One of the most important choices to be made when constructing a polycarbonate greenhouse is whether or not to use a strip foundation. Polycarbonate greenhouses can often be built without deeper, more intricate foundations, in contrast to traditional buildings. However, a number of variables, such as the greenhouse’s size, the state of the surrounding soil, and the structure’s intended use, will determine whether a strip foundation is necessary.
In construction, a strip foundation—usually composed of concrete—serves various functions. It offers steadiness and keeps the greenhouse from moving or settling unevenly over time, which could compromise the longevity of the building. Strip foundations are especially important in areas with soft or unstable soil because they evenly distribute the greenhouse’s weight and keep it from tilting or sinking.
A polycarbonate greenhouse’s strip foundation is constructed in a few simple steps. The first thing you need to do is level out and clear the area to prepare the ground. The next step is to dig a trench deep enough to reach bedrock or stable soil where the foundation will be installed. Trench width should be such that it allows for the thickness of the concrete strip; for smaller structures, this is usually about 12 inches wide.
To enhance drainage and stop water from collecting around the foundation, cover the bottom of the trench with a layer of gravel or crushed stone after it has been prepared. Next, to hold the concrete in place while it is poured into the trench, you build a formwork out of wooden planks or boards. The addition of reinforcing steel bars, or rebar, can strengthen the foundation further, particularly in regions where frost heave or soil movement are likely to occur.
Concrete must be mixed and poured into the trench, making sure it fills evenly and reaches the desired height after the formwork is in place and any necessary reinforcement is added. To create a level surface that will securely support the greenhouse structure, the concrete needs to be smoothed and leveled. Before greenhouse construction can start, the concrete must properly cure, which usually takes a few days.
- In what cases is LF the best solution??
- How to calculate base parameters?
- DIY construction stages
- Video on the topic of the article
- Video on the topic
- Pouring the foundation for the greenhouse
- DIY greenhouse on a strip foundation, part 1
- Installing a polycarbonate greenhouse – how to make a base, foundation, warm and high beds
In what cases is LF the best solution??
Producers of polycarbonate sheet and frame greenhouses do not specify that a foundation is required. The explanation is straightforward: it is anticipated that the structure will be movable and able to be relocated within the site if needed. It is not really necessary to have a foundation if this is the type of use you plan to get out of your greenhouse purchase.
However, there are a number of situations in which you need a reason to act. They are all related to the structure’s permanent installation:
- Site with difficult terrain. If there are differences in height, the foundation will level the floor.
- For reliable installation of the greenhouse – with a foundation it is not afraid of even the strongest winds.
- If the building is large and heavy, a foundation is required.
- For insulation – a foundation, especially one that is insulated, will protect the soil from freezing.
- When the greenhouse is part of the house. A kind of winter garden decorates the house, makes it more comfortable, and for such purposes it is quite possible to use a polycarbonate greenhouse. But only with the foundation.
The base thus serves a number of purposes:
- reliable frame installation,
- insulation,
- floor leveling,
- uniform distribution of load on the ground.
A strip foundation would be the best option because it is the simplest to build, least expensive, and doesn’t require a deep greenhouse.
Pay particular attention to this thesis statement for your article on "Do you need a strip foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse and how to build it?" Constructing a polycarbonate greenhouse efficiently weighs the pros and cons of using a strip foundation while taking the local climate and soil type into account. Although certain designs can function without one, a strip foundation ensures even weight distribution and prevents ground movement, which adds stability and longevity. This article discusses when and how to build a polycarbonate greenhouse’s strip foundation and provides helpful advice for guaranteeing longevity and ideal growing conditions.
How to calculate base parameters?
As with any building project, you should begin by figuring out the greenhouse’s weight, or the load on the base. This won’t be an issue because it’s typically stated in the features of a particular model.
The supplies needed to build the foundation make up the second point. You can use brick and concrete blocks in addition to reinforced concrete (monolithic foundation), since the load on it will be relatively light.
