ClearSpan Gothic Style Solar Star Instruction Manual

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

ClearSpan™

Gothic Style Solar Star™ Greenhouses

©2014 ClearSpan™
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.

Revision date: 10.03.14

Photo may show a different but similar model.

STK# DIMENSIONS

104848 18' W x 10' H x 20' L
104849 18' W x 10' H x 24' L
104850 18' W x 10' H x 28' L
104851 18' W x 10' H x 32' L
104852 18' W x 10' H x 36' L

1

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

LOCATION

Choosing the proper location is an important step before
you begin to assemble the structure.

The following suggestions and precautions will help you
determine whether your selected location is the best
location.

YOU MUST READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE THE SHELTER.

Thank you for purchasing this ClearSpan™ greenhouse.
When properly assembled and maintained, this product will
provide years of reliable service. These instructions include
helpful hints and important information needed to safely
assemble and properly maintain the greenhouse. Please
read these instructions before you begin.

If you have any questions during the assembly, contact
Customer Service at 1-800-245-9881 for assistance.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Wear eye protection.

• Wear head protection.

• Wear gloves when handling metal tubes.

• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
when working with power tools and cords.

• Do not climb on the greenhouse or framing during or
after construction.

• Do not occupy the greenhouse during high winds,
tornadoes, or hurricanes.

• Provide adequate ventilation if the structure is
enclosed.

• Do not store hazardous materials in the greenhouse.

• Provide proper ingress and egress to prevent
entrapment.

ANCHORING INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to assembling this greenhouse, please read the
MUST READ document included with the shipment.

• Never erect the structure under power lines.

• Identify whether underground cables and pipes are
present before preparing the site or anchoring the
structure.

• Location should be away from structures that could
cause snow to drift on or around the building.

• Do not position the greenhouse where large loads
such as snow and ice, large tree branches, or other
overhead obstacles could fall.

• Always check local building codes before you begin.

SITE

After choosing a location, proper preparation of the site is
essential. The following site characteristics will help
ensure the integrity of the structure.

• A level site is required. The site must be level to
properly and safely erect and anchor the structure.

• If the site is not level, use footings to provide a secure
base to assemble the structure. Pre-cast concrete
blocks, pressure-treated wood posts, or poured
footings are all acceptable when properly used. (Some
shelters use ground posts or rafter feet.)

• Drainage: Water draining off the structure and from
areas surrounding the site should drain away from the
site to prevent damage to the site, the structure, and
contents of the structure.

WARNING: The individuals assembling this structure
are responsible for designing and furnishing all
temporary bracing, shoring and support needed during
the assembly process. For safety reasons, those who
are not familiar with recognized construction methods
and techniques must seek the help of a qualified

contractor.

WARNING: The anchor assembly is an integral part
of the greenhouse construction. Improper anchoring
may cause greenhouse instability and failure of the
structure. Failing to anchor the greenhouse properly
will void the manufacturer’s warranty and may cause
serious injury and damage.

2

DOUBLE-LAYER FILM INSTALLATION

Greenhouses equipped with a double-layer lm include
a layer that is Infra Red (IR) Retention lm.

IMPORTANT! During cover installation, the IR film
must be installed first! Examine the film and install
it according to the instructions printed on the film.

Revision date: 10.03.14

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

Following the instructions as presented will help ensure
the proper assembly of your greenhouse. Failing to follow
these steps may result in an improperly assembled and
anchored greenhouse and will void all warranty and
protection the owner is entitled.

The steps outlining the assembly process are as follows:

1. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment. Notify
Customer Service for questions or concerns.

2. Read these instructions, the Must Read document, and
all additional documentation included with the shipment
before you begin assembling the greenhouse.

3. Gather the tools, bracing, ladders (and lifts), and
assistance needed to assemble the greenhouse.

4. Check the weather before you install the roof cover
and any panels (if equipped). Do not install covers or
panels on a windy or stormy day.

5. Re-evaluate the location and site based on the
information and precautions presented in the
documentation included with the shipment.

6. Prepare the site (if applicable).

7. Assemble the frame components in the order they are
presented in these instructions.

8. Assemble the frame including the struts (if equipped).

9. Consult the MUST READ document and properly
anchor the assembled frame.

10. Install the End Wall framing.

11. Install, tighten, and secure the End Wall end panels
and doors.

12. Install, tighten, and secure the main cover. This applies
to fabric and film covers that stretch over the frame
assembly.

