I have 2 univent style openers - they are at least 8 years old and I have had no problems. I use a counter-weight to balance the load on teh windows. I did order an extra 'power tube' to try and make a specialized opener - they run about $20. I don't see how they could get cross-threaded unless the nuts where the wrong size. If you have access to a die kit you could cut the threads back onto the rod. If you post a picture it would be helpful. http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/3513-Replacement-Cylinder-for-3515-3527-3533--C3513-.htm

I ran natural gas from my house.... it was a pain. I had to trench with a ditch witch and the gas company helped me make the connection. (I used to date the service guys daughter in high school) IT was the best decision so far. No propane refills to deal with. The heater is working great and keeps temps in the 50's on cold nights on the lowest setting. Usually just the pilot light burns. I will remove the heater in a few weeks when temps warm up. IT will save wear and tear on the heater and give me more room and I won't have to keep the pilot lit burning fuel. The people at DESA heaters were great to deal with and they were right her in BOwling Green Ky. I bought a model from Wal Mart cheap but it had no thermostat. I called them directly and they helpled my pick just the right heater. Its 20k radiant and themal mix. So far so good.

Last year I started my plants in the portable GH that I used for two years and in the spring I worked on my 10x12 HFGH but did not put it into operation until this year. This gave me a year to play with it before I actually used it. I bought 4 HF vent openers but the operation of them was erratic they would open late or close way too late and the heat was going out the top. Those problems along with the flimsy construction caused me to junk them. For those who have not yet bought vent openers here is something to think about. If you use vent openers they will only work while it is cool when it reaches the 80's you must force ventilate. With operational vents you need to cut you shade cloth if it is not hemmed it will probably tear. Do a search on this forum and read about all the problems people have trying to keep a thermal blanket on in cold weather. If the wind don't tear it off it will get under it and while blowing through under it you have no dead air space. READ NO INSULATING VALUE. In the FAQ under 10x12 HFGH I outlined how I installed my thermal blanket it absolutely will not blow off or let air under it I leave it on year round. If I use shade cloth I don't cut it because the vents are non operational. For what it cost for 4 quality openers like Bayliss I got a exhaust fan rated at 2350 CFM put a speed control on it and a thermostat and set it for what temp you want to maintain. Warm in the winter cool in the summer and none of the hassle of removing the cylinders from the openers every winter no problems with shade cloth or trying to keep thermal blanket on keeps GH at lower temps and no worrying about a wind storm blowing the open vents off while they are open. I'm at the age that I don't want to be putting a pool cover on and off or be out side in the middle of a wind storm trying to save it. I set the thermostat and leave knowing that it will be fine. Only risk is if the electric goes off it won't work but if it is hot and the power fails your roof vents are not going to cool it anyway and when the exhaust fans is on you need the vents closed. I did away with the roof vents and I have no regrets

Great pictures! Fortunately, the tree in our way died about a year before we put up our greenhouse (still had to cut it down, though!) We had a furry OSHA inspector too (all extra paws and hands were greatly appreciated.) I love my 10x12 HFGH, enjoying it for my third year. It's totally stuffed with plants, year round. "- We will add more clips to prevent the panels from flying off in the wind - a major concern." Sounds like you've read the archived threads here about the recurring problem of lost HFGH panels. In addition to extra clips (we did that too) it's pretty easy to add self-tapping screws to the panels, as even more protection against panel loss. The 10x12 is pretty tall and makes an even worse target for wind damage, but there are some scary threads archived here about wind-damaged 6x8 HFGHs as well. Here are some photos showing how we screwed the panels into the aluminum frame (thanks to previous GardenWeb forum members who suggested this improvement.) Part Six, Adding the Panels "- Depending on the temperatures, may add a blind on the western end to prevent sunburn and excessive late afternoon heat." I definately need shadecloth on the roof, west end, and south side (my succulents and cacti cook in there without it.) I also believe that adding shadecloth has helped to increase the lifespan of my HFGH panels in our sunny climate. (I used Aluminet shadecloth.) Some GardenWeb HFGH owners have reported problems with the HFGH panels deteriorating after exposure to sun, but others don't seem to have this problem. My panels have yellowed, but I see no other signs of deterioration (fingers crossed.) "In winter, may add water jugs as heat sinks in cooler weather." In theory it seems like this would help, but the general consensus seems to be that you'd need very large containers of water to retain enough heat to truly benefit you into the wee hours of a cold morning. Most small greenhouses can't afford to give up the high percentage of space required to make this work, but there's lots of good reading on this topic in this forum (posted by folks who are much smarter than I am.) "- Wish list: shelves, solar fan, temperature activated window control" Just a warning, the HFGH solar fan is not powerful enough to adequately cool your greenhouse (sounds good, but doesn't quite work.) If you do a search in this forum for HFGH solar fan, there's a thread with a knowledgeable poster sharing his calculations that a 6x8 HFGH would need three of the HFGH solar fans to exchange enough air to drop the temps (if my memory is right.) There are also some posts from folks saying the HFGH vent openers don't last long at all, and it's best to research and purchase other brands that have a better track record. Good job, congratulations, and happy greenhousing! Sheri