Just scored 700 sq ft of tempered glass - ideas?

[DougA]

Found someone selling the tempered glass panels from patio railings off of high rise apt towers for almost free. I was searching for someone selling a mid sized greenhouse cheap. The panel's are about 1 meter sq. (39"). I'm thinking I will need to build a pretty solid foundation and use 4x4s for supports and just make a solid stud wall on the north side.

A few thoughts I had:
Since the greenhouse would be used for growing vegs in the winter, wouldn't I be best to use 2 pieces with a 1" space between them? Won't that fog up and cut the light coming through? I was thinking that a cheap used solid stove would work for heating. Since this structure is not near the house and uninsured, I can use an older non certified stove.
What's the latest on thin solar panels? Since I already have the tempered glass, I could attach thin solar panels inside when I am not growing.
Any other ideas?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I've always wanted to throw rocks inside a glasshouse. Tempered glass makes it safer....



Cold boxes might be easier and more useful than a greenhouse.

 

[velvetfoot]

I'm thinking this thread could ultimately come into play:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/done-with-stuff.153216/

 

[Buzz Saw]

Ever consodered donating it to a local vocational school? Some programs might use it for projects/ practice glass cutting for custom windows

 

[semipro]

I don't believe you can cut tempered glass. That's one of the major challenges with reuse.

 

[sportbikerider78]

Need a sunroom on your porch?

 

[Buzz Saw]

I don't believe you can cut tempered glass. That's one of the major challenges with reuse.

It could be annealed, but I don't know the details of annealing glass. I'm sure it's not easy,cheap, or fast.

Probably best to use them as targets [emoji2]

 

[semipro]

Probably best to use them as targets

I had some friends in the glass business that used to get stoked up and then gather round and tap the corner of a piece of tempered glass just to watch the cracks propagate.

 

[dogwood]

My brother is a retired glazier who installed windows in skyscrapers for a living. When we built our home he made three picture windows for us out of leftover pieces of thick, heavy glass. The panes of glass were doubled up with what I would estimate an eighth to a quarter of an inch between between them. The edges of the panes were sealed together with a bead of rubbery grey sealant between them to prevent air infiltration. They never fogged.

My brother also has a small half greenhouse built into the front of his home that was constructed similarly. It's been in place there since the seventies with no signs of fogging or moisture infiltration which I'm aware of. I imagine you could find a local glazier who would be able to tell you what to use as the sealant to make double panes, or maybe find that info online.

Mike

 

[firefighterjake]

I had some friends in the glass business that used to get stoked up and then gather round and tap the corner of a piece of tempered glass just to watch the cracks propagate.

And here I thought long winters in Maine made folks do weird stuff . . .