When we moved here, we found 3 pieces of double insulated glass about 4ft. by 6ft., and four pieces of single pane glass, the same measurements. I would like to use these to make some kind of small greenhouse built onto the south side of the house. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

-- Lena(NC) (breezex4@go.com), December 16, 2000

Answers

I have a similar project in mind. What I have are old windows from a mobile home. The south side of my house had a big (10'X 12') flower bed that is bordered by a sidewalk. I plan to build a stone wall up about a foot and half to 2 foot tall(could be concrete block...I just have a lot of rocks) and build a sloping wood frame on top of that up to my roof overhang and install the windows as they would be on a home. Since your glass isn't in frames you could do the frameing like I described and then get some lathing strips. Put cushiony strips of weather stripping on the frame than glass then more weather stripping and tack on the lathing to keep the panes firmly in place. Remember to provide for ventilation. I'll vent mine by opening the windows. Hope this helps.

-- Amanda in Mo (aseley@townsqr.com), December 16, 2000.

There was a similar topic a short while back along this line. Someone pointed out (Jay maybe?) that the glass you use for the ceiling/upper panels should be of proper strenght and temper for the job. VERY big safety issue. I wouldn't have thought of it myself and it made an impression. Big time scarry, thinking about what kind of injurys could occur. Ask someone who knows or maybe one of the folks here can help. Safety first! john

-- John in S IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), December 17, 2000.

Lena, I also have large panes that I am considering using in the future. Something you may want to consider is digging a pit greenhouse as the storey publishing series of booklets show. Also, in the issue of Countryside that had the Anatoth Farm piece, there were some good pictures of greenhouses attached to houses in the article. Jds' article showed how max heat effect was attainable from the panes being mounted lower in the structure.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), December 17, 2000.

Thank you for your answers. At least we know in what direction to go.

-- Lena(NC) (breezex4@go.com), December 19, 2000.

Curious! I had a few panes the same size, albeit single glass in aluminum frames. They were old "inside" storm windows. I designed and built a 6'x8' greenhouse using those and some clear roofing. I built it on skids so I could move it with my tractor, the idea being that it could also be used as a roadside stand, and a covered firing point for my rifle range when not being used as a greenhouse. Great idea, but realistically, it's been a greenhouse and hasn't moved in 2 years. Plans/ideas available if you want them. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), December 21, 2000.