With your own hands: how to build a greenhouse from window frames. Greenhouse from window frames: DIY construction

Our climate is changeable, highly dependent on the season, so some of our plants do not ripen or give a poor harvest. To combat this, people have come up with hotbeds and greenhouses. With their help, in some cases, you can get a crop even in winter or collect two crops per year.

Materials used for greenhouses

What is the difference between a greenhouse and a greenhouse? Mostly in size. A person enters the greenhouse himself, and there are only plants in the greenhouse.

Despite what the industry offers various designs greenhouses, many will want to save money and make their construction from scrap materials. This will be discussed below.

Stages of building your own greenhouse:

collection of material (frames) for the greenhouse;
choosing a place for a greenhouse;
choice of greenhouse design;
installation of the foundation;
walling;
roof erection.

When building professional greenhouses developed at institutes, they study which materials are best to use. Here they pay attention to the translucency of the material, which rays the material passes through, and which it absorbs, and the like. However, in private households, you don't really have to choose the material.

Polycarbonate is best, but it is quite expensive. Frames with glass are more affordable. The fact is that people from time to time make repairs in their apartments, while they often change the windows, throwing out old frames in a landfill.

Framed glass is very suitable for greenhouses, they used to be made from it. The disadvantage of glass is that it can break. In small farms, this risk is reduced.

The film is also often used for greenhouses and greenhouses, but it is short-lived.

What are window frames

You will need quite a few frames for your greenhouse, so most likely they will not be the same size. This must be taken into account. In addition, the frames may be without glass or with a damaged frame. In the first case, instead of glass, you can mount something else in the frame, for example, a film. In the second case, the defect is easiest to repair. polyurethane foam... Polyurethane foam will also come in handy when it will be necessary to close up large gaps.

The frames themselves are now wooden. This is very good, as the wood is easy to assemble - the frames can be simply knocked down or nailed to a single rail. In the future, we can expect the appearance of plastic and metal frames. Installation of such frames is somewhat different than wooden ones, but it is also simple. The metal in the frames is most likely thin, so self-tapping screws for metal are suitable for fastening.

A feature of frames with inserted glasses is that the glasses in the frame move freely. That is, glass is not afraid of expansion due to temperature fluctuations.

Choosing a place for a greenhouse

The illumination of the building is important here. In addition, you can rotate the structure itself relative to the sun in the most acceptable way. Otherwise, it tastes like the owner.

In some cases, the greenhouse is attached to the wall of the house, it turns out something like winter garden... In this case, the illumination is less than in a detached building (since light does not penetrate from all sides). However, there are advantages here as well. The greenhouse protects the building from external influences, receives heat from the house and itself prevents heat leakage.

The greenhouse should be such that you can walk freely in it. Most often they are made rectangular based on the width of the beds. Usually in the middle there is a path along which a person walks, and on either side of the path there are two beds or double beds. It's comfortable.

To save material, greenhouses are sometimes made in the form of a semicircle when viewed from the front. However, such a structure cannot be built from frames. If you do of them, then it is most likely rectangular parallelepiped, on top of which the roof is mounted.

Some greenhouse developers pay attention to the need to ventilate the greenhouse, for which they make vents. There is a need for this. If you want to control the microclimate, then you will make the greenhouse itself airtight with the possibility of adjustable ventilation. Otherwise, it is better for tightness special attention do not pay, that is, leave small gaps.

It must be understood that heat is collected under the roof. For a more even heating, there must be a high altitude or good ventilation. On the other hand, the smaller the volume of the room, the better it warms up. Since the weather is different, then perfect design you won't get it. Be sure to provide ventilation. For this purpose, you can make two entrances to the greenhouse opposite each other (from the ends).

Additionally, greenhouse heating can be provided. Here you need to proceed from your wishes.

A step-by-step guide to building a structure

Foundation

The foundation is usually installed under the main structure. At the same time, the depth of its inception reaches one and a half meters (or more), which is due to the depth of soil freezing. The task of the foundation in this case is to avoid heaving of the soil under the walls of the house under the influence of cold temperatures.

In the case of a greenhouse, there is no need to install a deep foundation, since the structure is lightweight and flexible enough. In this case, the purpose of the foundation is to isolate the wood of the frames from moisture and earth.

Walling

As a rule, the frames are wooden. They are often doubled. Such frames must be disassembled into two, because greenhouses are made in one layer of glass. Also, these designs are usually beveled. So that it does not interfere with the docking of the frames, they are deployed as needed.