13. Read the Care and Maintenance information at the end
of these instructions.

LIST OF WORDS AND PHRASES

Before you begin, it is important to become familiar with the
words and phrases used in this instruction manual.

These words and phrases are common to most
ClearSpan™ shelters and identify the different parts of
the shelter. (Some are used in this document. Others may
not apply to this particular shelter.) These terms describe
the shipped parts and can also be found on the materials
list/spec sheets included with the shipment. To aid in the
assembly, read through the following definitions before you
begin to assemble your shelter.

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

• Band Clamp: Clamp used to connect the end wall
framing to the rafter pipe. In some cases, band
clamps are also used to connect diagonal struts to the
assembled frame.

• Clip or Fabric Clip: A short, half-section piece of
conduit (cut lengthwise) used to secure the end panel
cover to the leg or rafter assembly. The clip or fabric
clip is typically fastened in place using self tapping Tek
screw.

• Conduit: An assembly of pipes used to secure the
main cover and end panels (if equipped). Purlins
and some strut assemblies also consist of connected
pipes to form a conduit. Each pipe joint of a conduit
assembly is secured with a self-tapping Tek screw to
prevent separation. Some conduit assemblies are used
to secure larger end panels and main covers. These
conduits typically consist of sections of PVC tubing
glued at the joints.

• Cross Connector: Any one of the metal brackets
used to "connect" or secure a purlin to a rafter. Cross­connectors are typically pictured on the Pictorial Parts
Guide page or in the Quick Start section (if present).

• End Panel: Fabric or material used to cover the end
wall assemblies. End wall assemblies are optional for
many shelters.

• Must Read Document: This document includes
building and shelter anchoring instructions, steps for
end wall reinforcement, safety precautions, and notices
and warnings. The Must Read document is sent with
all shelters and buildings. If you did not receive a Must
Read document, contact Customer Service to request
one.

• On-Center: Term used to describe a measurement
taken from the vertical center of the rafter or frame
member to the vertical center of another.

• Purlin: The pipe assembly that runs perpendicular to
the rafters or framework that supports the main cover.
Purlins are found on the sides and roof areas of the
assembled frame, are evenly spaced, and typically run
from the front to the back of the shelter.

• Plain or Straight Pipe: A term used to describe a pipe
that has the same diameter or width throughout its
entire length.

• Strut: A strut is usually a length of pipe with two
flattened ends and is used for diagonal bracing of the
shelter frame. A strut is typically secured to the frame
work by special brackets and bolts.

• Swaged End or Swaged Pipe: The term “swaged''
refers to the tapered end of the pipe or tube. Swaged
ends of a pipe can be inserted into couplers and the
straight ends of other pipes.

• Tek Screw: A self-tapping fastener used to secure pipe
joints and to fasten brackets to rafters.

Revision date: 10.03.14

3

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

REQUIRED TOOLS

The following list identifies the main tools needed to
assemble the shelter. Additional tools and supports may be
needed depending on the structure, location, and
application.

SPECIAL NOTE: Baseboards for Frame

These instructions describe installing a baseboard
(recommended) at ground level along each side of the
frame. The baseboard runs from the front to the back of the
frame.

• Tape measure or measuring device

• Marker to mark locations on the pipes

• Variable speed drill and impact driver (cordless with
extra batteries works best)

• Metal-cutting saw

• Wrenches and impact socket set, or an adjustable
wrench

• Scissors, utility knife, or tin snips

• Hammers and gloves

• Adjustable pliers and self-locking pliers

• Ladders, work platforms, and other machinery for lifting
designed to work safely at the height of the building

• Rope/cable for cover installation

UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS

The following steps will ensure that you have all the
necessary parts before you begin to assemble the shelter
frame.

This baseboard is not included with the shipment and must
be supplied by the customer. Treated or recycled plastic
lumber works well for a baseboard.

The baseboard, when installed properly, helps prevent the
ground posts from sinking into the ground when anchored.
Depending on the building, it also provides a surface to
attach struts or other building components.

Consult these instructions, or contact Customer Service for
additional information regarding baseboards.

ANTI-BILLOW ROPE INSTALLATION

TO PREVENT DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY,
INSTALL THE ANTI-BILLOW ROPES IN SHORT
LENGTHS ALONG EACH SIDE OF THE FRAME.

