Solar Kiln

[Dale Hatfield]

Can I use sliding glass door panels for the cover on a solar kiln,or would they have to be single pane?

Thanks Dale

[Larry]

Don't even think single pane.  Moisture will condense on the glass, drip off, and ruin your lumber/kiln.  Thermo-pane doors will work well...you might still have minor condensation at times but nothing to worry about.  Check with your local glass guy...they change out doors quite frequently that have lost the seal.  He might give them to you for free...might even pay ya to haul em off.

[woodbill2]

Check with your local glass guy...they change out doors quite frequently that have lost the seal.  He might give them to you for free...might even pay ya to haul em off.

I wish this were the case with me. My local glass shop charged me $5 each for the ones they had. Was able to get all I needed from just the one shop though. Now I just need to get the kiln built.  ;)

[chet]

I collected a bunch of glass doors ta build my kiln. But after some serious thought of da consequences of a hail storm, I opted out of using glass.   ;)

[Larry]

Hail was my concern also Chet.  That is why I used fiberglass.  My friend that used the glass doors didn't have that concern or I think was cheap.  In any case they haven't broke after four years...are they hail resistant or is he lucky? ;D

[chet]

MY guess is lucky.  ;D 
My luck ain't dat good sometimes.  :-\  I'd be da guy cleanin' glass otta all my dried wood.   :'(

[metalspinner]

But after some serious thought of da consequences of a hail storm, I opted out of using glass.   

...or kids leaving rocks in the yard. >:(



After this happened, I went to the auto supply store and installed the tinted window film to hold it together.

I have lucked out with the hail so far.  We got nickel sized last year and it held up just fine. I was watching it though and was very nervous.  After this load comes out, I will replace the roof with the corregated patio stuff.

[bitternut]

Never saw hail around my area large enough to break windows. Did see some once that put tiny dents in cars though. Most hail storms around here cause little if any damage. Once in a while one of the apple farmers will suffer cosmetic damage to the fruit. Kind of ruins them for anything but juice or processing.

You guys must get some awful hail storms. Do you need to wear hard hats? :D  :D