Alton Evolution Eight Extension User manual

03/15
StandardbuildingExtension

2
8’ Wide Evolution Extension
Assembly Instructions
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation
Overview
Base Assembly
Side Assembly
Front Assembly
Extension Installation
Rear Assembly
A-frame Assembly
Roof Assembly
Parts List
Section
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Page
3
4
5-6
7
8-9
10-13
14-15
16-18
19-21
22-24
25

3
Thank you for purchasing your new Alton greenhouse extension. We recommend you
familiarise yourself with the instructions and read all safety information before you commence
assembly. This instruction manual is also available online at www.greenhousepeople.co.uk in
the technical help section should you need to reprint it. Should you require any additional
advice you can always call us on 01782 385409.
Safety Warning
 Glass, aluminium and timber can potentially cause injury. Please ensure you wear protective
goggles, gloves, headgear and suitable footwear when assembling and glazing the building.
 Please remember that glass is fragile and should be handled with extreme care. Always clear
up and dispose of any breakages immediately.
 Do not assemble the greenhouse in high winds.
 For safety reasons and ease of assembly, we recommend that this greenhouse is assembled
by a minimum of two people.
 Please clear all lying snow from the greenhouse roof as it can cause the roof to buckle or
collapse.
Site Preparation
 When selecting a site for your greenhouse, it is vital that you choose as flat and level an area
as possible.
 A concrete or slabbed base will provide the most solid foundation for your greenhouse. A
slabbed base would be our preferred choice as this helps with drainage.
 Avoid placing your greenhouse under trees or in other vulnerable locations.
 To minimise the risk of wind damage, try to select as sheltered a site as possible, e.g. beside a
hedgerow or garden fence.
Additional Considerations
 Please bear in mind that assembling your greenhouse can be time consuming. You may need
to spread the construction over two or more days. We recommend that you avoid leaving the
building partially glazed. If you ever have to leave your greenhouse half assembled and not
anchored down, weigh it down with slabs or bags of sand to stop the wind moving it.
 You will find it helpful to prepare a large, clean and clear area in which to work in. A garage
floor or flat lawn area is ideal.
 If you have arranged for someone to install your greenhouse for you, please check that all
components are included. Most parts are numbered and can be identified by a stamp or
removable label. Alternatively, the components can be identified by lengths detailed in the
packing list in your main cardboard box.
 Once installed your greenhouse requires little maintenance, but to maintain the smooth
running of your door(s) WD40 or similar can be applied to the door wheels and lower door
guides.
 Remember this is a natural un-treated product, the wood will soak up some water to start
with and some staining may occur. This will settle down over time and the greenhouse will
really blend with its surroundings. If you want to avoid this and give your greenhouse a
more permanent finish you could apply an oil or spirit based product (it would be best to do
this before glazing!).
Introduction

4
B
A
It is necessary to leave sufficient working room around your greenhouse when you're putting it up
and also to allow for the possible need to replace a piece of glass in the future. If possible try and
leave a space of 2ft/610mm around the greenhouse.
Locate the greenhouse where there is maximum amount of sunlight and avoid if possible any shade
from trees, fences or other buildings. Over-hanging branches can be a particular nuisance and should
be avoided.
Choose a site where the greenhouse is relatively easy to get to and convenient to bring water to and
possibly a supply of electricity.
Finally, and most importantly, choose a site where your Alton Greenhouse will look right so that it
will complement your garden.
Base Preparation
1
Greenhouse
Width A (mm) B (mm)
8 ft - 2617mm 3050 1800
8 ft - 2617mm 2700
8 ft - 2617mm 3600
8 ft - 2617mm 3600
Slab Base Size (Recommended)
Note: The base should always be larger than your
building.
The measurements given in ‘A’ and ‘B’ should only
be used as a guide.
8 ft - 2617mm 4500
Greenhouse
Length
4 ft - 1346mm
6 ft - 1976mm
8 ft - 2606mm
10 ft - 3236mm
12 ft - 3866mm
5 : 1
SOIL
50mm
3’ X 2’ Slab (2” thick)
(910mm X 610mm)
2” thickness (50mm)
Recommended
For buildings larger than 12 ft long
just add 630mm to the greenhouse length for every 2
ft increase in size.

