How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Greenhouse?

Greenhouse Repair Prices

The cost to repair a greenhouse is approximately $5 to $25 per square foot for materials alone. However, exactly how much your greenhouse repair will cost depends on the many different types of repairs that can befall a greenhouse.

Greenhouse Repair Installation Cost

It costs between $50 to $100 an hour for a professional installer to repair a greenhouse. You may need to hire an electrician for electric work, adding $40 to $100 an hour to your project’s cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $200 an hour for any plumbing work.

Greenhouse Repair Cost by Type

Different styles have different repair costs. Here’s an overview of the different types of greenhouses and how much it might cost for you to repair a greenhouse for each type.

Hoop Greenhouse Repair Cost

Hoop greenhouses are some of the most cost-friendly greenhouses available, costing between $5 to $10 per square foot. The hoops used for the installation are simple to replace, and any plastic sheets that get damaged over time are relatively simple to patch or replace.

A-Frame Greenhouse Repair Cost

An A-frame greenhouse costs $25 to $35 per square foot. Since A-frame greenhouses require few materials to construct, chances are you won’t need to spend too much on the actual repair for this greenhouse. Material type, however, can affect how much you spend per square foot. For example, plastic polymers cost less than glass and metal.

Geothermal Greenhouse Repair Cost

Geothermal greenhouses, or pit greenhouses, cost anywhere from $6 to 12 per square foot to install. If you need a repair for this greenhouse type, chances are you’ll spend more towards the lower end of that range, as you likely won’t need additional excavation around the structure.

Lean-To Greenhouse Repair Cost

A lean-to greenhouse costs $10 to $25 per square foot to construct. Expect to pay a similar amount per square foot for any repairs to have this type of greenhouse repaired. Since there are only three constructed walls, these repairs can cost less than other types for a major structural overhaul.

Heated Greenhouse Repair Cost

If you’re replacing or repairing a greenhouse heater, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $2,000. A high-end heater will cost more to replace, while a smaller, simpler heater will cost significantly less. Another factor in determining heater repair costs is whether you can buy replacement parts and do it yourself or have a repair person near you fix your greenhouse heater.

Greenhouse Repair Cost by Structure

The structure you’re repairing on your greenhouse is a major factor in how much it will cost to repair. Below are the different types of structures and how much they cost on average.

Greenhouse Framing Repair Cost

Most greenhouse frames cost around $1 per linear foot. Most builders use pre-treated lumber because of its water-resistant properties. Some greenhouses use steel framing, which is a bit pricier at $2.50 per linear foot on average.

If your greenhouse repair involves your greenhouse’s frame, you will need to match the type of frame already in your greenhouse. Depending on the wood species, the cost is around $1 per linear foot, but it could be more.

Also, if you can repair or secure the frame, this may be a simple overall repair, but repairing a structurally compromised greenhouse will be a major repair.

Greenhouse Wall Repair Cost

Glass panels were once the standard in greenhouse walls. However, they’re expensive, so polyethylene has become the new go-to. Glass panels cost around $2.50 per square foot, while polyethylene costs $0.12 per square foot. There are other options, too, like fiberglass siding, which goes for $0.70 per square foot, and corrugated polycarbonate siding, which costs around $1.25 per square foot.

If you have damaged or broken wall panels, repairing them is comparable to the price range from when you constructed them: glass is the most expensive, polyethylene is moderate and plastic is cheap.

Solid greenhouse structures with aging, torn plastic may be better off if you replace it with polyethylene. This material will last much longer, and the price isn’t too daunting.

Greenhouse Heating and Cooling System Repair Cost

Ground heating and cooling systems cost anywhere from $100 to $10,000 to install. The range is broad because of the many types of heating and cooling systems out there and how important they are to temperature regulation.

If the system isn’t working properly, two issues require minimal effort to fix and fall at the lower end of the repair costs: an electrical one or a faulty thermostat. Make sure to check the electrical fuses in case it is just a simple blown fuse or circuit breaker issue and check the thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Replacing an electrical fuse costs around $100 to $200 to repair, while a thermostat repair costs between $100 to $300 on average.

If the entire heating and cooling system has malfunctioned and needs replacement, expect to pay closer to the higher end of the repair costs. Check your warranty information to see if it is still covered before you spend the money for a replacement. The cost to replace a heating and cooling system ranges from $2,800 to $10,000.

Greenhouse Foundation Slab Repair Cost

The cost to repair a foundation slab can be as little as $1 per square foot or as much as $10 per square foot. Every greenhouse should have some kind of foundation or barrier slab installed before you build your greenhouse.

If you didn’t do this, your greenhouse could be unstable, leading to structural issues. The ground changes temperature with the changing seasons and the rising and setting of the sun. You’ll save money on energy costs to install a foundation wall in the bottom of the greenhouse, but the cost to install a foundation falls between $5 to $35 per square foot on average.

Greenhouse Repair Cost Factors

Many cost factors might impact your final project cost. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Repair type: Repairing a heater or major structural beam will cost far more than the cost to repair a greenhouse window or broken glass pane.

• Material type: Repairing or replacing plastic or polyethylene material will cost significantly less than replacing glass, corrugated polycarbonate, or steel.

• Installation costs: If you choose to hire an installer, this will increase the cost by however many hours it takes to complete the job and the professional’s rate per hour.

DIY vs. Hire a Greenhouse Repair Pro

You can DIY simple greenhouse repairs. A few easy DIY projects include: replacing plastic, swapping out old screens, or sealing holes in any mesh or polyethylene materials.

On the other hand, some greenhouse repair projects can be dangerous, especially if using power tools or climbing on ladders. Complex, structural, electrical, or irrigation repairs are best left to the pros.

A greenhouse repair pro near you can help you make the best decisions regarding the repair, can help you obtain proper licensing, if need be, and has all of the equipment and expertise necessary to make your project run as smoothly as possible.

FAQs

How do I maintain my greenhouse once it’s repaired?

The best way to maintain a greenhouse and prevent future damage is by regularly inspecting the heating system of your greenhouse, cleaning out filters and keeping an eye out for any leaks that might develop.

Can I use a greenhouse repair kit to fix my greenhouse?

You might be able to use a greenhouse repair kit to fix any superficial damage. A greenhouse repair kit usually comes with rolls of polycarbonate or polyethylene, heavy-duty tape (like plastic poly repair tape) and caulk.

What are some hidden costs to be aware of when repairing a greenhouse?

Some hidden greenhouse costs to look out for when repairing your greenhouse include foundational repairs, wood treatment and clearing the debris site once complete.