DO NOT INSTALL AS A SINGLE LENGTH TIED AT
EACH END OF THE BUILDING. DOING SO WILL
RESULT IN A LOOSE SIDE PANEL IF THE SINGLE
ROPE BREAKS DURING STRONG WINDS.

1. Unpack the contents of the shipment and place where
you can easily inventory the parts. Refer to the Bill of
Materials/Spec Sheets.

2. Verify that all parts listed on the Bill of Materials/Spec
Sheets are present. If anything is missing or you have
questions, consult the Pictorial Parts Guide and all
diagrams for clarification, or contact Customer Service.

NOTE: At this time, you do not need to open the plastic
bags containing smaller parts such as fasteners or
washers (if equipped).

QUICK START GUIDE

For a quick overview of this shelter and its components,
consult the Quick Start Guide near the back of these
instructions.

The pages of the Quick Start Guide show exploded views
of all critical connections. Use the diagrams in the Quick
Start section to assemble the frame of your building.

Consult the remainder of these instructions for important
details that will help during the construction.

Rope

#1

Rope

#2

Dotted line represents the anti-billow rope.
Example: Circles identify the ends of Rope #1.

Rope

#3

4

Revision date: 10.03.14

The following graphics and photos will help you identify the
different parts and show you how they are used. (Some
parts are not shown.)

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

FA4482B
Tek Screw

102570
Aluminum Channel

104213
Aluminum
U-Channel Profile

CC6212
Fabric Clip

QH1402
Band Clamp

104212
Aluminum H-Channel
Profile

104548
End Cap Profile
Doors/Fans/Vents

103544
Mounting Plate

102717
Gearbox Drive

102197
Aluminum
U-Channel

102569
Bearing

FAH009B & FALB01B
Carriage Bolt & Hex Nut

102548
Cross Connector

102856
End Clamp

102921 & FA4484B
Neo-bonded Galvanized
Washers and Long Tek Screws

FAH320B & FALB32B
Carriage Bolt & Hex Nut

104074
Square-to-Round Tube
Connect Bracket

103496
Gearbox

102198
U-Channel Spring

Revision date: 10.03.14

QH1330
Angle Bracket

104624
Square Tube Fitting

Plain

Swaged

Swaged and Plain Rafter Sections

5

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

OVERVIEW

This section describes assembling your Gothic Style
Greenhouse. For details, please see section, Assembling
the Gothic Style Greenhouse Components. See illustration
below to identify main parts of greenhouse.

1. Locate the required parts for each assembly procedure.

2. Assemble the rafters and frame, and square the frame.

3. Prepare and attach end panels.

Gothic Style Solar Star™

Greenhouse

ATTENTION: Position purlins evenly during the
frame assembly. Use the rafter pipe joints as
guides when installing the end clamps, cross
connectors, and purlins.

4. Attach main cover and Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly.

Purlins

End Rafter

Interior
Rafter

Ground
Post

Baseboard is
supplied by

Ground
Level

Frame length may differ from actual frame.

6

customer.

Revision date: 10.03.14

LAY OUT THE BUILDING SITE

After the site is prepared, lay out the building site.

Taking these steps before assembling the shelter saves
time and ensures that the structure is positioned as
desired.

Ground posts must be driven to the proper depth. Width of
the shelter is measured from the center of one ground post
to the center of the remaining ground post.

SQUARE THE SITE

Gather the Parts:

• Ground Posts

• 5/16" x 2-1/2" Machine Bolts

• 5/16" Nuts

1. Identify a corner where a ground post will be positioned
and drive the first ground post into the ground.

NOTE: Insert the ground post driver into the top of
the ground post to protect the post and drive the post
into the ground. The top of the post will be one (1) foot
above the finished grade when properly driven.

Ground
Post

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

3. Use a transit or line level to drive the second corner
post to the same depth as the first ground post.

4. String a line at least as long as the building from the
first stake at 90°.

NOTE: A transit can be used to ensure an accurate 90°
angle, or the 3-4-5 rule can be used. Refer to diagram.
Using multiples of 3-4-5 such as 6-8-10 or 12-16-20
helps to maintain an accurate 90° angle.

5. After squaring the position of the building, measure
the length (center-to-center) and drive the next corner
ground post.

Outside of
Shelter

Inside of
Shelter

ATTENTION: Position the pre-drilled holes facing to the
inside/outside of the shelter so they can be aligned with
the bolt holes in the rafter legs.

