Clear Anodized, Dark Bronze Anodized, custom color matches, and flouropolymer finishes are available for an additional charge.

Copper, Stainless Steel, and simulated Lead coated Copper cladding options are available for an additional charge.

Actual colors may vary. Color chips are available upon request.

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* Please note: Any Solar Innovations® operable feature should not be operated when there is snow, ice, or any other non-natural weight on the structure. Operable features must remain free of debris for proper operation. Operable features should not be operated when the wind is blowing in excess of 50 mph, based on an exposure rating of B. Failure to comply with these limitations will void the warranty on the operable features, and any component thereof.

Cold Frames

Extend Your Growing Season with Cold Frames by Solar Innovations, Inc.

Cold frames are one of the oldest forms of greenhouses. A cold frame is essentially a glass box with aluminum framing and a lid. Its main function is to extend the growing season into early spring and late fall. A cold frame is placed directly above a section of soil containing plants. During the night and cold days, the lid is kept closed to retain heat, providing plants with necessary warmth. In early spring, plants can be transplanted into a cold frame and to gain an early start on the season. Various vegetables can be grown to maturity in the cold frame.

Plants can also be nurtured in a cold frame while they remain in a container (for a hardening-off period), with the intention of transplantation into an outdoor garden. Then in fall, cold weather vegetables can cultivated in a cold frame to provide fresh produces through the winter.

Also in winter the cold frame can function as a storage unit for temperate bulbs, such as fig trees, which need to go dormant. Flowers are often located in a cold frame during summer months, with the lid remaining open.

Seasonal Growing Chart for Cold Frames

Cold frames are historically constructed out of wood, which is subject to rotting after a few years and will require frequent maintenance. Solar Innovations, Inc.’s cold frames are constructed out of aluminum which will not rot, warp, or rust. Each unit is custom designed to your exact specifications; customers may choose custom dimensions and include as many bays as needed. Cold frames are available in all of Solar Innovations, Inc.’s standard colors. Lids are held agape by a manual hold open hinge, which is weather resistant. Clear tempered glazing is generally used in cold frames. This choice of glazing ensures plenty of sunlight will penetrate the frame and the tempered glass provides impact resistance. The sides of the cold frame can consist of solid glass or aluminum panels.

A cold frame can also be attached to a base wall. An appropriately sized area of earth can be excavated to allow customers the ability to place plants below grade. Increasing the depth of the unit will provide better insulation over the fall and winter months as the temperature will remain warmer than the outside air. The addition of a layer of straw over the plants in the unit will increase the temperature inside the cold frame.

For more information on Cold Frames or to speak with a Solar Innovations, Inc. Greenhouse Expert, please call 800-618-0669 or e-mail: skylight@solarinnovations.com.