Design & Installation Guide - Build-It-Solar

1 Design & Installation Guide cover greenhouses, solariums, pool enclosures,covered walkways, patio covers & skylightswith Multi-Wall running post (stud) & rafter style framing refer to our website for product information & with any questions you may Email questions are replied to quickly! -For Photos of Customer InstallationsVisit your material needs,Follow ordering instructions on our web- 2005 Sundance Supply Table of Contents Part One: Initial Considerations - Planning & Design Design Check List & i Introduction, Sizing, 1 Typical Greenhouse Designs, Siting, Building 2 Foundation Design , Wood 3 Wood Frame Design for Multi-Wall 4 Large Span Wood Framing 4a - 4b Diagonal 4c Polycarbonate Panels Framed with 4d Recommended Spans for 5 Wood Frame Layout for Multi-Wall 6 Typical Framing Layout for Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Over Wood 7 Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Sheet Specification, Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Trim 8 Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Trim Installation 9 Angled Wall or Hip Roof, Roof Valley, Double Slope Rafter.

2 And Polycarbonate to Existing Roofing 9a Window, Door and Skylight 10 Part Two: Construction & Installation Foundations, Framing Notes, Lean-To Greenhouse 11 Lean-To Greenhouse Drawing for Multi-Wall 12 Freestanding Greenhouse 13 Freestanding Greenhouse Drawing for Multi-Wall 14 Polycarbonate Storage, Cutting & Installation 15 Installation 16 Multi-Wall Polycarbonate, Trim and Flashing 17-20 Introduction: This manual is a general Guide for builders, owner builders, growers and designers. While special attention is given to greenhouse construction most of the principles and details also apply to solariums, pool enclosures, covered walkways, etc.

3 Typically, a frame is fabricated from lumber and covered with double or triple-wall polycarbonate sheet. Sunrooms Greenhouse &Pool EnclosuresCovered Walkways Part One: Initial Considerations - Planning & DesignSizing: A number of questions should be addressed when determining the size of yourgreenhouse. What plant species will you grow? How much space is needed to growthe amount you desire? Is the greenhouse just for growing or will it be used foradditional living space, as is the case with sunrooms? If the greenhouse is attachedand is providing solar space heating, how much heat would you like to gain?

4 Thelarger the greenhouse, the more heat is gained. Note that plants, soil and water inattached greenhouses actually absorb the majority of the winter solar heat gain. Togain sufficient heat to supplement the adjacent structure, a south facing sunroom isbest. These structures also do not use misting systems, making the air drier and moresuitable for transfer to the main living space. A final sizing note is to give yourself alittle extra square footage. People love their greenhouses and welcome the extra : Decide whether you would like an attached or a freestanding facing attached greenhouses are excellent passive solar collectors, providingsubstantial heat for the greenhouse.

5 The soil, plants and moisture absorb most of theheat. Do not plan on moving hot air to the adjoining structure. Often this air is moistand might adversely affect your home. This warm room addition will dramaticallyreduce the heat loss on this side of your house, so there is actually a net gain. The solargain in a south facing sunroom will often be enough to heat the sunroom, withadditional heat transfer to the adjoining living space via doors, windows or a room-to-room fan. On cool days with little sun, and during the hours of no sun, it is often bestto close off the greenhouse or sunroom from the house. This will help in maintainingsufficient temperature levels.

6 A gas or electric heater may be used to provide backupheat for maintaining desired temperature levels inside your greenhouse or you would like a greenhouse close to the garden, a freestanding Design may be can be very basic and permits are seldom pool enclosures are becoming very popular. Polycarbonate is a low costand economical way to cover these large structures.(1)Typical Greenhouse DesignsGambrel RoofFreestanding solar StyleFreestandingConventionalFreestandin gSolar Slope Lean-ToDouble Slope Lean-ToSingle Slope Lean-ToConventional Lean-ToSiting: Position the greenhouse with the long wall facing true south.

7 True south istypically a number of degrees east or west of magnetic south. A compass indicatesmagnetic south. For locations that are positioned along a imaginary line running fromChicago, IL to Tallahassee, FL, magnetic south is true south. If your location is east ofthis line, true south is west of magnetic south. For locations west of this line true southis east of magnetic south. In Bangor, ME, true south is 20 degrees west of magneticsouth. In Vancouver, WA, true south is 20 degrees east of magnetic long as your greenhouse orientation is within 45 degrees of true south it willfunction well as a solar collector.

8 With this in mind, survey your site for the bestlocation. Considerations such as proximity to garden, garage, entrance to house,electricity and water, may be as important to you as solar orientation. Look for abalance between these concerns. Check for any obstructions that will cause shade asthe sun passes overhead. Deciduous trees will provide shade during the warmmonths and let in the sun during cooler months, when leaves have fallen. Whentracking the sun's path keep in mind that the path is low in the winter and high in thesummer. Note: Refer to solar reference books should you wish to be more exactingthan these rule-of-thumb guidelines.

9 Your local library, book store and lumber yardwill have helpful level site with good drainage is important. Pick a site that will not flood duringheavy rains. Pick an area that you enjoy spending time in. People find a greenhouse tobe a place that is regularly Permits: It is best to call your local building department before you greenhouses usually do not require a permit. attached models typicallyrequire a permit, especially if there is access to the house. Generally these permits areeasy to obtain. The information the building department requests will help you makecertain your Design is sound and inspectors can also be helpful.

10 (2)Foundation Design : The foundation Design depends on greenhouse style, climate, sitesituation (soil, slope, etc.), desired thermal efficiency, budget, available materials andbuilding codes. For small freestanding greenhouses, the foundation can be as simple as4"x4" ACQ pressure treated sill timbers fastened to steel stakes driven into the is a non-toxic pressure treated wood product using copper based preservative with ahigh retention rate. Being biodegradable in soil, any leaching that occurs is safe for plantsand humans. Check with your local lumber yard or call (800) 421-8661 for the nearest ACQdealer.