Maintaining Your Aluminium Greenhouse: A Complete Guide
Regular care and maintenance are essential if your aluminium greenhouse is to serve you well for many years, perhaps even decades. This guide covers everything from routine cleaning to replacing glazing clips, helping you keep your greenhouse in excellent condition.
Regular Cleaning Routines
Cleaning your greenhouse inside and out improves more than its appearance; it also creates better growing conditions for your plants. Removing debris, cleaning the glazing and clearing algae and moss lets in maximum light while reducing the risk of pests and plant diseases.
Top tip: Temporarily move all plants out before you start cleaning so you can reach every area easily.
Remove Dirt and Debris
Start by sweeping greenhouse benches clean, removing cobwebs from corners and clearing dirt from the floor. If your greenhouse has paving or a concrete floor, a Cleansweep brush head with firm nylon bristles can give it a thorough clean. Use it dry or with a Spiral Flow hose for straightforward washing with water. Check that the greenhouse gutters are also free of debris, especially if you divert rainwater into a water tank.
Clean the Frame and Glazing
Wash both the frame and glazing with hot, soapy water or a greenhouse disinfectant. This helps protect the structure and ensures your plants receive as much light as possible. Pay close attention to algae or moss growing where glass panes overlap.
Disinfect Tools and Surfaces
Wipe down the surfaces of all benches and shelves. Wash and disinfect empty seed trays, pots and other containers. Soak watering or capillary mats to remove algae or moss, then use perforated polyethylene over the mats to make future cleaning easier.
Regular Maintenance Routines
Carrying out maintenance and repairs keeps your greenhouse an effective growing space and can help extend its working life.
Repair or Replace Damaged Glazing
Over time, horticultural glass panes may crack or break. A small crack can be repaired temporarily with all-weather tape, but a completely broken pane should be replaced promptly to prevent further damage. Replace it with matching glass or a polycarbonate sheet.
Replace Missing Glazing Clips
Replace any damaged or missing glazing clip so the glazing remains securely in place. This matters particularly during colder months, when wind and severe weather can affect the panels. A few replacement clips cost far less than replacing an entire glass pane.
Check Greenhouse Doors
Sliding doors on most greenhouses, including all Elite greenhouses, use wheels for smooth opening and closing. Check regularly that the wheels run freely and replace them if necessary. Also make sure the tracks are firmly secured.
Check Roof Vents
Make sure roof vents are correctly fitted and unobstructed. If your vents have automatic openers, check that they work properly and replace the cylinders when needed. Roof vents are vital for air circulation and should be used throughout the year to help prevent damp conditions and disease.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Ideally, carry out a thorough cleaning and maintenance check twice a year: once before the main spring growing season and again in autumn, when the greenhouse is less crowded. This routine keeps it in top condition and ready for insulation before winter.
Follow these maintenance tips to enjoy a clean, efficient aluminium greenhouse that supports healthy plant growth throughout the year. Contact Bloomcabin today if you have questions or would like further advice.
