ACF Greenhouses Cross Country Series User manual

ACF Greenhouses

– 1 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
User Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
List of Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cross Country Curved Lean To Series Component List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Assembly of the Aluminum Frame
A. Back Gable-End Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
B. Front Gable-End Assembly with Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C. Taping Poly Bar with Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Aluminum Frame Installation
1. Side Base / Sill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2. Side Base / Sill To Front Gable-End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3. Side Base / Sill to Back Gable-End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4. Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4A. Truss Assembly Installation (If Necessary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendix A
5. Poly Bar With Sliders (#1 or #2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
6. Vent Frame Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7. Side / Roof Poly Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8. Roof Purlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
9. Taping Poly Bars with Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
10. Fastening & Sealing Greenhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
11. Side Vents, Intake Shutter and
Exhaust Fan Installation (if necessary). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendices B through G
Polycarbonate and Cap Installation
General Information About Handling Polycarbonate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
12. Roof Polycarbonate Panel Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
13. Back/Front Gable-Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
14. Sealing The Greenhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Door And Vent Installation
15. Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
16. Vent Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
17. Vent Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Appendices: Optional Installations
Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix A
Vent Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix B
Intake Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix C
Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix D
Side Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix E
Glass Louvre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix F
ACF Greenhouses

– 2 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
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.
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
Cross Country Curved Lean To Component List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Foundation Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Back Gable End Line Drawing Assembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Back Gable End Detail Drawing – Details 1 – 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Front Gable End (With Door) Line Drawing Assembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front Gable End (With Door) Detail Drawing – Details 5 – 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Assembly Outline: Aluminum Frame Steps 1 – 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 - 19
Polycarbonate Installation Steps 12 – 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 - 22
Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vent Assembly - Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Truss Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix A
Vent Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix B
Intake Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix C
Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix D
Side Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix E
Glass Louvre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix F
– 3 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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 C U R V E D L E A N T O 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 #8 Screws Front & Back Base/Sill Door Frame
ACF Greenhouses

– 5 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
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.
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

– 6 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
Assembly of Aluminum Frame
A. BACK GABLE-END ASSEMBLY
Lay out the back pieces into the shape of the end wall. Refer to the line/detail drawing.
1. For the curved Poly End Bars, the flat surface should lie on the ground
(See the example to the right. Use the curved end bars with angle sliders attached to it
and 1-straight one on the side, see sketch ).
2. Bolt the Poly Bars on the top first (See Detail #1 & 1A, Page 7).
3. Bolt the base/sill to the bottom of the Poly Bars (See Detail #2, Page 7).
4. The angle brace is bolted approximately 56” from the base. The slider brackets that have
already been fastened to the poly end bar curve will determine the height (See Detail #3, Page
7). When bolting the horizontal cross brace onto the back wall, measure the back wall so that
it does not sag (See Detail #4, Page 7).
1A
GROUND
Back Gable-End Line Drawing Assembly Procedure
Curved Poly End Bars Poly Bars
1" x 2" Angle Base
Cross
Brace
1
1A
2
3 4
ACF Greenhouses

C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
Back Gable-End Detail Drawing – Details 1 – 4
3
1
1A
4
2
– 7 –
ACF Greenhouses

– 8 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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
B. FRONT GABLE END ASSEMBLY WITH DOOR
1. Lay out the front pieces of the greenhouse into the shape of an end wall. The door frame and
all the Poly Bars have a track for the bolt. The track must face up when you assemble the gable
ends. Slide the bolts into the track of the bars or use the notches that have already been
punched out in the bars. (Refer to the line/detail drawing on the following page. The order
of assembly is represented by dark lines. Detailed pictures are on page 10.) When you are
assembling the greenhouse, you view the sketches and drawings from the inside the
greenhouse. Bolt the bottom plates (4 holes) to the base/sill and the door frame sides using
1/4” x 1/2” stainless steel bolts (see Detail #5). 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 door
frame to the underside of the base according to the specified distance).
2. At the top of the door frame, put on the door frame header (which looks the same as the side
pieces). Put the header between the two side pieces and bolt on the plates (6 holes). (See
Detail #6). The plates should stick up 1” above the door frame. Note how the plates are put
on (See Detail #7). Before tightening the bolts, be sure to square up the sill to the door frame.
3. Take all the Poly Bars and bolt them to the base/sill. The angle cut should match the roof
slope (See Detail #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. This slot lines up with the bolt track in the back side
of the Poly Bars. Slide a bolt in the top of the Poly Bar and fasten the angle to it (See Detail #6
& 9).
5. Curved Roof Poly End Bar. Each curved Poly End Bar has at least two small aluminum
brackets attached to it with a 1/4” hole drilled in it. These pieces line up with the upright Poly
Bar(s) (See Detail #8 & #9)
6. When the upright Poly Bars are fastened to the aluminum bracket that is attached to the poly
end bar, bolt on the short Poly Bar above the door to the 1” x 2” angle.
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 #4). Bolt the other end to the 1/4” hole in the
base using a 1/4” x 1/2” bolt (See Detail #10).
NOTE: You may want to fasten a temporary brace across the bottom of the door frame to keep them together.
This can be a piece of wood, make sure that the opening is the same as on the top of the door frame.
ACF Greenhouses

– 9 –
C R O S S C O U N T R Y S E R I E S C U R V E D L E A N T O 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 6
7
Curved
Poly
End Bar
Diagonal
Angle Brace
Door
Frame
Sides
Plate
1" x 2" Angle
Poly Bar
Poly Bar
Plates
Door Frame Top
ACF Greenhouses