Greenhouse from window frames: self-installation

We have heard a lot about independent greenhouse devices, and even seen them. Windows are an excellent material for mounting a translucent structure. How to build a greenhouse from window frames yourself? We will talk about this in detail, with tips and recommendations.

Let's start with the statement that it is difficult to build a greenhouse from window frames. There is such a widespread opinion. In fact, this is said by those who are reluctant to move the brain gyrus.

Of course, it is easier to buy a ready-made structure and install it according to the instructions, and even easier - just dream of your own large stationary greenhouse. In fact, everything is limited only by the ability to get the material and dream up a little.

Since in Russia the complete replacement of old wooden windows with plastic ones will be relevant for many more years, it is very easy to acquire the necessary number of frames. It is enough to collect them from residential buildings in time. Well, experts in this article will help you with geometric fantasies.

Begin. Rationale

A greenhouse from a window profile is a great solution! Wood is a durable and stable material, it is not exposed to atmospheric precipitation and does not soften under the sun. Glass transmits light and ultraviolet rays well and protects from cold air.

In such a structure, any ventilation can be performed, in addition to opening the main large door, since the windows are provided with vents. In other cases, we If you add some nuances, you can build a greenhouse from plastic windows, but this will be a more expensive design. In any case, this building can be safely left for the winter without dismantling. And many more pluses.

We mean options

You can consider an infinite number of different options on how to build a greenhouse from window frames, but there will still be only three main ones:

Sheathing boards can be used for the lower part of the main frame. Then, when weeding the beds, you are guaranteed not to damage the glass, just like when digging, watering, and so on.
It is possible to supply glass from the same window frames into the finished frame. Such a homemade design will look more elegant and complete.
It is possible to dock different window frames available, and then the view will not be very presentable, and it will not be very convenient to connect different frames.

And what do we do when the frames are completely different? You need to show the wonders of engineering, measure the parameters of each individual element, and try to draw up a diagram on a piece of paper. Very often, home-grown builders begin to assemble greenhouses from a window profile “as needed”, installing everything in order, one frame after another, without worrying about the dimension.

So you get a very clumsy structure, uneven and uncomfortable. It will be very problematic to ensure sealing later. To make a roof - even more so.

"fast building" plan

We list:

Initially, it is necessary to take care of the foundation of the greenhouse, for which a trench with a width and depth of a shovel is dug around the entire perimeter of the greenhouse. The trench is filled with rubble and fragments of old bricks, then with cement mortar. Often the foundation dries for a week or more, after which it is already possible to continue construction work.
The second option for the base can be an ordinary stand made of bricks. This type is simple, and does not require a long construction.
So that the latches do not interfere, they are torn out. Be sure to leave the window hinges, as they are used to connect the frames to each other. It is very important - the frames should be installed with vents inward so that they can be easily opened. It is convenient to use automatic windows for greenhouses.

After the greenhouse is assembled, the last of the frames is screwed by hinges to the adjacent one on only one side, it will then serve as a door.
All frames must be fastened with metal corners and plates.
In the corners of the greenhouse, metal corners are hammered into the ground, and between the greenhouse and the corner is placed timber 50x40 mm, the length of which is 2.5 m along the front edge, and 1.9 m along the back. Thus, the basis for the roof is formed, which will be shed. The vertical bars are fastened from above with bars, between which a crate is made of bars 40x40 mm.
Two frames are installed horizontally on the front part, the gap between which is fastened with a metal plate. Do-it-yourself greenhouses from window frames are a huge field for creativity. You can put it at an angle.
The roof sheathing is covered, which is attached with battens and self-tapping screws. Similarly, the film is attached to the sides and back of the greenhouse.
The final stage is the foaming of the slots with mounting foam, and the door can be closed with a nail or latch.

And now what usually the query "greenhouse from window frames - video" does not show:

Fundamental knowledge

Why is a foundation needed? Because a do-it-yourself greenhouse made from old window frames is a “weighty” structure. Not only does wood have a solid specific gravity, glass also makes the ground structure very heavy. You need to take care of the "underground" building! So that the structure does not sag, especially with constant watering, when the soil liquefies.

Choose:

Brick - expensive, but reliable foundation. If installed correctly, it will last a long time, and your window glass greenhouse will last a very long time. However, when watering, the brick can be subjected to waterlogging, which, coupled with temperature fluctuations, will cause its rapid destruction. Unless waterproofed, of course.
Stone - even more expensive, but also more durable, reliable version of the foundation. It is acceptable if you have unused stone left from the previous construction lying on the site out of work. You can install a metal frame on it, and even brick walls. He treats external influences and waterlogging more calmly. If raw stones are used, the cost will be seriously reduced.
A window glass greenhouse is not heavy enough to make solid foundations. For temporary structures, especially for those that will be removed for the winter, a wooden base is also a good fit. Withstands heavy use 6-8 years old, then it will need to be completely changed.

Concrete is a good option, a shallow strip foundation is easy to install and lasts a long time. A couple of decades will operate it without repair.

The most budgetary solution, of course, is a do-it-yourself greenhouse on a wooden base. Although, any of the options for self-construction is suitable both in terms of labor intensity and cost.

Anchoring

We fix everything: both knowledge and frames. The construction of a greenhouse from window frames after the foundation is just beginning. We planned the frames, how to put them, even adjusted them in size. It remains to fasten them together in place.

We are considering options:

Wooden and plastic frames can be attached both to the base and to each other using self-tapping screws and metal corners. The process is very simple, home-made greenhouses from window frames are assembled quickly and even alone. When working, you must use the building level, observe the verticals (the horizontal will itself be set on top if the frames are the same in size). Corners can be mounted both outside and at the inside corners of windows. The method is reliable.

Nails and beams- "old-fashioned" method, effective, angry and not entirely beautiful. But simple, even easier than self-tapping screws. How to build a greenhouse from old windows with one hammer - ask a carpenter neighbor. It will be enough to use bars of 30x30 mm, no more. From the inside, a bar or several bars are simply laid on the base, in any joint, to which the frames are nailed. From above, you can repeat the process. As a result, the frames do not stray directly to each other.
Fastening with wire or clamps. The method is the most economical, but the most unreliable. Reminds me of a purely Russian rollicking approach, as they say, "where it hangs, we'll tie it there." Nevertheless, it has the right to exist and is often used in horticultural construction. With the note "I'll redo it later."

covering

A greenhouse made of plastic windows is more difficult in this regard - keep it in mind right away. She has a profile profiled from above, such a tautology. It is uneven, so it will not be easy to attach to it. If we are not talking, of course, about simple stretching over the entire structure of the greenhouse film.

In general, the structure turns out to be quite heavy anyway, so it’s not worth aggravating the situation with glass from above. Just stretching a greenhouse film is a normal option. But the roof will be “flimsy” ... Therefore, it is desirable to put the frames on top.

Then let an apple fall on it from your sinful tree from the Garden of Eden, the film will not break. You can also use a mounting aluminum profile.

How to stretch the film - the fantasy is limitless. If you figured out how to make a greenhouse out of old window frames, and at the same time successfully fixed everything, then you can fix the film. Even ordinary wire twists will do, not to mention clamping clamps.

Also important!

After all the work done, after covering the greenhouse, you need to check how correctly you built everything. And do not forget that you need to not only know how to make a greenhouse out of window frames, but also remember that it must be looked after. This means washing, cleaning, maintaining the foundation, strengthening connections, and so on. Maintain stability, ensure light transmission, monitor tightness and constantly ventilate.