Summary of Contents for Bootstrap Farmer 14 Hoop House
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14’ & 20’ Hoop House INSTRUCTION & OWNERS MANUAL Rev. Date 2023-1-02 Thank you for choosing Bootstrap Farmer for your farm’s equipment needs. Our All-Metal Greenhouse Kit is manufactured with 100% American made steel and aluminum for maximum strength and durability.
Table of Contents Getting Started CAD DRAWINGS Recommended Tool List Greenhouse Placement Parts List Ground Posts Squaring Your Structure Installing the Ground Posts Hoops Connect and Install Hoops Installing Hoops to Ground Posts Ridge Poles End Wall Cross Connector Cross Connectors and Ridge Poles Install Ridge Pole and Connectors Hip &...
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Corner Brace Kit (Optional) Truss Kit (Optional) Insect Netting (Optional) Greenhouse Plastic Installation Roll Up Sides (Optional) Trellis Bar Kit (Optional) Double Layer Inflation Kit (Optional) Shade Cloth (Optional) Maintenance Repairing Holes Seasonal Considerations Special Weather Conditions Need Help? contact@bootstrapfarmer.com www.bootstrapfarmer.com Page 3...
Getting Started BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION, PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS. CONTACT OUR TECH TEAM WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR BUILD. WE ARE AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL, CHAT OR PHONE 7 DAYS A WEEK 888-406-1982 EXT. 1 CAD DRAWINGS Need Help? contact@bootstrapfarmer.com www.bootstrapfarmer.com...
Recommended Tool List For Your Safety: Take all necessary safety precautions with power tools and building equipment. Personal protective gear such as: gloves, eye protection, ear plugs, and closed toe shoes are recommended. ● Clamps ● Scissors / blade ● Drill & Drill Bits (1/4" bit included) ●...
Greenhouse Placement We recommend finding a flat area of land, clear of any trees, and far enough away from existing structures to avoid runoff and snow drifts. Pay attention to the drainage in the area. Extra ground work may be required to divert water runoff caused by regular greenhouse waterings.
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Door Frame Hardware 7. Cane Bolt (1 per door) 8. Spring (1 per door) 9. Door Mounting Kit 10. Hinges (4 per door) Single Door/ Door Frame *Double door upgrade available 1. Single GH Door 2. Single Frame Endwalls Endwall Hardware 1.
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Frame Hardware Kit ** Check "Pick-list" as hardware/part quantities are dependent on kit size. 1. ¼ x 2" bolt galv. 2. ¼ nut galv. 3. ¼ split lock washer galv. 4. ¼ flat washer galv. 5. #8 x ¾ zinc self tap 6.
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Optional Upgrades Roll-up Sidewalls 1. Sidewall Hand Crank (2) 2. Snap Clamps 3. Strapping 4. Eye Bolt 5. EMT 0.5in 2ft 6. 78in 0.922 EMT Pole with swaged End Corner Brace Kit 1. Flat open 75in brace 1.315 (4) 2. Flat swage 36in brace 1.315 (4) 3.
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Labeled CAD Drawings 1. 48” 1.66 drilled ground post 2. Base brace (hat channel) 3. Hip brace (hat channel) 4. Single door / door frame 5. Optional corner brace 6. Optional purlins 7. Endwall hoop 8. Ridge pole 9. Optional truss kit 36” flat flat bar with tension bands (2) 10.
Ground Posts Optional: Install landscape fabric prior to installing ground posts. It is recommended that you line the perimeter of the greenhouse 1’ inside and 3’ along the outside with landscape fabric, so you will prevent erosion from the water the greenhouse sheds and so you don’t have to mow or weedeat next to your greenhouse! Accidentally throwing debris through your greenhouse plastic! Scan QR Code for information on...
Squaring Your Structure Making sure that your first four corner posts are squared will provide you with a base to work from to ensure the rest of the posts are easy to install plumb and level. Using one of the following methods, set your corners. Measure Method - First measure length to length.
Installing the Ground Posts Once your area is measured out with temporary stakes in place. Install each corner ground post from the previous step. Place your posts where you had previously marked the corners and begin driving those into the ground. While driving the posts into the ground you want to make sure the poles are plumb in all directions.
Hoops The hoops will come bundled together and you will need to construct them. Tools ● Drill ● #8 Self Tap Screw Parts 14' WIDE HOOP set contains: ● (2) 96in Swaged pole (bent) ● (1)102.75’ Pole (bent) 20' WIDE HOOP set contains: ●...
Connect and Install Hoops ● Piece your hoop set together on a flat surface. For consistency, assemble all your hoops in the same spot, so they match. ● Using a #8 self tap screw, connect the hoop together to prevent twisting and separation.
