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Recycling used School Bus Glass for Backyard Greenhouse

 
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Good day,

I work for a school bus company and have started collecting old bus glass to build a ~10x12' greenhouse in my backyard. The glass I'm collecting is slightly frosted (which is the reason it is replaced). There is presently a small steel frame holding the two glass panes together.

Before I start building, I would like help brainstorming the following:

- The best way to attach the windows.
- Which material would weather best to build a frame.
- Consider how to vent the greenhouse in the warm months, as it will be a permanent fixture.
- Consider a small heat source for the winter.

Thanks in advance for your input!
 
steward
Posts: 2482
Location: FL
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If you can put up photos as your project progresses it can motivate a lot of people to try this, or something like it, on their own.

Frame
Lumber is probably the easiest material to work with. Some larger beams for the corners, with studs for vertical supports. The price is low, tools are available, and the glass can be attached easily.

Attach
If left in the existing frame, screws will hold the glass to the wood structure. There is weather stripping on the market that will offer a seal.
If removes from the existing frame, a wooden frame can be built to hold the glass - much like the panel of a cabinet door. After that, connecting this frame to the wooden structure is a matter of screws and weatherstripping.

Vent
Unscrew a couple of the glass panels.
You can install screen in the holes to keep the skeeters out.

Heat
There are solutions all over these forums. Rather than reinvent the wheel I'll direct you to the Search feature at the top of this page.
 
Posts: 21
Location: zone 5b / village of Priceville in Southern Ontario, Canada
wofati greening the desert ungarbage
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This idea, depends on availability; but my initial gut reaction, was "Why not use old buses ?"  Windows already installed; remove the roof-'skin', add a few hoops to help hold up a sheet of clear plastic.  And; install a row of beds, on each side.  Portable  (You; might need a tractor.);  depending on the configuration & size of your property  (And; your opinions, about the aesthetics.)  you might wish to move it for the 'Off' season.  So; you can put it out of sight.

Some extras could be :  

-  If the bus; is not drivable; disconnect the wheels from the transmission & brakes, if that would help it to roll easier  (For those; that want the portability).  And; use big chunks of unsplit firewood, as parking blocks.  Removing the engine, & gutting the transmission; would help to make it lighter.  But; depending on how much wind you get, don't make it so light that it blows onto its side.
-  Take the sides off, down to the floor; and replace with clear plastic.  If; the sides are 'uni-body' without any real frame, it might be better to cut holes in the sides  (Or; remove the metal like I mentioned earlier, & use studding to hold the windows up & provide 'nailing' for the plastic.)  & then replace with clear plastic.  This option; should be only considered, in light of what is expected for 'snow load' & 'wind load' in your area.
-  If; you ignore the previous option & want to make it look nicer, then paint it.  Your colour(s), flowers, other plants, etc.
 
Ken Showalter
Posts: 21
Location: zone 5b / village of Priceville in Southern Ontario, Canada
wofati greening the desert ungarbage
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I; just found this :  https://permies.com/t/184313/Making-greenhouse-recycled-bus-car  

Sorry.
 
master pollinator
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Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b
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I wonder how bus glass (safety glass) compares to standard (cheapest, untreated) window glass in terms of transmitting the full spectrum of sunlight. Any thoughts?
 
Willie Smits increased rainfall 25% in three years by planting trees. Tiny ad:
Rolling Shelter: Vehicles We Have Called Home by Kelly Hart (a Green Home Building Book)
https://permies.com/wiki/211294/Rolling-Shelter-Vehicles-Called-Home
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