Sunglo Greenhouses Expert User manual

Sunglo Expert Greenhouse Instruction Manual
425-251-8445 [e-mail] Made in the USA
Updated 8-2015

SUNGLO EXPERT GREENHOUSE ASSEMBLY
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Thank you for purchasing a Sunglo Greenhouse.
For those of you who are first time greenhouse owners here are a few tips for basic operation
of your greenhouse controls. Your Sunglo greenhouse has a 110 Volt thermostatically controlled
ventilation system. Your system contains an exhaust fan, a motorized fresh air intake shutter
and thermostat controls. Once you have wired up your system, we recommend setting your
exhaust thermostat between 75 and 85 degrees depending on your location, exposure to the sun
and the plants you plan to grow. We recommend setting the heater thermostat at 45 to 55
degrees. Turn the heater to the on position and set it to the highest setting so when the power
panel thermostat calls for a temperature increase it will produce the maximum amount of heat
possible. In colder climates you can add an additional heater.
If you are planning on using lights in your greenhouse plug your light fixture into the light
timer. Set your timer to the correct time of day, and then set the on time to be around dusk
and your off time to be 4 to 6 hours later. This will increase the available light to your plants by
15% to 25%. 12 to 16 hours of light is a good guide. If you are in an area that is prone to long
overcast periods you may wish to adjust the time accordingly. The fluorescent lights in your kit
are Cool White, great for promoting green foliage. Add a Full Spectrum bulb (available at
specialty light stores) to promote blooms. Or shop for special grow lights.
The black manual will help with air circulation, especially during periods of exceptionally warm
weather. You can also lower or remove the upper window in the door to have air flow through
the screen. Sunglo also offers automatic vent openers for the black vents.
Refer to a good greenhouse book for more details. The Greenhouse Gardeners Companion by
Shane Smith, or The Greenhouse Expert by Dr D.G. Hessayon are both excellent references.
Use all the information to create the climate that is perfect for your greenhouse. As with
gardening, experimenting can be part of this process to find out what works best for your
specific greenhouse climate.
The cedar benches are very versatile and will last for a long time. Remove a cedar slat if you
need to accommodate taller plants. 12” cedar shelves are also available for above the benches. A
shelf slat can also be placed on top of your black soil tray to position plants as they are being
repotted. An additional bench slat can cover the black tray to increase plant storage space.
The door lock key has a number on it. Write it down and any locksmith can make a duplicate
without the original key if the key is misplaced. We hope these general tips are helpful in your
greenhouse growing. Thanks again and enjoy your new high quality Sunglo! Happy greenhousing.
Your Sunglo Team

SUNGLO EXPERT GREENHOUSE ASSEMBLY
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INTRODUCTION
Your Sunglo Greenhouse is sold complete with all the components necessary for assembly without
cutting or refitting. Included in the kit are all aluminum structural elements, acrylic glazing, door, air
vents, exhaust fan, intake shutter and thermostats. All structural components are marked with a part
number in a location that will not show after assembly. But feel free to remove them during
installation.
We provide the rivet tool, rivets, drill bits, and screws needed to assemble your greenhouse. The drill
bits provided are No. 30 and No. 11 sizes. Should you need more drill bits you can use a 1/8”
diameter drill bit instead of #30 and 3/16” instead of No. 11. Follow the assembly sequence steps
carefully and do not install rivets until they are specified in the instruction manual and install them only
in the locations shown. Rivets installed too early may cause assembly issues later on. Additional
riveting for strength can be done at a later time. If you place a rivet wrong and need to remove it, use
the same drill bit to drill the rivet out of the hole. Only use the long rivets as recommended. If a hole is
drilled in the wrong location you can always rivet it purely for cosmetic reasons. Long rivets are used
to secure thicker materials. As a guideline most are used for corner posts, trusses, ridge, door frame,
hinges and the black vents. Only use long rivets where specified.
In addition to a DVD player here is a list of tools to have during the assembly:
1. Tape measure and pencil.
2. Electric hand drill or quality battery hand drill and 5/16” drill bit. (For door latch)
3. Framing level 4’ or longer for foundation and 9” torpedo level for greenhouse assembly.
4. Framing square. (For foundation assembly and lower “U” rail attachment)
5. Rubber mallet or dead blow hammer.
6. Caulking gun with 1 tube of silicone caulk. (Optional)
7. Standard Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.
8. Blue “painters” masking tape. (3/4 or 1 inch) (Optional)
9. Small vise grips. (At least 2 needle nose. More is better to secure items before riveting.)
10. Spray bottle with soapy water. (For lubricant during lower wall installation) (Optional)
11. 5/16” drill bit for installation of the door lock.
PLEASE PERFORM A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF YOUR KIT BY MATCHING ALL THE PARTS TO THE INCLUDED
PACKING LIST BEFORE BEGINNING ASSEMBLY OF YOUR NEW SUNGLO GREENHOUSE.IF YOU DISCOVER
ANY ITEM MISSING,PLEASE CALL US AT [phone] OR E-MAIL US AT
[e-mail]
PLEASE STUDY THE INSTALLATION DVD AND READ THROUGH THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE
BEGINNING ASSEMBLY OF YOUR SUNGLO GREENHOUSE.THIS WILL PREPARE YOU FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
STEPS AND ALLOW YOU TO PROPERLY ESTIMATE THE TIME NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY.PLAN YOUR DAY SO
YOU HAVE TIME TO INSTALL AT MINIMUM THE LOWER WALLS,GABLE ENDS,RIDGE HEADER AND
TRUSSES.THIS WILL ASSURE A STABLE ASSEMBLY IF YOU ARE GOING TO LEAVE THE GREENHOUSE
PARTIALLY FINISHED OVERNIGHT.HIGH WINDS COULD DAMAGE A PARTIALLY BUILT GREENHOUSE.

