Is the Cultivator Elite™ a kit greenhouse? The Cultivator Elite™ is a kit in that parts arrive pre-drilled and pre-cut, but due to the complexity of the installation process, we recommend you use an experienced greenhouse installer or the services of a general contractor to build your greenhouse.
What is included in the price? The price of the Cultivator Elite™ includes the aluminum frame with a choice of bronze or white paint, the covering you have chosen, the door(s) (if ordered), one row of thermostatically controlled roof vents with screens included, all necessary hardware to build the greenhouse structure, greenhouse plans and installation instructions.
What’s the difference between a greenhouse and a solarium? A greenhouse is designed for growing and maintaining plants in a controlled environment. A Cultivator Elite™ greenhouse is designed with thermostatically controlled roof vents to accommodate heating and cooling equipment essential for healthy plant growth. A solarium is typically double-paned glass, and it is usually designed to be a living space. It is sometimes difficult to retrofit a solarium for appropriate heating and cooling needs for your plants.
Model Differences
What are the advantages of the lean-to model? A lean-to model is attached to an existing structure, such as your home or garage. The attached greenhouse allows you direct access to your plants from the building you attach to. Sometimes it is easier to access utilities such as gas lines, plumbing, and electrical when the greenhouse structure is attached to your home.
What are the advantages of the stand-alone model? A stand-alone model can be placed anywhere on your property for optimal lighting. You also don’t need to be concerned about the height restrictions that can sometimes be associated with attached greenhouses. A stand-alone greenhouse usually offers more growing space because you have a peaked structure.
What are the advantages of the stand-alone structure with a gable end attached to your home or garage?
A stand-alone model that attaches to your home or garage at the gable end gives you the access advantages of the lean-to model plus the additional growing space of the stand-alone models.
Are there advantages to the curved-eave model compared to the straight-eave model?
The choice between a curved-eave and a straight-eave model depends on your preference and what fits with the architectural design of your home.
What are the advantages of fixing the greenhouse frame to a kneewall?
The kneewall, which goes from the ground to the greenhouse covering, can be faced with brick, fieldstone, or other coverings to match the look and design of your home. The use of a kneewall also gives you the ability to insulate the lower part of the structure where the wall is, which is particularly important in cold climates. The kneewall hides empty pots, soil, and gardening tools, and also offers shade for those plants that need it.
What are the advantages of the glass-to-ground model?
The advantage of the glass-to-ground model is that it gives more light transmission and can be less expensive because you eliminate the costs associated with the construction of the kneewall.
What other things should be considered when choosing a model and style?
You will want to choose a location that receives four to six hours of sunlight a day. Trees and large objects near the greenhouse will provide large amounts of shade. Locating deciduous trees on the south end of the structure and a windbreak on the north can lower heating and cooling costs. It is also important to choose a site that is level and drains well. Access to electricity, water, and a gas line are all important considerations when deciding on the ideal location for your greenhouse.
Standard Features
What are the options for doors? All models can be designed with a door in one or both gable ends. Double doors are available in the 12’ wide lean-to and in the 12’ , 16’ , and 20’ wide stand-alone models.
Does the roof vent come screened? Yes, our roof vents come standard with screens, unlike other manufacturers who charge extra for screened vents.
Is a second row of roof vents available with a stand-alone model? Yes, you do have the option of ordering a second row of roof vents on any of the stand-alone models for additional natural ventilation.
Can the roof vent be a manual operation rather than automatic?
Yes, you can request a manual opening for your roof vent.
Are custom colors available?
We offer white and bronze as standard color choices at no extra charge. Custom colors are not available on this model.
Kneewall
Can the kneewall be taller or shorter than the standard 2’-4”?
Yes, you can adjust the height of the kneewall, but there are some things to consider when doing so. If you make the kneewall less than the standard 28”, you need to make sure that you have considered the amount of space needed for the door. When raising the height of the kneewall on a lean-to model or a stand alone with a gable end attached, you need to make sure you have enough clearance on the wall to which you are attaching. We will need to design custom covering above the door in both instances. Please contact us for design specifics and additional pricing required for any changes to the standard models.
Covering
What options are available for glazing (covering) the greenhouse? When purchasing a curved-eave model, 1/8” clear tempered glass or 1/8” bronze tempered glass are the two choices you have for glazing. The straight-eave models can be covered with the same glass choices as the curved-eave greenhouse. You can also use 8mm polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is available in clear, bronze, or an opal tint. You also have the option of polycarbonate on the roof and glass on the sidewalls and gable ends.
What are the advantages of 1/8” clear tempered glass? Nothing beats the beauty of glass in a residential greenhouse. Clear glass has a 90% light transmission that is the closest to growing outside. Glass will last a lifetime and retain its beauty for years.
What are the advantages of polycarbonate?
8mm twinwall polycarbonate offers excellent light transmission, exceptional strength and durability, and outstanding insulating properties. The 8mm polycarbonate has a light transmission of 82%. It carries a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. The surface of the polycarbonate is protected from the degradation effects of U.V. radiation by a proprietary co-extrusion process.
What is the R-value of 8mm polycarbonate? The R-valve for 8mm twinwall polycarbonate is 1.57.
Why is polycarbonate available in the straight-eave models only? Polycarbonate is a heavy, rigid plastic that does not have the ability to bend to the radius that is required to install curved panes of glass.
Foundation
Does the Cultivator Elite™ require a foundation? Yes, a foundation is required.
What kind of foundation is needed? The type of foundation you will need depends on your location. In some areas, the ground models may be built on a slab or grade beam. In areas where the ground freezes, a foundation that reaches below frost line may be required. If the footing is too shallow, the ground below may freeze and heave, cracking the footings and the greenhouse. Consult your local building department and/or foundation engineer for exact foundation requirements.
How do I know what size foundation I need for the greenhouse?
A foundation should not be installed until the greenhouse plans are received from us to assure proper dimensions are maintained. After you place an order for your Cultivator Elite™, you will receive a complete set of plans, including the foundation dimensions.
Does the greenhouse come with a floor? Greenhouses do not come with floors. You have the option of putting in the type of floor that will meet your needs. Common choices are rock or pea gravel under the growing benches and brick pavers or flag stone for the walkways. A concrete floor is an option, but you will then want to consider proper drainage to avoid any areas of pooling water.
Miscellaneous
What utilities are needed for a greenhouse? You will need electricity to run the roof vent and possibly other pieces of equipment. A gas line and water access may also be important.
What equipment do I need for a greenhouse? The equipment you will need will depend on your climate and on what you are planning on growing in your greenhouse.
What is snow load?
This is the load on the roof of your structure from accumulating snow as determined by the local building code or building official.
What is live load?
These are temporary loads produced during maintenance by workers, equipment, or materials as determined by the local building code or building official.
What is wind load?
These are loads applied to your structure due to wind as determined by the local building code or building official.
How do I know what is required in my area?
You will need to check your local building code or ask your local building official.
Do I need to get a building permit?
You will need to check with your local building official.
What are stamped plans?
These are drawings of your structure that have a professional engineer’s stamp on them for permitting.
Are stamped plans available if required by the building department?
Yes, for any greenhouse structure that you purchase from Nexus Corporation.
Am I required to meet the load requirement for my area?
Even if you are not getting a permit, you should plan to meet your local load requirements.
