FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions...

1) How much do your structures cost?

2) What is the best environment for plant life in a greenhouse?

3) What is the most effective interior arrangement for the greenhouse?

4) Where should I locate my greenhouse?

5) What type of glass should I choose?

6) What accessories do I need?

7) Why do I have condensation or water build up?

8) What is the recommended maintenance of your structures?

9) What is the recommended maintenance of your operable door & windows?

10) What tradeshows does Solar Innovations, Inc. attend?

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1) How much do your structures cost?

Each structure is unique and is manufactured to fit an individual customer's needs. We do offer standard structures with set pricing, modified standards with an additional cost but with a custom touch, and custom structures to fit any desire or need. With each option, there will be an increase in price and lead times.
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2) What is the best environment for plant life in a greenhouse?

• A residential greenhouse should have its own heating system or a separate zone from the home heating system. Likewise, a commercial greenhouse or research greenhouse should not share the same heating system as the rest of the building. The fuel can be gas, oil, or electricity. Forced air heat is acceptable for a greenhouse, but perimeter baseboard, hot water heat is preferable because it is more uniform throughout the greenhouse and provides a more constant temperature.
• Optimum night temperature in a greenhouse is 55 to 60 degrees.
• Glass enclosures should be clear.
• The greenhouse should get a minimum of three to four hours of direct sun daily. If no more than three to four hours of sunlight are available, an east-facing location is preferable.
• Shades are recommended, retractable shades are preferred for maximum benefit.
• A humidifier may be required if adequate humidity cannot be maintained.
• An evaporative cooler may be beneficial for growing orchids.
• Air circulation is important, and many types of fans are available to move the air and circulate the temperatures in a greenhouse.
• It is important to vent hot air from the greenhouse. Exhaust fans and motorized intake louvers will do the job, but a motorized roof vent system with its own thermostat is preferable. Operable windows in the walls of the greenhouse will allow outside air to circulate and replace the warm air that is escaping from the roof vents. The operable windows speed up the chimney-like flow of air. Screens keep the insects from the greenhouse environment.
  

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3) What is the most effective interior arrangement for the greenhouse?

Greenhouse Benches: Redwood is frequently used for the construction of plant benches. However, benches with pipe frame legs and a wire mesh or expanded metal surface are becoming increasingly popular. The wire mesh surface permits good air circulation around the plants. A plant bench can be designed to have a surface that is level or stepped. For example, a bench could be designed to be three feet wide and the surface would all be the same level - or - the surface may be on three different levels, each of which is one foot wide. Stepped benches are particularly useful if you are growing plants with big leaves such as catteleya orchids or plants with a strong lateral growth habit. If you have large or tall plants, kept outdoors in season, you may wish to allow open spaces to accommodate them.

Potting Benches and Work Areas: If space permits, consider creating a work area consisting of a sink (laundry tub), potting bench, soil storage, and a miscellaneous storage area for containers, etc. The potting bench is used for creating container plants, as well as many other planting functions. The bench should have an impervious surface, preferably Formica or marble, and a 3" to 4" high frame surrounding three sides to prevent spillage. Storage bins for soil also can be located under the potting bench.

Sink/Laundry tub: This should be located next to the potting bench, or it could be built in as part of the bench. A laundry tub is desirable because it is deep and can be used to soak all sizes of potted plants if the need arises. It is beneficial to have both hot and cold water available in a greenhouse. The hot and cold water supplies should be connected to both the sink and to a mixing faucet dedicated to a hose. This will enable you to regulate the temperature of the water you use on your plant materials.

Floor: If possible, the floor in a greenhouse should be at least partially porous or have floor drains in place. The least expensive and most functional floor is crushed stone on top of earth. The stone should be small, preferably 1/4" to 1/2" size for good compaction. You will never need to worry about wiping up spilled water, and if you spill soil, a few passes with a rake will incorporate the soil into the stone base. The crushed stone can also be a big help in maintaining adequate humidity. If you prefer to have a solid surface underfoot, you could set large (24"-36") flagstone squares in the aisles on top of the crushed stone. Or, you may always pour a solid concrete floor. If you use the concrete floor option, pitch the floor to one end of the greenhouse, where a 6" to 8" area is opened and filled with crushed stone. This will enable you to easily clean the floor with a hose, and the water will disburse into the crushed stone.

Electricity: It is very desirable to have a separate electrical circuit for the greenhouse. Outlets should be scattered around the perimeter, and they should be waterproof. Because of the high moisture environment, you should also be sure to choose light fixtures that do not rust. Properly placed spot or floodlights can add dramatic flair to a greenhouse, but the lighting priority should always be functionality. Greenhouse lighting should enable you to work in the greenhouse at night, and your preferences for night usage should determine the positioning of the illuminated areas.

Temperature Alarms: Several alarm systems are available that are activated by low (or high) temperature readings in the greenhouse. One commonly used system will sound an alarm in your home. There are other systems that will automatically dial up to four pre-programmed telephone numbers and announce that there is an emergency temperature condition in the greenhouse. You can live without an alarm system, but it is a nice “peace of mind” feature.

Miscellaneous Items: There are all types of greenhouse shelves, hanging rods, plant hangers, and other devices that will enable you to maximize the utilization of the space in your greenhouse. Most greenhouse owners devise some rather unique systems of their own.