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Note: Due to the brittle nature of the glazing material at cold temperatures it is not recommended to
assemble the greenhouse when temperatures are near or below freezing. STORE YOUR 1009-1
PANEL LOCKS (White Plastic strips that hold the roof panels) AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WITH
COLDER WEATHER UNTIL YOU INSTALL THEM.
FOUNDATION GUIDE
Your choice of your foundation material is dependent upon physical location, intended use and local
building codes. Whatever the foundation type used, it must be plumb, square, solid, and level.
Our greenhouses are considered non-habitable shed structures and do not normally require a
building permit. However we recommend checking with your city or county building department to
see if a permit is required.
TYPICAL 4” X 6” PRESSURE TREATED WOOD
FOUNDATION BASE SET IN GROUND
GREENHOUSE
LOWER “U”
RAIL
GROUND
LEVEL
CRUSHED
ROCK OR
GRAVEL
6 MIL
VAPOR
BARRIER
4” X 6”
PRESSURE
TREATED
WOOD
BASE SET
INTO
GROUND

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Drainage, utilities, insulation and flooring should be considered prior to the installation of the
foundation and greenhouse.
FOOTINGS: Sunglo greenhouses are typically installed on a perimeter base frame made of 4” x 6”
pressure treated lumber set on its edge and buried into the ground with 1/2" remaining above ground
level. In some instances 4” x 4” or even 2” x 4” lumber may be used. If you prefer not to use pressure
treated wood we recommend a high quality Western Red Cedar or Redwood. In colder climates, a
concrete footing may be the best alternative due to frost heaves. In any case a wood plate must be
used as a primary attachment for your greenhouse. The greenhouse is specifically designed to
fasten to a wood surface.
KNEE WALL: The height of your greenhouse can be increased by constructing a knee or pony wall.
To accommodate for the knee wall Sunglo can provide a custom door drop extension. Door drop
extensions must be ordered directly from Sunglo.
INSULATION: Insulating the foundation can help to reduce the energy requirements of your new
greenhouse. This is especially important when outside temperatures are below freezing in the winter.
Digging a deeper foundation trench below the frost line approximately 12” wide and back filling the
trench with solid insulation or gravel to bring the wood foundation height slightly above grade level will
give you superior ground freeze protection. You might also want to line the outside of your wood
foundation base with heavy plastic. Place the plastic on the outside of the foundation wood to prevent
water from entering. Also line the interior of the greenhouse with heavy plastic to act as a vapor
barrier. An option would be to use ridged polystyrene insulation installed on the outside of the footings
and dug down below the frost line. Home improvement centers or lumberyards carry “pink” or “blue”
board in various thicknesses specifically for this purpose.
DRAINS: A drain should be considered for removing excess water from outside the greenhouse. Rain
will roll off the roof of the greenhouse and accumulate at the base. By making your foundation trench
slightly wider than your wood you can make a French drain on the outside perimeter of the base. If
you have clay or hard pan soil you may consider using perforated pipe as a drain to channel water
away from the greenhouse foundation. If installation is on a deck, you need to consider a solid floor
with a low area for drainage.
FLOORING: A concrete pad is not necessary for the greenhouse installation. For a more natural look,
stepping stones, paving stones or even crushed gravel rock will work well.
UTILITIES: Sunglo greenhouses are equipped with an automatic ventilation system. This requires a
110 volt 15 amp service. Other electric accessories in the greenhouse, such as a heater, may require
a different level of service. The standard heater included with your kit requires 110V. For colder
climates a second 110V heater or one 220V heater may be required. Sunglo recommends that a
certified electrician handle the electrical connections. It is best to have your electrical service riser be
centered on the inside of the back gable end of the greenhouse.
Besides electrical you may choose to bring a water line into your greenhouse through the foundation.

