Alton EVOLUTION FOUR LT Series User manual

06/19

2
4’ Deep Evolution Cedar Lean-to
Greenhouse Assembly Instructions
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation
Overview
Base Assembly
Front Assembly
Door Gable Assembly
Plain Gable Assembly
Frame Assembly
Louvre Assembly
Glazing
Door Installation
Ridge Cover Cap 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
16
17
Page
3
4
5-6
7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-21
22-23
24-32
33-37
38-39
40-42
43
44
46-47
48-50

3
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.
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.
Introduction

4
A
B
C
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
SOIL
50mm
5 : 1
3’ X 2’ Slab (2” thick)
(910mm X 610mm)
Recommended
Greenhouse
Width A (mm) B (mm)
4 ft - 1330mm 1800 1800
4 ft - 1330mm 2700
4 ft - 1330mm 3600
4 ft - 1330mm 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.
4 ft - 1330mm 4500
Greenhouse
Length
4 ft - 1346mm
6 ft - 1976mm
8 ft - 2606mm
10 ft - 3236mm
12 ft - 3866mm
C (mm)
2400
2400
2400
2400
2400
90o

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 4 ft deep x 8 ft long 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 Dril 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 and Partition instructions are in separate booklets. Be sure to follow these instructions at
the correct time in the build. For an extension this will be during the initial stages before you build
the front end. The partition can be added while constructing the roof. If you have a partition and an
extension remember the partition can not be positioned at the join of your main building and the
extension.
You can always add a Partition or 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
Base Assembly
3
EV0296M
EV0304M
EV0294M
4 x 8
example
D174M
EV0289M
EV0311M
D174M
EV0296M
EV0304M
Internal
Diagram 2
Dia. 3
Dia. 1
Lay out your aluminium base sections as the diagram shows.
Use the joining bracket in each corner to join the sections
(diagram 2). The top holes will take a 25mm screw when the
side cills are fixed to it. Also attach a joining bracket to the
plain gable base section closest to the wall (diagram 3). Next
fit the front door cill with 2 plates (HE512M), diagram 1. Part
EV0289M can be bolted to the door cill with one of the plates,
this might seem odd to start with but once the wall bar is
attached and fixed to the wall it will all firm up.
Look for the length of building you have in the table below to
check which parts you should be using.
Use the crop-head bolts along the bolt channels for attaching
the base brackets (D174M), diagram 2.
NB. For Extensions refer to a separate manual.
EV0287M
EV0296M
EV0311M
Diagram 3
Internal
Base Parts
Part Name Part
Number
Qty Qty Qty Qty Qty
Front Base: 4ft 6ft 8ft 10ft 12ft
4ft long EV0302M 1
6ft long EV0303M 1
8ft long EV0304M 1
10ft long EV0305M 1
12ft long EV0306M 1
Plain Gable EV0296M 1 1 1 1 1
Door Gable EV0294M 2 2 2 2 2
Door Cill EV0287M 1 1 1 1 1
Joining Bracket EV0311M 3 3 3 3 3
Base Bracket D174M 6 7 8 8 8
Cill Plate HE512M 2 2 2 2 2
Wall Bar Base EV0289M 1 1 1 1 1
Dia. 2
EV0287M
HE512M
EV0294M
Internal
Diagram 1

8
To start building your greenhouse begin by laying out the components for the front of your building
flat on the ground like the diagram below. Use the tables at the bottom of the page, identify your
building length and this will give you your 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 (e.g. EV0021). There is no need to fix this yet as it is done at a
later stage.
Front Assembly
4
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0015 1846 1
EV0020 1934 1
EV0030 1588 2
6ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0014 1216 1
EV0019 1304 1
EV0030 1588 1
4ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0016 2476 1
EV0021 2564 1
EV0030 1588 3
8ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0017 3106 1
EV0022 3194 1
EV0030 1588 4
10ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0018 3736 1
EV0023 3824 1
EV0030 1588 5
12ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
EV0016
EV0021
EV0030
Dia. 4
Dia. 5
EV0030 EV0030
example
Internal

9
Front Assembly
4
Diagram 4
EV0016
EV0030
EV0016
EV0030
EV0030
EV0021
Diagram 6
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
Diagram 5

10
Left Hand Door
Gable Assembly
5
Right Hand Door
Gable Assembly
EV0068
EV0097
EV0108
EV0006
EV0098 EV0069
EV0108
EV0006
EV0041
EV0041
Dia. 7
Dia. 8
Dia. 10
Dia. 11

