
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.