Shrinkwrapping Modular Units

Shrinkwrap works very well for protecting modules against weather damage while being stored or transported.  It is inexpensive, easily applied, and UV protected for long term usage (12 months+).   General application steps are listed below. Many of the steps will be the same as those used when installing regular plastic transit sheeting. Please note that the shrinkwrap you will be using is not flame retardant unless specified on the label, so a fire extinguisher must be kept handy at all times, and all safety precautions must be followed.
  
Our system is very simple with very few parts:
DS-SHFAST998                  Heat Tool Kit w/25’ hose and regulator
DS-704W                             4”X180’ White Heat Shrink Tape
DS-009                                 Long Cuff Leather Safety Gloves (pair)
DS-007                                 Film Cutting Knife
Shrinkwrap to fit the job. We offer shrinkwrap in widths of 12’-40’ with a variety of mil thicknesses.  

Installation Instructions:
1.      Pad all sharp objects where the shrinkwrap will touch the module—corners, roof edges, ends of rafters, etc., with carpet scraps or cardboard.  Do the padding in a similar fashion as would be done when installing regular plastic transit sheeting. 

2.      Lay the shrinkwrap over the unit leaving at least two feet of material at each end of the roof.  If you are covering a hinged roof unit a 32’ wide roll of shrinkwrap will allow the roof and marriage wall to be wrapped in one piece. For flat top modules a 28’ wide shrinkwrap works well.

3.      The shrinkwrap must be held firmly on all sides so it will shrink properly.  Roll the edge of the shrinkwrap one complete turn in furring strips.  The strips then need to be attached with either double headed nails or staples around the entire perimeter of the shrinkwrap. This step is also very similar to installing regular plastic transit sheeting.

4.      When covering the roof and marriage wall with one piece of shrinkwrap, which is the preferred method for complete weather protection, then stripping must be attached horizontally on the marriage wall in line with the stripping on both ends.  This will separate the wall shrinkwrap from the roof, thereby keeping billowing to a minimum.

5.      Once the shrinkwrap is firmly attached to the module it can then be shrunk using the Shrinkfast 998 Heat Tool Kit. This is a propane fired heat tool which must be used with common sense and all necessary safety precautions--Never point the Heat Tool at yourself or anyone else;  always wear safety gloves, long sleeves, long pants and safety glasses;  do not use the Heat Tool while under the influence of drugs or alcohol--When heating the shrinkwrap cover begin at the bottom of the module and sweep the heat across the cover.  Starting low on the units lets the heat rise to help shrink the upper surface.  After the entire side is shrunk the top then may be heated.

6.      After shrinking the entire module it is necessary to do a “hole patrol.”  There can be small holes that occur from either a bit too much heat or by being poked with staples, nails, sharp corners, etc.  Small holes are easily repaired with our heat shrink tape.  Always cut the tape rather than ripping it so the ends are clean and will adhere to the shrinkwrap much better.

7.      The last step is to run a few vertical furring strips along the length of the marriage wall to keep the plastic from billowing.  A good formula is to install them about 6-8 feet apart. 

8.      If access is needed into the module, nail furring strips on both sides of the opening before it is cut.  The opening can be repaired with heat shrink tape or a larger piece of plastic taped over the opening.  Always lightly heat the tape to warm the adhesives as this makes the tape stick much better.
Check out our electronic catalog!  Viewable on iPhones and iPads as well!
 
Toll Free US and Canada (800) 968-5147  | International (231) 723-2685 drshrink@dr-shrink.com | Policies
Click for the BBB Business Review of this Covers - Protective in Manistee MI
GSA Pricing
 
Join Our Email List
Email:
Click on a flag to translate this page: