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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Questions You Should Ask: Greenhouses
At Solar Innovations, Inc. we understand that you will most likely only buy one greenhouse in your lifetime. It is a major investment and can be overwhelming. Choosing the right manufacturer is a vital step in the design process. If you do not know what you are looking for, or what questions to ask you may end up, “swimming in the dark,” so to speak. Below we have compiled a list of questions to ask your greenhouse manufacturer. Not all of the points may seem important to you, but together they shed light on the manufacturer’s business practices, allowing you to better understand their companies, greenhouses, and services offered.
Does the company’s manufacturing take place within the United States and do they perform their own manufacturing?
Ask where the greenhouses are manufactured. Purchasing your greenhouse through a domestic manufacturer is an intelligent choice as it will ensure the entire greenhouse is manufactured within a serviceable distance, provide realistic shipping costs, and remain accessible for maintenance. Find out if the products are offered in standard models or if the greenhouse will be custom manufactured. Does the company employ professional engineers to design each greenhouse for local wind and snow loads? Is there an architect on staff who completes drafting services? Who oversees the projects? Do they employ project managers? Can you take a tour of their manufacturing facility? Does the manufacturer have greenhouses on display for customers to see? We recommend visiting the manufacturer’s facility and to see how your greenhouse will be made.
Who installs the greenhouse?
Sourcing all aspects of your greenhouse through one location is a preferred practice. Look for a manufacturer who not only manufactures the structure, but also installs it. This eliminates potential mistakes from an inexperienced install crew. A company that installs the greenhouse through their own crews, or offers installation by certified dealer crews, throughout the nation, is ideal.
Is technical support available?
You do not want to purchase a greenhouse and be left to fend for yourself if problems arise. How easy is it to get a real person on the phone, if you have questions? Do they have a technical support department and project managers? Is the support staff knowledgeable? Will you be provided with a call reference number and contact information when taking care of concerns?
Do they have greenhouse designers on site?
Are there greenhouse designers, architects, or interior designers on staff to help develop the greenhouse? Will the company create a custom greenhouse? Ask about engineering services and if they test for snow loads, wind loads, and yearly rain fall.
What features are available in their custom greenhouses?
Does the person on the phone know what a Palladian arch is? Do they understand decorative greenhouse ornamentation, heating, and cooling? Knowledge of decorative accessories and greenhouse function is crucial to a successful design, whether it be for people, plants, or a combination of both?
How financially stable is the company?
Credit scores are constantly being evaluated; your greenhouse manufacturer should not be an exception. Their credit levels will give you insight into their business. A low score is a warning sign. Will the supplier still be in business five years from now, when you may need maintenance work? Research the company thoroughly before deciding on a supplier?
How long have they been manufacturing greenhouses and how many have been produced?
Is this a new product line or a new business? You want to work with a company who has experience. Years of manufacturing greenhouses helps to ensure they are experts in their field and your greenhouse will be manufactured and installed correctly. Have they been around for many years and only manufactured a small number of structures?
What is their environmental stance?
This is more important to some customers, than others. What do they offer in terms of environmental stewardship? Do they offer FSC certified wood interiors and veneers? Do they recycle at their manufacturing facility? What kind of energy efficiency is offered in your conservatory?
Do they belong to reputable affiliations and associations?
Belonging to national organizations shows the company meets or exceeds industry standards. Do they belong to NGA (National Glass Association), NSA (National Sunroom Association) or NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)? These organizations promote quality, craftsmanship, and lend credibility to the manufacture as members are screened before being accepted.
Do they offer all the desired accessories?
You want to make sure that everything will work properly in your greenhouse and is appropriately integrated to ensure the perfect environment. Does the manufacturer produce their own doors, windows, and vents in-house? It is imperative for all accessories to fit the frame. Decorative accessories are just as important; grids, finials, and ridge cresting can be used to accent a greenhouse. Look at their full line of greenhouse accessories. What is offered? Do they have a full line of accessories such as benches, fans, lighting, heating, and cooling? What type of integration is available?
Are their products tested?
Learn about the manufacturer’s national testing certifications. Certification will show the level of quality their products have achieved. Inquire about Florida testing for hurricanes. Look at their testing scores and dimension limitations and research air, water, and structural testing. You may not live in a hurricane zone, but how your conservatory will fare against air and water penetration is important. Are Energy Star products offered? Energy efficiency is an important topic in today’s market and Energy Star products display a commitment to the environment and economic savings.
What Glazing selections are available?
Is their glass insulated or is it just a single pane? Single pane is a poor choice for energy efficiency. Are low-e tints offered? What kind of spacer is used in the windows? Is it an aluminum spacer with a limited warranty or a stainless steel spacer? Look at their warranty. What does the warranty cover? How long is the “seal failure” warranted for? The longest possible warranty time frame should help build confidence in the provider, as they stand by their product.
Ask about the conservatory’s framing.
What materials do they use? Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the three most prevalent choices. Wood will rot, warp, and require more maintenance when exposed to water and high humidity. Vinyl will degrade, break, and lose its color through prolonged exposure to sunlight. Aluminum retains its finish for years and will not rot, warp, or rust. Ask if they offer a thermal break. Thermal breaks reduce the transfer of heat and cold through the frame of the conservatory.
What finish do they offer?
Is it certified by AAMA? AAMA is a national certification for finishes that ensures its quality, color retention, and chemical make-up. AAMA 2603 and AAMA 2604 should be the minimum accepted. This will guarantee that the finish is water proof, will retain color uniformity, and is semi-scratch resistant. Ask about standard color options, as many manufacturers only offer white and bronze. Do they anodize (a chemical treatment useful in commercial settings and along the coast.