer that would be a bonus.

Keep a small stock of the clips needed to hold the glass or poly panes
to the frame. You'll be surprised how they tend to "disappear" just when
you need them!
--
Jeff
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From Newsgroup: uk.rec.gardening

On 02/06/2025 19:58, No mail wrote:

Later this year, or early next, I need to replace the existing lean-to greenhouse before it completely collapses. It's south-facing and backs
onto a brick wall, the other side of which is an old apple and log store.
The plan is to have a dwarf wall at the front, maybe 2 blocks (430mm)
high, and then to glaze everything else. The size will be about 6.5m x
2.5m, with a door at one (or both?) ends and some openable sections in
the roof. There are some mature tree canopies above the area so I wonder whether the roof glazing should be polycarbonate or wired glass. Timber
will probably be Oak or Accoya.

Part of the existing GH uses 2.4 lengths of 6mm angle to form an
inverted T to support the roof glass. In the absence of a suitable
supply of aluminium section this seems like a great idea for the
rafters. All I need is a cheap supplier of MS angle or tee section.
This older GH also has wired glass which I would like to re-use, but
don't know whether it would be inferior to so-called greenhouse glass.

I presume others here have done something similar so I'd appreciate suggestions for suppliers of "bits", and for design details to consider.

I would advise avoiding wired glass, we used to have that on our
conservatory when we moved in and it cracks across very easily. (and
looks bad!) presently using laminated safety glass but multilayer
polycarb would give you better winter frost protection
--
Charlie Pridham
Gardening in Cornwall
www.roselandhouse.co.uk
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From Newsgroup: uk.rec.gardening

No mail <nomail@aolbin.com> wrote:

Part of the existing GH uses 2.4 lengths of 6mm angle to form an
inverted T to support the roof glass. In the absence of a suitable
supply of aluminium section this seems like a great idea for the
rafters. All I need is a cheap supplier of MS angle or tee section.
This older GH also has wired glass which I would like to re-use, but
don't know whether it would be inferior to so-called greenhouse glass.

I presume others here have done something similar so I'd appreciate suggestions for suppliers of "bits", and for design details to consider.

Have a look for industrial metal suppliers in your area. Angle or tee
section in (galvanised?) steel or aluminium is pretty standard, and if
you're buying long lengths it's going to be cheaper buying locally than
paying national delivery - the supplier may have a local van delivery for a small(er) fee. They will often be able to cut to order - give them your
cut list and they'll cut everything to length.

eg in Cambridge there's: https://www.mackay.co.uk/mackay-metal-store-and-workshop.html
which gives pricing.

Theo
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