How to request spare parts, replacement glass and components

A technical guide to identifying, requesting, receiving and fitting replacement glass, fittings, seals and other components correctly.

A spare-parts request succeeds when the structure, model and component are identified precisely rather than approximately. On aluminium greenhouses and pergolas, similar-looking profiles, panes, seals and fittings may perform different functions, so dimensions alone are often insufficient. This guide covers the information to provide, safe measurement of replacement glass and ways to reduce follow-up questions.

First establish why the component is needed

The reason for replacement provides important technical clues. A pane damaged in transit is handled differently from a window that becomes stiff after several years. Begin by describing the event or change that led to your request.

• Transit damage: Document the packaging, label, damaged area and affected position.
• Assembly damage: state at which assembly stage the damage occurred and whether adjacent components are affected.
• Wear: state the structure’s age, maintenance to date and observed change in function.
• Storm damage or external impact: check not only the visibly damaged part, but also the frame, fixings and connection areas.
• Lost item: explain which assembly stage or package the part is likely to have come from.
• Planned alteration: make clear that you are planning a change rather than restoring the original condition.

For a functional issue, also describe whether it is constant, temperature-dependent, or occurs only in wind or under load. For example, a sticking door leaf may result from dirt, changed alignment, loose connections or an unsuitable adjustment. Replacing a single part does not necessarily remove the cause.

Information needed to identify a spare part

Complete starting information reduces the risk of choosing a visually similar but technically unsuitable part. Where possible, consult the original order documents and the model’s assembly instructions. For the standard ordering process, see How to order.

Structure and order details

• Order number, invoice number or another available order reference
• Full name of the person or company that placed the order
• Original delivery address and approximate order period
• Product name, model family and version
• Colour or surface finish of the aluminium structure
• Structure type, such as freestanding, lean-to or a special footprint
• Accessories ordered at the same time or later modifications

Older photographs of the fully assembled structure can also help with identification. The greenhouse reviews also show different installation situations, illustrating why an overall view and a detailed image together are more useful than an isolated component photo.

Component details

Describe the position from one clearly defined viewing direction. Terms such as “left” or “back” are ambiguous without a reference point. For example: “Standing outside in front of the door, second roof panel on the right.” Also include:

• Number of parts required
• Function of the component
• Visible marking, number or stamp
• Overall dimensions and relevant hole centres
• Cross-section of profiles or seals
• Type and location of the damage
• Photos with a scale and overview images of the installation position

Fixing length and diameter are only part of the identification. Head shape, thread, material, mating component and installed orientation may also matter. Do not remove a load-bearing fixing merely to photograph it if doing so could destabilise the structure.

Identify the correct product family

Bloomcabin offers different structure types and product groups. First establish whether the component belongs to a greenhouse, conservatory, pergola or another product. An overview is available in the Greenhouses and conservatories section. On lean-to structures, wall connections and roof geometry may differ from freestanding models; further background is available in the article on the aluminium lean-to greenhouse.

Do not assume a component fits simply because it has the same colour or a similar production year. Even within one model family, position, opening direction and structural function can matter. Product names are not transferable between categories either. An Elma S outdoor sauna belongs to an entirely different technical product family from an aluminium greenhouse. Accurate identification prevents requests from being based on the wrong structure.

Typical categories of replacement components

Category	Examples	Key identification features
Glazing	Roof, side, door or gable panes	Model, position, shape, edges, holes, nominal dimensions
Aluminium profiles	Posts, rails, rafters, cover and connection profiles	Profile cross-section, length, finish, connection points
Seals	Glass, door, window and connection seals	Cross-section, installation direction, groove, material condition
Fittings	Hinges, rollers, handles, brackets and connectors	Hole pattern, side, movement direction, mating component
Fixings	Screws, nuts, channel nuts and clamps	Thread, dimensions, head, material, installation position
Opening elements	Roof-window, door or ventilation components	Model, opening type, lift direction, fixing points
Drainage	Gutter, outlet and end components	Profile shape, outlet side, connection and fall

Do not describe several damaged small components simply as an “assembly kit”. List each part separately or mark it on a photograph. This makes it possible to establish whether a complete kit or only a particular subgroup is actually required.

Replacement glass for the greenhouse

A greenhouse pane is structural. Besides width and height, its glass type, thickness, shape, edge treatment, holes, cut-outs and fitted position may matter. Roof panes can differ from side panes that appear the same size, so identify replacement glass using the product model, pane position and original documents wherever possible.

Do not confuse glass with multiwall sheets or other glazing materials. Information on the construction and selection of plastic sheets is available in the article Polycarbonate for greenhouses. Changing material is not an ordinary spare-parts order, but a technical alteration whose effects on fixings, seals and load transfer must be assessed.

