Alcoa Home Exteriors OCTGV18 A7 Octagon Gable Vent

18″ x 18″ 2 piece. Base is fully compatible with all siding profiles. Install the base with the siding and snap on the cover later. Ventilated opening: 10″ x 12 1 2″. Outside unit dimensions: 18″. Net free area: 50.7 sq. in. Siding receiver 5 8″ to 1 1 4″

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Alcoa Home Exteriors OCTGV18 EQ Octagon Gable Vent

18″ x 18″ 2 piece. Base is fully compatible with all siding profiles. Install the base with the siding and snap on the cover later. Ventilated opening: 10″ x 12 1 2″. Outside unit dimensions: 18″. Net free area: 50.7 sq. in. Siding receiver 5 8″ to 1 1 4″

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Making a Design for Your Greenhouse

When one has a greenhouse, it means that one never has to quit gardening just because of weather conditions. You can keep on propagating cuttings and seeds and grow several plant varieties whatever the season.

When choosing a greenhouse, select a greenhouse style that matches the design of your home and the layout of your garden. Weather conditions should also be taken into account, as when your area experiences heavy snows during the winter, most likely you will not select a flat or straight roof design, rather a roof that will allow the snow to slide off easily.

The standard free-standing with curved or peaked roof greenhouse up to now is very popular that can be found in so many gardens. The rectangular or square shape permits for utmost growing space for plants, usually designed with benches on the sides and at the back.

Lean-to or home or wall attached greenhouses designs are manufactured and used when there is limited space at the backyard. These greenhouse designs are very accessible and convenient for connecting much needed water and power supply.

When choosing a certain design in the market, the “sky’s the limit”. Small solariums of various designs are widely available, medium and large sized greenhouses and even prefabricated greenhouse kits for easy installation.

Here are some greenhouse designs:

1. Gable greenhouse. This design type usually is attached to a wall or garage or any structure utilizing only half the gable’s actual gable design. Generally, this type has flat roof panels but slightly sloping and vertical sidewalls. At times, the gable types of greenhouse are also attached to another greenhouse employing the use of the end wall rather than sidewall.

2. Barn style greenhouse. This design type is, as the name suggests shaped similar to a barn having wide roof and interior and with shorter walls. This design is usually incorporated in a garden of country setting or theme or a rustic garden appeal. This greenhouse design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

3. Dome greenhouse. This design is identical to a dome, meaning it is half a ball and placed directly on land. This design can not be attached to a structure and only can be constructed as a freestanding type of greenhouse, as this design has no sidewalls. This type of greenhouse is a bit expensive to make due to the many pieces of different glazing that generally are needed to complete this design shape.

5. Gothic style greenhouse. This design type has a very historical gothic appearance. The walls and roof are formed in such a manner as to create a continuous form, allowing snow to fall down easily. This design type can be either attached or freestanding, however it is usually not recommended attached except when your home’s design is very much similar to a gothic design.

6. Hoop greenhouse. This type of design is constructed with a metal pipe or PVC to make the hoop’s shape then enclosed with plastic covering. This type of design is very cost effective on your initial purchase, but the maintenance of continuously replacing the cover (plastic) can really add up.

One will find that the majority of greenhouses are manufactured from aluminum material that is weatherproof and lightweight. Galvanized steel also is sturdy and lightweight. Wood can also be used, but one has to make sure to use a lumber that has been pressure treated such as redwood or cedar because these are weather resistant.

As to whatever greenhouse design should you decide on, be sure to look for a structure with the highest strength and stability and must have these features:

• Will be cable to endure extreme weather conditions, like very high winds and snowfall build up.

• Should have the necessary support for grow lights, sidewall shelving and hanging baskets.

• Should have an intricate detail of having hinged screened storm doors as well as large side or individual roof vents.

• A wide selection of styles and sizes offered. Keep in mind that costs can limit your greenhouse size, however extensions can later be added when needed and when you already have enough budget for it.

• The door may be easily adjusted to be dropped or lowered into the foundation’s opening so to get rid of an elevated step when you feel that it is needed.