You can simply knock down the wooden frames with nails. But if a more capital structure is required, then all frames of one side are attached to a single bar (rail, etc.). The bar must be fastened from above and below. You can attach another one in the middle. If it passes inside the greenhouse, then the stems of plants can be tied to it.

Instead of nails, it is better to use wood screws. So there is less risk that the glass will break, and it is easier to fix a flimsy structure.

When plastic windows self-tapping screws and bolts are suitable. If you attach the plastic to the bar, then you can hammer in a nail. But the hole for it will have to be made in advance.

If the frames are metal, then it is most likely thin steel or thin aluminum. Material like aluminum profile but may be thicker. If the thickness is large, you will have to drill holes. For metal, self-tapping screws have a smaller pitch than for wood.

The most comfortable material is wooden frames. And they are easier to drill if necessary, and the fasteners are reliable.

Hardware

Hardware are fasteners. Currently in stores you can find steel corners and plates different shapes... All of them have holes for nails (screws, etc.). In some cases, they are very convenient and well replace other types of connections.

If the connection is complicated and the wood (joint) is not easy to fit, it is better to use steel hardware.

Roof erection

The roof does not have to be made of frames. The fact is that glass is still fragile material... It can be installed vertically, it will last a long time and is not dangerous. In the case of a roof, there is always the danger that hail will come and break the glass. There is also a danger that a lot of snow will collect on the roof, which will push the glass.

It is undesirable to make a roof of film or glass. Glass is dangerous, it can fall on your head, so it is highly undesirable to make a flat roof of glass. If you make a roof using a film, then, most likely, it will last no more than a season.

Roofs for greenhouses are made either straight-pitched (usually gable) or semicircular. Aside from the hail, the frames are suitable for gable roofs. A ridge is attached on top of such a roof so that water does not collect from above. The ridge is a corner that covers the very top. Traditionally, roofs protrude slightly beyond the plane of the wall. it correct solution in case of winter - icicles will not crawl along the walls. The film can also be attached to a semicircular roof.

You saved on the walls; for the roof itself, you can use polycarbonate. Polycarbonate allows you to make the roof straight and semicircular. In addition, it is quite stiff and lightweight, therefore it requires a minimum of a frame. This material is unbreakable and is great for roofing.

Wooden frames are great stuff for the construction of greenhouse walls. You will get it for free. A greenhouse from such frames can be assembled in a day. However, it is still advisable to use polycarbonate for the roof.

In contact with

After installing plastic windows, a completely logical question arises: what to do with old windows? And the answer is quite simple. if you have suburban area then the most optimal solution will be the construction of a greenhouse from window frames.

The dimensions of the structure are determined based on:

dimensions of each frame;
their total number;
the size of the inside of the greenhouse.

The ideal option is to use window frames that are the same dimensions. This is the only way to create an even and symmetrical structure, where there will be no cracks. The length of a greenhouse made of old window frames is determined by adding the widths of all used windows.

It is recommended to apply the design diagram on paper, where to display the location of all aisles and beds. The width of one bed is usually 0.8-1.2 m. If you make a bed too wide, it will be difficult to process it. Passages between the beds are made within 0.5-0.6 m.

Location of the structure

After the dimensions of the greenhouse have been determined, you should think about its correct placement Location on. For normal plant growth, a greenhouse from window frames should be located:

on a flat area;
in a place normally lit by sunlight;
in an area protected from strong winds;
away from tall buildings and trees.

If you plan to build a window frame greenhouse consisting of a gable roof, then the best location for the long section of the structure is on the east and west sides.

Particular attention should be paid to the soil composition of the site. For greenhouse perfect solution- fertile chernozem soil with admixtures of sand. If the soil on the site is clay, then to grow plants in the greenhouse, you will need to additionally prepare it:

fill in gravel;
cover the gravel with a layer of sand up to 10 cm;
lay out fertile black soil;
add compost or mineral fertilizers.

You also need to know about the water table. This is due to the fact that a greenhouse made of window frames is quite heavy. When groundwater is located at a depth of up to 1.5 m, it is not recommended to engage in the construction of such a structure.

Foundation device

An important role in the process of making a greenhouse from window frames is played by right choice foundation (even if the structure is located on stable ground). Basically, the purpose of the foundation is to protect:

plants from negative impact external environment;
the greenhouse itself from premature subsidence from the load coming from the heavy frames.

Experts say that the presence of a foundation will lead to savings in thermal energy at the level of 10-15%. This, in turn, will lead to a decrease in the cost of heating the structure, and crops will be grown at a stable temperature regime.

