FAQs

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Preparing the Site (4)

Do you measure and install the greenhouse on two levels?

Yes we would visit site, measure and prepare a quotation for you. If you then placed an order our technical office would visit to take accurate measurements to enable us  to prepare detailed drawings for the base to be built. We would then install the greenhouse onto your pre-prepared foundations.

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Where should I site a greenhouses in my garden?

Ideally should be sited with one long elevation mainly south facing if possible, so the sun runs along the length of the greenhouse during the course of the day. However the steep roof pitch of the Victorian greenhouses ensures good growing in most positions, as also does the different angles of the glazing in the Hartley greenhouses.

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Erecting a Greenhouse (5)

Can I build my greenhouse myself?

Some of our smaller greenhouses can be assembled by the customer, the larger Victorian glasshouses are assembled by us and is included in the price

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When is the best time of year to build a greenhouse?

The optimum time to build a new greenhouse would be either at the beginning or end of the growing season. Orders placed late in the year or early in the year between November and March will enable you to get your new greenhouse up and running for the start of the growing season. However there is really no reason why you shouldn’t put a new greenhouse in at any time which suits you and your circumstances.

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Moving a Hartley (2)

Moving a Hartley greenhouse

Question: I have two questions, firstly I am moving to Scotland in the future and there is a hartley greenhouse that needs to be resited and the seals have shrunk and would need replacing .The glasshouse is approx. 15/8ft. and has a brick base.Would you know which model from this brief description? It is quite old, but in reasonable order and seems to be the style favoured in this area. The second query is related to me getting a quote from an aluminium conservatory company for a conservatory approx. 5mtrx3mtr, but the quote was well out of my budget and I wondered if another option would be a lean to glasshouse but there are no prices shown and I need to have some idea in order to know if this is an option.


Answer: We wouldn’t unfortunately know the model from the brief description, however if you could provide photographs this would help?
If you could give us an idea of size required for the lean to greenhouse, we would be more than happy to provide an estimated cost for you. Please contact us for more information.

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Greenhouse Maintenance (5)

Can I clean the framework of my glasshouse?

Certainly, use a cleaning detergent like washing up liquid for cleaning your greenhouse, this will remove dirt and the bacteria.

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Do you offer a cleaning and maintenance service?

We don’t offer a cleaning and maintenance service, our advise is to clean the greenhouse with a mild soapy detergent and a soft cloth, rinse with a hose pipe (not a power washer). If you need spares please contact customer services, and we will be happy to assist.

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The doors on my lean to greenhouse keep lifting off the top or more usually the bottom tracks in the wind. Is this a problem you have had before? The door top runner bracket is not stable. Is there a remedy?

Our fitters advice is to check the wheels on the sliding door, if the wheels are broken or cracked then there may be too much give which is why the doors are lifting and moving in bad weather. We have photos which show how much of a gap there should be between the wheel and the metal runner which we could send to you. If you would like us to email the photos to you please call our Customer Service Department on 01457 821966 between 9am & 5:00pm.

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Please can you let me know how to replace a pane of glass in my greenhouse?

Remove the infill either side of the pane of glass by carefully prising it out, then remove the screws from the capping either side of the pane of glass and then the pane should be released and then put the capping back on when the new pane of glass is in and screw this in and press the infills back into place.

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Can you give any instructions for putting the blinds back after they have been cleaned. They've come up like new but not sure how to do the spring load mechanism. Thank you.

When installing blinds it is important to remember that in order to function properly, they must be pre-tensioned correctly.

In order to do this the cord must be left wrapped around the blind when it is fitted.

The pre-tensioning of the blind occurs when the cord is pulled after the blind has been fitted. When the unravelling reaches the point where the blind starts to open there will already be plenty of tension in the spring to pull the blind back.

If a blind has lost its tension, then remove it completely and ravel it up (including the cord) then re-fit it.

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Delivery (4)

Do you deliver to France?

Question: Do you deliver to France as we have a house there in the Haurte Vienne and would be looking to get a greenhouse there. How does this interact with taking site measurements? I would be looking at something along the lines of the Botanic Glasshouse 1

Answer: We do deliver and install in France, along with many other parts of the world. We suggest the client prepares the necessary building works, from a detailed plan we would provide at point of order. We do need to take site measurements, as we provide the plans for the clients contractor to follow. We would manufacture the structure (to one of our standard sizes, or to the client’s preferred bespoke sizes), deliver it to the site, and then send our assembly team to the site to complete the installation. If we can assist with anything further please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

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How long does it take for my order to be made and delivered?

Every greenhouse is made to order, and the delivery time depends on the size of the greenhouse and time of year.

