Hi poaky1, I definately, absolutely needed extra clips for my HF 10x12 greenhouse, as well as screws through the panels into the frame. I can positively state that my greenhouse would not be standing today if I had not taken these steps. I did not caulk my panels in place, because I like to be able to remove them if needed. So, my solution was extra clips and screws, but Saturn3600 (above) used both extra clips and caulk, on his or her 6x8 greenhouse. There used to be more frequent threads around here, years ago, about Harbor Freight disasters, back before people knew to take a few extra steps to make the panels and foundation more secure. Here's one, for example. Greenhouse Disaster HFGH 10x12 You're the only one who can decide if it's worth the extra $9.99 plus shipping, for a package of 72 clips. To me, a little extra insurance seems like a no-brainer. Even if I lived in a climate that did not have uniformly high winds, I would not want to risk the loss of my greenhouse, or plants, but that's just me. An unusual gust of wind or errant windstorm can happen anywhere, even if it's not the norm. You can order extra clips by calling the 1-800 number on your Harbor Freight manual. For the 6x8 greenhouse, Harbor Freight uses the part number 46 for the panel clips. The SKU number is SKU number 27339, for a set of 72 clips, $9.99. Hope this helps, I know some of these decisions can be confusing. I sleep better if I err on the side of stability and safety (I really hate surprises.) I think they usually ship the clips pretty quickly.

Hi Dax! I *just* found this thread (after reading a bazillion others, *and* starting a new one - my bad!!!). Awesome pics - Thanx! I'm printing and hanging onto 'em for when (okay - still "IF") I buy my 6x8! Question: Is all of your construction SOLELY based on what's in the destructions - err - instructions that came w/the 6x8? Or did you do any add'l "beefing up?" (other than the extra T-Bolts) Your GH location looks pretty "protected" - so I'm guessing wind probably isn't a huge concern. But I'm still wondering if there's "additional" stuff (above and beyond what HF supplies w/the GH) that I need to concern myself with... How's your GH holding up? And - looking back now - is there anything you wish you'd done differently? Thanks a MILLION for posting this!!! Nancy - aka IMQTPI (still contemplating....)

Soooo... Does this mean that nobody has actually purchased/installed the HF Solar Ventilation fan in their GH? Now I'm getting nervous - wondering if ordering it was a "Bad Idea" <:->Anybody??? Thx! -N (BTW - I posted minimal "Construction Update" pics tonight. It's been very slow-going!!!) Here is a link that might be useful: 2007 - We bought a Greenhouse!

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