The choice of the type of base should be guided by practical functions. Of course, you can use a ready-made metal foundation, which is selected for certain dimensions of the greenhouse. Installation of such a product is carried out under the support pillars. The lack of a metal foundation is a low level of protection.

The best option for a greenhouse made of window frames (pictured) is concrete. The width of the foundation is from 0.1 m, the depth is 0.7-0.9 m. If the greenhouse is created in an area with severe frosts, then the base deepens to the level of freezing of the soil and is additionally insulated with expanded polystyrene.

When installing the foundation, the weight of the greenhouse must be evenly distributed. This is the only way to avoid the ingress of cold air into the structure. The space between the base and the greenhouse frame is sealed with bitumen and silicone sealant.

Frame preparation

This process involves the implementation of the following actions:

removing old metal elements(hinges, latches, handles);
removal of old paint;
wood processing with an antiseptic;
removal of all glasses (when attaching frames to the frame with nails).

If self-tapping screws are used to fix the window frames, then there is no need to remove the glass. To prevent the glass from falling out in the future, you should check the old glazing beads and, if necessary, replace with new ones.

All vents, which are used to ventilate the plants, are tightly closed. The minimum height of the walls of the structure is 1.7-1.8 m.

Wireframe creation

Now let's move on directly to how to make a greenhouse out of frames. At the initial stage, a wooden frame is built, which makes the greenhouse as stable as possible. For these purposes, you can use both a bar (section 5 * 5 cm) and ordinary boards (thickness 4 cm).

The most economical option is to use planks to which old windows will be attached. Moreover, the width of the boards usually coincides with the dimensions of standard frames.

The greenhouse frame consists of three main parts:

bottom strapping;
racks;
top rack.

The frame device provides for the following actions:

the foundation is covered with waterproofing material;
boards are laid along the perimeter of the base (two pieces each);
racks of timber are attached to the boards, which have the same height;
the number of racks is determined based on the number of window frames;
racks must be placed in the corners of the greenhouse and in the places where the frames will be attached;
the upper part of the racks is fastened with a bar, which is the basis for the roofing material;
if necessary, grooves are made in the upper part of the timber for laying the rafters.

Installation of frames

Fixing frames to the frame can be done using:

wire or clamps;
nails and beams;
screws and metal corners.

The use of wire (clamps) is less costly and in an easy way fastening windows to the frame. The only caveat is that you should correctly determine the location of the mounts. The greenhouse should not disintegrate under the influence of factors environment... A wire is pulled around adjacent frames and bars and twisted with pliers.

When fixing the windows with nails, the timber is applied immediately to two frames. After that, several nails are nailed into each of the frames through the timber.

Self-tapping screws and metal corners are the most reliable way fixing old windows to wooden frame... Thanks to their use, maximum structural stability is achieved:

a corner is applied to the adjoining frames on both sides;
the marker marks the points of drilling holes for the corner;
holes are drilled for self-tapping screws;
corners are fixed with self-tapping screws.

Do-it-yourself installation of a greenhouse from window frames begins from a predetermined angle. The frames are attached as tightly as possible to each other. V end wall a door opening is made, for the manufacture of which you can use the boards (if you cannot find the old door).

Sometimes you can face the problem of not enough window frames. There is no need to despair. There are two solutions to this problem:

The front side is finished with polycarbonate.
The back wall of the structure (usually done from the northern part) is hammered in with plywood or planks.

All formed gaps between the frames are sealed with polyurethane foam or thermal insulation material... There should be no drafts in the greenhouse.

If in the process of work the glass accidentally broke, then:

new glass is cut;
the extreme part of the frame is covered with a sealant (or window putty);
glass is laid on a sealant;
a glazing bead is stuffed, on which an antiseptic and paint is applied.

Roof decking

The best solution for a greenhouse made of window frames will be the device of a gable roof, due to which the most uniform flow of sunlight occurs. For the manufacture of a gable roof, you can use:

old frames;
plastic wrap;

Only a small amount of old frames are used to create the roof. This is due to the fact that when covering the entire roof, the greenhouse will overheat excessively. Which will negatively affect the normal development of plants.

The simplest and cheapest option would be to create a roof from plastic film:

the film is attached to the frame with wooden slats and nails;
a mesh material is laid on top of the polyethylene (a nylon cord or the thickest fishing line).

The only drawback of this technology is the need to remove the film when winter comes. It will tear if exposed to snow, rain or strong wind.