Installing Hoops to Ground Posts 1. While on a ladder, one person eyeballs the top of hoops as a partner adjusts the height of the hoops at ground posts. (20’ has a center height of 11’-4’’. The 14’ has a center height of 9’-4’’) 2.
Ridge Poles End Wall Cross Connector The end wall connector is manufactured in the OPEN position for an easier installation over the hoops. End wall cross connectors help to keep the ridgepole from extending past the end hoops and poking the plastic end walls. We recommend adding a #8 self tap screw to all tension bands and end wall cross connectors - but not the saddle type cross connectors.
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Installing End Wall Cross Connectors 1. Place Ridge Pole past the lower loop but not further than 1/2 way past the hoop, tighten the gold nut and bolt supplied with the end wall cross connector. 2. Pre drill at “Point A” with a 3/16” drill bit. These connectors are thicker metal so be prepared to use extra force.
Cross Connectors and Ridge Poles Pictures on the following page. Ridge poles and cross connectors work together to connect and stabilize the hoops. Optional purlins and additional cross connectors further stabilize and are installed the same way. (See page 33) Tools ●...
Scan QR for info on RidgePoles or visit https://youtu.be/AfTKTvcqw20 Hip & Base Braces All Metal Kits use 16 gauge hat channel. Hat channel is the same material for both the hip board and baseboards where lumber would typically be used. The hip and base braces are made exactly the same way and is a layering process between hat channel, hat splice, and lock channel.
Parts ● #8 self tap ● #10 self tap ● lock channel ● 78” hat channel ● 10” hat splice *Save time by laying out the lock channel, hat channel and splice ahead of beginning installation Installing the Hip and Base Brace 1.
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Scan QR for info on Installing Hip and Base Braces or visit https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/blogs/building-a-greenhou se/installing-hip-and-baseboards-on-a-hoop-house Note On Installing the Hip Brace- Begin on the same end you installed the ridge pole. The hip brace will be installed between 3-½’ and 6’ above the base brace. Mark this height on each of your endwalls and run a line level to guide your hip board installation.
End Walls Pictures on the next page. Tools ● Ladder ● Mason Line ● Drill ● Ground Post Driver ● Bubble Level ● Tape Measure ● Clamp Parts ● Ground Post ● Lock Channel ● Ridge Pole ● Endwall Hardware Kit ●...
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6. A. Insert ridge poles into newly installed ground posts (with swage facing up). B. Insert 36’’ridge pole extender onto ridge pole (door uprights only) and secure with #8 self tapping screw, through the side of the swaged connection. 7. Install a tension band over the endwall hoop. Slide ridge pole up to bottom of hoop and secure with a with a #10 self tap through the tension band.
End Wall Lock Channel For the hoops On the end walls, install the lock channel from baseboard to baseboard going over the outside/top of the hoop. The channel will bend with the curve of the hoop with ZERO modifications, Do Not Notch the Channel.
Door Hanging and Latch Installation NOTE: YOU WILL DRILL THE HOLE FOR THE LATCH BEFORE HANGING THE DOOR. THEN HANG THE DOORS AND ATTACH ALL LOCK CHANNEL. AFTER ALL OF THE PLASTIC IS IN PLACE COVERING THE ENTIRE HOOP HOUSE, YOU WILL COME BACK AND INSTALL LATCH.
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3. Using the hinge as a guide mark and drill guide holes in the door frame using the ⅛” bit. Each hinge should be placed 3 inches away from the closest horizontal cross piece of the frame. 4. Attach all hinges to the frame using the #8 screws. 5.
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Attaching Spring and Cane Bolt A cane bolt allows you to secure a single door in the open position or one section of a double door in the closed position. The spring will close the door if left open but given the tightness of the latch, the latch will need to be secured by hand.
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Door Lock Channel Lock Channel will install OVER the hinges on both the door and the frame. The lock channel you installed on the vertical supports in the previous step will act to secure the outside edge of the plastic. 1.
Optional Upgrades If you did not order any of the additional upgrades you can skip to the section on attaching your plastic starting on page 40. Many upgrades are installed before the plastic or this affects the installation steps. Purlin Kit (Optional) **The Purlin Kit is installed the same way as the ridge poles.** Tools ●...
Truss Kit (Optional) Tools ● Pliers ● Level (level with magnetic base is recommended) ● Step ladder ● Tape measure ● Adjustable wrench ● Wrenches or ratchet and sockets optional Parts ● ¼ x 1" Bolt (galv.) (6) ● ¼ Nut (galv.) (6) ●...
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Determining Truss Height The cross bar length will determine its height when installed in the greenhouse. The longer it is, the closer to the ground. The shorter it is the taller it will be in the greenhouse. By cutting the ridge pole(s) you can shorten the length. We recommend installing the truss system with hoops in the vertical position.
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5. Install a tension band over the hoop and connect the flat section to the tension band with a bolt and nut inserted through the tension band and hole in the flat section. 6. Raise the opposite side of the crossbar up to the hoop and attach with a tension band, the same as step 5.