Take note that often, most greenhouse owners complain of a limited space when they built their greenhouse on a budget. So whatever design you choose, just remember to get the largest that your money can buy.

Designing Your Greenhouse

When one has a greenhouse, it means that one never has to quit gardening just because of weather conditions. You can keep on propagating cuttings and seeds and grow several plant varieties whatever the season.

When choosing a greenhouse, select a greenhouse style that matches the design of your home and the layout of your garden. Weather conditions should also be taken into account, as when your area experiences heavy snows during the winter, most likely you will not select a flat or straight roof design, rather a roof that will allow the snow to slide off easily.

The standard free-standing with curved or peaked roof greenhouse up to now is very popular that can be found in so many gardens. The rectangular or square shape permits for utmost growing space for plants, usually designed with benches on the sides and at the back.

Lean-to or home or wall attached greenhouses designs are manufactured and used when there is limited space at the backyard. These greenhouse designs are very accessible and convenient for connecting much needed water and power supply.

When choosing a certain design in the market, the “sky’s the limit”. Small solariums of various designs are widely available, medium and large sized greenhouses and even prefabricated greenhouse kits for easy installation.

Here are some greenhouse designs:

1. Gable greenhouse. This design type usually is attached to a wall or garage or any structure utilizing only half the gable’s actual gable design. Generally, this type has flat roof panels but slightly sloping and vertical sidewalls. At times, the gable types of greenhouse are also attached to another greenhouse employing the use of the end wall rather than sidewall.

2. Barn style greenhouse. This design type is, as the name suggests shaped similar to a barn having wide roof and interior and with shorter walls. This design is usually incorporated in a garden of country setting or theme or a rustic garden appeal. This greenhouse design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

3. Dome greenhouse. This design is identical to a dome, meaning it is half a ball and placed directly on land. This design can not be attached to a structure and only can be constructed as a freestanding type of greenhouse, as this design has no sidewalls. This type of greenhouse is a bit expensive to make due to the many pieces of different glazing that generally are needed to complete this design shape.

5. Gothic style greenhouse. This design type has a very historical gothic appearance. The walls and roof are formed in such a manner as to create a continuous form, allowing snow to fall down easily. This design type can be either attached or freestanding, however it is usually not recommended attached except when your home’s design is very much similar to a gothic design.

6. Hoop greenhouse. This type of design is constructed with a metal pipe or PVC to make the hoop’s shape then enclosed with plastic covering. This type of design is very cost effective on your initial purchase, but the maintenance of continuously replacing the cover (plastic) can really add up.

One will find that the majority of greenhouses are manufactured from aluminum material that is weatherproof and lightweight. Galvanized steel also is sturdy and lightweight. Wood can also be used, but one has to make sure to use a lumber that has been pressure treated such as redwood or cedar because these are weather resistant.

As to whatever greenhouse design should you decide on, be sure to look for a structure with the highest strength and stability and must have these features:

• Will be cable to endure extreme weather conditions, like very high winds and snowfall build up.

• Should have the necessary support for grow lights, sidewall shelving and hanging baskets.

• Should have an intricate detail of having hinged screened storm doors as well as large side or individual roof vents.

• A wide selection of styles and sizes offered. Keep in mind that costs can limit your greenhouse size, however extensions can later be added when needed and when you already have enough budget for it.

• The door may be easily adjusted to be dropped or lowered into the foundation’s opening so to get rid of an elevated step when you feel that it is needed.

Take note that often, most greenhouse owners complain of a limited space when they built their greenhouse on a budget. So whatever design you choose, just remember to get the largest that your money can buy.

Alcoa Home Exteriors SQGV1414 PA Square Gable Vent

2 piece. Base is fully compatible with all siding profiles. Install the base with the siding and snap on the cover later. Square 14″ x 14″: Ventilated opening 10″ x 12 1 2″; outside unit dimensions 14″ x 14″; net free area 33.7 sq. in. No. SQGV1414 04: Wh

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Chosing the Right Greenhouse Design

Choosing The Right Greenhouse Design

When one has a greenhouse, it means that one never has to quit gardening just because of weather conditions. You can keep on propagating cuttings and seeds and grow several plant varieties whatever the season.