The most suitable solution for a greenhouse roof made of old frames - the use of polycarbonate, which is characterized by optimal weight and increased reliability. it roof covering does not need to be dismantled for the winter, as it is resistant to snow and wind loads.

Installation of a polycarbonate roof consists of the following stages:

the timber is being laid, which connects the long sides of the structure;
the timber is placed in the places where the rafters will be attached;
rafters under the same angle mounted on the top harness;
vertical racks are used to attach the rafters to the timber;
the crate is created from the boards;
fastening of polycarbonate is carried out.

Bolts with wide washers are used to fix the polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate should protrude 20-25 cm above the greenhouse wall.

During the operation of the greenhouse, it is necessary to take care of it from the window frames:

to extend the service life, once every 3-4 years, all wooden elements treated with an antiseptic and painted;
to increase the flow of sunlight, polycarbonate and windows are washed in the spring.

When installing a non-separable greenhouse, you can carry out and create a heating system.

Video about the installation of a greenhouse from window frames:

For any avid summer resident or suburbanite, a greenhouse is necessary thing. Modern market offers a huge variety of materials for its construction. But, choosing an inexpensive option, you will have to assemble a new greenhouse by the next season, because it is short-lived. And high-quality raw materials, for example, polycarbonate or metal-plastic, are not always affordable. But there is a way to solve this problem. Modern gardeners build greenhouses from old double-glazed windows. It turns out cheap and reliable. It is not difficult to mount a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands. Minimum carpentry skills will suffice.

Pros and cons of window frame greenhouses

The undoubted advantage of such a material is that it can be built very quickly. Almost any person is able to cope with the work. Another advantage of a window greenhouse is that it is budgetary, but not inferior in quality to greenhouses made of expensive materials. It is sealed and transmits light well; windows can be opened for ventilation.

Disadvantages are inherent in those greenhouses that are made from wooden frames with glass. Every year, such a structure requires repair, due to the fact that the tree dries up. In addition, you need to be very careful with this design. Glass is a fragile material that loses its aesthetics over time appearance... It is necessary to constantly wash the windows so that the light can easily penetrate into the room. And also such a structure requires a concrete base underneath.

The foundation is needed for several reasons:

wooden frames can quickly rot in contact with the ground;
the soil tends to "move", which can damage fragile glass.

In addition, the base will slightly raise the ceiling of the future greenhouse, and it will be much more convenient to be in it.

Photo gallery: homemade double-glazed greenhouses

A greenhouse made of old windows looks very aesthetically pleasing.
A greenhouse made of metal-plastic windows allows you to create optimal conditions for plants
A greenhouse made of old windows is inexpensive
You can always additionally decorate the greenhouse
A greenhouse from old windows can be small and large
Installation of a greenhouse from window frames will not take much time

Step-by-step instructions for installing a greenhouse from window frames

All work on the installation of a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands consists of several stages. It is very important to keep their order.

Design

Most likely, all frames for the greenhouse will be different sizes therefore standard design is not suitable in this case. In order for the walls to turn out smooth, you first have to assemble a mosaic of window frames on the ground. After that, you need to measure the resulting modules and write them down. Draw a diagram on paper where you mark the location of all frames. Design the foundation, frame and roof of the greenhouse separately.

Foundation

The structure itself is not at all heavy, so a strip base will be enough for it. To install it you need:

Drive in the pegs around the perimeter of the greenhouse and stretch the rope between them.
Dig a trench 35–40 cm wide and deep.
Level the bottom, tamp it, cover it with waterproofing, for example, roofing material.
Fill in a 5–7 cm layer of sand, moisten it, level it and tamp it.
Lay a layer of medium gravel.
Assemble the formwork so that the height of the concrete base is at least 40 cm above the ground.
Lay a reinforcing net (with a reinforcement section of 8 mm or more).
Do cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1: 3 and fill it.
To avoid the formation of air pockets, seal the cement with a metal rod.
Check the foundation with a level.
Wait for the concrete to harden. In this case, for the first few days, it must be moistened and covered with polyethylene. When everything is in place, you can dismantle the formwork.

Important! You can start building the foundation knowing the exact dimensions of the future greenhouse, otherwise you risk making the foundation too small or too large.

For the construction of a greenhouse, you can also make a columnar foundation.

Preparatory work

First of all, you need to acquire enough frames. The windows of your apartment alone are definitely not enough. Alternatively, you can contact a company that replaces windows. For a symbolic price, they will sell the number of frames that you need.