5
Overview
2
25mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
40mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
50mm Countersunk (Stainless Steel)
80mm Countersunk (Stainless Steel)
Fixes all
capping and
metalwork
Secures
Timber
Cladding
Fixes glazing
bars to ridge
and cills
Secures the
roof and side
glazing bars to
the eaves in
one go!
19mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
Fixes the
ridge hinge
(aluminium
option)
25mm Countersunk
(Stainless Steel)
13mm Self Tapping
Used on door metalwork and
roof vents
This manual uses a 8 ft x 8 ft greenhouse with 8ft
Extension as an example throughout the manual. Look
out for tables and extra diagrams showing the varying sizes.
You can use the image on the front cover as a reference as to what the
greenhouse should look like as you go along.
If you are going to treat the greenhouse yourself then it would be best to do it before
you begin building the frame.
Set out your metal base on your prepared site, but don’t fix this down until the greenhouse
is complete. Follow the manual and build the sections as recommended.
When screwing through one piece of timber into another it is always recommended to predrill
the first piece. This will prevent the timber from splitting which could weaken the structure.
You can build the sides of the main building and the extension flat on the ground and then with help
or using a prop position the first standard side ready for installation. You then work your way around
the greenhouse connecting each section. The front gable is the next section to install, followed by
the other standard side and then the extension sides. You then attach the rear gable. Once you have
completed the gables and sides you can install the ridge and the roof.
If for some reason you want the extension section at the front (maybe the location of a partition
would cause this) simply turn the extension 180 degrees and fit the right side on the left and vice
versa.
To build you new greenhouse you will need the following tools:
Spirit Level Pencil
PZ2 Screwdriver Bit Cordless Screwdriver (2 would be ideal, 1 to drill and 1 to screw)
4mm Drill Bit 7mm Masonry Bit
Hammer Drill Hammer
Step ladders
There are 7 different types of screws used in the construction of the greenhouse. These are as
follows, with examples of where to look out for them:

6
Overview
2
Glazing the structure is very simple but be very careful of the edges of the glass as the pane will
break into tiny peaces if you catch an edge on a hard surface such as concrete. You should also wear
suitable gloves when handling the glass (this also helps to keep it clean). It is good practice to pre-
load the bar capping with screws and position this around the greenhouse ready for you when you
arrive with the glass.
During glazing you will also need to fit the louvre vents so make sure you have these built and ready
to slot in. These fit between 2 pieces of glass and are held in place by the capping system.
Then fit the roof vent. This is done from the inside, gain access through the opening on a set of
steps.
All you have left to do now is fit the gutter and downpipes, think about where you might site a
waterbutt when doing this.
You can always add a Partition or another Extension at a later date so consider this when you are
siting your greenhouse.
Option of gluing joints. This is not required for strength but you may do it if you wish. However bare
in mind if you ever intend to move or adapt the greenhouse in the future this would make it very
difficult. The best glue for this would be Poly Urethane Wood Adhesive. Take care when applying
this, you only need a very small amount as the glue expands to fill the joint. If you use too much it
may seep out of the joint and could be unsightly! Try a test piece before you start.
Read through the rest of this manual before starting, you are less likely to miss something doing this
and you will have a better understanding of how it all works.

7
Base Assembly
3
StandardSide
EV0294
Lay out your aluminium base sections as the diagram shows.
Insert bolts in the bolt channels for attaching the base
brackets (D174M), diagram 1. The base brackets should
always be positioned either side of the door, in the corners, in
the middle of the rear and equally spaced down the sides.
Use the joining bracket in each corner to join the sections
(diagram 1). The top holes will take a 25mm screw when the
side cills are fixed to it. Also fit the front door cill with 2 plates
(HE512), diagram 2.
Use the larger plates at an extension point (EV0312), diagram
3. Don’t fix any of the base brackets to the ground until the
building is complete.
Extension Base
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Extension Side EV0307 2519 2
Joining Bracket EV0312 - 2
Base Bracket D174M - 4
EV0294
EV0288
Dia. 2
Dia. 1
EV0311
D174M
Extensionbase
EV0299
Internal
Diagram 1
EV0288
HE512
EV0294
Internal
Diagram 2
EV0299
Dia. 3
StandardSide
D174M
EV0307
Diagram 3
EV0307M
EV0312M
StandardSide
Internal