When choosing a greenhouse, select a greenhouse style that matches the design of your home and the layout of your garden. Weather conditions should also be taken into account, as when your area experiences heavy snows during the winter, most likely you will not select a flat or straight roof design, rather a roof that will allow the snow to slide off easily.

The standard free-standing with curved or peaked roof greenhouse up to now is very popular that can be found in so many gardens. The rectangular or square shape permits for utmost growing space for plants, usually designed with benches on the sides and at the back.

Lean-to or home or wall attached greenhouses designs are manufactured and used when there is limited space at the backyard.  These greenhouse designs are very accessible and convenient for connecting much needed water and power supply.

When choosing a certain design in the market, the “sky’s the limit”. Small solariums of various designs are widely available, medium and large sized greenhouses and even  prefabricated greenhouse kits for easy installation.

Here are some greenhouse designs:

1.  Gable greenhouse.  This design type usually is attached to a wall or garage or any structure utilizing only half the gable’s actual gable design. Generally, this type has flat roof panels but slightly sloping and vertical sidewalls. At times, the gable types of greenhouse are also attached to another greenhouse employing the use of the end wall rather than sidewall.

2.  Barn style greenhouse.  This design type is, as the name suggests shaped similar to a barn having wide roof and interior and with shorter walls. This design is usually incorporated in a garden of country setting or theme or a rustic garden appeal. This greenhouse design can be attached to another greenhouse or can be beautifully constructed in a garden freestanding.

3.  Dome greenhouse. This design is identical to a dome, meaning it is half a ball and placed directly on land. This design can not be attached to a structure and only can be constructed as a freestanding type of greenhouse, as this design has no sidewalls. This type of greenhouse is a bit expensive to make due to the many pieces of different glazing that generally are needed to complete this design shape.

5.  Gothic style greenhouse.  This design type has a very historical gothic appearance. The walls and roof are formed in such a manner as to create a continuous form, allowing snow to fall down easily. This design type can be either attached or freestanding, however it is usually not recommended attached except when your home’s design  is very much similar to a gothic design.

6.  Hoop greenhouse. This type of design is constructed with a metal pipe or PVC to make the hoop’s shape then enclosed with plastic covering. This type of design is very cost effective on your initial purchase, but the maintenance of continuously replacing the cover (plastic) can really add up.

One will find that the majority of greenhouses are manufactured from aluminum material that is weatherproof and lightweight. Galvanized steel also is sturdy and lightweight. Wood can also be used, but one has to make sure to use a lumber that has been pressure treated such as redwood or cedar because these are weather resistant.

As to whatever greenhouse design should you decide on, be sure to look for a structure with the highest strength and stability and must have these features:

•  Will be cable to endure extreme weather conditions, like very high winds and snowfall build up.

•  Should have the necessary support for grow lights, sidewall shelving and hanging baskets.

•  Should have an intricate detail of having hinged screened storm doors as well as large side or individual roof vents.

•  A wide selection of styles and sizes offered.  Keep in mind that costs can limit your greenhouse size, however extensions can later be added when needed and when you already have enough budget for it.

•  The door may be easily adjusted to be dropped or lowered into the foundation’s opening so to get rid of an elevated step when you feel that it is needed.

Take note that often, most greenhouse owners complain of a limited space when they built their greenhouse on a budget. So whatever design you choose, just remember to get the largest that your money can buy.

How to ventilate the attic in a home

Attic ventilation is done to cool the insulated ceiling space in a home. The vents allow air to enter into the space between the ceiling and the roof. This space sometimes has damp air or due to hot weather it gets quite stuffy. The insulation applied in the ceiling space in the attic sometimes produces vapor. The cool air in the from the vents assists in removing this mist air. The vents are done on two opposite walls in the roof space for cross ventilation to take place.

