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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Decided to build- need foundation recomendations!

20 years ago

I was thinking about a HF, but then I remembered a book I picked up a while ago. It is an Ortho book about greenhouses. It has some plans- one that I really likes. It is an attached greenhouse that attaches to the house with a slant roof made of fiberglass sheets, and poly panels on the sides. I figure this way I could make it as big as I wanted, and could have more control over what it looked like. I also would have a house window with electrical outlet right there. It will probably be 10 feet long or so by 6-7 feet wide.

So, the first thing I need to think about is the foundation. I live in Rhode island, so the ground does freeze. But, also here in RI there tons of huge rocks in the earth- making it imposible to get below the frost line correctly.

Can anyone recommend a foundation strategy for me??

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Comments (3)

cottagefarmer
20 years ago
Since you are planning on attaching the GH to your house, you could use a frost-protected foundation. These need to be heated during the winter to a temp around 50 deg. F, but has the added advantage of accessing the earth heat. These are a lot cheaper and a lot shallower than conventional foundation systems.

Here is a link that might be useful: NAHB Doc on Frost-Protected Foundations
nathanhurst
20 years ago
Or you could put an insulated skirt around the house, under the floor of the greenhouse, saving energy.
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tstation
Original Author
20 years ago
Actually what I am looking for is an EASY foundation solution for this. I am not concerned too much about heating the greenhouse. My orchids will be inside under lights during the coldest parts of winter. I want to use it in the spring/summer/fall.

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