Frequently Asked Questions On Our Sunshine Greenhouses

Over the course of time that we have been distributing these Sunshine Greenhouse Kits some questions have come up that we have attempted to answer here. Some are actual answers from our customers who have installed these units and other answers come from us.

We have attempted to put them here in this format and hopefully it will give you the answers so you don't have to call or wait for a return e-mail. If you question is not dealt with here please e-mail us and we will try to answer your request within 24 hours.

What are the features and benefits of the Sunshine Greenhouse Kits?
Will anybody be around to honor this warranty?
Why are the Sunshine Greenhouses made out of Redwood?
Do I need to finish exterior redwood?
How do I keep my new redwood greenhouse looking new and natural?
What type of finish is more durable than clear water repellent but still retains a natural appearance?
What finish should I use on the interior of my redwood greenhouse?
Are there any special precautions I should take when painting redwood?
Are there different types of redwood and isn't redwood an endangered species?
How hard is it to assemble the Sunshine Greenhouse?
Does the Sunshine greenhouse require a heater during the cooler months of the year?
Does the Sunshine Greenhouse have good ventilation and thorough air circulation?
Can the Sunshine Greenhouse withstand a heavy snow load?



What are the features and benefits of the Sunshine Greenhouse Kits?

1. Redwood Framing: Redwood is not only attractive and durable. Redwood is naturally resistant to insect and moisture damage. Only second growth redwood is used, preserving old-growth redwood.
2. Double-Wall Polycarbonate Panels: These panels will not crack or shatter, retain heat in the winter, diffuse light for even plant growth, and block 98% of the harmful UV rays. The impact strength of polycarbonate is 30 times greater than acrylic, and 200 times greater than glass.
3. Patented Rigid Tie Connectors: These connectors make every greenhouse strong and rigid and able to withstand severe winds. In fact Sunshine Greenhouse Kits were tested by an independent lab, and withstood their maximum wind load capacity of 85 mph with no damage.
4. 45 Degree Roof Slope: This angle for a greenhouse transmits low angle sun in the winter, and reflects high angle sun in summer. This increases heat in the winter and reduces it in the summer. It also provides ample headroom and plant-hanging space. The steep roof slope sheds show in the winter, and can withstand a snow load of 18 lbs. per square foot.
5. Assembles Easily and Quickly: The major components of the GardenHouse Kit are panelized for an easy sure fit. And each Kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and a convenient product assembly video.
6. Dutch Door Entry: This convenient feature provides additional ventilation control and access.
7. Automatic solar-powered vent operators : These automatic openers on the roof and the base of most of the greenhouses contain a paraffin (wax) cylinder that expands when the temperature reaches about 65 degrees F., pushing the vent open to its fully opened position at about 85 degrees F. As the temperature cools and the paraffin contracts, the vent operators springs draw each vent closed. It is also easily detachable for manual operation. A circulating chimney effect is created as cool air is drawn in from the base vent, and warmer air is allowed to escape from the hottest point at the roof ridge.
8. A Foundation is Not Required: It is only necessary to prepare a flat surface of gravel, wood, cement, or other material as indicated. Only the corners of the greenhouse need to be anchored

Will anybody be around to honor this warranty?

Frostproof Growers has been around since 1985 and we intend to be around at least another 25 years or so my son tells me. Sunshine Greenhouses has been in business for over 30 years and is showing no signs of getting any smaller. We fully expect Sunshine to honor this warranty but if for some reason they do not, Frostproof Growers Supply always warranties their products.

Why are the Sunshine Greenhouses made out of Redwood?

Redwood is primarily used for its dimensional stability. Wood acts like a sponge; when it absorbs moisture it swells and when it loses moisture it shrinks. Redwood has thinner cell walls which shrink and swell less than other woods, so redwood is less likely to warp, split, cup or check. Redwood is also naturally resistant to decay and insects. Redwood is an excellent choice because it is easy to paint, stain and glue, and no other softwood holds paints, stains and other coatings better than redwood.

