Rejuvinate a old aluminium greenhouse

[KK21]

My parents bought a Crittal greenhouse (with sloped sides) way back in the 1970's which was used for tomatoes for many a year, then stood empty for a while after I left home.

Now I am back, as my elderly father is in poor health and have decided to use it again

However, the two greenhouse louvres no longer operate, nor does the automatic roof vent thingummyjig

Can these be replaced easily enough ?

Any suggested names of suppliers would be very welcome too.

Kind regards !

[sarahkeast]

Do you really need these features ? or am I just missing something ? nice to have for sure, but can you manage without if you cant get them ?

Is the glass sound and clean ?

[KK21]

Hi Sarah

The louvres are currently jammed open, so ventilation will not be a problem ... unless it's gets too cold or windy.

I could tape over the opening with bubble wrap, but then there wouldn't be any ventilation.

The rooflight will open and I could wedge it open, but again, this is Ok if hot and sunny, but if it's cold then it means I have to close it manually.

OK, the louvres never opened by themselves, but the roof light did work so acted as a sort of safety measure, in case it got too hot

the glass is clean and the couple of broken panes have been replaced.

Regards !

[Green Aura]

Would a bit of oil help on the louvres? They're not complicated mechanisms so I would have thought they could be cajoled (maybe a gentle tap with a hammer)

You can get automatic vent openers from B+Q - they're not overly expensive (or they weren't when we got one a few years ago). The old one should just unscrew.

[Carltonian Man]

Like Ga says, maybe try a squirt of WD40 on all the pivot points. Lube it a few times a day for three or four days if possible then apply gentle persuasion (no point trying to rush it until the WD has done it's job). If that fails the whole louvre kit can be replaced (prices start around 25 quid). Usually the unit is held in by a single screw on each corner, might pay to lube these at the same time in case you do end up replacing.
Re auto roof vent opener, only personal choice but if you can stretch to buying one they save loads of messing about and could possibly avoid cooking your plants/crop. Again, held on by just a few screws so not a biggie to change.
Good luck with it and keep us all posted.

[oldjerry]

I was scrolling down and thinking WD WD WD,then got to CM's contribution! I cant remember anything that couldn't be unstuck with it.It might need a few good soakings over a day or two(a small wire brush like they used to have for Hush Puppies,is good for cleaning off loose rusty bits to help the WD do it's thing).Persist,Crittal GHs were well made,much better quality than the more modern things.
Best Wishes.

[KK21]

Thank you for all the answers ..

I may as well get some WD40 and give that a go.

Regards from Whitley Bay
(summer here starts on 1st July and lasts until about 12th July)

[Green Aura]

(summer here starts on 1st July and lasts until about 12th July)

Show off! Ours starts 1st of August and finishes on the..........1st of August

Actually we get some lovely weather - but it's usually overnight and stops at around 8am - fortunately it's bright enough to garden by night here!

[KK21]

Show off! Ours starts 1st of August and finishes on the..........1st of August

Actually we get some lovely weather - but it's usually overnight and stops at around 8am - fortunately it's bright enough to garden by night here!

Very funny

[Thomzo]

Would a bit of oil help on the louvres? They're not complicated mechanisms so I would have thought they could be cajoled (maybe a gentle tap with a hammer) .

I would just check that there isn't a bit of old twig or similar jammed in the mechanism before applying the gentle persuasion. If the greenhouse has been used for anything that climbs, they seem to have an amazing ability to get in anywhere.

Zoe