Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your greenhouse and ensures smooth operation and an attractive appearance. It is therefore recommended to maintain your greenhouse regularly and carry out a thorough inspection at least once a year to detect and eliminate potential issues.

Preparing the greenhouse for the season

  1. Inspect the wooden frame — Check the paintwork, cleanliness, presence of mold and any signs of deformation.
  2. Clean the wooden frame from dirt and mold if necessary.
  3. Repair paint/oil damage immediately. If needed, consult the manufacturer or retailer for guidance.
  4. Inspect the glass panels for misalignment and dirt.
  5. Clean the glass surfaces from dirt and mold if necessary.
  6. Check all fasteners (screws, etc.) to ensure they are tight and secure. All elements of the greenhouse must be rigidly connected, with no movement or wobble. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or retailer.
  7. Inspect PVC washers between the glass and screw heads, as these may degrade over time. Replace any that are damaged or worn.
  8. Check the operation of doors — Adjust hinges if necessary and lubricate locks, latches and hinges.
  9. Check the roof hatches — Lubricate hinges and adjust the hatch openers if needed.

Cleaning the greenhouse

It is recommended to thoroughly clean the greenhouse once a year before the start of the growing season. Over time, dust, soil and insect residue accumulate on the surfaces and in a humid environment, mold may develop. This creates an unhealthy environment for plants and may damage the finish of the greenhouse, reducing its lifespan and appearance.

  1. For light dirt, rinse the wooden and glass surfaces with clean water from a hose and wipe them with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
  2. For heavier dirt or mold, use a mild potassium permanganate (light purple) or green soap solution. Gently wash all surfaces, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  3. If dirt remains trapped between the wooden frame and glass, you may need to temporarily remove the glass:
  • Unscrew the fasteners carefully using proper tools.
  • Clean both the frame and glass thoroughly.
  • Reinstall the glass and secure it with screws — do not overtighten, as this may cause breakage.
  • Always remove and reinstall one glass pane at a time to avoid compromising the structure and to prevent accidental damage.

NB! Overtightening glass screws can cause the glass to break. Refer also to the greenhouse installation manual. If necessary, consult the manufacturer or retailer.

Preparing the greenhouse for Winter

  1. Close all doors and hatches securely.
  2. Lubricate the locks, latches and hinges on doors and roof hatches.
  3. Remove the key from the lock during the winter to prevent rusting inside the mechanism.
  4. Visually inspect the greenhouse and carry out any necessary cleaning or minor repairs.

Greenhouse maintenance during Winter

Winter conditions vary, and even the strongest greenhouse frames may need attention. Although wooden greenhouses are durable, no greenhouse is designed to withstand the weight of several tons of wet snow.

Lähe greenhouses are built with strong structures and steep roofs that generally allow snow to slide off naturally. However, during heavy snowfall or blizzards, you should regularly check the greenhouse and remove accumulated snow from the roof if necessary.

Also ensure that snow does not build up against the sides or ends of the greenhouse, as the pressure can damage the glass or frame. Remove any accumulated snow immediately.

Preparing for extreme weather (Storms, etc.)

  1. Close all doors and hatches tightly.
  2. Secure the doors with latches and locks so that they cannot open in the wind.
  3. The greenhouse must form a completely closed structure during strong winds. If wind enters the greenhouse through open doors or hatches, significant damage may occur.