Attic ventilation is done on the gable walls opposite each other. This are the triangular walls in the home after the ring beam. The size of the vent space is about two feet by two and a half feet wide. They are usually timber louvers fixed in a frame work. They should allow air passage into the roof space without letting in rain water. The louvers should also be provided with a shutter to close. This is in particular weather with very low temperatures like winter or severe storms.

The attic ventilation commences by marking the position on the wall. This is done for old houses while for a new wall the space is marked an left open. The wall is cut at two courses from the gable top. The wall is then plastered to the required finish after roofing. The frame work is done of two feet wide by two and a half high. This frame w work is done with treated and dry timber. This is because of the position at which it is fixed. It should take harsh weather conditions without getting damaged.

The frame work is then positioned at two inches into the wall. The timber members are four by two inches thick. Fixing is by screwing into the wall. The upright members have slots angled at forty five degrees. The louvers are timber pieces of two by a three quarter inch thick. They are then inserted and glued into the angled slots. Painting is done with oil paint. A gauze wire is then nailed on the inside of the wall to prevent birds and pests from coming into the attic room.

Alcoa Home Exteriors OCTGV18 BI Octagon Gable Vent

18″ x 18″ 2 piece. Base is fully compatible with all siding profiles. Install the base with the siding and snap on the cover later. Ventilated opening: 10″ x 12 1 2″. Outside unit dimensions: 18″. Net free area: 50.7 sq. in. Siding receiver 5 8″ to 1 1 4″

(more…)

16 Different Types Of Greenhouse You Can Use

Different Types Of Greenhouse.

After you decide that you want to build a greenhouse, you have to decide next what type to build. This should not be a difficult one to address, provided you know what kinds of plants you want to grow. You will need to answer questions such as:

What will my greenhouse be principally used for?

Do I want a large or small greenhouse?

Will the greenhouse be the main attraction of my garden?

Is my garden exposed to strong winds?

Are there young children or wild animals in the area?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl) – like polyethylene, PVCs are soft and flexible. You can have transparent ones. Vinyl costs two to five times more than polyethylene. When properly installed, they can last as long as five years. Because it attracts dust and dirt from the air, it has to be washed from time to time.

So as not to mislead you, while there may be different types of greenhouse designs, we’re talking about the same greenhouse. You get to decide which type you want it to be.

For example, if temperature is the main factor, because of the plant varieties you want to grow, then there are three types in terms of temperature control. There are also different types of greenhouses based on structural design. We’ll start with temperature control factors.

For temperature control purposes, three types of greenhouses exist:

a hot greenhouse

a warm greenhouse

a cool greenhouse.

Hot Greenhouse

A hot greenhouse’s inside temperature is maintained at a minimum of sixty five degrees. You can at some future date increase the temperature, but a hot greenhouse is intended for growing tropical and exotic plants. If you live in a very cold region, you will need to install heating and lighting equipment to satisfy the requirements of tropical and exotic plant species.

Warm Greenhouse

The temperature inside a warm greenhouse, on the other hand, is at about fifty-five degrees F. At this temperature, a larger variety of plants can be grown, perhaps as many as you would in your outdoor garden. You may still need to resort to the use of additional heat and light during the winter months.

Cool Greenhouse

A cool greenhouse (frost-free greenhouse) is maintained at a temperature ranging from forty to forty five degrees F. This temperature is ideal for growing seedlings or any plants that do not need warmer temperatures to survive. A cool greenhouse is perfect for starting your plants and vegetables in anticipation of the summer months. Generally, the use of heat or lights isn’t required for a cool greenhouse.

As for structure, there are generally three types:

lean-to

detached

ridge and furrow or gutter connected.

Lean-To

The lean-to type of greenhouse is rarely used for commercial purposes because of size restrictions, but is the most popular among hobbyists.

Detached

Detached greenhouses – as the name suggests – are independent and are stand alone structures. However, they may still be attached to a work area or else provide access to another greenhouse via a passageway.