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FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS: Your foundation plate must be level and square. The dimensions
listed below are measured from outside to outside of the top wood plates. These dimensions allow for
a 1 inch border around the greenhouse.
MODEL
WIDTH
LENGTH
EXPERT (1000D)
7' 11"
12' 8"
12’8”
7’ 11”
Measure diagonally from the inside
corners. Measurements must be
equal for foundation to be square.
Bring in your
electrical service in
to the center of the
back wall.
Fasten corners with
angle braces and
toe nail or lag
through with
galvanized lag bolts.
4”
x
6”
Electrical Service
3/4” or 1” PVC conduit with a 90
degree sweep glued and set below
the foundation plate centered on the
inside rear wall. Set the riser slightly
higher than the foundation plate
until the greenhouse is assembled.
Then pull your service wire & add
the appropriate height riser to the
conduit to attach to your thermostat
or power panel.
Clamp
Greenhouse
Interior

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GREENHOUSE MAINTENANCE: The glazing material allows a very high amount of sunlight to enter
the greenhouse, but must be kept clean to maintain maximum efficiency. At a minimum, wash your
greenhouse every spring and fall. If mold or mildew becomes a problem, a solution of 2 ounces of
laundry bleach per gallon of warm water can be used or white vinegar. The aluminum parts need no
care during normal use. If you are close to the ocean and salt air is prevalent, a coating of automobile
wax once a year will keep the aluminum components bright and reduce pitting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: LOWER “U” RAILS / CORNER AND WALL POSTS ………………………... 7
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE LOWER WALL SECTIONS ……………………………….. 9
SECTION 3: UPPER BACK GABLE END WALL ASSEMBLY …………………………… 13
SECTION 4: UPPER FRONT WALL ASSEMBLY …………………………………………... 16
SECTION 5: RIDGE CHANNEL ATTACHMENT …………………………………………….. 17
SECTION 6: OVERHEAD TRUSSES AND HANGER BAR ASSEMBLY ……………….… 17
SECTION 7: OVERHEAD ACRYLIC PANELS AND PANEL LOCK ASSEMBLY ……….. 19
SECTION 8: OUTSIDE ROOF TRIM PIECES INSTALLATION ………………………….…. 20
SECTION 9: VENT DOOR INSTALLATION ……………………………………………….….. 21
SECTION 10: CEDAR SLAT BENCH INSTALLATION ………………………………….…... 22
SECTION 11: DOOR AND LATCH ASSEMBLY ………………………………………….…... 23
SECTION 12: PANEL SUPPORT INSTALLATION ……………………………………….….. 25
SECTION 13: ALUMINUM EXTRUSION SHAPE GUIDE ……………………………….…… 26
Note: This manual is intended to be used in conjunction with the Sunglo Freestanding Greenhouse
Assembly DVD included with your greenhouse kit. Sunglo recommends watching the video and
reading the manual in their entirety before beginning assembly. The DVD is also on YouTube online.
(Search “Sunglo Greenhouses”on YouTube and find “Build Your Own Sunglo Greenhouse 1/5”)