Calculate required amount the material is simple enough. By simple mathematical operations of addition and subtraction, you can find out the missing quantity. Subtract the material you already have from the total perimeter of the greenhouse, and the area that is missing will remain. The future walls of the greenhouse need preliminary processing:

Remove all hardware (hinges, handles, etc.) from the frames.
Remove the old paint layer from them. It can be done grinder, a scraper or other similar tool.
Treat the tree with an anti-decay compound and paint.
In order not to damage the glass when working with a hammer, dismantle them for a while.
Seal all openings (vents) as much as possible with silicone sealant. Leave some for ventilation.

Path between beds and fence

In greenhouses, it is advisable to build a good path between the beds. For its creation, materials such as brick are suitable, paving slabs, paving stones. Lay them on a sandy cushion in a small trench. You can use sand and gravel flooring as a walkway.

Polymer tapes are often used as fences, in which there are plastic rods dug into the ground. They will last a long time, are easy to assemble, do not rot, and are easy to clean. But you can use bricks, slate or wooden planks.

It is very easy to install the frame:

To the roofing material laid on the foundation, it is necessary to attach a strapping of beams with anchors. Fasten all elements with steel corners.
Install vertical supports (corner and intermediate).
Mount the temporary fixation before the top strapping is made.
Make the top harness and remove the temporary elements.
Build a gable roof frame. To do this, you need to install 2 vertical posts, a ridge and rafter legs. Secure all elements with self-tapping screws and steel corners.
Attach the frames to the frame through the holes that were used to install the windows in the apartment.

If the roof is made of window frames, then you need to start laying it first in order to avoid damage to the glass walls in the event of a tool falling.

You can do and combined option greenhouses. For example, drive the walls out of window frames, and cover the roof with another material (polycarbonate, polyethylene).

Video: building a greenhouse with your own hands

If you correctly plan and build such a greenhouse, then you will get a durable, good, bright and spacious place for growing vegetables. Without spending a lot of money and effort, your greenhouse will look no worse than expensive ready-made structures.

October 17, 2016
Specialization: professional in the field of construction and renovation ( full cycle holding finishing works, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrics and finishing works), installation of window structures. Hobby: see the column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

In this article I will tell you how to build a greenhouse from window frames. This task is quite laborious, especially if we want to get not a temporary greenhouse, but a permanent structure, but the result is worth it. Reusing old frames makes it possible to significantly save on greenhouse glazing, so it's definitely worth tinkering.

Such structures can be erected according to the most different schemes, so here I will describe general principles buildings tested in practice. Having figured out what's what, you can make adjustments to the algorithm proposed by me in accordance with your wishes for the final result.

Preparatory work

Stage 1. Foundation

A greenhouse from window frames is assembled according to the principle of a constructor, and the most difficult moment here will be the search for the frames themselves. As a rule, the construction begins after overhaul country house when multiple windows appear after replacement.

After all, it's a pity to throw it away, but I want to attach it to some business. But, alas, for a sufficiently large structure, this amount is not enough, therefore you have to walk around the neighbors and beg, exchange or buy unnecessary windows.

Usually for the construction of structures closed ground use standard wooden structures, and it is about them that I will talk in the article. It is also possible to build greenhouses and greenhouses from PVC windows, but this is enough expensive pleasure, and therefore such a layout option is practically not found.

Be that as it may, let's assume that we have the required number of glazed frames. Now we have to somehow set them on the soil.

And here we need to lay at least some foundation: without a foundation, only a very small greenhouse can be made, since a capital structure will inevitably sag under its own weight.

There are several options for arranging the base for a greenhouse from frames, and I will characterize them in the table below:

Material	Peculiarities
Wood	The easiest way to give the greenhouse the desired shape and evenly distribute the load on the ground is to install it on a base made of wooden beams... A strapping made of a thick timber impregnated with mastic is laid on the surface or slightly deepened, and a frame for glazing is already formed on it. The operational properties of such a base are satisfactory, but over time, even wood treated with a moisture-proof composition loses its strength. So the replacement of the beams (and hence the complete reconstruction of the greenhouse) should be carried out at least once every 5-7 years.
Brick	Columnar or strip brick base - a good option in terms of strength and durability. Brickwork, folded according to all the rules, withstands a significant load, in addition, it also serves as additional thermal insulation in the ground layer of the greenhouse. The downside is high price high-quality building stone - however, in order to save money, you can also use used bricks.
Concrete	Tape concrete foundation or a columnar structure made of concrete blocks - the ideal base for a permanent greenhouse. A concrete strip or blocks reinforced with a steel bar can withstand significant loads, while waterproofing underground parts with roofing felt or mastic effectively protects concrete from destruction under the influence of moisture. The disadvantages of this solution include the significant labor intensity of the arrangement and serious financial costs.

