Annual checkup

Frames

Paint or scrub. Paint or stain wood frames in the summer. For aluminum frames, address any signs of corrosion or wear and tear.

Examine low areas and corners. Don’t forget to look down. Clean any rust or corrosion from bolts and framing materials at ground level. Also check for mold or rot on wood frames.

Replace damaged frame components. Even a slight dent or bend can dramatically reduce the strength of some structural components, leading to a higher risk of collapse when tested by wind or weight.

Tighten collar tie and truss bolts. Excessive heat and constant wind can loosen these crucial frame mechanisms.

Paneling and glazing

Do a visual inspection. Repair tears or broken/slipped glass. Make note of any cracked or missing sheets of polycarbonate. Check for loose screws and attachment extrusions.

Check the clips. Secure loose glazing clips in place with silicone sealant to provide extra strength against strong winds.

Check bar caps. Regularly test bar caps for tightness if you’re using glass panes.

Wash panels. Wash polycarbonate and acrylic panels with a mild detergent and lukewarm water using a soft sponge to remove dirt, smog and debris. Once clean, test and measure the level of lighting.

Address spray-on shading. If you apply shading in the summer, wash it off in the fall. Remove spray-on shading with a cleaning compound or a commercial shade remover. Spray on the cleaner, let it stand for a few minutes, then thoroughly flush with clean water.

Examine poly cover. Repair small holes or tears with polyethylene tape. If poly has stretched or loosened, tighten it by removing the lock strip inserts and pulling the plastic taut. Plan to replace plastic that’s older than four years. Don’t forget to clean and inspect the inflation blower. Set inflation pressure so it’s about the same as an inflated balloon.

Minimize heat escape. For an older glass greenhouse with broken or slipped glass, cover it with a layer of film poly to reduce heat loss. For loose poly covering, an air-inflated poly tube located halfway between the ridge and eave will keep the plastic rigid and help shed snow.