In order to estimate the delivery time for your desired greenhouse model, please contact the Hartley team on +44 (0) 1457 819155.

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Existing Hartleys (4)

Hi we have just moved into our house and it has an 8' wisley greenhouse with an inward opening door, is it possible to change this to one that either opens outwards or slides as it takes over a lot of the internal space?

It would be helpful to know the age of the greenhouse before we could give an answer to this question In the first instance we would need to talk with you and possibily request a photograph of the greenhouse to see if we could assist.

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Moving a Hartley greenhouse

Question: I have two questions, firstly I am moving to Scotland in the future and there is a hartley greenhouse that needs to be resited and the seals have shrunk and would need replacing .The glasshouse is approx. 15/8ft. and has a brick base.Would you know which model from this brief description? It is quite old, but in reasonable order and seems to be the style favoured in this area. The second query is related to me getting a quote from an aluminium conservatory company for a conservatory approx. 5mtrx3mtr, but the quote was well out of my budget and I wondered if another option would be a lean to glasshouse but there are no prices shown and I need to have some idea in order to know if this is an option.


Answer: We wouldn’t unfortunately know the model from the brief description, however if you could provide photographs this would help?
If you could give us an idea of size required for the lean to greenhouse, we would be more than happy to provide an estimated cost for you. Please contact us for more information.

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Replacement edging seals

Question: Hi, I have inherited an old 2nd hand Hartley 10, 7 Section polygon greenhouse, which I would like to restore to its former glory.  Unfortunately there are several broken or missing panes of glass.  Getting 4mm replacement safety glass is not a problem, but the edge seals are missing.  This is a square U section and extends ~ 10mm onto the glass and forms the weather seal between the glass and aluminium frake when held in place by the screw-down glazing bars.  It is quite thin and flexible, but not rubber.  Possibly TPE.  Is it still possible to get this or can you recommend a replacement?

Answer: Some of our older greenhouses were supplied with 3MM horticultural glass. We do supply the TPR (thermo plastic rubber). Please call our office for further details.

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Heating a Greenhouse (1)

How would i attach bubble wrap to the inside of my greenhouse?

Bubble wrap can be attached by simply using ‘no.8 self tapping screws’ to an appropriate depth. These can be screwed directly into the channels in the aluminium extrusion. Also use washers with the screws to prevent the bubble wrap tearing.

Also useful are strong spring loaded clips (like stationers ‘Bulldog’ clips) i.e. stronger than clothes pegs, although these have also been known to be used successfully.

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Buying a Greenhouse (5)

How large is a Greenhouse?

A Greenhouse can be as large as you desire, but the common width is 8, 10, or 12 feet.

 

Make the most of your outdoor space with a walk-in Greenhouse, to easily tend to your plants and enjoy the relaxing nature of gardening. 

 

Some gardeners opt for a large Greenhouse with partitioned interiors where a private seated area can be formed, or perhaps a separate space to store your tools. Not only does this create a physical division, but also means certain amounts of light and heat reach particular areas, allowing for increased plant variety.

 

The larger the Greenhouse, the more opportunity you have for unique customisations. Bespoke structures can also be requested, creating a particularly striking large Greenhouse. 

 

A large Greenhouse can also be used as an orangery when combined with certain masonry elements. Whatever your needs, large Greenhouses promise to be the pride and joy of any garden for years to come.

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Do you need planning permission for an orangery?

When building an orangery, you are usually not required to seek planning permission. It is classed as a permitted development, similar to a conservatory, and is subject to the same building regulations and guidelines. As long as you build within these rights, planning permission for an orangery is not necessary.

 

An orangery is a more affordable option compared to an extension, mostly due to the materials used. The overall cost per square metre of an orangery is generally cheaper than a single-story extension, depending on which style and design features you opt for.

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Do you deliver to France?

Question: Do you deliver to France as we have a house there in the Haurte Vienne and would be looking to get a greenhouse there. How does this interact with taking site measurements? I would be looking at something along the lines of the Botanic Glasshouse 1

Answer: We do deliver and install in France, along with many other parts of the world. We suggest the client prepares the necessary building works, from a detailed plan we would provide at point of order. We do need to take site measurements, as we provide the plans for the clients contractor to follow. We would manufacture the structure (to one of our standard sizes, or to the client’s preferred bespoke sizes), deliver it to the site, and then send our assembly team to the site to complete the installation. If we can assist with anything further please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

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Hartley Prices (1)

Why have you no prices on your website?

Prices can vary with sizes and specification required in terms of accessories. We like to speak to you to find out exactly what you require and then find the best discounts we can offer you.

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