BCG Traditional Series User manual

Traditional Series
Free Standing
GlassGreenhouses
GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
BCG –THE GARDENERS’CHOICE SINCE 1951
MAY•2003

Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
User Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
List of Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Traditional 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
C. Sidewall Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Aluminum Frame Installation
1. Side Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2. Side Wall To Back Gable End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
3. Side Wall To Front Gable End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4. Bolt Side Wall to Front and Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
5. Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
5A. Truss Assembly Installation (If necessary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendix A
6. Glass bar With Sliders (#1 or #2 or more) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
7. Vent Frame Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
8. Glass bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
9. Fastening The Base/Sill To The Foundation
10. Taping Glass bars with Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Side Vents, Intake Shutter, Polycarbonate Roof and
Exhaust Fan Installation (if necessary). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See Appendices B through F
Glass and Cap Installation
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
9. Side Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 & 24
10. Roof Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
11. End Walls Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
12. Sealing The Greenhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Door And Vent Installation
13. Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
14. Vent Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
15. Vent Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
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
Polycarbonate Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix G
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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL • GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS

Foreword
Your Traditional greenhouse is designed and constructed to the highest engineering standards and
provides structural strength and maintenance-free service for year-round gardening pleasure.
The Traditional 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 Traditional 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.
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 hot water with
a disinfectant such as Lysol or Pinesol. 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.
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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS

List of Drawings
Foundation Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front Gable End (With Door) Inside View Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front Gable End (With Door) Inside View Line Drawing –Details 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Back Gable End Inside View Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Back Gable End Line Drawing –Details 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Assembly Outline Steps 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 - 18
Steps 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 21
Door Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Vent Assembly - Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Vent Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Truss Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix A
Vent Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix B
Intake Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix C
Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix D
Side Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix E
Polycarbonate Roof Panels Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix F
–3 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS

Traditional Component List
–4 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Tools
#2 Square head
screw driver
Measuring tape
Level to check foundation
3/16”concrete bit
(concrete foundation)
9/64”aluminum bit
15/64”aluminum bit
fastening perlins to
trusses (larger greenhouses)
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
Ridge Glass Cap & Glass Bar End Rafter Ventframe Bottom
Corner Post Plastic h came Vent Frame Sides Perlin (if required)
Screws and Bolts Base / Sill Door Frame Gutter

CONCRETE
GRAVEL
CONCRETE
GRAVEL
GROUND
GROUND
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 in 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 34 1/2”wide). Mark these measurements on your foundation.
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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS
PRE-TREATED WOOD FOUNDATION
Foundation Styles

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
–6 –

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Front Gable End (with door) Line Drawing Assembly Procedure
1 2
3 4
5
7
6
–7 –
Base
Corner
Post
Corner Post
End
Rafter
Glass Bar Glass Bar
Door
Frame Door
Frame
Header
Plates
(4-hole)
End
Rafter
1 x 2
Door
Frame
Header
1 x 2
Brace
Glass Bar
above
Door
Plates
(6-hole)
Corner
Post

Front Gable End Assembly
Lay out the front pieces into the shape of an end wall. The doorframe and all glass bars have a track
for the bolts. The track must face up towards you when you assemble the gable ends. Slide the bolts
in to the ends or use the notches that are punched out in the glass bars. Refer to the line/detail
drawings when assembling. (the sketches/drawings/pictures are viewed from inside the greenhouse).
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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bolt the bottom plates (4 holes)
to the base/sill and the doorframe
sides using 1/4”x 1/2”stainless
steel bolts (see Pic A). 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). (See Pic B.) The plates
should stick up 1”above the
doorframe. Note how the plates
are put on. Before tightening the
bolts, be sure to square up the
doorframe.
3. Take the corner post (angle cut on
top) and bolt it to the base.
(See Pics C and D.)
Base
Side Door
Frame
Top
Side
End Rafter
Corner
Post
Corner
Post
Base
A
B
C D

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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
4. Take all the glass bars (next to the
door frame - see Pic #4 on Page 7)
and bolt them to the base/sill.
The angle cut should match the
roof slope. (See Pic E.)
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. (See Pic F.) Each end of the
1”x 2”angle has a slot punched
out to accommodate the bolt that
is lined up with the glass bars 24
1/2”from the center.
Slide a bolt in the top of the glass
bar and fasten the angle to it.
(See Pic G.)
E
F F
G
Front Gable End
Assembly (contd.)