To align the bolt holes in the ground posts with those
in the rafter after driving the ground posts, insert a
tapered rod or pry bar into a ground post bolt hole and
turn the post using the rod or pry bar.

2. After the first corner ground post is in place, string a
line the width of the building (center-to-center) and
drive the second ground post into the ground just
enough to hold it in place.

6. Repeat the same step for the last corner post.

NOTE: The distance measured diagonally between
corner posts must be equal for the building to be
square.

7. Check all dimensions (and adjust if needed) before
driving the remaining posts to the required height.

8. After all corner posts are accurately installed, tie a
string line between the tops of the corner ground posts
on the same side of the shelter. The string is used to
identify the tops of all remaining ground posts. The
string must remain tight and level.

9. Use a tape measure to mark the 48" on-center
locations of the remaining ground posts.

10. Drive the remaining ground posts into the ground at the
required 48" on-center width and the height identified
by the string.

NOTE: Verify that the holes in the ground posts are in
the proper position and that each post is plumb and
driven to the correct depth.

11. Continue with the Rafter Assembly steps that follow.

Revision date: 10.03.14

7

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

ASSEMBLING THE GOTHIC STYLE GREENHOUSE
FRAME COMPONENTS

After the site is prepared and an inventory of parts is
complete, continue with the rafter assembly.

NOTE: All rafter assemblies consist of rafter tubes and
purlin clamps. Consult the rafter diagram in the Quick
Start section of these instructions before and during the
rafter assembly process.

Assistance is required to assemble the greenhouse frame.

RAFTER ASSEMBLY

Gather the Parts:

• Rafter Pipe (#18G16A)

• Rafter Pipe (#18G16B)

2. Slide four (4) end purlin clamps (two on each side of
the peak) over the rafter pipes. Position all end clamps
at the rafter pipe joints. Position the end clamps as
shown.

• Rafter Pipe (#166S075)

• End Clamps (#102856)

• Tek Screws (#FA4482B)

• Magnetic nut setter (3/8'' x 2-9/16")

END RAFTER ASSEMBLY

The end rafters include purlin end clamps and band
clamps. Install the purlin end clamps before the different
pipes of the rafters are connected. The band clamps for the
side struts are installed when the two (2) end rafters are set
onto the ground posts.

1. Select the five (5) pipes needed to assemble the first
end rafter and arrange on a level surface.

(#18G16B)

(#166S075)

End clamp as seen from inside the assembled frame.

NOTE: Position all purlin clamps at the rafter pipe
joints. Consult the Quick Start section for additional
information.

3. After slipping the clamps over the rafter pipes, insert
the swaged end of the rafter pipes into the plain ends
of the pipes to assemble the rafter.

4. Once the rafter is assembled, reposition the purlin
clamps over the pipe joints and install a Tek screw
through the rafter pipes to secure each joint.

(#18G16A)

End clamp as seen from inside the assembled frame.

IMPORTANT: To prevent damage to the cover and end
panels (if equipped), position the Tek screws so the
heads do not contact the cover when it is installed.

5. Repeat steps for to assemble the remaining end rafter
and set both end rafters aside.

8

Revision date: 10.03.14

RAFTER ASSEMBLY (continued)

INTERIOR RAFTER ASSEMBLY

Complete the following steps for the interior rafters.

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

FRAME ASSEMBLY

After all ground posts are driven in place and rafters are
assembled, assemble the frame.

1. Select the pipes for the first interior rafter assembly and
position these on the ground as shown.

(#18G16B)

(#166S075)

(#18G16A)

IMPORTANT: Interior rafters do not use end clamps.
Instead, cross connectors are attached during the
frame assembly.

2. Insert the swaged ends of the rafter pipes into the plain
ends of the pipes and secure each joint with a Tek
screw.

NOTE: The baseboards (strongly recommended) shown in
the diagrams throughout these instructions are not included
and must be supplied by the customer.

Contact Customer service at 1-800-245-9881 to purchase
baseboards, or for additional information.

ASSEMBLE AND PRE-MARK THE PURLINS
The following steps describe one way to speed the
assembly process and eliminate the need to measure each
purlin as it is installed. Pre-marking the purlins ensures that
an accurate spacing of the rafter assemblies is achieved
and maintained during assembly.

