So, you’ve finally replaced your windows—now, what do you do with the old ones?
Don’t get rid of them just yet. One of the best things you can do is to make your own greenhouse from old windows! While it’s not the most common home renovation project, the months of staying in due to the pandemic have led to a surge of homeowners taking up gardening.
Having your own greenhouse allows you to grow succulents, flowering plants, fruits, and vegetables all year round, no matter the weather. Aside from this practical purpose, a greenhouse can definitely add more character to your garden and increase your property value.
In this blog, we’ll give you an overview of the steps and the factors you need to consider if you are looking to build a greenhouse from old windows. Let’s dig right in!
The Advantages of Building a Greenhouse
For starters, you’ll be able to grow plants in a controlled environment that doesn’t depend on local weather conditions. This includes plants that are not native to your region or climate.
Some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that you can grow include:
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Leafy greens
- Grapes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
In a greenhouse, your plants will also have protection from the elements and pests. Plus, you’ll have greater control over your produce, significantly reducing your grocery bills.
Building a greenhouse from old windows or doors can also be quite the fashion statement in your backyard if you make the effort.
Choose Your Greenhouse Design Inspiration
If you’ve got extra time on your hands and some carpentry skills up your sleeve, you’ll have a blast working on a DIY greenhouse project that upholds the idea of sustainability.
Before getting started on building a greenhouse with old windows, take a look at professional designs for inspiration. You probably won’t be able to replicate them entirely, but they can at least give you some inspiration.
Whether your budget is big or small, there are plenty of designs and builds of greenhouses to choose from. Remember to make a sketch of your ideas so that you have a clear vision of what you want.
Gather Your Materials
If you want to build a greenhouse from old windows, know that they come in various styles, shapes, and sizes. They can also be constructed using a wide variety of available materials. Really, the options are endless.
The frames can be produced using leftover wood, aluminum, galvanized steel, or PVC plastic pipes. For the covering of your greenhouse, consider options based on their durability and capability to withstand the harshest weather conditions in Canada, such as torrential rain, heavy snow, and strong winds. The material should also be able to serve as a reliable shelter for your plants.
Here are some materials that are typically used to build a greenhouse:
- Wire mesh;
- Polycarbonate;
- Glass;
- Plastic sheets; and
- Recycled old windows and doors.
Building a Greenhouse From Old Windows
Collect and Assemble
Start by collecting old windows. It’s highly recommended that you also get a pair of equally-sized windows. If you’re planning to build a big greenhouse, you’ll need as many recycled windows as possible. Once you’ve collected your windows, lay them out side by side to see how big of a greenhouse frame you can make. Ideally, they should be of the same design, but if they aren’t, you can always fill the gaps with wood.
Lay Out the Windows to Build a Greenhouse Wall
You can stop searching “how to build a wall out of old windows” online because we’ve got the answers here. Use your old windows as a guide when constructing a frame for your greenhouse’s walls. For this part, you’ll need good-quality lumber, so consider buying new material.Remember to use 2 x 4 or 2 x 6-inch lumber for building the frame. When you’re ready to attach your windows to the frame, hammer or drill nails through them. Alternatively, you can use deck screws to allow for easy replacement or removal, if necessary. Also, make sure your walls are well-braced and levelled so that they don’t fall over.
Strengthen the Foundation
One way to prevent building permit complications is to avoid using a concrete foundation. There are many ways that you can do this, including tucking cinder blocks, to prevent the corner posts from moving in place.
Choose Your Flooring
You should choose your flooring based on your personal taste. Some people use bricks, while others prefer gravel stones for proper drainage and insulation.
Get the Roof Done and Weatherproof Your Greenhouse
For the roof, you can use old windows completely, polycarbonate or corrugated galvanized sheet iron, depending on your preferences. It’s also a good idea to build your roof slightly slanted, so the raindrops slip off easily.Moreover, ensure all your plants will get through the winter months by sealing off gaps with a good-quality caulking product. Give it several coatings of waterproofing paint for good measure.
Add Cooling and Ventilation
Another benefit of building a greenhouse made from old windows is that you can simply build a door with them to promote air circulation and ventilation. This will prevent overheating and save your precious plants from wilting or browning as a result.
A smart strategy would also be to install a cooling fan to circulate air movement for scorching days. Rolling shades or drapes can also be installed during the summer.
Let Clera Help You Build Your Own Greenhouse
Instead of building a greenhouse from old windows, would you prefer to use new fixtures?
Kickstart your project with brand-new, customized windows from Clera Windows + Doors.
We have a team of certified experts that can help fulfill your window needs for your greenhouse project. Our products are made with high-quality materials that will serve you (and your plants) for years to come!
We’re so confident in our quality control and manufacturing that we offer the industry’s most comprehensive, non-prorated, transferable lifetime warranty on all vinyl window hardware, components, and glass.
To request a FREE estimate, simply contact us today!
