To ground a greenhouse, you primarily secure its base to the ground using appropriate fixings like anchor bolts or fixing plugs.
The Essential Method: Securing the Base
The most direct way to ground your greenhouse is by physically attaching its base or frame directly to the foundation or ground surface. This prevents the structure from being lifted or moved by wind and other external forces.
Based on reliable methods, all you have to do is fix the base of the greenhouse to the ground using anchor bolts or fixing plugs with a diameter of at least 8 mm. These fixings pass through the base of the greenhouse and into the supporting material below, whether that's soil, concrete, paving slabs, or another type of foundation.
- Anchor Bolts: Typically used for securing to hard surfaces like concrete.
- Fixing Plugs (Wall Plugs): Used in conjunction with screws or bolts when fixing into softer materials or masonry.
Ensure the fixings used have a diameter of at least 8 mm to provide sufficient strength and stability.
Addressing Different Ground Types and Anchor Points
The method you use can depend on your foundation and whether your greenhouse frame has built-in anchor points.
For Hard Ground Without Anchor Points
If your greenhouse is on hard ground or a hardstanding (like concrete or paving) but lacks specific anchor points on its base, there's a practical solution. A quick tip provided is: if your greenhouse does not have any anchor points for hard ground, get yourself some galvanised bolt-down post supports which should ideally feature a fixing plate.
These supports are designed to be bolted securely to the hard surface, and then the greenhouse frame can be attached to the support posts. Galvanised materials resist rust, making them suitable for outdoor use.
General Steps for Grounding
Here's a simplified look at the process:
- Prepare the Site: Ensure the ground or foundation is level and clear.
- Position the Greenhouse: Place the assembled or partially assembled greenhouse base in its final position.
- Mark Fixing Points: Use the pre-drilled holes in the greenhouse base (or the position of bolt-down supports) to mark where the fixings will go into the ground.
- Drill Holes: Drill holes into the ground or foundation at the marked points. The size and depth of the holes will depend on your chosen fixings (anchor bolts, plugs, etc.) and their minimum 8 mm diameter.
- Insert Fixings: Insert the anchor bolts or fixing plugs into the drilled holes.
- Secure the Base: Align the greenhouse base over the fixings and tighten the bolts or screws to secure the base firmly to the ground.
Properly grounding your greenhouse is crucial for its longevity and safety, preventing damage from wind and maintaining its structural integrity.