The kind of materials also affects the tape’s parameters:
- Monolithic reinforced concrete is strong, durable and reliable, resistant to moisture and frost. But it is the most difficult and expensive to build.
- Block type is easier to install, relatively inexpensive, and can withstand loads and environmental influences well. But it has less strength than concrete.
- Brick. Easy to install, durable, resistant to deformation.
For all three kinds of foundations, waterproofing is necessary. Only foundations designed for greenhouses intended for year-round use require thermal insulation.
Furthermore, all foundations are not buried; if a greenhouse were to be installed on a buried foundation, the soil heaving would cause the greenhouse to deform. It is considered that the building’s weight cannot be greater than the foundation’s weight.
The typical greenhouse foundation specifications are as follows: at least 10 cm of tape width and 20 cm of depth. This holds true for every kind of tape. Using a construction calculator, it is simple to determine the quantity of materials needed based on these values.
DIY construction stages
All the calculations have been completed, and the materials have been bought. All three kinds of tapes go through similar initial stages of construction. This involves marking, clearing, and readying the area for excavation. Depending on the materials used, additional work may have certain features.
Block foundation:
- Digging a trench 20-25 cm deep.
- Filling the bottom of the trench with gravel, layer thickness – from 5 cm.
- Preparing a solution of cement, sand, gravel in a ratio of 1:3:5.
- Pouring the solution into the trench.
- Laying roofing felt sheets in one layer.
- Brick laying – in one, two or three rows, it depends on the dimensions of the greenhouse. Anchors are fastened between the bricks, which are needed for the installation of the greenhouse.
- Treating the base with coating waterproofing.
- Laying thermal insulation – foam plastic slabs or backfilling with expanded clay – as needed.
The same procedure, known as FBS or foam concrete, is followed when building the foundation out of concrete blocks. However, the trench for such a foundation needs to be deeper than the freezing point of the soil. The pit is roughly 25 centimeters wide.
After installing a sand cushion, concrete mortar is poured into the trench’s bottom. Blocks are positioned in the corners of the tape, vertically and horizontally aligned, before it solidifies. They ought to be level with the ground on their surface. Following this, the remaining blocks are placed, and concrete is poured into the spaces between them.
The monolithic tape is arranged somewhat differently:
- Digging a trench 30-35 cm deep. If the greenhouse will be operated in winter, then the depth of the foundation should be below the depth of soil freezing. Trench width – about 20 cm.
- Installation of formwork from boards.
- Backfill the cushion with sand, 20 cm thick, you can use gravel, in a layer of at least 5 cm, compact the cushion.
- Preparation of a concrete mixture from cement, fine crushed stone and washed river sand in a ratio of 1:3:3.
- Pouring concrete – better in one step.
- Hardening of concrete.
- If necessary – waterproofing, thermal insulation.
Video on the topic of the article
Setting up a greenhouse’s strip foundation – in the video:
The foundation of a polycarbonate greenhouse must be carefully considered before construction. Larger or more permanent greenhouses gain a great deal from having a sturdy base, but some smaller or transient structures might not require a typical strip foundation. The stability of a strip foundation keeps the greenhouse from moving or sinking over time as a result of weather or soil movement.
There are several essential steps involved in constructing a strip foundation for a polycarbonate greenhouse. To avoid water buildup, make sure the location is level and well-drained first. To allow for the width of the foundation, dig a trench that is the recommended depth and width, usually between 30 and 50 cm deep and wider than the greenhouse frame.
After that, pour concrete into the trench, making sure to level and distribute it evenly. For extra strength, reinforce the concrete with steel bars or mesh, particularly in locations where there is a lot of wind or ground movement. Before building the greenhouse, let the concrete cure as directed by the manufacturer.
You can prolong the lifespan and maximize the performance of your polycarbonate greenhouse by building a suitable strip foundation, which guarantees stability and durability. This kind of foundation is necessary for successful gardening and crop cultivation because it not only supports the structure but also aids in providing a consistent environment for your plants.
