ACF Greenhouses Cross Country Series User manual

ACF Greenhouses

Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
User Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
List of Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cross Country Straight Series Component List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Assembly of the Aluminum Frame
A. Front Gable-End Assembly With Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
B. Back Gable-End Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
C. Sidewall Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Aluminum Frame Installation
1. Side Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
2. Side Wall To Back Gable End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3. Side Wall To Front Gable End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
4. Side Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
5. Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
5A. Truss Assembly Installation (If Necessary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendix A
6. Poly bar With Sliders (#1 or #2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7. Vent Frame Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
8. Poly bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
9. Tape All Poly Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8A. Side Vents, Intake Shutter and
Exhaust Fan Installation (if necessary). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendices B through F
Polycarbonate And Cap Installation
General Information About Handling Polycarbonate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10. Roof Polycarbonate Panel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
12. Back/Front Gable Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13. Sidewalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
14. Sealing the Greenhouse to Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
14A. Sealing the Greenhouse with Silicone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Door And Vent Installation
15. Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
16. Vent Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17. Vent Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Appendices: Optional Installations
Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix A
Vent Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix B
Intake Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix C
Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix D
Side Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix E
Louvre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix F
Diagonal Brace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix G
– 1 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
ACF Greenhouses

Foreword
Your Cross Country greenhouse is designed and constructed to the highest engineering standards
and provides structural strength and maintenance-free service for year-round gardening pleasure.
The Cross Country greenhouse must be built upon a firm, level surface. The greenhouse
foundation or sill can be made from pre-treated timbers, concrete or bricks. Whatever your choice
of material, the base must be square and level.
When selecting a site for your greenhouse, keep in mind that a flat, level site is essential so that the
greenhouse can be easily installed and the complete structure is stable and secure. If possible,
choose a site with proper water drainage.
Locating the greenhouse in a north-south position is most suitable for raising summer and autumn
crops since the sun’s rays will be on the greenhouse from daybreak until sunset. An east-west
position is ideal for early spring and winter crops since the winter months, with shorter daylight
hours, still allow six hours of light exposure to the greenhouse.
Try to locate your greenhouse for easy access, especially to the necessary power and water that is
required for greenhouse gardening.
Please watch the enclosed video and follow the steps in this manual for your greenhouse
installation. Remember, if all else fails, read the instructions.
User Notes
The Cross Country greenhouse structure has been
designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such
as high winds and accumulated snowfall. Hanging
baskets and sidewall shelving can also be attached to its
sturdy frame. The greenhouse design also makes it
possible to add extra sections at a later date.
Sealing the polycarbonate sheets to the aluminum “ ”
and base is optional, however we highly recommend it.
Eliminating any water from entering the inside of the
aluminum, will prevent excessive moisture inside the
panels.
Once a year the greenhouse needs to be completely
washed inside and out. You should do this task when
your greenhouse contains the least number of plants, generally just before the garden plants are
brought in for wintering over. A recommended cleaning solution is a mixture of soap and water,
this will not damage your polycarbonate sheets. Any benches, shelving, plastic trays, pots and
baskets should also be cleaned thoroughly. Prevention is the best known method for controlling pests
and diseases in the greenhouse.
– 2 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
NOTE: DO NOT STORE POLYCARBONATE SHEETS IN THE SUN.
Seal Seal
Base
Aluminum H
PLEASE NOTE: These Illustrations may not
be specific to your greenhouse, however the
detail of aluminum shapes are all consistent.
The user notes are a generic instruction for
all Cross Country Greenhouses – assembly
instructions are common, only the number
of pieces and sizes vary.
Seal Seal
Base
Aluminum H
ACF Greenhouses

List of Drawings
Foundation Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front Gable End (With Door) Inside View Line Drawing Assembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Front Gable End (With Door) Inside View Detail Drawing – Details 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back Gable End Line Drawing Assembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Back Gable End Detail Drawing – Details 9-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Assembly Outline Steps 1 – 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 - 16
Steps 9A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendixes
Steps 10 – 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 - 22
Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Vent Assembly - Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Vent Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Truss Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix A
Vent Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix B
Intake Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix C
Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix D
Side Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix E
Louvre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix F
Diagonal Brace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix G
– 3 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
ACF Greenhouses

Cross Country Component List
– 4 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
Tools
#2 Square head
screw driver (#8 Screw)
Measuring tape
Level to check foundation
3/16” concrete bit
(concrete foundation)
9/64” aluminum bit
7/16” wrench
Razor blade cutter
Caulking gun
Ladder
Hammer
Optionals
Automatic Opener
Circulating Fan
Max/Min thermometer
Benches
Eyebolts
Motorized Intake Shutter
Exhaust Fan
Thermostat
Heater
Side Vent
Ridge & Ridge Slider Poly Cap & Poly Bar Poly End Bar Ventframe Bottom
Side Base/Sill
Bracing Angle Aluminum H Vent Frame Sides Purlin
Bolts / Nuts / Screws Door Frame GutterFront & Back Base/Sill
ACF Greenhouses

