Q: I've seen other greenhouses on the market that sell for a lot more. How can you sell them at that price?
A: We're able to keep Tropical Mist Greenhouses affordable because we sell them factory direct to you; there is no middleman. This assures that the finest workmanship and quality control goes into our greenhouses. We use only the best gel coats and resins.
Q: You say that the fiberglass panels are lightweight. Won't they blow away?
A: No way. Our own personal Tropical Mist has weathered some very nasty Minnesota summer and winter storms, including hail, and it didn't touch the panels. Each individual panal is lightweight, but when you bolt them together, they become a solid unit. There are six hoops in a standard size greenhouse, and nine panels bolted together make a hoop. As you bolt them together, you'll be amazed to see the panels making it's own framework. When all the panels are together, you simply secure the corners to it's foundation...and you have a greenhouse with unequaled strength and durability.
Q: How hard is it to assemble?
A: It's very easy. All the panels are pre-drilled, and it's simply a matter of bolting them together with the rust free hardware that we supply. We include an instruction manual with your kit to guide you step-by-step through the process. But if you should have any questions, just give us a call.
Q: What kind of foundation do I need for my greenhouse?
A: It will go anyplace you can pitch a tent. We recommend that you put plastic down to keep it weed free. In Minnesota, we use gravel for our base to keep it frost free, clean, and dry.
Q: Why haven't I seen a greenhouse like this before?
A: Because it's brand new. We call it a gift from God. Each panel has 4 rounded pyrimid shapes which collect the sunlight from all angles. It's a true solar greenhouse in that it uses the sun's rays very efficiently. It's double wall design traps the heat in the winter, and helps keep it cool in the summer. And it's UV protected which is good for your plants.
Q: I've heard that fiberglass greenhouses need the gel coat maintained or it will be baked off by the sun.
A: Corrigated fiberglass, yes, can have problems. They are made from G.P. (general purpose) resins and gelcoats which are not formulated for greenhouses. Our resins and gelcoats are made, after years of research, specifically for greenhouses. These are marine gelcoats that fight against all weather, like the tremendous water reflection of UV rays against yachts. Our greenhouse resin is of a much higher quality, unlike G.P. resins.
Q: Can I use it in the winter?
A: Yes. You may need to add a heater in the winter depending upon your climate. We suggest using a propane heater, since it gives off carbon dioxide which plants need for their growth.
Q: What kind of ventalation system will my greenhouse have?
A: Your greenhouse kit contains a duel fan, thermostatically controlled ventilation system. Other companies sell fans as an accessory. We don't consider it an option because we know the importance of ventilation in a greenhouse.
Q: How do I get my greenhouse ready for planting?
A: Our instruction manual has a basic design layout of growing beds that we use in ours, or you can design it any way you choose.
Q: Are your greenhouses hard to care for?
A: No. We let Mother Nature take care of ours.
Q: You say this is your "standard" greenhouse. What other options are there?
A: Since Tropical Mist Greenhouses are all modular, you may purchase additional panels to make it any length you choose. And if you decide that you want a larger greenhouse, it's a simple process to add on. Never before has a greenhouse offered this kind of versatility.
Q: Do you have other sizes, say like an 8X8? And if it has to be bolted, what about leaks?
A: Let me answer the second question first. Before you connect the hoops together, you lay down a bead of caulk weatherstipping; a very simple process. This will totally seal your Greenhouse from the elements.
Your second question is more complex. Our Greenhouses can be made wider than 11' 5" by adding extra panels. However, the minimum width is 11' 5". The length can be made shorter, but we aren't sure you would be satisfied with a shorter length. Once your plants get going in a Tropical Mist Greenhouse, you're going to need the extra room!
We wish you could visit us, and actually see the Tropical Mist. Pictures can't do it justice. People walk in, and we hear phrases like "Wow" or "Cool"! It really is unlike any other Greenhouse.
Q: Is there a way to get a smally sample of your fiberglass, particularly the front? We have a neighborhood association which must approve everything.
A: We've seen a sample from another greenhouse manufacturer that uses the lower grade general purpose fiberglass. It's very thin and easy to cut. Our marine gelcoat fiberglass is thicker and much more durable. We've thought about offering samples, but we need to make molds to give you a true idea of what the panels look like. So, unfortunately, no samples are available at this time.
Q: How does the ventilation system work? Is that a vent above the door?
A: The vents, or louvers, are on each side of the door, They automatically open when the thermostatically controlled fans, located on the rear wall, turn on. The fans plug into a standard 110 outlet.
Q: How does it attach to the foundation or ground? We have high winds.
A: One 2 1/2 foot screw down stake on each corner secures it. Our personal Tropical Mist has survived two 80+ mph winds over the past two summers with no damage whatsoever. (They did knock over a few huge trees and rip off a porch overhang however!).
Q: What will the fiberglass look like after a few years? Will it maintain its current appearance or change somewhat?
A: No change. The marine gelcoats we use will not change color, and retains its clarity for many years to come!
Questions make our day, because we love talking about our greenhouse. If you have a question that we haven't answered here; please call, write, or e-mail us on our contact page.
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