We are considering building a lean to greenhouse this year. It will be 8 ft. wide and 32 ft. long. I was interested in putting a rocket stove in it to heat it at nights in the winter. It will be built from a polycarbonate roof and used sliding glass doors for the walls. I am unsure how hot these stoves get and don't want it to break the glass or melt the plastic. I could build a small room to put this in if necessary with wood or metal walls and just put ductwork into the rest of the greenhouse. I understand that I can not use concrete as high temps with cause it to explode. I also understand rocks can do the same thing. We don't have clay in our area, so one of my questions is: What can I use to create a mass that will hold the heat that won't explode? Our ground is mostly sand here. My son's room is right next to where we need to build the greenhouse so want it to be very safe. How do I know how big of a rocket stove to make?
How long will the barrel and ductwork last? Do you have to replace it yearly? How hot will it get? How much of a fire hazzard are they? How long to you have to burn the fire to keep the greenhouse heated all night? I like to have all the facts before making a decision. Thank you so much for any help that can be provided. I appreciate any ideas. Thank you so much.
veggiegal
