Semi-complete solarium day one. The solarium is still open at each end where I need more materials to close it up. Can't use the plastic sheeting because the dogs will just rip that apart. However, while temps dropped below freezing outside, the dog water inside the solarium did not freeze. Definitely cold but not frozen.
In current form, it does retain some heat and does deflect wind. During the day, it should collect solar heat, as well. Meaning it will work better tonight than it did last night. I got the last section of sheeting up in the dark, so there was little or no solar gain. Experience from last year told me it takes a couple of days for thermal mass effect to kick in and that whole side of the house to warm up.
Really glad to say no strong winds in the forecast for a few days. Which gives me the chance to get materials to strengthen the anchors for the sheeting. It's just stapled in place now and really strong winds would probably take it off. Still better than previous years. I've learned from past mistakes.
I am going to extend the solarium by 4-5 more feet. So, 2 more posts to set. That makes the planting and "no dogs allowed" section larger. I was thinking of moving the picnic table in there but now thinking I may just build a smaller one instead. I did include enough plastic sheeting on the section last night that I can just raise the posts, then pull the sheeting over the new posts. The more contiguous the sheeting remains with fewer breaks and seams, the more stable the whole top will be.
With sheeting left over and one more roll, I can double the sheeting later on the inside, for more insulation and solar gain. In spring, I just have to add some vents at the top and roll up the lower sections. Which will then help keep the house cooler in summer.
In current form, it does retain some heat and does deflect wind. During the day, it should collect solar heat, as well. Meaning it will work better tonight than it did last night. I got the last section of sheeting up in the dark, so there was little or no solar gain. Experience from last year told me it takes a couple of days for thermal mass effect to kick in and that whole side of the house to warm up.
Really glad to say no strong winds in the forecast for a few days. Which gives me the chance to get materials to strengthen the anchors for the sheeting. It's just stapled in place now and really strong winds would probably take it off. Still better than previous years. I've learned from past mistakes.
I am going to extend the solarium by 4-5 more feet. So, 2 more posts to set. That makes the planting and "no dogs allowed" section larger. I was thinking of moving the picnic table in there but now thinking I may just build a smaller one instead. I did include enough plastic sheeting on the section last night that I can just raise the posts, then pull the sheeting over the new posts. The more contiguous the sheeting remains with fewer breaks and seams, the more stable the whole top will be.
With sheeting left over and one more roll, I can double the sheeting later on the inside, for more insulation and solar gain. In spring, I just have to add some vents at the top and roll up the lower sections. Which will then help keep the house cooler in summer.
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