Your climate and your ideal crop will affect the type of greenhouse and glazing (type of covering) that is right for you. Anything is possible with the right combination of glazing and supplemental heating/cooling.
Thinking freestanding or home-attached? Freestanding allows you to maximize sunlight exposure. Home-attached offers convenient access to services and potential heat gain from the attached wall.
To simplify, it comes down to “form versus function”. Glass is beautiful and offers full light transmission which is important for some gardeners. Polycarbonate is ideal for growing with built in shading and energy efficiency. Polycarbonate is also maintenance free and virtually unbreakable. Tempered glass will last a lifetime. Mix and match to get the best out of your greenhouse!
In most cases, size is dictated by your yard. We build any size and can easily modify it to fit your space. Cross Country Greenhouse designs are modular and built in two foot increments. They also offer a series of value models such as 8×12 and 12×16 which are popular sizes with customers and offer extra savings.
Generally, a structure less than 110 square feet does not require a permit. For larger greenhouses, we do recommend a quick call to your local planning office. We are able to provide engineered drawings, stamped in any state or province if required by your municipal planning office.
Yes, a pressure treated wood frame or concrete is most common. Most common foundations are wood frame or concrete. Wood frames are easy and allow for flexibility in case it must be moved. For a larger greenhouse (over 100 sq. ft.) a 6″ x 6″ beam is recommended. Wooden timbers can be stacked to increase overall height. Concrete is a more permanent site and will last for generations. All foundations must be level and square. A foundation sketch will be supplied showing all outside dimensions in which to build.
When selecting a site for your foundation, choose a flat, level surface that will be stable and secure. Locate your greenhouse close to power and water, while also considering water drainage and easy access. Try to locate the greenhouse so that 6 hours of sunlight is available during winter months. And remember, we build in two foot increments and can build to suit an existing footprint.
To keep above freezing use a small electric heater. Aim the heater away from the door and place a fan at the opposite end. The idea is to create a micro weather system where the air is always turning. Keep the fan on even in winter as it will stop hot pockets from going up too high and keep the air circulating which is critical for plants. This reduces heat loss and you’ll save money without wasting the heat you are producing. In addition, circulating air is important to
prevent pests, algae and condensation build up.
The opener is an elbow mechanism operated by a metal cylinder filled with wax which expands in heat and lifts the roof vent. The quantity of extra wide automatic vents included is dependent on the size of the greenhouse. Lots of ventilation is key for a healthy environment. Extra cooling might be required based on location and seasons. For smaller greenhouses and those not used in summer, extra cooling may not be required and natural shade would be sufficient.
Included in your order is an automatic vent opener, a door drop if you would like a raised foundation wall, a max-min thermometer, 12 eyehooks, instructions, and job specific installation diagrams. Cross Country Greenhouse lead times are specific to the model. Standard orders are three weeks from the confirmation of the order. Custom orders range between three to nine weeks based on complexity. For estate greenhouses or large commercial projects, please call for more information.
