My Elite Titan greenhouse is now up and I’ve started fitting it out. So, how did it go, and what do I think about it? In short, I’m very happy – it’s fantastic.
Elite Titan Greenhouse Erected
Choosing the Greenhouse
When the storm ripped the doors off and twisted the frame of my Vitavia, I decided that I needed something tougher. The Vitavia is a decent and excellent value for money greenhouse, but it’s just not up to coping with the storm winds we enjoy here.
We’re 215 metres (705 feet) above sea level on a hillside with open aspects to the Irish Sea. We really get the winds here, especially when they come from the south-west. And it seems to me that storms have been becoming more frequent in the fifteen years we’ve been here.
So, the prime factor in my choice of greenhouse is strength and storm resistance. The Titan is certainly strong and designed to survive. Of course, there are other greenhouses that will cope with storms and high winds, but, whilst I’m willing to pay more for strength, my purse isn’t bottomless. I think the Titan is the best priced in the ‘super tough’ class.
I did consider the Hall’s Qube, which is certainly a robust greenhouse, but the Titan is a step above that. Not only that, but I think we’re going to see storms get worse as time goes on. Even if the insurance companies are willing to cough up, it’s very disheartening and disruptive when the greenhouse goes down. And, I’m not getting any younger, so coping with the mess doesn’t get easier. I want a greenhouse that just copes with our storms.
What Makes the Elite Titan Strong?
Elite Greenhouse Titan Glazing Bar with Bar Capping. Note the box construction
There are a number of reasons the Titan is so tough:
- Aluminium thickness and quality. Looking at the parts, what immediately struck me was that everything seemed heavier than with other greenhouses. Thicker gauge. The uprights and glazing bars are a solid box construction rather than the usual T section. Even the nuts and bolts are high quality, so less likely to shear.
- Design. There are heavy-duty angled bracing straps on the end and centre panes. The side uprights connect to the roof bars with cantilever T-bar braces which also link the side roofing bars.
- Glass. The 4mm thick tempered glass is a lot stronger than the more often used 3mm. It’s secured in place with W clips and bar capping, which is screwed in place.
Design points I really like
Height. The sides are 1585mm, 5’2” and the ridge 2475mm, 8’1”. The extra height makes more of a difference than you might think at first. Especially when growing tomatoes or cucumbers.
Doors. The doors give plenty of room to move things in and out. The ramp over the cill means a wheelbarrow travels seamlessly. The lock is simple and effective.
Opening roof lights. The opening roof lights are larger than the usual 610mm x 610mm, 2’ x 2’. They’re 640mm x 904mm, 25” x 35.6”. This gives extra ventilation in hot weather as does the 10 blade louvre, double the usual size.
Large Opening Lights
Ridge bar weatherproofing. The top ridge bar has a skirt to deflect water. No more drips down the back of my neck when it’s raining.
What I don’t like
The only niggle is the side cantilever braces make fixing things high on the upright bars difficult. Still, at least the greenhouse hasn’t blown down, which makes fixing things to the bars moot.
Cantilever Bracing T Bars under roof
Erecting the greenhouse
Erecting the Titan Greenhouse
I really didn’t feel able to erect the greenhouse myself and Elite say it’s a two-person task. So, I had the installation service from Greenhouse Stores erect it. I asked the builder what he thought of it. Keep in mind, he installs greenhouses from a range of manufacturers.
He thought it was an easy greenhouse to put up because it was so solid. The only thing he said could be a problem was that there are a number of different glass sizes. I think the glazing plan was the only page he looked at in the instructions.
If installing yourself, I’d suggest you’ll need a helper and to allow two days. Having said that, it took Steve 9 ½ hours, on his own. Mind you, he never stopped, not even for a cup of tea. I did offer!
Fitting Out the Greenhouse
Setting up the greenhouse, filling the side border etc.