When a pane is cracked or broken

First secure the area. Wear suitable personal protective equipment and avoid working in windy conditions. A damaged pane must not be subjected to further load. Temporary safeguards must prevent fragments or loose coverings from falling or being caught by the wind.

1. Photograph the complete structure and then the affected panel.
2. Document the crack pattern, edges, fixings and adjacent profiles.
3. Record the exact position using a clear viewing direction.
4. Without adding load, check whether profiles, seals or brackets are also damaged.
5. Keep any available labels and safe, identifiable components.
6. Remove hazardous shards safely and appropriately; safety takes priority over retaining evidence.

Do not fit a new pane until the reason for unusual stress has been clarified. A distorted frame, uneven foundation, incorrectly seated seals or uneven clamping can cause damage again.

Measure glass as supporting evidence

Measurements are useful checks but may not replace model identification. Measure the pane itself where possible, not only the visible opening. For broken glass, use a matching pane position, original documents or retained edge pieces as references. Mark any dimensions based on estimated missing corners.

• Measure width and height at several points
• Give measurements in millimetres
• Create a dimensioned sketch for non-rectangular panes
• Record diagonals where the shape is uncertain
• Measure holes from clear reference edges
• Determine glass thickness only with a suitable method
• Match every measurement clearly to a photograph or sketch

Some safety glass cannot be cut or drilled after manufacture in the way ordinary raw glass can. Shape and processing must therefore be clear before production. Do not order apparently suitable local glass solely from the clear frame opening size.

Prepare a clear spare-parts request

Bring all information together in one message. Several unlabelled messages containing individual photos increase the risk of confusion. Use a numbered list when different parts are required.

1. Provide order and contact details.
2. State the product model and version.
3. Briefly describe the reason for the request.
4. Number each part and state the quantity.
5. Name photos using the same numbering.
6. Add measurements and positions.
7. State whether the structure can currently be used safely.

To send your request, use the Bloomcabin contact options. Rather than writing only “door seal”, for example, write: “Position 3: lower seal on the moving door leaf, viewed from outside; overall view and cross-section in photos 3a to 3c.”

Delivery issues and receiving replacement items

If a missing or damaged item is identified on the original delivery, document the shipment’s condition before unnecessarily changing the packaging or goods. Photograph the outer packaging, shipping label, damaged area, inner packaging and the component context. Further guidance on the process is available under Purchasing and delivery.

Cross-border orders may require extra delivery-route and identification details. If the original delivery was to Malta, Gozo or another Maltese island, retain the delivery records and consult the guidance on greenhouse purchasing and delivery in Malta.

Receiving checklist

• Check shipment and recipient details.
• Photograph the packaging from every side before opening.
• Document visible damage.
• Match parts against the accompanying documents.
• Check glass and long profiles for visible damage.
• Do not discard small parts with packaging material.
• Store components dry, protected and clearly labelled.

Do not test-fit a component that is visibly incorrect or damaged. This can damage further parts and make later assessment more difficult.

Plan the replacement-part installation

Before installation, establish whether the structure needs to be unloaded, supported or partly dismantled. Keep the relevant assembly instructions available and label removed components. Work on glass, roof areas and load-bearing connections requires suitable tools, safe access and sufficient people.

Check in advance:

• Is the spare part clearly matched to its position?
• Are seals, connectors and fixings complete?
• Is the frame square and free from distortion?
• Can the old part be removed safely?
• Do adjacent components need support?
• Are local requirements or professional qualifications relevant?

Changes to the foundation, location or structure type may require a new local review. In Malta, ask a perit to classify the greenhouse or pergola proposal with the Planning Authority, considering its footprint, height, enclosure, land designation and existing permit conditions. whether a greenhouse or pergola needs planning permission. Planning permission is conditional and site-specific; a garden location or removable kit does not by itself establish permission. The pergola foundation guide is also useful for the supporting base.

Anna Koku Skola: a real installation sequence

The Anna Koku Skola image sequence documents one continuous installation and must not be interpreted as a collection of different projects. For spare-parts requests, this type of continuous record is especially valuable: early images often show components and connections before they are covered, while later images show their final position in the complete structure.

A continuous sequence provides three useful documentation stages: first the condition of delivery and components, then intermediate assembly stages, and finally the completed aligned structure. When photographs are stored chronologically and named by construction stage, a later-required profile, connector or glass panel can be located much more reliably. Photograph concealed connections in particular before covers or glazing are installed.

Maintenance and sensible spare-parts storage

Regular checks reduce consequential damage. Guidance is available under Caring for your aluminium greenhouse. Check moving elements, seals, drainage and visible connections without tightening fixings at random. Components tightened too much can be as problematic as loose ones.

