Building a greenhouse from recycled materials

[mrmarcopolo]

I'm trying to build an economic greenhouse using materials that I've salvaged. I have some old sliding door double glazing units that I'd like to use for a couple of the walls, but also the roof. If I add a couple of extra supports will I get away with using it on the roof? It wouldn't be completely flat, probably 30 degree slope. I'm worried it'll be too much and might use twinwall polycarbonate roofing sheets and use the double glazing for the walls.

 

[ladylola]

Can't really see a problem with using double glazed units for the roof , ok maybe a tad heavier than single panes but supported well it should be fine. In fact I'm sure I've seen one made just like that.
Google greenhouse from recycled windows and click on images , there's loads of them and while some look a little ramshackle many look really good.

 

[mrmarcopolo]

Thanks, I did google, but couldn't find any that used large panes like sliding doors. Will try again.

 

[ladylola]

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/411023903461700894/

Some good pictures here even if the information is a little poor. Some are clearly not roofed with doors but scroll down and you'll find several that do look like they are made from DG units.
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/gre...arch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1&start=20

 

[scbk]

I'm trying to build an economic greenhouse using materials that I've salvaged.

Not as much fun but would it not be easier to salvage an old greenhouse

 

[mrmarcopolo]

I want to try my hand at a well insulated greenhouse for year round growing. Might try to put some type of a thermal store underneath to store heat. Found a great design. http://www.reuk.co.uk/Solar-Greenhouse-Heat-Sink.htm

 

[Mursal]

Mate used windows for a conservatory roof, it dripped/leaked. They were new units and supplier told him they were not for water lying constantly in the joints ....

So he used clear mastik on all the joints and that sorted the problem out.

 

[b3taman]

OP wrote "I want to try my hand at a well insulated greenhouse for year round growing"
The biggest problem you'll have with this concept are winter light levels. No matter how well insulated your 'greenhouse' is, there simply isn't enough energy from the sun to get things to grow much in the short days of winter. Also, you can't simply seal a greenhouse up to prevent heat escaping whether it's double glazed or not - you need to keep some air circulating and changing in the house or you'll end up with plants covered with botrytis (grey mould) due to the cold stagnant air within.
However, it's good fun trying to beat Mother Nature as much as you can, so best of luck!
PS I 've run a commercial glasshouse nursery for 30 years.