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Newbie greenhouse owner - problems already!
stephroberts_morgan
Posts: 16
Afternoon!
Have had a 6x4 greenhouse installed just over a week now and despite being of mature gardening years, it's my first one! It was fixed onto a concrete base that was not entirely level towards one end making a dip in the middle, not a problem according to installers as far as fixing the metal base to the concrete. No plants inside yet as I was planning on bubblewrap inside first so when I went in, I found the following issues:-
1. Greenhouse is empty but condensation inside.
Query: why.. and how can I stop this?
2. After a rainy night, the uneven concrete floor inside the greenhouse is pooled with water in the 'dip' towards the far left corner. A) Because water seems to be leaking into the greenhouse in gaps where the framework doesn't entirely join together, and
Gap between concrete base and frame base.
Query: I've already been advised to seal all framework gaps inside with CT1 but can I also fill in the base gap with expanding foam?
Due to the nature of the uneven concrete base, there's always going to be a puddle of water outside but I'll see if hubby has any solution for this.
Really cheesed off today because of this , rain doesn't help either, so would be most grateful for some positive words of advice to raise my spirits!!
Thanks
Have had a 6x4 greenhouse installed just over a week now and despite being of mature gardening years, it's my first one! It was fixed onto a concrete base that was not entirely level towards one end making a dip in the middle, not a problem according to installers as far as fixing the metal base to the concrete. No plants inside yet as I was planning on bubblewrap inside first so when I went in, I found the following issues:-
1. Greenhouse is empty but condensation inside.
Query: why.. and how can I stop this?
2. After a rainy night, the uneven concrete floor inside the greenhouse is pooled with water in the 'dip' towards the far left corner. A) Because water seems to be leaking into the greenhouse in gaps where the framework doesn't entirely join together, and
Gap between concrete base and frame base.Query: I've already been advised to seal all framework gaps inside with CT1 but can I also fill in the base gap with expanding foam?
Due to the nature of the uneven concrete base, there's always going to be a puddle of water outside but I'll see if hubby has any solution for this.
Really cheesed off today because of this , rain doesn't help either, so would be most grateful for some positive words of advice to raise my spirits!!
Thanks 1
Posts
Is it a metal greenhouse as opposed to a wooden one ? (I'm guessing the answer is yes).
Greenhouses are notorious for a build up of condensation by the nature of their construction particularly at this time of year. One of the first lessons of owning a greenhouse is knowing how to manage the air flow through it, by opening windows, vents and of course the door.
If you can get a wireless thermometer which you can read from inside your house, they can be very useful, especially if they have a frost alert.
Also automatic window and vent openers can be a great help.
As for the floor, l think you can get a type of "self levelling" concrete which might work, but there are more technically minded people on this forum than me.
If so they should be fixing the problem.
As AnniD said they are notorious for condensation. It is learning how to manage it the best you can for your particular situation.
The Thermometer she mentioned, you can get various versions some of which have a humidity measure too, so you can keep an eye on it and ventilate as best you can.
It is a shame that you finally got your dream of a greenhouse to have it a little bit spoiled. I am sure others will be along to give more advice.
Hope you enjoy your new house
As said above they do get condensation inside because it's a greenhouse and generally warmer inside than it is outside.
What plants to you plant to have in there over winter?
That info will help us advise you best.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Expanding foam seems sensible enough around the base.
Greenhouses are quite good at shedding water but as others have said, the very nature of their construction does not afford a completely waterproof structure, unfortunately.
You might find that plugging each and every gap would be counter productive long term as it would reduce the structures ability to ventilate effectively, so i would hold back on the sealant.
Sounds like a conservatory or hot house might have suited you better!
Do you have geraniums (which are completely hardy) or pelargoniums (which aren't)?
You're obviously a lot younger than many of us here - I can remember waking up to condensation on the inside of my bedroom windows every morning in winter when I was a kid - double glazing wasn't around then, nor was central heating
PS whereabouts are you? so we get an idea of the weather conditions
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Mine was cream coloured🙄🙂
If your keeping them in their pots keep them in the house if you can find a spot in an unheated room or porch and they'll be fine there.
'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.
George Bernard Shaw'