11
Door Gable Assembly
5
Diagram 7
EV0068
EV0108
50mmScrew
External
40mmScrew
EV0068
EV0041
Diagram 10
Internal
30mm
30mm
EV0068
Diagram 9
If you have decided to have your door on the left hand
gable refer to the left hand door gable assembly and vice
versa.
As you did with the front assembly lay out the relevant
parts face down on a flat area. Again you should drill
through the centre of any mortise holes with the drill bit
supplied (diagram 7 and 8). First slot the door header
(EV0108) onto the gable bars and fix with 50mm screws.
Then do the same with the cills. Next drill through the
gable bars at the lap joint (diagram 9), fix with 40mm pan
head screws.
Finally drill through the top of the wall bar as shown in
diagram 11). When fixing with a 50mm screw make sure
the top of the wall bar is flush with the tenon on the roof
bar, diagram 12. Diagram 8
50mm Screw
EV0006
External
EV0068
It is
easiest to
drill down
through
the
middle of
the
mortise to
make sure
you get
the hole
in the
correct
position
50mmScrew
Diagram 11
EV0097
EV0041
Diagram 12
Keep flush
EV0097
EV0041
EV0006

12
Left Hand Plain
Gable Assembly
6
Right Hand Plain
Gable Assembly
EV0068
EV0097
EV0107
EV004
EV0098
EV0069
EV0107
EV0004
EV0041
EV0041
Dia. 13
Dia. 14
Dia. 17
Dia. 15
Dia. 16

13
50mmScrew
Diagram 18
EV0041
EV0097
Plain Gable Assembly
6
Diagram 13
EV0068
EV0107
50mmScrew
External
40mmScrew
EV0068
EV0041
Diagram 17
Internal
30mm
30mm
EV0068
Diagram 16
Lay the parts out flat on the floor again, as you did with the
door gable. Drill and fix the parts in the same way as
before but this time use the door header insert (EV0107) in
the top mortise holes of the gable bars, diagram 13. You
will also use the full length 4ft cill (EV0004).
EV0097
EV0004
Diagram 15
Internal
50mmScrew
EV0004
EV0068
50mm Screw
Internal Diagram 14
Diagram 19
Keep flush
EV0041
EV0097

14
Frame Assembly
7
To begin the frame assembly you will need a helper to hold the front 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 21. The height of these
holes should be about 15mm on the front face and 25mm on the gable 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 bar (EV0057) to the eaves bar slotting the tenon into the mortise shown in
diagram 20, 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 21).
Don’t fix the front section to the base yet, wait until you have the gable ends in place as you may
need to make some adjustments.

15
Dia. 20
Dia. 21
Frame Assembly
7
Diagram 21
80mmScrew
Keep faces in line
EV0057
16mm
16mm
FrontBase
PlainGableBase
15mm
25mm
SideCill
External
Diagram 20
EV0057
EavesBar
External
(OutsideEdge)

16
Frame Assembly
7
80mmScrew
EV0004
EV0057
EV0296M
Diagram 23
External
EV0041
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 22
42mm
External
Dia. 23
Dia. 22
Now offer up the first gable
end, this could be the plain
gable or the door gable (plain
gable shown in this example).
Slot the cill section into the
side corner bar and locate the
roof corner bar with the
eaves bar. Fix them both
with 80mm screws as shown
in diagrams 22 and 23.

17
Frame Assembly
7
Diagram 24
25mmScrew
SideCill
SideBase
EV0030
Internal
Dia. 24
You can then install the opposite gable. Again fix this as shown
in diagram 22 and 23.
You may need to adjust the base corner brackets to make sure
the base fits well with the cill sections. When you are happy with
this screw the cill to the aluminium base using 25mm screws,
diagram 24.

18
Frame Assembly
7
50mmScrew50mmScrew
Dia. 25
Diagram 25
Diagram 26
With help, slot the ridge into the two
gable ends (diagram 25). Drill a pilot
hole in the roof corner bar at an angle
similar to the 50mm screw shown in
diagram 26, fix this at both ends.
X-ray
External

19
Dia. 27 Dia. 28
Diagram 27
EV0024
EavesBar
50mmScrew
Frame Assembly
7
Diagram 28
EavesBar
With the ridge bar in place you can
start installing the roof bars.
First you should install an eaves
spacer (EV0024), diagram 27. Make
sure this is pushed all the way up to
the roof corner bar and fix this with
two 50mm screws in the pre-drilled
holes.
Now slot a roof bar into the ridge and
lower it onto the eaves bar. Drill
vertically down as before through the
roof bar (diagram 28) and fix with an
80mm screw. Secure the top in the
same way as the roof corner bar,
diagram 25 and 26.
80mm Screw
EV0024
EV0033
External
42mm
Keep a
tight fit
EV0033
EV0024
External
Diagram 29

20
Frame Assembly
7
Dia. 30
Diagram 30 Once all the roof bars are in place
slide the building away from the
wall enough to stick the foam
strip to the ridge and wall bars,
diagram 30. This comes in 7
meter rolls. If you have a slightly
uneven wall this will act as a draft
excluder.