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introGreenhouse From Old Windows
This is a brief guide on how I took some old windows from houses they
where tearing down in my neighborhood and turned them into a small
greenhouse in my backyard. I collected the windows over the course of a
year and a half and the build took about 3 months, spending one day a
week on it. I spent about $300 for the lumber for the frame and screws,
caulk, latches, etc. That's almost 10% of what a greenhouse kit would
cost. The size I built was 7ft high x 10ft deep x 6ft wide. But the size
of your greenhouse will depend on your windows and the time you want to
put into project.
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step 1Collect Windows and Plan Two Pair of Equal Sides.
Look for old windows and save every one you get. After you have many,
lay them out and play a game trying to make two pairs of
"walls" both the same height. 2-3 inches won't matter as you
can cover the difference with wood. Smaller holes will need to have
glass cut for them or filled with something else. keep in mind that one
end will need a door and the other a hole for a fan.
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The taller side is south facing. All of the windows can function(open/close) save the two big picture windows on the east and west sides.
I added 50 gallon water barrels to disburse heat gain throughout the night.
Next to add are solar panel and fan.
Question...I have access to two solid pieces of glass from old shower doors. Is this glass okay to use? (I understand it is tempered or shatter-proof.)
Thanks!
May they reduce the greenhouse-effect!! ;)
Awesome job, and I love the upgrades you've done! Your project rocks!
Lisa
(I posted the drought-tolerant front yard Instructable)
I love reusing old house components. I just did a chicken coop with same. BUT
Any windows that are pre 1978 are very likely to have LEAD PAINT. This is a significant concern ESPECIALLY if the structure is around children. Lead has a debilitating effect on brain development and the lead molecule is seen by the body as calcium. Children suck it up at a rate 4 times greater than adults. There is no remedy once absorbed into the system.
If you are uncertain about the presents of lead paint you can buy a test swab kit for a few bucks and test it yourself before buying the window. You can carefully remove (Not sand and not burn) lose paint and encapsulate the old with quality enamel. The refuse should be wrapped in plastic disposed of in normal landfill trash according to EPA rules. Wear protection - masks gloves tyvek suit and dispose all in the same way. Never use a vacuum except HEPPA vac and read up on safe practices. Lastly, while not as romantic, there are lots of vinyl and aluminum surplus windows out there.
Look at the youtube video "testing for lead based paint".
Looks a little familiar to mine too.
Again, thanks again for the great instructable.
2 quick ideas; 1.when you add the glass roof, maybe could you add simple 'A 'trusses to give your roof a slope which would aid in water runoff and also collect more sunshine. 2. I am assuming your wide wall faces south (as opposed to an end). if so the other side faces north and doesnt add much if any sun exposure BUT it does loose heat. This would be a great wall to add a solar collection material all the way to the roof. Stack black water barrels to the ceiling, bricks, I dont know, someone will have a better idea of what. Then you may be able to use it year round. Thank you for posting this.
We have a Habitat for Humanity Thrift store chock full of donated windows and me thinks I'll be checking them out this week. I wonder how much heat would transfer through shower doors? I know the store has tons of those as well.
Great instructable and an amazingly practical tip that you have shared - thanks so much!
www.theruralindependent.com
Love this project!!!!! It was the inspiration for our New/old window greenhouse. Thanks for the idea and instruction