Having decided to make such a greenhouse with my own hands, I settled on a combined version:

First, I removed the layer from the site fertile soil to a depth of about 30 cm. The soil was folded separately and then used to form the beds.
On the leveled area, he marked the foundation of the future greenhouse and dug trenches 50 cm deep and 40 cm wide.
At the bottom of each trench, he poured sand with a layer of 10 cm and carefully compacted the pillow.
I installed the formwork from old boards, lined it with dense polyethylene and poured a strip base of concrete. Instead of reinforcement with a steel bar, he added broken stone to the solution.
After the initial polymerization of the concrete, he removed the formwork and covered the foundation with polyethylene to avoid drying out.

After 25 days (normally you need to wait 28 - 30 days, but I almost could not stand it) removed the polyethylene and mounted it on concrete base strapping from a bar with a section of 150 mm. I put two layers of roofing material under the timber for waterproofing.
At the corners, I connected the beams in half a tree and fixed them to the concrete with anchors. The wooden parts themselves were treated with a moisture-proof compound.

Naturally, this scheme is not the only one possible. Moreover, it belongs to the rather labor-intensive, therefore, for simpler greenhouses, you can use either only timber strapping, or only concrete tape.

Stage 2. Installation of the frame

A homemade greenhouse made of window frames is usually assembled on a frame. It is a top and bottom harness connected by vertical posts at the corners.

In the case when the walls of the greenhouse are of considerable length (4 m or more), it is worth strengthening the frame with additional vertical supports.

In my case, a beam laid on a concrete foundation played the role of the lower strapping. On the sides, I sheathed it with boards in such a way that they protrude at least 100 mm above the timber.

At the corners, I installed racks from a bar with a section of 50x50 mm. The supports were fixed with self-tapping screws, pulling them to the boards of the lower strapping.
The upper harness was made of the same timber, fixing it on the supports.

I needed a small greenhouse, so I did not put additional supports and reinforcing crossbars. If you need a structure large sizes, then it is worth building all the necessary drawings and see where it will be possible to strengthen the structure with racks, struts, etc.

Stage 3. Roof

Much more often the roof is covered with either cellular polycarbonate or plastic wrap - so the load on rafter system will be much lower.

It was the last option that I chose:

I cut out rafters from a 100x25 mm board. At the bottom of each rafter leg made a selection for the upper harness.
I connected the rafters in pairs, and then fastened them to the ridge beam.
On the rafters, x fixed the frame for the opening window.
The resulting roof frame, with the help of two assistants, was lifted onto the greenhouse frame, installed on the upper strapping and secured to the rafters with metal overhead plates.

From above, I covered the roof with a light-stabilized film (both slopes and gables), leaving only the opening for the vents open.

The disadvantage of a tattered roof is obvious: the film does not differ in mechanical strength, and it is almost guaranteed that it will have to be changed in two to three years.

On the other hand, the cost of arranging the roof will be minimal, and the lower (compared to glass or polycarbonate) polyethylene transparency is compensated for by additional lighting penetrating through the walls from the window frames.

Assembling the greenhouse

Stage 4. Installation of frames

Now our construction is approaching the final stages: we need to install window frames, hang doors and vents, and also equip the room from the inside.

Let's start the description with the installation of frames:

Old window frames must be prepared prior to installation on the frame. This preparation consists in dismantling the hinges and locking elements, eliminating the most obvious damage, replacing broken glass, etc.

It is worth changing the glass after the installation is completed: this way there is less risk of breaking a new window during installation.

We begin to mount the products from the corner. We put the first window near the vertical support on the lower one, align it and fix it to the frame using metal overlays.
We install the following constructions with minimum clearances connecting with steel plates on self-tapping screws.

If the greenhouse (well, suddenly you are so lucky!) Is assembled from plastic windows, then it is best to join individual structures using a balcony connector. It is inexpensive, it is simply attached (the projections snap into the grooves of the adjacent frames), but it provides a very strong fixation.
After installing all the frames, fill the gaps between them with polyurethane foam.
Outside, we fill a thin wooden plank on each slot - it will not only help to minimize heat loss, but also serve as an additional stiffener.

Everything is clear with the first row of frames, but this way the height of the structure will be no more than 1400 - 1600 mm. If you want to make the greenhouse taller, it is best to tighten the distance between the top edge of the row of installed frames and the top strapping with plastic wrap.

