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Bespoke greenhouse buyers guide

Greenhouse buyers guide

We are convinced that we make the best greenhouses you can buy. And, of course, you will want to compare them with others. We strongly urge you to do so, while bearing in mind the following points:

1. Will your greenhouse have undergone rigorous structural testing to ensure its legacy for generations to come?

The expertise of our team of in-house structural engineers informs all aspects of the design of our greenhouses to ensure their integrity, especially at frame joints and structural interfaces. It may surprise you to learn that to ensure they contain no imperfections, load-bearing members in our greenhouses undergo X-ray testing to, a procedure used in the aeronautical industry.

2. Does the guarantee that comes with your greenhouse stand up to scrutiny?

In over 50 years we have never had a greenhouse fail, which means we can confidently provide a lifetime guarantee. Our trained staff are on hand to offer a comprehensive Clean & Care service to keep Alitex greenhouses in tip-top condition, whether 10 months or 10 years after installation.

3. Does the warranty apply to the paint finish on your greenhouse?

We carry out all our polyester powder coating to standards that exceed current regulations. This ensures your greenhouse will look as good as new long after the paint manufacturer's 10 year guarantee ends. Every 6 months at the factory, samples of our paint finishes undergo stringent external testing for salt spray and scratch erosion. They pass every time.

4. How accurately are the doors, the glazing bars and corner joints finished?

We are the only greenhouse manufacturer to use CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinery to ensure the precision and accuracy of the profiles and sections we use. The latest technology, combined with an eye for traditional craftsmanship, produces an unrivalled level of finish.

5. Has your greenhouse been endorsed independently?

An endorsement is only as good as the organisation that provides it. And in the National Trust we have a body with impeccable provenance and credibility. Before putting their name to our range of greenhouses, they had to be convinced of our quality, our craftsmanship and our integrity. The Alitex National Trust Collection was designed and developed with input from curators and gardening experts from the trust, and is an achievement of which we are justly proud.

6. How well do the proportions of your greenhouse follow the design principles of a traditional timber greenhouse?

An eaves height lower than the top of the door combined with a steep pitch of roof not only provides a truly authentic appearance, but also optimises air circulation and light penetration to give the perfect growing environment. Cresting and finials on the roof are made of solid aluminium, die cast from their original timber counterparts to ensure both the shape and size are authentic and pleasing to the eye.

7. Will your greenhouse have the correct ventilation?

Ventilation is a critical part of growing under glass. Our combination of roof and side vents creates a 'chimney effect' inside the greenhouse that encourages air circulation and prevents unhelpful through drafts. The number of opening vents is designed according to the needs of each individual greenhouse to give the optimum level of ventilation. On larger greenhouses, vent depth can be increased accordingly and electric motors added for precision control.

8. Will you be expected to act as project manager to co-ordinate the building works?

At Alitex we can remove the hassle of sourcing builders, plumbers and electricians and can offer a turnkey solution for your project from inception to installation. All our builders are Alitex staff rather than sub-contractors. We are well versed in submitting planning applications in sensitive situations such as for sites within AONBs and listed properties. In short, we have all the expertise you need to ensure a successful outcome.

9. Will your greenhouse be right for you?

We pride ourselves on our engineering and structural expertise, especially when it comes to bespoke solutions and flexibility of design. Whatever the size, shape and location in the world, we are confident we can design what we believe is the strongest and most effective structure for you and the needs of your plants. With variants possible on details such as door furniture, spandrel style and of course colour, you can be assured your Alitex greenhouse will be built just for you.

The greenhouse is fantastic and we are thrilled with it. It looks as though it has always been there."
Gillian Darbyshire

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