Gather the Parts:

• Pipe 1.315'' x 75'' swaged (#131S075)

• Pipe 1.315'' x XX'' plain (#131P0XX)

• Marker and tape measure

NOTE: The purlins are part of the assembled frame and
run perpendicular to the rafter assemblies. Each purlin
consists of 1.315" x 75" (#131S075) swaged pipes (number
is determined by shelter length) and one (1) 1.315" x XX"
(#131P0XX) plain pipe.

ATTENTION: The XX" represents the remaining length
required to reach the end of the shelter. Consult the Spec
Sheet for part identification.

NOTE: For longer frames, it may be easier to assemble
a few rafters at a time and then begin to assemble the
frame. Position Tek screws so they will not contact the
cover when the frame is assembled.

3. Once rafters are assembled, assemble the frame.

Revision date: 10.03.14

1. Select the required pipe sections for one purlin and
connect these by inserting the swaged ends of the
pipes into the plain ends until the entire purlin is
assembled.

NOTE: Assemble the purlins in a location that is
accessible during the assembly of the frame, but will
not interfere with the process of lifting and setting the
rafters.

2. Verify that each pipe joint is properly seated.

NOTE: These pipes must be separated during the
assembly procedure. Do not fasten them together at
this time.

3. For the 48" rafter spacing, measure forty-eight and
three-quarters inches (48-3/4") from one end of the
assembled purlin and mark the distance on the pipe.

NOTE: This first measurement is three-quarters (3/4)
of an inch longer than the on-center rafter spacing
to account for the length of purlin pipe that extends
through the end purlin clamp of the first end rafter.

9

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

FRAME ASSEMBLY (continued)

4. From the location marked in the previous step,
measure forty-eight inches (48") and make another
mark on the assembled purlin.

2. Secure the leg pipes to the ground posts using the
5/16" x 2 1/2" machine bolts and nuts.

Rafter

5. Continue to mark the purlin in 48" intervals until all
locations are marked. These marks help to maintain
the 48" on-center rafter spacing of the shelter during
assembly.

6. Repeat this procedure until all assembled purlins are
marked.

7. After assembling all rafters and pre-marking the purlins,
assemble the frame.

ASSEMBLE THE FRAME

After all ground posts are driven in place, rafters are
assembled and purlins pre-marked, assemble the frame.

Gather the parts:

• All rafter assemblies and pre-marked purlins

• Band clamps (#QH1402)

• Cross connector (#102548)

• 5/16" x 2-1/2" machine bolts and 5/16" nuts

• Lifts, ladders, and assistants

Band
Clamp

Inside of

Shelter

Outside of

Shelter

Ground
Post

3. Use rope or cable to keep the rafter in position.

• Rope or cable

1. Carefully stand the first end rafter, slide a band clamp
onto each rafter leg, and place the leg pipes in the first
set of ground posts.

Brace the rafter in place to keep it straight. Depending
on the frame size, a lift and additional assistants may
be needed. Consult Quick Start section for details.

Rafter shown differs in design.

4. Carefully position the first interior rafter in place and
secure the leg pipes to the ground posts.

End Rafter

1st Interior Rafter

Rafter shown differs in design.

ATTENTION: Stand the rafter so the nuts and bolts of
the end clamps are to the inside of the frame.

10

Rafter shown differs in design.

Revision date: 10.03.14

FRAME ASSEMBLY (continued)

5. As the second rafter is steadied, remove one section of
pipe from one assembled purlin.

NOTE: Work from the end of the purlin where the
first measurement was taken during the pre-marking
procedure.

6. Insert the purlin pipe through an upper end clamp of
the end rafter and through a cross connector placed in
the same position on the interior rafter. Consult Quick
Start section for purlin location per frame.

Interior Rafter

End Rafter

7. Align the plain end of the purlin with the center of the
end rafter and rotate the purlin pipe so that the first
mark is visible (near the clamp of the interior rafter).

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

10. Move to the interior rafter and align the mark on the
purlin with the center of the rafter to maintain the proper
spacing.

Interior Rafter

Purlin

11. Verify that the rafter spacing is forty-eight inches (48")
on-center (adjust as needed) and tighten the cross
connector.

12. Secure the cross connector to the rafter using a Tek
screw. See Quick Start section if needed.

13. Repeat Steps 6-12 to install the first section of each
purlin assembly for the first two rafters.

Align mark with
center of rafter.

Do not allow the
purlin to extend
beyond the end

rafter.