Temperature and humidity affect condensation, dirt and the demands placed on ventilation elements. Further guidance is available in the article on greenhouse temperature and humidity. A well-organised watering system can also prevent water from remaining in unsuitable areas; see the guide to water-saving gardening.

Keeping a small reserve of frequently used, clearly identified wear or assembly components can be useful. However, do not stock unknown universal parts just in case. Store seals without tension, small parts dry, and glass safely against tipping, impacts and edge loading. Each package should show the model, position, part number and storage date.

Pergola glass walls and operating components

The same identification principles apply to pergolas, but their structure and operating method play an even greater role. First check whether it is a bioclimatic or classic pergola and whether the structure is wall-mounted or freestanding . Dimensions and panel layout can be considered using the pergola size guide .

For glass walls, record the panel position, opening direction, guide system and connections to floor and roof. For operating parts, note the drive type, wiring or mechanical linkage and exact fault. In Malta, fixed outdoor wiring and pergola motors should be handled by a REWS-authorised professional whose scope covers the work; confirm testing and certification.

A roof or glass-wall alteration is not automatically compatible with an existing pergola. The article Bioclimatic pergolas, roofs and glass explains the different functional relationships. Do not force blocked louvres, sliding elements or drives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order replacement glass using only width and height?

As a rule, width and height should be used only as checking details. Where possible, also provide the model, installation position, glass type, thickness, shape, edges and any holes. A photograph of the complete panel and a dimensioned sketch reduce the risk of incorrect identification.

Are glass panes interchangeable between Bloomcabin models?

Do not assume this without checking. Similar external dimensions do not automatically mean identical edge treatment, fixing method or structural function. Roof, side and door panes within the same structure can also differ.

Which photographs should I send?

Send an overall view, an image of the relevant side of the structure, a photo of the exact installation position and several close-ups. Add images with a tape measure or scale, markings and mating parts. For movement problems, a short sequence showing different positions can be useful.

Should I dispose of damaged parts after photographing them?

Keep safe parts, labels and identifiable fragments until the request has been documented sufficiently. Hazardous glass shards must, however, be removed and disposed of safely. Safety comes first; good photographs can record the required identifying features.

Can I install replacement glass myself?

It depends on pane size, position, access, the structure and your expertise. Roof glazing and large or heavy panes carry serious risks. If unsure, appoint a suitable professional, follow the assembly instructions and use safe site-appropriate working practices.

What if I do not know the component’s name?

Use a position description and numbered photographs. Explain what the part does, what it is attached to and which element it moves or holds. A sketch with an arrow is often more helpful than an assumed technical term.

Can a seal, screw or bracket be replaced locally?

Only where technical suitability and compatibility have been clearly checked. Geometry, material, corrosion behaviour, strength and interaction with aluminium or glass can all matter. A part that looks similar is not automatically a suitable replacement.

What should I do if a door or roof vent becomes stiff?

Do not force the element. Check for dirt, visible distortion, loose connections, guides and alignment. Document when the problem occurs. Before replacing parts, exclude the possibility that the foundation or frame is the cause.

Is a spare-parts request automatically covered by the guarantee?

No. Whether a matter falls under a manufacturer guarantee depends on the product, cause, documentation and applicable terms. A technical request is an assessment, not a commitment. The relevant information is available in the Guarantee section.

Can I request parts to alter my greenhouse?

You may make a request, but an available individual component does not automatically make an alteration technically permissible. Changes can affect structure, glazing, drainage, ventilation and connections. Describe the planned existing and intended final condition fully.

How should replacement components be stored?

Keep them dry, protected and clearly labelled. Long profiles should be supported against sagging. Glass must stand securely and be protected from edge impacts. Seals should not be kinked, heavily stretched or exposed permanently to high heat and direct sunlight.

Where can I find guidance on purchasing and personal data?

Check the Bloomcabin terms and privacy information displayed when purchasing and making an enquiry. Send only the personal data needed for identification. General entry points for service and ordering information are available in the Useful information section.

Final spare-parts checklist

• Reason for the request clearly described
• Order reference and product model provided
• Installation position identified from a clear viewing direction
• Each part numbered and quantity stated
• Overall, position and detail photographs attached
• Measurements in millimetres recorded as supporting evidence
• Glass shape, holes and edges documented
• Adjacent components checked for damage
• Installation and safety conditions considered
• Delivery address and contact details checked

Careful documentation saves time and prevents incorrect orders. What matters is not the greatest possible number of photographs, but a traceable connection between the product, position, component, measurement and observed issue.