A container shelter is a durable and long-lasting option for protecting your equipment and materials from the elements. Whether you need a shelter for a workshop, your equipment, or materials, a container dome provides a cost-effective and efficient way to safeguard your investments.
With proper installation, you can be sure that your fabric shelter will last for many years. The key to ensuring longevity is taking care during the initial installation process. Below are some tips and tricks to help you through the process of installing a container shelter. With careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail, you can ensure that your container dome provides reliable protection for your assets for years to come.
The following guide to set up your container shelter safely and smoothly:
STAGE 1: MARK OUT AND PLACE THE CONTAINERS
- Ensure the ground is level – Before install your container shelter, ensure the ground is level and clear of debris. The flatter the area, the easier it will be to install. Additionally, flat ground is necessary for safe access by lifting equipment and Elevated Work Platforms.
- Keep the containers level – Ensure that the containers are level. This step is especially important if you are installing endwalls with your shelter. It will ensure the endwall fits properly with no visible gaps around the frame or at the bottom, and that it sits straight.
- Position the containers – Refer to the layout drawings and instructions provided with your container shelter to position the containers. Carefully placing your containers will save you time and effort throughout the rest of the installation process. To square the corners, ensure that both diagonal dimensions between the containers are equal.
- Tilt the containers slightly – A slight tilt to the outside edge of your containers will ensure that the watersheds away, even if you have a guttering system in place. You don’t want water to pool where the cover attaches to the container as it can cause damage.
- Keep the cover rolled up – Keep the cover wrapped and rolled up until you need it. This will keep the cover clean, free of dirt and prevent it from getting damaged.
STAGE 2: ASSEMBLE AND ERECT THE FRAME
- Join frames together on the ground – Join the frames together on the ground with tee and tags, ensure all curved frames are pushed together leaving no gaps. Then safely lift the frames into place one at a time – some force may be required to slip arches into position
- Anchor bracket layout – Refer to the layout drawings and instructions provided with your shelter for the correct anchor bracket positioning. Correct positioning is crucial to ensure a smooth installation of the shelter frame. Use a string line to assist with positioning.
- Position screws and bolts carefully – Place all screws and bolts in a position where they will not come into direct contact with the cover. For the end arches, position your screws or bolts on the underside and inside edge to prevent contact with the edge of the shelter cover or the cover pelmet. For the middle arches, position your screws or bolts on the sides.
- Cover joins, screws and sharp edges – Apply a protective layer such as duct tape over any joins, screws/bolts, and sharp edges. This extra step will add protection and prevent damage to the cover when it is pulled over in the next stage.
STAGE 3: INSTALL AND TENSION THE COVER
- Install endwalls before the cover – If you have ordered endwalls with your shelter, install these first before fitting the cover as access can be difficult. The cover pelmet normally sits down over the top of the end wall, making the cover installation an easy process.
- Put down a drop sheet – To keep your cover clean, put down a drop sheet or some plastic before rolling out the cover.
- Fit the cover – Throw ropes over the entire structure and secure to the tarp pipe. Have everyone pull evenly as the cover is pulled across the frame with one person inside the shelter to check that the cover is not snagging.
- Install the cover on a wind-free day – The most important tip is to install your shelter on a day with no wind, as the cover can act like a sail. Wind gusts can cause the cover to move around or even blow away. When installing, make sure you keep hold of the cover and keep it in place while tensioning it.
- Tension the cover evenly – Attach J-Hook ratchet straps to the corner anchor assemblies and tension by applying pressure to each J-Hook evenly, tighten the ratchets as tight as possible by hand.
A container shelter from Allshelter is an excellent choice for protecting your equipment and materials from the elements, offering durability and longevity. By following the proper installation process, you can ensure that your container dome provides reliable protection for your assets for years to come.
The key steps involved in the installation process include marking out and placing the containers, assembling and erecting the frame, and installing and tensioning the cover. These steps, when executed with care and attention to detail, contribute to the overall longevity of the shelter.
Note: These tips are general and should not replace your shelter installation instructions.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.