End rafter view

Interior rafter view

8. Tighten the end clamp and secure it to the rafter with a
Tek screw.

9. Install Tek screw through end clamp and into the purlin
pipe.

End Rafter

Dashed line
shows ground
level.

18' wide
center-to-center

Frame shown may differ slightly from actual frame.

14. Choose another interior rafter assembly and set it
in position. DO NOT USE THE REMAINING END
RAFTER.

15. Secure the rafter legs to the ground posts as previously
described and steady the rafter.

Revision date: 10.03.14

Purlin

16. Remove another section of purlin pipe from each pre­marked purlin assembly and attach these to the rafter.

17. Verify that the distance between the rafters is 48"
center-to-center. Adjust the rafter forward or backward

as needed to maintain this dimension.

11

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

FRAME ASSEMBLY (continued)

BASEBOARD INSTALLATION (RECOMMENDED)

18. Secure the purlin pipe joint with a Tek screw.

19. Repeat the above steps as needed to stand and secure
the remaining interior rafters and purlins to complete
the frame assembly.

20. Slide a band clamp onto each leg of the remaining
end rafter, secure the rafter to the ground posts, and
attach the purlins to it. Verify that the end clamps are
positioned with the nut and bolt to the inside of the
assembled frame. Refer to the Quick Start section and
previous diagrams if needed.

NOTE: If the last end rafter is plumb and the purlin
extends beyond the end of the rafter, cut the last
section of purlin pipe to the required length.

The baseboard (strongly recommended) is supplied by the
customer and is attached at ground level along both sides
of the frame. It helps keep the ground posts in place and
also prevents the frame from working into the ground when
anchored.

Attach the baseboards to the frame on the outside of the
ground posts at this time.

Gather the Parts

• Treated or recycled plastic lumber (supplied by
customer).

• 1/4" x 4" Carriage Bolts and 1/4" Nuts

NOTE: The following procedure describes one way to
install the recommended baseboards. The size and
type of the baseboard chosen may require the use of
alternative steps. When properly installed, baseboards
run the length of the frame.

On the outside of the frame, attach the first baseboard to
the ground posts using the 1/4" x 4" carriage bolts and
nuts. Continue adding baseboards to complete the first run.
Splices are made between posts as shown. Use a short
section of baseboard to secure separate baseboards at a
splice.

Dashed line shows
ground level.

Frame shown may differ slightly from actual frame.

21. Once all rafters are set and all purlins are in place and
secure, return to each pipe splice of each purlin and
verify that a Tek screw is installed. Install a Tek screw if
needed.

22. Remove any temporary bracing (if needed) and install
the baseboards and the side struts.

Inside of

Shelter

Outside of

Shelter

Ground
Level

NOTE: The boards should be at ground level or slightly
into grade to prevent the shelter from sinking and to
create a seal along the bottom. After installing the
baseboards, continue with these instructions.

If the recommended baseboard (customer-supplied) is not
used, secure the required diagonal struts to the ground
post using a Tek screw or other customer-supplied fastener.
The installation of the diagonal struts is described as
follows.

12

Revision date: 10.03.14

SIDE STRUT INSTALLATION

There are four (4) side struts for the shelter. These struts
are positioned between the end rafters and the first interior
rafter on each side of the shelter.

Complete these steps to install the four (4) side struts:

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

3. Attach the remaining end of the strut to the baseboard
using a lag screw or nut and bolt (not included). See
the diagram that follows for location.

Photo shows the strut attached
to the inside of the customer­supplied baseboard.

End
Rafter

Gather the Parts

• Struts

• Band Clamps (#QH1402)

• Lag screw or nut and bolt (supplied by customer)

1. Locate one strut and position it between one end rafter
leg and the leg of the first interior rafter as shown
below.

Strut

End Rafter

Baseboard is required
for this procedure.

Interior
Rafter

Attach strut
as shown.

Baseboard

Ground Level

NOTE: A baseboard provides a place to attach each
strut and helps keep the ground posts at the required
depth. The customer is responsible for providing a
baseboard for this frame. If no baseboard is present,
attach the strut to the ground post using a Tek screw or
other customer-supplied fasteners.

4. Repeat the above steps to attach the remaining side
struts to the shelter.

Customer supplies the
baseboard.

Ground Level

2. Attach one end of the strut to the band clamp as shown
in the diagram below.

End Rafter

Band Clamp

Strut

NOTE: Head of bolt on the band clamp must face the
toward the outside of the shelter.

