Glasshouse, Tunnelhouse, Polycarbonate, PolycarbGLASS FAQ
1. WHAT SURFACE DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO ERECT A GREENHOUSE?
A flat level surface is essential for a glass glasshouse, Polycarbonate and PolycarbGLASS construction, but less essential for a Redpath tunnelhouse construction due to the cladding being more compliant. If the ground is not level then you will be required to adjust your base framework to be level, so that the glasshouse may sit on a level surface.
2. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GLASSHOUSE A TUNNELHOUSE & A POLYCARBONATE GREENHOUSE ?
Glasshouses are clad in 100% glass for walls and roof. The PolycarbGLASS models are clad in Polycarbonate for their sides for safety and have a glass clad roof for maximum light for the crop. The Polycarbonate greenhouses have polycarbonate on all walls/doors and sides, The Tunnelhouses are clad in Duratough plastic greenhouse film. Redpath supply these many types and each has their advantages.
Glass when combined with an aluminum frame offers a timeless quality and can be a genuine asset to your property value. Glass will also offer superior light transmission to the crop when day lengths are short such as in winter and springtime.
A tunnelhouse house on the other hand has advantages in that it is slightly warmer (about 10%) than the glass structures, and can offer higher levels of humidity within the building which can often assist with greenhouse crops and propagation. A greenhouse covered with our commercial Duratough greenhouse film would not normally require shading in the summertime as the plastic covering offers a diffused style of light with less potential to burn crops like.
The Polycarbonate and PolycarbGLASS options offer you further durability and extra winter warmth.
3. HOW STRONG IS MY GLASSHOUSE OR GREENHOUSE AGAINST WIND … AND WHERE SHOULD I LOCATE IT?
You should locate your glasshouse or greenhouse in a semi sheltered location, without direct exposure to extreme wind or wind gusts. If this is unavoidable – then a shelter belt fence should be considered to help protect the building and its openings (doors, roof vents, windows and cladding) from extreme conditions. A sunny location will benefit most plants. It is simple to provide shade to the plants if required.
4. WHY USE ALUMINIUM FOR THE FRAME?
Aluminum offers a slim line low shade environment and a clean appearance compared to traditional timber frames and promotes good light transmission. Aluminum will also resist corrosion in the humidity of the glasshouse environment. Redpaths 10 Year warranty applies to its well proven framework and it will last a lifetime.
5. DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE COUNCIL?
Not usually for designs up to 30sqm, – however sometimes for the larger models and in some areas it pays to check. The Redpath domestic range of buildings do not carry NZ design engineering or design certificates
6. WHAT CHOICES DO I HAVE FOR GLAZING A GLASSHOUSE?
Redpath offer their range of glasshouses with the standard multi sheet horticultural glass which is 3mm thick.
If further safety for users is required e.g. if children, pets etc. are commonly present then the 4mm glass sheet or Polycarbonate is a popular alternative option.
7. HOW MUCH VENTILATION SHOULD I HAVE IN MY GREENHOUSE?
All of Redpaths glass and polycarbonate clad greenhouses come with at least one roof vent as standard. The tunnelhouses above 4.5m in length also have one roof vent, and the sizes above 12m have two roof vents. Additional roof vents and louver window vents can be fitted as extra ventilation and automatic vents should also be considered especially if the glasshouse or greenhouse is likely to be left unattended.
8. DO I NEED TO HEAT MY GLASSHOUSE / GREENHOUSE?
Luckily in New Zealand we have a very temperate climate, however some crops will respond well to some additional heat. You may also wish to consider lining the inside of the glasshouse or greenhouse with a poly-liner to provide superior thermal insulation.
9. CAN I COLLECT RAINWATER FROM THE ROOF OF MY GLASSHOUSE?
Redpath glasshouses and Polycarbonate models have aluminium gutter(s) built in as standard which adds additional strength to the existing structure. Water can then be trained into a barrel or directed into a grid or garden. The Tunnel Polyhouses do not include side gutters.
10. CAN I BUY DIRECT?
Yes you can deal direct with Redpath and when you purchase on-line using our secure shopping cart you will receive a automatic discount.
11. HOW IS MY GLASSHOUSE PACKAGED?
The frame and base come are wrapped or on a small ‘skid pallet’. Any additional accessories (including extra vents) will be packed separately from the main box.
Redpath will organise the glass for the glasshouse models to be supplied from a local glass supply company in your area; the cost for the glass IS INCLUDED in the purchase price shown on this site. If you live more than 50km from one of the many glass suppliers nationwide – you may be required to collect the glass from the local depot.
12. DO YOU DELIVER?
Yes! the price for freight is shown on the shopping cart on this website. Simply select the area that you are based and the price for freight will show, – if you are then ready to purchase then confirm. Redpath glasshouses & greenhouses pack very efficiently and are easily freighted nationwide. On special occasions a Hiab unload service may be required as is an extra cost if required.
13. ARE REDPATH GLASSHOUSES EASY TO CONSTRUCT?
It does depend on the individual. Approximately 95% of customers do put the glasshouses and greenhouses up themselves. The glasshouse comes with its own comprehensive instruction booklet and if you do have any difficulties you can always contact us directly on the Free Ph 0508 733 728 where one of our technical support team will be more than happy to assist.
The Tunnelhouses are delivered in “Pre-Constructed” form, – this is where we pre make the end walls, base rails, door and other parts in our factory before sending out to you. The Pre-construction service eliminates approximately 60% of the labour to assemble.
14. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AN AVERAGE PERSON TO CONSTRUCT A REDPATH GLASSHOUSE?
For glasshouses and polycarbonate models it usually takes on average one day to build the base and another to assemble the structure after which the glass may be fitted. The Domestic tunnelhouse series greenhouse usually takes one day to assemble the frame and another half day to fit the film/fabric cladding.