Post by roofgardener on Nov 17, 2014 11:04:22 GMT
Well, I was originally going to get a polycarbonate-clad aluminium frame greenhouse for my roofgarden. However, a couple of you pointed out that the cheap sort of greenhouse I was looking for - in an exposed position - could easily suffer wind damage, with the polycarbonate panels popping out when the greenhouse 'flexed' in the wind. The increased drag could then twist the aluminium frame elements, which would be VERY difficult to repair properly.
Although the greenhouse would be in a partially-sheltered position (up against a wall on one side), the Roofgarden does suffer from strong winds, and even forms vortex/whirlwinds.
Sooo.... I was leaning towards a pvc/metal polytunnel. The one I'm drooling over is suspiciously cheap, but it appears to tick a lot of boxes, and I was wondering wether any of you have had experience of such things ?
Here's a link to the tunnel in question .. ebay link . It's got some good photographs of it.
Thing is.. it's the PERFECT size for the Roofgarden 'extension' area (see Roofgarden Map .)
It would JUST fit, with a tall wall on one side, and low (3' ? ) walls on the back, and other side. So its got structural support courtesy of the building itself, whillst still getting direct sunlight for 70% of the day (in Summer).
According to the 'blurb', it's made of chunky galvanised tubing (1mm thick, 25mm diameter), which seems quite strong (and - of course - rustproof).
At 10' long and 6'6"" wide, it is far bigger than my current 4' x 6' 'tent' greenhouse. I know I won't get the full height across the full width because of the "half-moon" roof... but I'm guessing It will be above head height across 4' of the width, or thereabouts, and my shelving will probably protrude 18" or so in on either side. So headroom shouldn't be an issue. There should be enough width left for my Comfy Chair, and an adjacent under-shelf cabinet for my Whisky bottle, and collection of Racing Pidgeon Today magazines.
My only concern is the windows. It has a generous 3 windows per side. They are tent-style e.g. roll-up, with a built in flyscreen. But they are LOW, about 1' off the ground, rather than being in the roof. I'm not so sure that's a great thing ?
I know the PVC will perish after a couple of years, but at this price I can afford to replace it every two years. (they may even sell the covers as a seperate accessory)
Sooo... any thoughts, or personal experiences ?
Although the greenhouse would be in a partially-sheltered position (up against a wall on one side), the Roofgarden does suffer from strong winds, and even forms vortex/whirlwinds.
Sooo.... I was leaning towards a pvc/metal polytunnel. The one I'm drooling over is suspiciously cheap, but it appears to tick a lot of boxes, and I was wondering wether any of you have had experience of such things ?
Here's a link to the tunnel in question .. ebay link . It's got some good photographs of it.
Thing is.. it's the PERFECT size for the Roofgarden 'extension' area (see Roofgarden Map .)
It would JUST fit, with a tall wall on one side, and low (3' ? ) walls on the back, and other side. So its got structural support courtesy of the building itself, whillst still getting direct sunlight for 70% of the day (in Summer).
According to the 'blurb', it's made of chunky galvanised tubing (1mm thick, 25mm diameter), which seems quite strong (and - of course - rustproof).
At 10' long and 6'6"" wide, it is far bigger than my current 4' x 6' 'tent' greenhouse. I know I won't get the full height across the full width because of the "half-moon" roof... but I'm guessing It will be above head height across 4' of the width, or thereabouts, and my shelving will probably protrude 18" or so in on either side. So headroom shouldn't be an issue. There should be enough width left for my Comfy Chair, and an adjacent under-shelf cabinet for my Whisky bottle, and collection of Racing Pidgeon Today magazines.
My only concern is the windows. It has a generous 3 windows per side. They are tent-style e.g. roll-up, with a built in flyscreen. But they are LOW, about 1' off the ground, rather than being in the roof. I'm not so sure that's a great thing ?
I know the PVC will perish after a couple of years, but at this price I can afford to replace it every two years. (they may even sell the covers as a seperate accessory)
Sooo... any thoughts, or personal experiences ?
