Alton EVOLUTION FIVE User manual

1
02/14

2
5’ Wide Evolution Cedar Greenhouse
Assembly Instructions
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation
Overview
Base Assembly
Side Assembly
Rear Assembly
Front Assembly
Roof Assembly
Louvre Assembly
Glazing
Door Installation
Roof Vent Installation
Frame Finishing
Gutter and Downpipe Installation
Optional Auto Louvre Installation
Parts Lists
Section
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Page
3
4
5-6
7
8-9
10-14
15-17
18-21
22-23
24-31
32-36
37-39
40-41
42-43
44-45
46-48

3
 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
Thank you for purchasing your new Alton greenhouse. We recommend
you familiarise yourself with the instructions and read all safety information before
you commence assembly.
HELPLINE: 0116 267 7091
Safety Warning

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)
5 ft - 1680mm 2400 1800
5 ft - 1680mm 2700
5 ft - 1680mm 3600
5 ft - 1680mm 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. *
5 ft - 1680mm 4500
Greenhouse
Length
4 ft - 1346mm
6 ft - 1976mm
8 ft - 2606mm
10 ft - 3236mm
12 ft - 3866mm
SOIL
50mm
5 : 1
3’ X 2’ Slab (2” thick)
(910mm X 610mm)
Recommended

5
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
EV0329 EV0328 EV0330 EV0331 EV0332 EV0333 EV0334
Overview
2
This manual uses a 5 ft x 8 ft greenhouse 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 flat on the ground and then with help or using a prop position the first one
ready for installation. You then work your way around the greenhouse connecting each section. The
rear gable is the next section to install, followed by the other side and then the front gable. Once you
have completed the gables and sides you can install the ridge and the roof.
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.
Take time over fitting the door track and bottom runner as this will be most noticeable if you don’t
get it right. This is the one part of the building you will touch and use regularly.
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.
Extension instructions are in separate booklets. Be sure to follow these instructions at the correct
time in the build. This will be during the initial stages before you build the front end.
You can always add an 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
EV0304M
EV0297M
EV0304M
5 x 8
example
D174M
EV0293M
EV0287M
Dia. 2
Dia. 1
EV0293M
Base Assembly
3
Lay out your aluminium base
sections as the diagram shows.
Insert bolts in the bolt channels for
attaching the base brackets
(HE300), 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
(HE512M), diagram 2.
Look for the length of
building you have in the
table below to check
what you should be
using.
NB. For Extensions
refer to separate
manual.
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0293M 500 2
EV0302M 1216 2
EV0297M 1586 1
4ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bkt EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 9
Door Cill EV0287M 586 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0293M 500 2
EV0303M 1846 2
EV0297M 1586 1
6ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bkt EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 9
Door Cill EV0287M 586 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0293M 500 2
EV0304M 2476 2
EV0297M 1586 1
8ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bkt EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 9
Door Cill EV0287M 586 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0293M 500 2
EV0305M 3106 2
EV0297M 1586 1
10ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 11
Door Cill EV0287M 586 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0293M 500 2
EV0306M 3736 2
EV0297M 1586 1
12ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 11
Door Cill EV0287M 586 1
Plate HE512M - 2
example
EV0311M
D174M
EV0304M
EV0297M
Internal
Diagram 1
EV0287M
HE512M
EV0293M
Internal
Diagram 2

8
To start building your greenhouse begin by laying out the components for your sides flat on the
ground like the diagram below. Use the tables below to identify your building length and 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 1, 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 (e.g.
EV0021). There is no need to fix this yet as it is done at a later stage.
Side Assembly
4
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0015 1846 2
EV0020 1934 2
EV0030 1624 4
6ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0014 1216 2
EV0019 1304 2
EV0030 1624 2
4ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0016 2476 2
EV0021 2564 2
EV0030 1624 6
8ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0017 3106 2
EV0022 3194 2
EV0030 1624 8
10ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0018 3736 2
EV0023 3824 2
EV0030 1624 10
12ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
EV0016
EV0021
EV0030
Dia. 1
Dia. 2
EV0030 EV0030
example
Internal

9
Side Assembly
4
Diagram 1
EV0016
EV0030
EV0016
EV0030
EV0030
EV0021
Diagram 2
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
Dia. 3
Dia. 4
EV0057
Dia. 5
Rear Assembly
5
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 4. 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 3,
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 4).
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 5).
Diagram 3
Diagram 4
80mmScrew
Keep faces in line
EV0057
EV0057
16mm
16mm
Side
Face
Rear
Face
15mm
25mm
Diagram 5
25mmScrew
EavesBar
SideCill
SideCill
SideBase
EV0030
External
External
Internal
(OutsideEdge)
Internal

11
Rear Assembly
5
EV0009
EV0059
Pilot hole
50mm
Screw
Diagram 6
Dia. 7
EV0058 EV0059
EV0009
Dia. 6
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
6). 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 bar (diagram 7,
page 12).
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0009 1600 1
EV0036 941 1
EV0037 941 1
5ft 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 EV0058 1918 1
Gable Bar L EV0059 1918 1
30mm
30mm
EV0059
Internal
Internal
NB there are no
mortise holes on
these gable bars.