There are various automatic misting and automatic watering systems available. Most residential gardeners do not make use of this sophistication in greenhouse management. However, options are available, and in the right circumstances, can be very effective in caring for the plant material and become timesaving devices for the home gardener.
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4) Where should I locate my greenhouse?

The greenhouse should be located where it gets adequate exposure to the sun. A greenhouse should get a minimum of three to four hours of direct sunlight each day. If direct sunlight is limited to three or four hours daily, morning sunlight is preferable. A greenhouse can be attached to your home or it can be a freestanding unit. An attached greenhouse is certainly more convenient, as you can avoid inclement weather when necessary. This type of greenhouse may also be less expensive to build and provide easier access to utilities such as water, electricity, and the heating/cooling source. Another item to consider in areas where outdoor temperatures vary widely is the glass area exposed to outdoor temperatures and the heating and cooling costs to keep the greenhouse temperate. Detached greenhouses allow for more flexibility with regard to size, shape, and exposure to the sun.

Whether your greenhouse is attached to your home or freestanding, you will need to consider the perimeter foundation. Does the glass need to go to the floor, or does the glass sit on a knee wall that is between 2' and 6' high? Most people elect to use the knee wall. They feel a knee wall makes the greenhouse appear to be more a part of their home. The knee wall can be built with material that is compatible with your home - brick, stone, wood, siding, etc. A knee wall will give you a place to hide your “clutter” such as empty pots, storage soil, fertilizer and tools, so that it will not be visible from the outside of the greenhouse. The advantage of a greenhouse that has the glass down to the floor is that it provides more growing space. Plants that do not need a lot of sun can be grown under the benches. This area is particularly useful for starting seedlings.
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5) What type of glass should I choose?

Choosing the right type of glass is almost important as choosing the right structure. Since glass comprises the majority of your structure, it is as important as the accessories. In many situations, the roof glass is chosen to be different than the wall glass. A tinted or more reflective glass is often used in the roof. This helps improve heat retention during cool months and limits heat gain during warm months. Clear glass is often used in walls to allow for a better view from inside and outside the structure. Consult with your Solar Innovations design specialist who will help you decide on the right glass for your structure based on its location, design and purpose.
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6) What accessories do I need?

The purpose and location of your structure determines which accessories are best suited for it. Obviously, greenhouses and pool enclosures will require different accessories than a typical solarium. When you discuss your project with our design staff, they will work with you to determine which accessories you need. Solar Innovations® offers a full line of accessories including heaters, manual and automated ridge vents, and greenhouse fans. Combining the right accessories, glass and structure is the key to creating a perfect environment. Solar Innovations is committed to this mission.
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7) Why do I have condensation or water build up?

Click here for a helpful article.
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8) What is the recommended maintenance of your structures?

• Twice a year, clean aluminum frame and glass with non abrasive glass cleaner. For glazing other than glass, consult manufacturer — glass cleaners can damage some surfaces.
• Once a year, inspect all gaskets; look for separation and tightness of seals.
• Once a year, inspect all sealant joints; look for separation and tightness of seals.
• Once a year, inspect intersections against adjacent structures for movement. Verify sealants and flashings have a complete seal.
• Use only GE Silpruf sealant of matching color to replace failed sealant beads.
• Consult Solar Innovations® for any touch up paints required.
• Consult Solar Innovations® about any abnormalities that may be noticed.
• LIMIT walking on sloped glazing; walk directly on vertical glazing bar caps instead.
• Remember that glass is a reduced friction surface, and walking on it can be hazardous, particularly when glass is wet or coated in pollen. Safety equipment should be worn, and only experienced glaziers should attempt to walk on glass slopes.

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9) What is the recommended maintenance of your operable door or window?

• Twice a year, clean frame and glass with non abrasive glass cleaner. For glazing other than glass, consult manufacturer — glass cleaners can damage some surfaces.
• Once a year, inspect all gaskets; look for separation and tightness of seals.
• Once a year, inspect all sealant joints; look for separation and tightness of seals.
• Once a year, inspect intersections against adjacent structures for movement. Verify sealants and flashings have a complete seal.
• Use only GE Silpruf sealant of matching color to replace failed sealant beads.
• Consult Solar Innovations® for any touch up paints required.
• Consult Solar Innovations® about any abnormalities that may be noticed.
• Clean all tracks of debris each time they are opened.
• Note any rough spots during operation. Damaged tracks must be straightened or filed smooth immediately.
• Silicone spray should be applied to hardware yearly to insure smooth operation.
• Note any irregular wearing of hardware (including hinges, trolleys, and wheels) and replace if the worn part is affecting product performance.

10) What tradeshows does Solar Innovations, Inc. attend?

Upcoming 2010-2011 Tradeshows

GlassBuild America 2010
Las Vegas, NV Booth #1157
September 14 to September 16

Greenbuild 2010
Chicago, IL Booth #2491
November 17 to November 19

International Builders Show (NAHB) 2011
Orlando, FL Booth #TBD
January 12 to January 15, 2011

PA Home Show
Harrisburg, PA Booth #TBD
March 5 to March 13, 2011

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We will be happy to assist you or answer any questions. Please call 800-618-0669 or e-mail us at skylight@solarinnovations.com.