March 12, 2023

Greenhouse Project: Roof Setback


Our greenhouse is pretty much a recycled materials project. That means we're using different types of windows for different parts of the structure. In my last greenhouse blog post, I showed you what Dan used for the upper portion of the greenhouse roof. For the lower portion, his plan is to use the $10 bargain windows he got from a builders surplus warehouse.

Picture from Greenhouse Project: Weather Permitting

Unlike the wood frame windows, these had vinyl frames, which he removed.

First one in place.

The roof rafters are spaced to accommodate these windows. 


The wood framed windows were installed leaving a gap at the lower edge, to allow simply slipping the lower window up and under the painted frame. Some adjusting has been necessary.


Dan using his grinder to tweak the slot for the window.

View from below.

Then, an accident. One of the windows broke! We went back to the builders surplus, albeit not very hopefully because Dan bought out all of this size when he first got them. We couldn't find anything similar, but it wasn't a wasted trip because we bought the interior greenhouse door.

So, the hunt is on for a replacement. Replacement glass of the same size and thickness was priced to us at $500 (!!!!!) Custom cut acrylic or plexiglass was similar. Sheets of acrylic or plexiglass aren't cheap either. 

As anxious as Dan is to get this project finished, it may take some time and hunting to find what we're looking for. The broken window is timely, however, because we need to work on soil prep for spring planting. 

Current status of the greenhouse.

Hopefully, we'll find a replacement soon.

18 comments:

daisy g said...

It's really looking good! Sorry to hear about the broken window. Hopefully, y'all will be able to uncover a bargain. Have you tried Freecycle?

Sandi said...

Lovely! Will you be able to enter it from the house?

SmartAlex said...

FRUSTRATION! Its tough when you are inventing as you go. Sending out good vibes into the Universe that replacement glass finds you.

Leigh said...

Daisy, I hadn't thought about freecycle. Good idea!

Sandi, yes! The greenhouse will have two doors, one to the outdoors and the other to enter it from the house.

Alex, thank you! I have confidence we'll eventually find what we're looking for. All we need is patience!

Florida Farm Girl said...

Bummer that the window broke. I sure hope you can find a suitable replacement soon. Otherwise onward to the spring work. We're expecting three nights in the twenties (even down to 22) this week and things are going to take a beating.

Leigh said...

Me too! We've got lows in the 20s coming soon too. Not looking forward to winter coming back!

Ed said...

Must be something about your location. Our local big box store has 4' x 8' sheets of quarter inch plexiglass for $220 right now. I used it to make some windows for our greenhouse. I just cut it on my tablesaw. Back when I bought it during Covid though, they were around $350 but I was able to get all the windows out of one sheet.

We also have a local place that cuts custom glass. I had a barrister bookcase that I moved from the farmhouse and broke one of the glass doors. I took it in and got a 18 inch by 36 inch piece of glass put in it for less than $40.

Leigh said...

Ed, that was a fantastic price for that glass! I'm sure you're right about location. Supply chains and suppliers vary greatly around the country, I'm sure.

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

Well, on the bright side it was only one window. Still, setbacks like this are always frustratin.

Leigh said...

TB, it was just one of those things. And yes, fortunately it was just the one! Dan's taking it pretty well, actually. He's usually antsy to get a project finished, but there's so much else to do that he's been able to switch gears without a thought.

PioneerPreppy said...

It is still looking damned good!!! The different spacing and such was one reason I never bit the bullet and tried to build a green house. Well and the wind around here. And hail, and well.. ya know. I am envious :)

Leigh said...

PP, yeah, lots of hail would definitely be a deterrent! We don't get a lot of hail here, but there's still the risk of that plus high winds crashing things into it. Hopefully, that won't be a problem, but mentally, we know it's a possibility.

Quinn said...

Sorry about the breakage! I've built so many things with salvage materials, that I know exactly what you're going through. I'm sure you'll come up with either a replacement or a temporary substitute that may turn out to be permanent because even though it wasn't part of the original design, it actually works so well.

Nancy In Boise said...

Do you have a Habitat store locally? We've gotten used glass/doors there

Leigh said...

Quinn, it's just the way things are. And yes! Things do have a way of working themselves out, often better than we imagined. Just takes a little patience. :)

Leigh said...

Nancy, our Habitat store closed. :( They really did have great stuff at great prices, so I was sad to see them go.

Chris said...

Wow! Okay. Now that surprised me. I knew you and Dan would be productive in my absence, but whoa. That's epic! So much value added to the homestead, through intelligent design. Way to go solving many problems at once - passive heating the house plus extending food production in a colder climate.

Leigh said...

Chris, I hope it works out that way! I am very much looking forward to the growing aspect, even if I'm concerned about how it will work out in our hot summers. Hopefully, I'll have another update on our progress soon!