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TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
5. End Rafter - when fastening end rafters to the
corner posts, leave a 1/8”space for the gutters
to slide through. The punch marks in the end
rafter will line up with end glass bars. Slide the
bolts in the top of the glass bar before you put
on the end rafter. (See Pic H.)
6. At this point, you can install all the end glass
bars. (A smaller greenhouse will only have
1-bar above the door). (See Pic I.) The centre
bar uses a 1/4" washer to keep the end rafters
together.
7. Smaller sized greenhouses
have a horizontal brace.
(See Pic J.) Larger sized
greenhouses will have a
diagonal brace from the top
door frame plate to base/sill
2" from the corner post.
H
I
Front Gable End Assembly (contd.)
J
Corner
Post
Door
Frame
Corner
Post
End
Rafter

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
–11 –

–12 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Back Gable End Line Drawing Assembly Procedure
1 2
3 4
5
–12 –
Base
Corner Posts
Glass Bars
Back Brace
End Rafter End Rafter

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Lay out the back pieces into the
shape of the end wall. See page
11 for details and refer to the line
drawing on page 12.
1. The 1”x 2”angle / base
laying on the ground
should have the 1”side
(with the slot punches out)
facing up. (See Pic A.)
2. Bolt the corner post onto
the base angle. (See Pic B.)
3. Bolt on all the end bars to
the base. Make sure that the
longest bar is in the center
of the back wall.
4. End Rafter. When fastening
end rafters to the
cornerpost, leave a 1/8”
space for gutters etc.
See page 10 - Pic. #5.
(Also See Pic C.)
5. The angle cross brace is
approx. 60”from the base
bolted on with 1/4”x 1/2”
bolts.
A B
Back Gable End Assembly
–13 –
C
Base
Corner
Post

–14 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Take all the glass bars and bolt them to the
gutter (See Pic D).start your bars approx.
2’in from the end of the gutter and base
(See Pic E).
2. Bolt the glass bars to the base.
A
B
Sidewall Assembly C
D
E
Lay out the sidewall with the gutter at the top -
base at the bottom (See Pic A). You will notice
that each sidewall glass bar has a straight and
an angle cut. The straight end fits against the
base (See Pic B) and the angle goes towards the
gutter (See Pic C). Always face the bolt slot in
the glass bar towards you.

–15 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Aluminum Frame Assembly &
Installation B
C
D
1. Take the assembled sidewall and
stand it up on your foundation.
Note: Each end of the side base is
2" shorter than the foundation
(See Pic A).
2. BACK GABLE END
Take the end wall and slide a bolt
into the corner post and end rafter
(top and bottom) move it down
and up approx. 3" and tighten the
bolts. Now stand up the end wall.
Slide the gutter (sidewall) in
between the end rafter and the
corner post. (There should be a 1/8"
space - See Pic B). By sliding the
gutter in as far as it goes, the
punched out slots line up with the
bolt track (See Pic C). Undo the
bolts and slide it into the slots and
tighten up. Do the same with the
bottom base (See Pic D).
3. FRONT GABLE END
Follow the same procedure as the
back gable end.
4. SIDEWALL
Place the sidewall in between the
front and back. You will have to
push the corner/end rafter out just
a little to get the gutter in.
A

–16 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Aluminum Frame Assembly
& Installation (contd.) E
GH
F
5. RIDGE
For a small greenhouse, you handle the ridge by yourself.
Over 12' long it be easier with 2 people. Set the ridge on
top of the end rafters in the middle of the greenhouse.
Push the end rafter out and drop the ridge down 2" and
slide it in-between as far as it goes. The bolt track in the
glass bar lines up with the punch mark in the ridge.
Undo the bolt and slide it up and fasten it (See Pic E).
5A. TRUSS ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION
(See Appendix F).
6. GLASS BAR WITH VENT SLIDERS
Each glass bar has a small vent frame slider on it. They
are marked 1/2/3/4 etc. On the ridge there will be the
same markings. Slide a bolt in the top and 2 in the
bottom of the glass bar and tighten. Put into place with
the angle cut on top. Note that the numbers are the same
so it can be lined up with the slots in the Ridge and
gutter. Then fasten. (See Pic F).
7. VENT FRAME BOTTOM SECTION
The vent frame bottom is now in between the glass bars
that you have just installed (See Pic G). The 2" side of
the angle faces towards the Ridge (See Pic H). Move the
bolt up the glass bar and fasten it.
8. REMAINING GLASS BARS
All remaining glass bars can now be installed. Make sure
that the top is against the ridge. Before you tighten the
glass bar on the gutter, eyeball the gutter to see if it is
straight. There is usually about a 1/8" space between the
glass bar and the gutter.
9. Fasten the greenhouse base/sill to the foundation using
#8 x 1”screws (if it is on concrete, drill holes using a concrete
bit and push the plugs into the holes). If possible, seal below
he base before fastening the greenhouse to the
foundation. (See Page 21).
10. Your greenhouse is now ready for putting on the 1/8"
foam strips. Do not put the foam strips on the base or
beside the door. Only use the foam on the glass bars &
gutter. (See Page 22).
Note: Make sure the greenhouse is fastened to the
foundation with 1" screws.
OPTIONALS
Side vents, intake shutters and exhaust fan installation.
See Appendix A –F.
3
3

–17 –
TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Stand up Side Wall or Endwall
Step 2 & 3: Bolt Side Wall to Back Gable End
Assembly Outline
Step 3: Bolt on Front Gable End

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Step 5: Ridge
Step 4: Side Wall
Front View Inside
Right
View
–18 –

TRADITIONAL SERIES STRAIGHT MODEL •GREENHOUSE INSTRUCTIONS
Step 6:
Roof Glass bar
with Vent Frame Sliders
–19 –
112
2