Foundations
Check your local building codes for foundation requirements in your area.
CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
When you prepare the concrete foundation, the size should be 1” longer and wider than the
greenhouse’s outside dimensions. One option is to fasten a treated 4” x 4” wooden sill on top of
the foundation. This sill is the exact outside dimensions of the greenhouse.
PRE-TREATED WOOD FOUNDATIONS
A greenhouse that is approximately 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) can be fastened to a 4” x 4” pre-treated
wood timber foundation. For larger greenhouses, a 6” x 6” wood timber foundation is
recommended. These timbers are placed on a 4” (10 cm) deep and 8” (20 cm) wide gravel bed.
Wood timbers can be stacked to increase the height of the greenhouse. One advantage of the wood
foundation is that it is not classified as a permanent structure. Therefore, if you move, the greenhouse can be
dismantled and moved to another location.
A SQUARE AND LEVEL FOUNDATION
Check the width and length of the foundation’s outside dimensions. Then, square the foundation
by measuring diagonally from opposite corners in the form of an “X”. Next, use a long carpenter’s
level to check and adjust the foundation until it is level. Finally, measure where the door will be
placed (in most cases it is 341/2” wide). Mark these measurements on your foundation.
– 5 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
PRE-TREATED WOOD FOUNDATION
Foundation Styles
Pressure Treated
Wood
4x4, 4x6, 6x6
Concrete Wall or
Concrete Block
with Pressure
Treated Wood
Plate
Concrete Wall
with
Footing
Concrete Wall
with
Footing and
Brick Facing
Gravel
Pre-cast
Concrete Pier
Block
Pressure
Treated
Wood
Pressure
Treated
Wood
Steel Truss on
Models over
13’ Long
Steel Truss on
Models over
13’ Long Steel Truss on
Models over
13’ Long
Steel Truss on
Models over
13’ Long
NOTE:
8” Concrete
Wall on Gable
Ends, models
over 16’ wide
(see detail)
Flashing by
Others
Flashing by
Others
ACF Greenhouses

Assembly of the Aluminum Frame
A. FRONT GABLE-END ASSEMBLY WITH DOOR
Lay out the front pieces of the greenhouse into the shape of an end wall. The doorframe and Poly
Bars have a track for the bolt. The track must face up when you assemble the gable ends. Slide the
bolts in the track of the bars or use the notches that have already been punched out in the bars.
When you are assembling the greenhouse, you view the sketches and drawings from inside the
greenhouse (see page 7 for line drawings and page 8 for detail pictures).
1. Bolt the bottom plates (4 holes) to the base/sill and the doorframe sides using 1/4” x 1/2”
stainless steel bolts (line drawing #1, page 7) (see detail #1, page 8). Before tightening the bolts,
be sure that it is square. (If you ordered a greenhouse with a door drop, measure from the bottom of
the doorframe to the underside of the base according to the specified distance.)
2. At the top of the doorframe, put on the doorframe header (which looks the same as the side
pieces). Put the header between the two side pieces and bolt on the plates (6 holes) (line
drawing #2, page 17, detail #2, page 8). The plates should stick up 1” above the doorframe.
Note how the plates are put on (See detail #2). Before tightening the bolts, be sure to square
up the doorframe.
3. Take all the Poly Bars and bolt them to the base/sill. The angle cut should match the roof
slope (line drawing #3, page 7, detail #3, page 8).
4. The 1” x 2” angle above the door (50” long) can now be bolted on. The 1/4” round holes
should be lined up with the holes in the plates. Each end of the 1” x 2” angle has a slot
punched out to accommodate the bolt that is lined up with the Poly Bars 24 1/2” from the
center. Slide a bolt in the top of the Poly Bar and fasten the angle to it. (line drawing #4, page
7, detail #4, page 8).
5. Each Poly End Bar has at least one small aluminum piece attached to it with a 1/4” hole
punched in it. These pieces line up with the upright Poly Bar(s). Both sides are the same.
6. When both Poly End Bars are fastened, bolt on the short center bar above the door to the
angle above the door. Do not worry about the small cleat bolted on the bar. This will be used
later. (line drawing #5, page 7, detail #6, page 8).
7. The diagonal bracing can now be bolted on. Remove the bottom nut in the top plate and
insert the brace. Then put the nut back on (See detail #7, page 8). There are 1/4” holes in the
base, so use 1/4” x 1/2” bolts (line drawing #7, page 7, detail #8, page 8).
Be careful when you stand up the front end of the greenhouse because the poly end bar is quite
loose. It may have only two bolts in it.
NOTE: Temporary door frame spacer can be fastened to the bottom of door frame using a strip of
wood. Make sure that the spacing is the same as the top of the door frame. This will keep the door
frame from pulling apart when you pick up the end and move it around.
– 6 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
ACF Greenhouses

– 7 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
Front Gable End (with door) Line Drawing Assembly Procedure
1 2
3 4
5
7
6
ACF Greenhouses

C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
Front Gable End (with door) Inside View Detail Drawings
Details 1-8
4 RIGHT7 RIGHT
6
7 LEFT
3
8 LEFT
1 LEFT 1 RIGHT
8 RIGHT
2 LEFT 2 RIGHT
4 LEFT
– 8 –
ACF Greenhouses

B. BACK GABLE-END ASSEMBLY
Lay out the back pieces of the greenhouse into the shape of the end wall (Refer
to the line drawings page 9, detail pictures page 10). For the Poly End Rafter Bars,
the flat surface should lie on the ground.
1. Bolt the bar / sill to bottom of Poly Bar (Detail #10, page 10).
2. Fasten the upright Poly Bars to the Roof Poly End Bar using 1/4" x 1/2" bolts (Roof Poly End
Bars have at least 1 small angle attached to it. Detail #9, page 10).
3. Cross brace angle is bolted approx. 54" from the base. At this time it is not important to be
exact. When the greenhouse gets assembled you will see the height of the cross brace by
attaching the end of it to the angle that is attached to the corner Poly Bar (Detail #11, page 10).
Back Gable End Line Drawing Assembly Procedure
– 9 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S S T R A I G H T M O D E L • G R E E N H O U S E I N S T R U C T I O N S
Cross Brace Angle
Poly Bars
Roof Bars
Base
1 2
3 4
GROUND
ACF Greenhouses