8
Begin by laying out the components for your 2 extension sides flat on the ground as the diagram
below shows. Use the table below to help identify the components with the part numbers and sizes.
First of all drill pilot holes through the bottom of each mortise on the cill section (diagram 4, page 9).
Then slot each glazing bar into the mortise holes. These are designed as a tight fit so you may need
help with this or maybe use a solid object to push against. Once firmly in position fix with the 50mm
screw. Now slot the eaves rail into position. There is no need to fix this yet as it is done at a later
stage.
Side Assembly
4
EV0176
EV0178
EV0030
Dia. 4
Dia. 5
EV0030
Internal – Right hand side
EV0179
EV0176
EV0030 EV0030
EV0030 EV0030
Internal – Left hand side
Square cut
(no joint)
Square cut
(no joint)
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0176 2520 2
EV0179 2564 1
EV0030 1588 6
8ft Extension
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar L
Glazing Bar
Eaves Bar R EV0178 2564 1

9
Side Assembly
4
Diagram 4
EV0176
EV0030
EV0176
EV0030
EV0030
EV0021
Diagram 5
Make sure the side bars are pushed all the
way in, you may find they need a light tap
with a wooden mallet or something similar.
(If you are going to glue your joints this is the
first point you would do this. )
50mm Screw
Pilot hole, it is
easiest to drill
down through the
middle of the
mortise to make
sure you get the
hole in the correct
position
Internal
Internal

10
Front Assembly
Diagram 8
25mmScrew
SideCill
SideBase
EV0030
Internal
Diagram 6
EV0056
EavesBar
External
(OutsideEdge)
To install this section you will need a helper to hold the side in position or strap it to a set of steps.
Drill two pilot holes in the bottom of the side corner bar as in diagram 6. The height of these holes
should be about 15mm on the side face and 25mm on the rear face measured from the end of the
bar, try to keep these at different heights to each other so the screws don’t intersect each other.
Now offer the side corner to the eaves bar slotting the tennon into the mortise shown in diagram 5,
do not fix this joint as it will be done at a later stage. Screw the bottom of the corner glazing bar to
the end of the cill (80mm screw) making sure the rebate for the glass lines up with the front face of
the side cill (diagram 6).
Once the side corner bar is in place this will give you the correct position on the aluminium
base and you can fix the base to the side cill with 25mm screws (diagram 7).
5
Diagram 7
80mmScrew
EV0056
16mm
16mm
Side
Face
Front
Face
15mm
25mm
SideCill
External
Keep faces in line
Dia. 7
Dia. 8
Dia. 6

11
Front Assembly
5
Diagram 9
50mm Screw
EV0069
EV0006
External
With the parts flat on the ground drill the pilot holes
through each mortise in the cills and as before
through the lap joint on the gable bars. Also drill
pilot holes through the mortise holes on the gable
bars ready for the door header. Fix the front cill to
the gable glazing bar using a 50mm screw.
Slot the tennon of the front cill into the side corner
bar as before (diagram 9). Fix this with a 80mm
screw. Also screw this to the base with 25mm
screws. Keep the gable glazing bar supported while
you get the next parts ready.
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0006 630 2
EV0040 1446 1
EV0041 1446 1
8ft Front
Part Name
Front Cill
Roof Corner R
Roof Corner L
Side Corner R EV0056 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0057 1650 1
Gable Bar R EV0068 1994 1
Gable Bar L EV0069 1994 1
Door Header EV0109 1276 1
Above Door EV0077 344 1
Dia. 9

12
Front Assembly
5
Fix the opposite gable bar and cill in the same way.
Before you install the roof corner bars you need to fix the
door header in place.
Slot the door header into the
mortise holes and fix with a 50mm screw
through each end (diagram 10).
Make sure the gable bars are well
supported while doing this.
Diagram 11 External
Drill through the bottom of
the tennon in the door
header (EV0109) then fix the
glazing bar above the door
with a 50mm screw.
50mm Screw
EV0109
EV0077
Diagram 10
EV0068
EV0109
50mmScrew
External
Dia. 10
Dia. 11