I would not put the second row of frames (albeit laying them on their side) - the base turns out to be too unstable.

Stage 5. Doors and vents

It is not enough to build a greenhouse - you need to equip it in such a way as to provide an optimal microclimate for plants. And if in terms of heat everything depends on the tightness of the case, then ventilation needs to be thought about separately.

The door to ensure the flow fresh air in the greenhouse room practically does not play a role. That is why I use the most simple design on a wooden frame covered with several layers of polyethylene. I fix it on ordinary hinges and equip it with a simple lock that keeps door leaf closed.

It is much more important that the greenhouse has efficiently working vents. It would seem that the answer to the question of how to make a window in a greenhouse is extremely simple - take and use any of the vents on the frames that now make up the walls.

But the fact is that such windows will have to be opened and closed independently, depending on the temperature inside the greenhouse - and this is quite troublesome, and there is always a risk of missing the right moment.

An automatic window that opens and closes depending on the temperature does not have these disadvantages. The easiest way is to equip it with a special hydraulic cylinder, but the price of such a device may seem too high to many.

Therefore, in this section I will tell you how to make a structure with similar functionality with your own hands from available tools:

I take a ready-made small sash or make it from a profiled bar. I install axial hinges on the frame so that the sash rotates around a horizontal axis, and in a vertical (or inclined, if we make a structure on one of the roof slopes) position is completely closed.
Outside, I attach the vents to the lower crossbar wooden block- it will act as a load for automatic closing.
I fill the jar with liquid (I use antifreeze, but you can also take water) by about 40% and seal it tightly. I install a thin tube into the lid.
I securely fix the container with antifreeze and a tube under the ridge of the greenhouse.
I also close the second jar (of a smaller volume) with a lid with a tube. I make a hole in the lid with a diameter of 3 mm for air access. I fill the jar with antifreeze so that the lower edge of the tube is submerged by about 10-12 mm.
I drive a long nail into the upper crossbar of the opening window frame, to which I reliably hang a small can.
I connect both containers with a flexible hose.

Self-opening windows in the greenhouse work according to the following scheme:

As the temperature rises, the liquid from the upper container will evaporate and flow through the hose into the lower container. Besides. Will play the role of increasing pressure when expanding antifreeze.
Due to this, the weight acting on the upper crossbar of the window will increase, and the window will open, letting in fresh air.
When the temperature drops, the opposite process will be observed: the liquid will be drawn into the upper (sealed) container, and the window will close under its own weight.

Before making such a structure the basis of the whole ventilation system, it must be adjusted by selecting the optimal volumes of fluid for reliable operation of the system.

Actually, the arrangement of the greenhouse does not end there: you need to lay inside the garden bed, lay paths, if this is provided for by the project, install additional heating. But in any case, the design turns out to be quite reliable and functional!

Conclusion

A do-it-yourself greenhouse from old window frames can be created even by those gardeners who previously had nothing to do with construction and design. Its design is quite simple, and therefore, after reading the recommendations in the text and studying the video in this article, you can assemble this structure quickly and at relatively low cost.

If you are interested in this idea, then all the questions that arise can be asked in the comments below: if I can, I will definitely advise something sensible!

October 17, 2016

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You can always buy ready-made greenhouses freely in specialized stores. But, they are expensive and not many gardeners can afford to buy them. There is only one thing left to do, to build a structure with your own hands.

If you cannot find discarded frames, then you can negotiate with the workers or the manager from the company for the installation of metal-plastic windows. After all, the happy owners of new plastic windows simply throw the old ones into a landfill. Why not use old unnecessary frames. You should, first, choose a place where it will be built new greenhouse on a personal plot.

What you need to pay attention to:

Good illumination;
Mandatory orientation from North to South;
Dry dense soil;
Windless area;
The site must be flat;
Lack of groundwater.

Next, you must first prepare the old window frames. It is necessary to remove or cut off those areas that are clearly rotted or have mold on them, remove all fittings, scrub or construction hairdryer the whole old paint with frames.

It is imperative to remove all glass (in order to avoid damage to the glass, in case of impacts during the installation of the structure).

It is necessary to treat the wood with an antiseptic to protect it from rot, mold and dirt, to strengthen all the vents, if they are not needed in the new construction of the greenhouse, to restore the wood of the frames.