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8. Installing the diagonal supports on the 20’ wide kit, is similar to the steps you have already taken. Install a tension band over the hoop, use a bolt to attach the tension band to the diagonal, secure with the nut. Install a tension band on the horizontal crossbar.
Insect Netting (Optional) Insect netting is installed after the frame is completely built but prior to installing the plastic. The sidewall insect netting will be your protection from pests when the roll up sides are open. Installation 1. Hold up the insect net against the outside side walls and attach using the lock channel and spring wire.
Greenhouse Plastic Your kit will come with two pieces of plastic. The larger one will be used to cover the top of your structure and the smaller one will be used to cover the endwalls. Make sure you can finish securing the plastic before you stop for the day, so it doesn't blow away on you.
Installation 1. Install spring wire starting at the middle top of the hoop down to the hip brace. 2. Spring wire from the top down on the other side of the hoop. 3. On the opposite end wall, pull plastic tight and repeat step 1 and 2 4.
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Installing End Wall Plastic Once the top/ long sides are covered, and you have cut the excess plastic off of the hoop at the lock channel you can begin endwall installation. 1. While making sure the "inside" label is facing the inside of the house, install spring wire along your base board while keeping the plastic stretched left &...
Roll Up Sides (Optional) 1. Drive 1/2 x 2' EMT into the ground 2' from the house on the x to help secure the 3/4 hand crank guide rod. (One for each side) NOTE: Instructions in the hand crank box ask you to put the crank less than 2', however we have had better performance 2' away from the building.
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Installation 1. Roll the end of the plastic onto the EMT pipe you made earlier. Make sure you roll it under the pipe like in the diagram so that the rolled plastic does not collect rainwater. 2. Install the snap clamps every 18" or so with the ends a little closer together. The first time you slowly roll it up it will likely not roll up even.
Trellis Bar Kit (Optional) Trellis bars can be installed after the plastic has been installed. It is the final step in construction. It will be easier if installed before the plastic. **It is recommended at minimum, you have a truss for every 20’ span, to support the trellis cable. (i.e. one truss for a 20’...
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Width Using your marked height, measure the width from the outer edges of the hoop. Use a bubble level to ensure the bar will be installed level. The trellis bar should span the width of the hoop house, ending just shy of touching the end wall hoops on the top corners.
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1. Slide the Endwall Trellis Bars 3" into the Trellis Bar Joiner from each end and secure with (4) #10 Self Tap in the pattern pictured above. 2. Continue the process until you make a bar longer than needed. 3. Cut down to desired length from the previous step with a metal saw. Be sure to only cut the open side to adjust length for desired height.
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Trellis Bar Layout 1. 20’ endwall hoop 2. Trellis bar joiner 3. 78” ridgepole 4. Optional purlin 5. Horizontal trellis bar Wire Trellis Kit (Optional) Upon receiving your kit, get started by checking your parts list. If anything is missing, reach out to our customer service department for assistance.
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Installing Trellis Wire Turnbuckles Tools Needed: Drill, ⅜” Drill Bit, ½" Drill Bit, Wrenches, Ratchet & Sockets, 1. Turn all turnbuckles to fully open before installation. 2. Place the eye bolt through the trellis bar and secure the nut between the greenhouse plastic and the trellis bar.
Double Layer Inflation Kit (Optional) We recommend pulling outside fresh air with the inflation fan. If you draw the air from inside of the hoop house itself to inflate your double layers, all of that excess moisture from the humidity will end up between your plastic layers. Step 1: Attach the Mounting Bracket and Fan 1.
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Step 2: Installing Hose Hook Up to Motor 1. Remove Baffle Cover 2. Install Metal Ring to Motor with #8 Self Tap Screws. Note the New Baffle position. 3. Adjust screw tightness to open/close the new baffle. Not too tight. 4.
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Step 3: Installing Hose to Endwall Flange 1. Sandwich Flange Plate (on the inside) and Flat Plate (on the outside) between the end wall film in line with the mounted fan on the next hoop from the end wall. Secure with #8 self-tap screws. 2.
Shade Cloth (Optional) Installation ● Shade Cloth Clips - A plastic clam shell with spikes that grip the shade cloth with a hole in the middle to strap with rope, strap, or other securing line. This works best if your shade cloth doesn't reach your hip board. Clips should be installed at least every 24"...
Maintenance One of the great things about hoop houses is that, once installed, they are a low maintenance option for season extension. This does not mean that they are NO maintenance though. There are a few things you will need to do in order to keep your house in good working order and extend its life.
Repairing Holes Keep a roll of repair tape on hand at all times. Taping up a small hole when it happens will save you a big tear the next time the wind picks up. We farmers have a tendency to keep pokey things in our pocket.