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SECTION 1: LOWER “U” RAILS / CORNER AND WALL POSTS
SEQ
PART #
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
1
0150
LOWER “U” RAIL 150 1/4”
2
2
0093
LOWER “U” RAIL 93”
2
3
3001
#8 FOUNDATION SCREWS
40
4
1001-1
CORNER POSTS 48”
4
5
1002-1
WALL POSTS 48”
10
6
1002-2
DOOR POSTS 77” - 22° CUT
2
7
1021
SHORT RIVETS APP 4-2
350
Be certain to recheck your foundation for
level and square before beginning
assembly. Your lower “U” rails are miter cut
and come with a black plastic boot pre-
attached. Place the rails on your base with
the miter ends matching. (Sequence 1, 2)
With an assistant hold the rails with the
miter ends together then check for square
by measuring across the diagonal corner
points of the rails as shown in Diagram 1.
Be consistent in the placement of your
measuring tape. Both diagonal
measurements must be equal in order to be
square. Once certain you have the rails
“square” and centered on your foundation
base mark the location of the lower “U” rails
on your wood base with a pencil on the
inside and outside corner edges.
It is recommended to place a bead of silicone caulk (not provided) between the plastic lower “U” rail
boots and the foundation plate to provide a weatherproof seal.
Turn the rails upside down and run a 1/4” thick bead of clear 100% silicon caulking compound to the
center of the bottom flat surface of the lower rails. Carefully turn over the rails and position them to
your corner pencil marks. Drill a pilot hole with a #30 drill bit through the rails 2” from each corner and
fasten the rails to the base with the #8 Phillips foundation screws (Sequence 3). Re-check the rails for
square before placing any more screws. If not square remove the screws from one or more corners
and slide the lower "U" rails maintaining your corner miters until you are square. Once re-squared
allow time for the caulking to set before installing the corner posts.
Corner posts (Sequence 4) are set into the lower “U” rail positioned with the wide flat outer side facing
the width (gable) end and the short flat outer side surface facing out toward the length of the
Diagram 1

SUNGLO EXPERT GREENHOUSE ASSEMBLY
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greenhouse. Drill and rivet the corner posts to the lower “U” rail using long rivets in 3 locations. The
orientation of the corner posts and the rivet locations are shown in Diagram 2.
Once the corner posts are installed place your tape measure inside the lower “U” rail and from the
inside corner of the corner post place a mark every 30” for the wall/door posts. Also place a mark
starting from your initial corner screws every 16” for the remainder of your foundation screws. Be
certain not to place a foundation screw at any 30” marks, as this will interfere with the posts. If you do
not finish with a 30” measurement from your last wall post to the opposite corner post you have a
corner post in backwards. At the 16” marks pilot drill through the lower “U” rail and set your foundation
screws. Place the wall posts over the 30” mark, tap the post into the lower “U” rail with your rubber
mallet and rivet in place from the inside using two short rivets (Sequence 5).
Position the doorposts on a width side of the greenhouse and over a 30” mark. Make sure the cut
angle end of the doorpost is facing up and corresponds to the slope of the roof as shown in Diagram
3 (Sequence 6).
POSITION DOOR POSTS WITH
ANGLE CUTS AS SHOWN
Diagram 3
30”
on
center
(not to scale)
WIDTH SIDE
LENGTH SIDE
RIVET AT THE
ARROWS
Wall or Door Post
Diagram 2
3 long
rivets
2 short
rivets

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SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE LOWER WALL SECTIONS
SEQ
PART #
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
8
1029
WALL OUTERS
13
9
1069
PANEL SUPPORT
2 PER WALL SECTION
10
1030
WALL INNERS
13
NOTE: During the lower wall assembly it may be helpful to spray the inner channel of the wall post
and the inside of the outer wall panel with a light soap and water solution to ease the insertion of the
inner corrugated panel. The solution can be made by adding a couple of drops of dish soap to a small
spray bottle of warm water.
Start from one corner post
and work along one of the
length sides of the
greenhouse. Peel the blue
protective film from the wall
outer and slide the wall outer
into the opening between the
corner and wall post. Center
the outer wall in this opening
and secure the outer wall
panel into the lower “U” rail
by squeezing in two
aluminum panel supports
from the inside of the
greenhouse (Sequence 8
and 9). The 12” aluminum
panel supports should be
positioned approximately 2
inches from the wall/corner
posts. When installing the
panel supports, be sure the flat side is facing down toward the channels they are resting in. Please
refer to section 14.
Next install the corrugated inner panel between the corner and wall post (Sequence 10). Be sure the
peaks of the inner panel face towards the outside of the greenhouse as shown in Diagram 4. Make
sure the inner and outer walls are not higher than the corner or wall posts. Repeat this process
working your way around the greenhouse until you have all the wall sections on the two length sides
and the back gable end of the greenhouse filled with wall outers and wall inners.
During this process it can be helpful to use the blue “painters” tape to temporarily hold the outer walls
to the corner and wall posts prior to installation of the upper “H” rails. Place a 6” to 8” piece of tape
about 2” down from the top on the outside of each outer wall connecting the wall outer to the wall
posts and/or corner posts. You can also use long nose vise grips or clamps.
Flat profiles
must face the
inside of the
greenhouse.
Peak profiles must
face the outside of
the greenhouse.
Corrugated Inner
Smooth Outer
Diagram 4