Wouldn’t you know it? The day after I post a review on the Harbor Freight Greenhouse I just installed in our backyard a storm system with strong winds comes though to give it a test. I spent most of the evening worried that I would be wandering around our neighborhood searching for plastic window panels. Fortunately that fear did not become a reality but the greenhouse did not come through unscathed.
One roof panel detached itself and ended up landing a few feet away. This tells me that my initial concern over the clips not holding the panels on well was well founded. The winds were very strong last night but not the strongest kind of winds like we usually get in March. The panels definitely need to be secured better. Screws with washers to be used as spacers are one option. Caulk will also help to serve as a glue of sorts that can be a backup for the screws.
I’m fortunate that only one panel came off and that it wasn’t damaged. If you live in a high wind area be prepared to secure the greenhouse with additional methods as soon as you install the panels. Looks like I’ll be heading to the home improvemnet store to pick up some things!
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Oh, how frustrating. I'm so sorry, but I'm sure you're glad the damage wasn't worse. Ever time we have wind, I get nervous. We live in a forest, with a clearing for each greenhouse, and I'm always afraid a tree will fall on the greenhouse(s). Good luck with your reinforcements!
Thanks Julie! A forest would make for a bit of uncertainty. A beautiful spot though I bet!
We found ordering extra clips to be helpful so that we could double the number of clips per panel. Later when a hailstorm damaged some of the panels which had aged in the south Georgia sun, we replaced most of the panels and used caulk in addition to extra clips.
I thought about getting extra clips but I'm going to start with some other options including the caulking. I don't want to have plants in there until I can be sure they will be safe from the weather.
Hi Dave,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your site. I have the 10×12 HFGH and have found the gardenweb.com site useful as many members have these greenhouses. Also this site, http://hfgh10x12.blogspot.com/2007/08/this-is-greenhouse-we-bought-link-it.html, has excellent, detailed steps of what this couple did to reinforce their HFGH to withstand New Mexico winds. Thought these two references could help you with ideas to make your GH more weatherproof and also help your readers interested in an inexpensive greenhouse.
Thanks for the links! I actually looked at the second site you mention for some ideas the other day. They have some good information!
Are you doing anything to monitor the temperature inside the greenhouse? I've tried some remote thermostats so I can watch the nightime temp in winter and the midday temp in the summer. None so far have survived the summer.
I do. I had one in my shed to check temperatures and moved it to the greenhouse. Of course now that it has an open panel measuring is pointless but once its fixed it should be useful!