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Home | How-To Shrink Wrap | How to Shrink Wrap a Modular Building
 

How to Shrink Wrap a Modular Building
Shrink wrap works very well for protecting modular building 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 shrink wrap 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:
Shrink Wrap Gun (Heat Tool with 25’ hose and regulator)
White Shrink Wrap Tape (4” wide X 180’ long)
Long Cuff Leather Safety Gloves (pair) (these are included with the RS100 Shrink Wrap Gun)
Shrink Wrap Film Cutting Knife
Shrink wrap to fit the job: Shrink Wrap Sizes 
  
Shrink Wrap Installation Instructions:
  1. Pad all sharp objects where the shrink wrap 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 shrink wrap over the unit leaving at least two feet of material at each end of the roof.  If you are covering a hinged roof unit, 32 feet wide shrink wrap will allow the roof and marriage wall to be wrapped in one piece. For flat top modules, 28 feet wide shrink wrap works well.
     
  3. The shrink wrap must be held firmly on all sides so it will shrink properly.  Roll the edge of the shrink wrap 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 shrink wrap. This step is also very similar to installing regular plastic transit sheeting. 
     
  4. When covering the roof and marriage wall with one piece of shrink wrap, 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 shrink wrap from the roof, thereby keeping billowing to a minimum. 
     
  5. Once the shrink wrap is firmly attached to the module, it can then be shrunk using the Shrinkfast 998 Heat Tool. 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 shrink wrap 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 shrink wrap 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.