Installation of a greenhouse from window frames

Very often, in the courtyards of multi-storey buildings, you can see many discarded wooden window wounds. Residents are replacing old wooden frames with plastic ones. But when they throw them away, residents have no idea that it is valuable. construction material for summer residents. From these frames, you can build an excellent greenhouse, and it is necessary when growing seedlings and early fruits.

Where to begin:

Make a careful measurement of window frames;
Draw precise drawings of the future greenhouse;
Collect tools.

The first thing to do at the beginning of the construction of such a greenhouse is to measure all existing old window frames. You need to know this in order to accurately compose the available stocks.

On the drawing, it is necessary to indicate the place to enter the greenhouse, the exact location of the beds and the aisles between them, for their maintenance.

Some standard sizes buildings - the beds must be 1 m wide, and the passage between the beds is about 80-100 cm, and the height of the greenhouse must be more than 1.70 m.

How to build a greenhouse with your own hands from window frames

The first thing that is necessary for a greenhouse is the construction of the foundation, because the old window frames are quite heavy. Most often, they build strip foundation... First, the size of the greenhouse is outlined, according to the diagram. Then a trench is dug to a depth of 42-53 cm deep. We strengthen the timber plank formwork.

So that the boards can be easily removed from the concrete, they must be wrapped in polyethylene.

Wire reinforcement is laid down the trench. We will prepare a solution of sand, gravel, cement (M200-400) and water. After hardening, carefully remove the boards, and it is necessary to allow the foundation to gain strength (3-4 weeks). When arranging the foundation, it must be borne in mind that it will be ready only in a month.

Steps to remember during construction:

We arrange a strip foundation;
We install the bars as the main frame;
We build the main part - we fix the old window frames;
We build a roof.

The voids between the foundation and the ground must be tamped with wet sand, and the simplest waterproofing should be done on top - a tape of roofing material or bitumen should be used. The next stage is the installation of a frame for the greenhouse from prepared wooden frames. We collect everything according to the drawing. First, you need to build a frame. It is made from a wooden bar. Saw off a bar of a certain amount and required length. Between themselves, the timber is fastened with self-tapping screws and metal corners, and the frames should be fixed to the timber using self-tapping screws. But it is even better if the main posts of the frame are vertical posts that will be reinforced earlier, at the stage of pouring the foundation. Any cracks and holes need to be sealed, the structure does not need drafts.

The last stage of construction is the installation of the roof. It can be single-slope or dual-slope. Everything is simple here. If there are not enough materials, then it is necessary to build a pitched roof. And if there are enough old wooden frames, and gardeners have some means, then you can swing at gable roof or an even more expensive option is a polycarbonate sheet roof. The assembly of the greenhouse roof is a tight connection of glass or a sheet of polycarbonate, or just a dense plastic film with a frame and a bar, since if excess moisture gets inside the greenhouse, plants can suffer from mold and rot. After all, glass is inserted into the frames.

But there is another option - homemade greenhouses. The most important thing in this option is the installation of the frame of the future structure from wooden beams. Along the entire perimeter, vertical beams are connected and thus additionally reinforced with long wooden planks. These boards will also be the walls for the greenhouse. Boards are attached to the beams with self-tapping screws with metal corners.

Then we attach the old wooden window frames, previously prepared, to the frame of the future greenhouse. They are hinged so that you can easily open the greenhouse or, in general, remove the entire frame.

Elite greenhouse made of plastic windows

V recent times, during the construction of new modern apartment buildings, which are already rented with metal-plastic windows, but not very good quality... The owners of new apartments often try to get rid of low-quality plastic windows. Often, after the delivery of a new house, you can also see quite decent metal-plastic window... It is clearly not suitable for a window into an apartment, but just right for building a greenhouse.

The construction has stages:

Foundation;
Frame made of wooden beams;
Fastening the frames of plastic windows to the bars;
Roof construction;
Debugging of plastic windows.

A greenhouse is a simple matter, even for dummies. It is necessary to carefully measure the old window frames and, on the basis of existing materials, draw a drawing of the future greenhouse, and strictly follow this plan. And the most important thing is that the construction of a greenhouse is not a one-day job.

The bonus of a built greenhouse is early vegetables and greens, and proven seedlings of excellent quality.

DIY greenhouse from window frames (video)

This type of greenhouse has been the most demanded and popular among amateur gardeners for many years. This building looks very nice on the site. And if you do a little work around the greenhouse landscape design, then you will get not only a functional structure, but will delight the eyes of its owners. It should also be noted that access to plants with this type of greenhouse is very good and convenient. It is accessible from all sides and is very successful and functional.