5. After securing the struts, verify that all clamps are
secured with a Tek screw to the rafters.

6. Verify that each pipe splice (purlin and rafter) is
secured with a Tek screw.

7. Complete the next procedure to anchor the assembled
frame.

ANCHOR THE ASSEMBLED FRAME

At this point, anchor the greenhouse frame. Consult the
MUST READ document for anchoring information and
suggestions. Please call customer service at 1-800-245­9881 for additional anchoring information.

CAUTION: The anchor assembly is an integral part of
the greenhouse construction. Improper anchoring may
cause instability and failure of the structure to perform
as designed. Failing to anchor the shelter properly
will void the manufacturer’s warranty and may cause
serious injury and damage.

Revision date: 10.03.14

13

CLEARSPAN™ GREENHOUSES

END WALL INSTALLATION

The steps to install the greenhouse end walls (front and
back) are identical and include the following:

1. Install end wall framing. (See the diagrams in the Quick
Start section at the back of these instructions. Read the
installing accessories note below.)

2. Prepare polycarbonate end panels and attach.

3. Assemble doors and attach.

INSTALL END WALL FRAMING (Front and Back)

• DO NOT REPOSITION THE END WALL VERTICALS
USED AT THE SEAM OF TWO (2) POLYCARBONATE
PANELS.

• Always consult the installation guides that shipped
with the accessory for additional precautions,
recommendations, and safety requirements.

• Before installing any electrical accessory, consult a
professional electrician for precautions and additional
assistance.

• For gas heaters, a professional, qualified service
technician must install the unit.

Site variations and different methods for anchoring the
greenhouse may require slight changes to be made to
these instructions. It is the responsibility of the owner/

builder to adapt these instructions as needed to adjust for
these and other differences.

A NOTE ABOUT INSTALLING THE END WALL
FRAMING FOR OPTIONAL HEATERS, VENT FANS, AND
MOTORIZED SHUTTERS (if equipped):

Optional accessories such as heaters, vent fans and
motorized shutter units are typically installed in the end
walls of this greenhouse. Additional horizontal framing
(included) is installed between the vertical end wall frame
tubes to mount these accessories. The spacing shown for
the end wall supports on the end frame diagrams may be
too narrow for the installation of some larger accessories.

When framing the end wall, consult the installation
instructions for the accessories (if equipped), or measure
the width of the accessory to accurately space and position
the end frame tubes.

Consult the panel installation diagrams in the Quick Start
section to identify the verticals that can be moved.

MOVE ONLY THE VERTICAL SUPPORTS LABELED
AS NON-CRITICAL.

Before installing any greenhouse accessory, adhere to the
following:

• Consult the end frame diagrams before installing the
accessory horizontal framing.

• Move only those verticals labeled as "NON-CRITICAL"
on the end frame diagrams when deciding where to
install the additional horizontal framing for accessories.

Complete these steps to install the accessory framing:

1. Based on the installation requirements and precautions
of the accessory, choose a location in the end wall to
mount the accessory, and cut a 1.5" x 1.5" frame tube
to the required length for framing.

2. Attach these horizontal frame tubes between the
vertical frame tubes of the end wall (at the required
height determined by the installation instructions
included with that accessory) using angle brackets.

INSTALL THE END WALL FRAME

Refer to the end frame diagrams (Quick Start section).

The materials and parts needed to assemble the end wall
frame include:

• Square Tube (#102897)

• Angle Brackets (#QH1330) & Band Clamp (#QH1402)

• Square Tube Fitting (#104624)

• Square-to-Round Tube Connect Bracket (#104074)

• Carriage Bolt (#FAH320) and Nut (#FALB32B)

• Tek Screws (#FA4482B)

1. Locate the square metal tubing for the base tube of the
end wall. The base tube consists of 99" swaged tubes
and one (1) short section cut from a length of square
pipe. See Quick Start section for clarification.

2. Insert the swaged ends of the tubing into the plain ends
to connect the pieces, measure, and cut to length.

• Consult the diagrams in the Quick Start section
showing the polycarbonate panel locations and the
locations of the aluminum trim and profile before
repositioning any end wall vertical.

14

3. Position this assembled base tube on the ground
between the legs of the end rafter at the front of the
greenhouse and anchor it in place. This base tube will
be directly below and in line with the end rafter.

Revision date: 10.03.14