13
Front Assembly
5
40mmScrew
EV0068
EV0041
Now fit the roof corner bars to the front
end. As before, fix the lap joint at the top
of the gable bar first with 40mm screws
(diagram 17) then secure the bottom end
to the eaves bar with a 80mm screws
(diagram 18).
Diagram 12
Internal
EV0041
EV0056
80mm Screw
Diagram 13
42mm
External
Dia. 12
Dia. 13

14
Extension Installation
6
Take the first side extension section and
slot the small flat piece of timber in the
mortise joint. Drill 2 pilot holes and fix this
in place with two 40mm screws. Now take
this to the aluminium base and slide it up
to the other side section. With help or the
aid of a prop screw the cill to the base
using 25mm screws.
Fix with
25mm
screws
Diagram 14
Diagram 15
Dia. 14
Dia. 15
25mmScrew
EV0183
EV0179
StandardEavesBar
EV0176
StandardCill

15
Extension Installation
6
Next fit the side extension bar, first slot
the tennon on the end of the bar into
the mortise in the cill. Slot the top into
position, lining the edge of the bar up
with the joint of the two eaves bars.
Secure this with a 50mm screw and the
secure the bottom with a 40mm screw.,
remember to drill a pilot hole first.
Diagram 16
Diagram 17
Dia. 16
Dia. 17
40mmScrew
25mmScrew
EV0179
StandardEavesBar
EV0184
EV0184
EV0176
StandardCill

16
7
Rear Assembly
Take the second side
extension section and
place it on the base. Fix
this as before .
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0011 2536 1
EV0040 1446 1
EV0041 1446 1
8ft Rear
Part Name
Cill
Roof Corner R
Roof Corner L
Side Corner R EV0056 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0057 1650 1
Gable Bar R EV0060 1994 1
Gable Bar L EV0061 1994 1
Mid Gable Bar EV0074 2214 1
Now fit the final 2 side corner bars as before.
See diagram 7 for the position of the holes.
Don’t fix the top of the bar until the roof corner
bars have been fitted.

17
7
Rear Assembly
EV0060
EV0061
EV0011
Dia. 18
Pilot
hole
here
Locate the rear cill and rear gable glazing bars
(these are different to the front gable glazing
bars as they do not have the mortise for the
door header).
Start by drilling pilot holes in the cill section
through the mortise holes as before (diagram
8). Also drill 2 holes in the top of the gable
glazing bars through the lap joint location.
These should be 25-30mm apart and the first
hole should be a similar distance from the very
top edge (see right)
Assemble the gable glazing bars with the rear
cill flat on the ground as you did with the side
sections.
Again with the aid of a helper or using a prop
position the rear end onto the aluminium
base. Locate the end of the cill into the
mortise on the side corner bars.
30mm
30mm
EV0061
EV0011
EV0060
Pilot hole
50mm
Diagram 18
Internal
Internal
NB there are no
mortise holes on
these gable bars.
EV0074

18
Rear Assembly
7
Now fit the roof corner bars to the rear end.
Secure these to the gable glazing bars,
diagram 19.
Now fix the roof corner bar and side corner bar
through the eaves bar with an 80mm screw.
You can then screw the base to this section
with a 25mm screw.
EV0061
EV0041
40mmScrew
EV0041
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 19
Diagram 20
42mm
EV0178
Internal External
Dia. 20
Dia. 19

19
A-frame Assembly
8
Diagram 21
You can start building the A-frame
next. Take the eaves extension
braces and locate them in the
mortise slots in the extension side
bars. Pilot hole and fix these with
40mm screws. Make sure the flat
face that meets the side bar is
seated correctly before fixing.
Dia. 21
40mmScrew
EV0181
EV0184

20
A-frame Assembly
8
Diagram 22
Diagram 23
Now slot the extension roof bars onto
the eaves bars and eaves braces, again
locating the mortise and tennon joints
(diagram 22). Before fixing these it
would be a good idea to fit the ridge
extension brace (diagram 24). Once
these are all in place check they are all
inserted correctly and fix them with
40mm screws.
Dia. 22
Dia. 23
Don’t fix the roof bars to the
eaves at this stage as it is
better to do this with the rest
of the roof bars.
40mmScrew
EV0187
EV0181
StandardEavesBar
EV0178
EV0187
EV0184