The Quonset is the most common type of detached greenhouse used for commercial production. They are built from arched rafters and have solid walls for support. Quonset greenhouses are ideal for producing most crops, although the growing area is limited to the areas around the side walls, which diminishes efficiency and productivity.

Ridge/Furrow

Ridge and furrow greenhouses are attached at the lower edges of the roof by a gutter. The absence of an inside wall below the gutter allows for increased efficiency. Ridge and furrow greenhouses may be built with gabled or curved arches. Gabled houses are appropriate for heavy coverings (i.e. glass, fiberglass) while curved arch houses are covered with lighter materials (i.e. polyethylene, polycarbonates).

You may encounter different classifications in your readings on greenhouses. For example, another classification, which is similar to the ones just mentioned are:

Cold frame type

Roof cover may be poly or shade, end wall covering is either poly or rigid, available lengths come in 12 feet increments, and no gutter connections or vents.

Ground-to-ground

Roof covering is either poly or shade, wall covering may be poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments, no gutters, roof vents are available.

Gutter-connected, Gothic arch

Load rating may be either 10, 15 or 20 pounds, roof covering is poly, sidewall and endwall either poly or rigid, lengths available in 12 feet increments while heights available in 8, 10 or 12 feet, gutter connection and roof vents both available.

Gutter-connected Cable

Load rating 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering either poly or rigid, endwall and sidewall covering may be either poly or rigid, lengths in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Gutter-connected Arch

Load rating may be 10, 20 or 30 pounds, roof covering and sidewall/endwall is rigid, lengths come in 12 feet increments, gutter connection and roof vents available.

Another way of looking at greenhouse types is the material they are made of; that is, glass, fiberglass, or plastic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Whatever you choose, make sure you leave the installation and irrigation systems to professionals.

Glass

Glass type greenhouses are the most traditional covering used. They may be constructed with slanted sides, straight sides and eaves. Aluminum, glass buildings provide low maintenance and have aesthetic lines, as well as ensuring that you get a weather-tight structure. Pre-fabricated glass kits are available for easy installation by hobbyists and amateur gardeners. They come in different models to meet budget and space restrictions.

The disadvantages of glass are its fragile condition (glass breaks easily) and high costs.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass greenhouses – they are light, strong and hail-proof. Be careful, though. Low quality fiberglass will discolor, thus reducing penetration of light. Using a good quality fiberglass will however make it as expensive as building a glass one. If you decide to go for fiberglass, go for the most expensive grade, and do not buy colored fiberglass.

Plastic

Plastic greenhouses are becoming very popular for the following reasons:

Low cost (about 1/6 the cost of glass)

Absorbs sufficient heat Plastic Plastic greenhouses are becoming very popular for the following reasons:

Low cost (about 1/6 the cost of glass)

Absorbs sufficient heat

Fruits and vegetables and other plants under plastic are comparable in quality to that of glass-grown varieties

Lower tax liabilities

Choice of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers of these materials, and other readily available clear films.

Polythylene

Polyethylene: lightweight and inexpensive. It stands up well during the seasons of fall, winter and spring, but tends to deteriorate during the summer when it gets constant exposure to the sun. It breaks down due to ultraviolet rays and the deterioration begins along the rafters and along the creases. This problem can be avoided by using UV-inhibited polyethylene, which is available in two and six ml thickness and is up to 40 feet wide and 100 feet long.

PVC

Factors such as cost and space will determine the type of greenhouse you build. If you do live in a windy area, it may be worth to spend the extra money for a solid and sturdy greenhouse. If you live near a large hardware store or a nursery, or even a do-it-yourself home center, go and visit some models. The customer service representative should be able to provide you with valuable information before you make a final decision.

Alcoa Home Exteriors SQGV1414 PP Square Gable Vent

2 piece. Base is fully compatible with all siding profiles. Install the base with the siding and snap on the cover later. Square 14″ x 14″: Ventilated opening 10″ x 12 1 2″; outside unit dimensions 14″ x 14″; net free area 33.7 sq. in. No. SQGV1414 04: Wh

(more…)

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