Do I need to finish exterior redwood?

Though redwood will perform better than most other woods if left without a finish, it will look better and last longer if a protective finish is applied and maintained.

How do I keep my new redwood greenhouse looking new and natural?

Clear water repellent finishes containing mildewcides help preserve the natural appearance of redwood siding. They may not, however, prevent the natural color changes associated with the weathering process. Clear water repellents or water repellent preservatives are the most natural types of finishes, but they are also the least durable. They require reapplication every one to two years. These finishes can be used on decks, fences, siding or other exterior projects.

What type of finish is more durable than clear water repellent but still retains a natural appearance?

Transparent and semitransparent stains may last from three to four years. These finishes contain pigments which protect the wood from the degrading effects of solar radiation. The best products contain water repellents, mildewcides and ultraviolet light blockers or absorbers. When selecting a pigmented stain, CRA recommends testing finishes on a small area to be sure the desired color effect is achieved. Transparent stains contain less pigment than semitransparent stains and provide a more natural look. These finishes can be used on decks, fences, siding or other exterior projects

What finish should I use on the interior of my redwood greenhouse?

A wide variety of finishes can be used on interior redwood, including the option of using no coating at all. Areas, such as kitchens and baths, which are subject to moisture need the most protective finishes. Alkyd resin or polyurethane sealers and varnishes are appropriate for these areas. Elsewhere, wax finishes, penetrating oils, stains and paints may be used.

Are there any special precautions I should take when painting redwood?

Redwood takes and holds paint better than most woods. It is important, however, to select and correctly apply the right primer. Use oil- or alkyd-based primers or water-born stain-blocking primers on redwood. These primers are available from many paint manufacturers and are formulated especially for redwood, cedar and other wood with a high extractive content. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application closely. The best finishes will not perform if they are applied incorrectly. High quality acrylic latex top coats provide the best durability.

Are there different types of redwood and isn't redwood an endangered species?
There are three redwood species. The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Sierra Redwood (Sequoiadendron gigantea) are native to California. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) grows in China. The Coast Redwood is used to make the Sunshine Greenhouses. And NO...Redwood is not an endangered species. There are more redwoods today than when man first harvested the trees.

How hard is it to assemble the Sunshine Greenhouse?

The major components of the Sunshine Greenhouse Kits are panelized to ensure an easy and sure fit. The panelized sections are joined by screws. A power screwdriver, a 6 foot stepladder, and a tape measure are all that is needed for easy assembly.

In addition we include an assembly video with each shipped 6' x 8' and 8'x 12' Sunshine Greenhouse Kit.

Does the Sunshine greenhouse require a heater during the cooler months of the year?

The GardenHouse can easily be equipped with a heater for winter use. The heat retention of the double-wall polycarbonate panels is 40% more efficient than single pane glass. As an example, for a 6'x 8' GardenHouse, when the outside temperature is 10 degrees F, and a 55 degree F temperature is desired inside the GardenHouse, only 6,615 BTU's per hour of heat would be required. Details are available in the SunsHine Greenhouse Operation Guide included in each kit.

Does the Sunshine Greenhouse have good ventilation and thorough air circulation?

The roof vent allows air to escape at the hottest point, the roof ridge. Cooler air enters the base vent, creating a chimney effect, and thus circulating cool fresh air throughout the greenhouse. The convenient Dutch door provides additional ventilation control and easy access. Automatic solar-powered vent operators on the roof and base vents contain a paraffin (wax) cylinder that expands when the temperature reaches 65 degrees F, pushing the vent open to its fully opened position at about 85 degrees F. As it cools, the paraffin contracts, and the operator's spring draws each vent closed. It is easily detachable for manual operation.

Can the Sunshine Greenhouse withstand a heavy snow load?

The optimum 45 degree roof slope sheds snow in the winter, and can withstand a snow load of 18 pounds per square foot.