Western Red Cedar
We only use the finest PEFC certified Western Red Cedar, which we source from British Columbia, Canada.
A beautiful and naturally durable wood, that ensures not only an attractive appearance but also a long-lasting Greenhouse that can withstand the test of time and varying weather conditions.
What makes Cedar unique, unlike other types of wood, is its ability to absorb moisture to attain equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere.
What this means is as a result, the moisture can track to the inside of the structure particularly in the areas that are subject to the greatest weathering, the first stage is the darkening of the wood as water soluble extractives are drawn to the surface which will dry and often leaves a mark where the extractives have been released.
These extractives are the oils naturally present in the Cedar that make it resistant to rot.
As the wood weathers, it gradually changes colour turning a beautiful shade of grey, becoming impermeable in the process. This greying may not occur at the same rate on the internal faces of the structure.
This process gradually reduces over time until reaching a static point of no reaction. At this point, the material is said to have reached equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the surrounding environment.
Should you wish to minimise the initial stage of darkening and extractive staining, a Cedar specific UV protection oil can be applied which will slow down the colour changing process.
However, most people do prefer the natural weathered appearance and choose not to treat the structure.
Given the long life of Cedar, which consistently outlasts other wood species, structures are expected to last between 15 and 30 years.
Depending on how well cared for, your Cedar Greenhouse may last for many years beyond this.
Powder Coated Aluminium Profiles
All the metal profiles used on our Greenhouses are aluminium due to its extreme versatility, strength, lifespan and the fact that aluminium is a 100% recyclable making it extremely enviromentally friendly. Aluminium is a corrosion resistant metal that naturally generates a protective coating that is generated when aluminium comes into contact with an oxidising environment.
Additionally, we powder coat our profiles to further improve the overall corrosion resistance of the metal to give it a durable finish and decorative appearance. Powder coating is a three-step process that includes preparation, appliance and treatment, the coating leaves a really hard finish that is much tougher than normal paint making it both extremely durable and long lasting.
Aluminium Substructure
We use an aluminium substructure to improve the strength and durability of our handcrafted Greenhouses.
Engineered to perfection, this aluminium foundation ensures unparalleled stability and support for your Greenhouse, providing the utmost protection for your precious plants and cherished possessions. This ensures ease of installation and flexibility in design, allowing for larger expanses of glass and wider openings, maximising natural light and ventilation for your plants’ optimal growth.
Stainless Steel Fixings
The structural fixings on your new Greenhouse are all made from stainless steel which is particularly resistant to corrosion.
Brass Fixtures & Fittings
We use only solid brass fittings on our Greenhouses. The fixtures are given a thin coating of lacquer to stop them from tarnishing. The brass screws are unlacquered but if these dull down over time, you can always polish them to restore their lovely shine.
Galvanised Steel Fixtures
The fixtures we use on our Combis and Grow & Stores are made from galvanised steel which has a protective zinc coating to prevent rusting.
Toughened Safety Glass
Embracing the highest standards of safety and durability, all our luxury handcrafted Gabriel Ash Greenhouses feature toughened glass which has been certified to EN-12150 standards. Engineered through a meticulous process of heating and rapid cooling, toughened glass becomes up to five times stronger than regular glass, ensuring unparalleled resilience against impact and weather conditions.
Autovents
All Gabriel Ash Greenhouses come with Autovents as standard.
The Autovents metal piston contains a mineral wax which under increasing temperatures pushes the piston rod up opening the vent.
The vent is set to start opening between 12°C and 17°C.
They function in the warmer months of the year when the temperatures are high both inside and outside the Greenhouse.
This aids natural convection which occurs when cool air heats up and starts to rise due to the air becoming less dense as it is heated, this process will repeat pulling cooler denser air in to fill the space, air will be continually cycled providing the plants with fresh cool air.
Gabriel Ash Greenhouses provide ventilation as standard but additional ventilation accessories may be added to further improve ventilation if required.