12
Rear Assembly
5
You can now install the first roof corner bar.
Position the notched end onto the eaves bar
(diagram 9). Next locate the lap joint at the
top of the gable glazing bar. First of all
secure the lap joint with two 40mm screws
though the pilot holes you drill previously
(diagram 8).
You then need to drill a pilot hole through the
roof corner bar. You want the screw to go
through the tennon in the end of the side
glazing bar so make sure you keep the drill as
vertical and true as possible. The hole should
be about 42mm from the end of the bar
(diagram 9). Once you have done this fix it
with a 80mm screw. This will secure the roof
corner bar to the eaves bar and the eaves bar
to the side corner bar in one go.
Dia. 9
Dia. 8
Dia. 10
Once you have fixed the joint
with the 80mm screw
(diagram 7) fix the rear cill to
the aluminium base with
25mm screws.
80mmScrew
EV0009
EV0057
EV0297M
Diagram 7
External

13
Now fit the right hand corner bar. Drill 2 pilot
holes in the bottom of the bar (diagram 10).
See diagram 4 for the position of these holes.
Fit the side bar over the tennon of the rear cill
and fix it with the 80mm screw. You can then
also screw the base to this with a 25mm screw.
Rear Assembly
5
EV0059
EV0037
40mmScrew
EV0037
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 8
Diagram 9
42mm
80mm Screw
EV0056
EV0009
EV0297M
Diagram 10
Side
Face
Back
Face
EavesBar
SideBase
Internal External
External

14
Now fit the right hand roof corner bar to the gable glazing bar (diagram 11). Be careful of this part
when you have fixed it to the gable bar as it is unsupported at either end. Once you have installed
the side section it will firm up.
Rear Assembly
5
40mmScrew
EV0060
EV0038
Diagram 11
Dia. 11
Take the second side section
and place it on the base.
Slot the eaves bar into the
roof and side corner bar. Fix
this with a 80mm screw as
before in diagram 9. Fix the
Side corner bar to the side
cill as in diagram 4, use a
800mm screw.
NB. If you have an extension
refer to the separate manual
at this stage.
Internal

15
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 7). 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.
Front Assembly
6
Dia. 12
Diagram 12
60mm Screw
EV0067
EV0005
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0005 546 2
EV0036 930 1
EV0037 930 1
5ft 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 EV0066 1918 1
Gable Bar L EV0067 1918 1
Door Header EV0108 646 1
External

16
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 13).
Make sure the gable bars are
well supported while doing this.
Front Assembly
6
Dia. 13
Diagram 13
EV0066
EV0108
50mmScrew
External

17
40mmScrew
EV0066
EV0036
6
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 15) then secure the bottom end
to the eaves bar with a 80mm screws
(diagram 14).
EV0037
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 14
42mm
Dia. 14
Dia. 15
Front Assembly
Diagram 15
Internal
External

18
With help locate the ridge with the roof corner
bars. Once into position, drill 2 pilot holes into
each end as in diagram 16. Try to keep the angle
something close to diagram 17, through the top
face of the roof corner bars. This is to prevent
the end or the screw coming through the
bottom of the roof glazing bar. This angle will
also give a much better and stronger fixing.
Roof Assembly
7
Diagram 17
Dia. 17
80mmScrew
50mmScrew
Optimum
screw angle
EV0036
EV0037
6ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0026 1934 1
Glazing Bar EV0031 928 4
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 6
4ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 4
Ridge EV0025 1304 1
Glazing Bar EV0031 928 2
8ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0027 2564 1
Glazing Bar EV0031 928 6
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 8
10ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0028 3194 1
Glazing Bar EV0031 928 8
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 10
12ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0029 3824 1
Glazing Bar EV0031 928 10
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 12
Ridge
External
Diagram 16
X-ray
example

19
Roof Assembly
7
The next stage is to fix the first eaves spacer (diagram 18). This should be secured tightly up against
the roof corner bar and fixed with 50mm screws. Now take a roof glazing bar, locate this with the
ridge making sure it is pushed all the way into the mortise in the ridge. Then locate the bottom of
the roof bar with the eaves bar making sure the inside edge sits flat against the eaves bar and drill a
pilot hole vertically down. Make sure this is tight against the eaves spacer then fix this with a 80mm
screw. This screw will go through into the side glazing bar securing the whole joint (diagram 19,
p20).
If you have a partition remember to look at the separate instructions as you need to decide where in
the building you are installing this as the roof bars are different to the standard roof bars.
Dia. 20
Dia. 18 Dia. 19
Diagram 18
50mmScrew
EV0024
Dia. 16
External
Keep front
faces flush

20
Once the bottom joint is fixed you can screw the
glazing bar to the ridge (diagram 20). Do this with
a 50mm screw but make sure the glazing bar is all
the way into the joint. Diagram 21 shows an X-
ray view of the end of the ridge. This shows the
best angle for the screw. Again you want to be
careful the end of the screw doesn’t come
through at any point. (Don’t worry to much about
the screw ends crossing, if this happens as you are
putting the screw in it will simply push past the
other screw).
Roof Assembly
7
80mm Screw
50mmScrew
EV0024
EV0031
Keep a
tight fit
EV0031
EV0024
EV0032
Diagram 21
X-ray
External
Diagram 20
External
External
Diagram 19