Choosing your fixing type

Orders are accepted on the assumption that the customer has selected and ordered the correct ground fixing type required.

Above ground fixing

This method of fixing is ideally suited to erecting your product onto a solid base, such as a concrete slab or individual concrete pads. Your shelter comes with above ground fix adjustable feet which are bolted to the concrete base.

Please note this method of fixing is not recommended for paving slabs or block paving, or for tarmac, and whilst we will install an above ground fix product onto these surfaces, this is under the customer’s instruction or order, and is always at the customer’s own responsibility.

Below Ground fixing

This method of fixing is recommended for areas such as grassed areas, paving slabbed or block paving areas, or gravelled surfaces etc. We will supply you with below ground fix adjustable feet that need to be concreted in to suitably excavated holes in the ground. The depth and diameter of the holes required will be governed by the  ground conditions, so we are unable to provide specific specifications, but as a general guide each adaptor will require a minimum excavation of 600mm deep and 300mm diameter. If in doubt seek professional advice. Remember that we can offer a competitive installation service in most parts of the country.

You have a choice of three different types of finish for your shelter – CPA Assured Galavanised only, Powder Coat only, or Galvanised and Powder Coated finish.

Galvanised Only – This provides an extremely durable finish with a corrosion resistant zinc coating to BSEN1461 that will withstand the rigours of the UK climate. The galvanising process is a hot dip process, so called because the components are dipped into a bath of molten galvanising material at approximately 450^oC.

Our manufacturing process includes a careful analysis of each individual component, during which we consider and plan the optimum position for entry and drainage holes in the component, to ensure that maximum galvanising coating is applied to all internal as well as external surfaces.

The galvanising is carried out after individual component manufacture, and comes with a 10 year corrosion warranty.   It will withstand a high degree of impact damage and abrasion. This finish can be coated with normal outdoor paints following manufacturer’s recommendations if you wish to personalise your shelter.

Powder Coat Only – This is a decorative, low maintenance finish applied over the prepared mild steel surface of the components, using powder coat material to BS3900. Available in a choice of 26 colours from our standard range, with other colours available to special order (Cost supplement may apply). This applied finish is then cured at high temperature to provide a long lasting finish, and protection from the elements. This powder coating process is carried out in house to ensure compliance with our strict quality control standards.The finish will withstand moderate impact damage and abrasion.

Galvanised and powder coated – This combines the extreme durability of the galvanised finish with the decorative low maintenance  powder coat final coat. Enhanced corrosion protection together with an easy clean surface make this choice a real winner!

Please note – with galvanising, that there can be a slight unevenness to the component finish where the molten galvanising material coagulates and forms “dross” or runs off the components after removal from the bath. To preserve the corrosion protection qualities of the components, only a minimum level of post galvanising fettling is carried out.

Pros and Cons

Galvanising Only

• Pros
  1. Maximum corrosion protection
  2. 10 Year guarantee
• Cons
  1. Can result in slight surface imperfections (please see note above)

Powder Coating Only

• Pros
  1. Low maintenance decorative finish
  2. Varied colour choice
  3. Moderate corrosion and impact protection
  4. Smooth easy clean surface
• Cons
  1. This option without a galvanised pre treatment may necessitate regular maintenance. If this maintenance is carried out correctly, your shelter or product will maintain its appearance for many years. (Colour matched touch up paint can be purchased from The Shelter Expert at any time.) As this maintenance is not within our control, we cannot guarantee the long term appearance of your product if this option alone is selected.
  2. Note - Due to the nature of the production process and the way that the individual components are mounted for the application of the powder coat material, we are unable to guarantee that all the components will have 100% coverage. (Minor cosmetic  blemishes identified during the production and quality control process may be touched up with matching aerosol colour. Although this may be visible under certain conditions, it is not detrimental to the durability of your product, and will have been approved as compliant with our quality control standards). For this reason we strongly recommend that selection of the CPA Assured galvanising as a pre-treatment to prevent corrosion occurring, however we recognise that there is a cost supplement for this option, and that this is a procurement decision by the purchaser.

Galvanised and Powder Coated

• Pros
  1. Maximum corrosion protection
  2. Decorative low maintenance finish
  3. Varied colour choice
  4. 10 year guarantee against corrosion
  5. Easy clean surface
• Cons
  1. Can result in slight surface imperfections underneath the powder coat finish (see notes above)
  2. Increased cost compared to Galvanising only or Powder Coat only

Pros and cons

Including cloaking

• pros
  1. The cloaking provides and aesthetically pleasing finish to the sheet edge/join.
  2. The cloaking improves the sheet edge/joint durability.
  3. The cloaking parts are colour matched to the shelter framework.
  4. The weather protection of the shelter is improved  (please note that the shelters are not designed as fully watertight structures, either with or without cloaking)
• cons
  1. Increases cost of shelter

Excluding cloaking

• pros
  1. Cost saving on the shelter.
• cons
  1. The sheet edge is visible.
  2. The sheet edge can be vulnerable to malicious attack.
  3. The fluctuation in ambient temperatures can result in a slight rippling of the sheeting edge in between the fixings.

Summary - in our opinion

Shelter Expert units supplied, either with or without cloaking, will provide an outstanding service life and durability. The cloaking is primarily an aesthetic benefit, and has no negative impact on the use or functionality of the shelter. It will slightly improve the weather protection characteristics of the shelter. (please note that shelters are not designed as completely watertight “indoor” structures, and that slight water ingress may occur under certain climatic conditions. The shelters are designed to allow air flow through them)

The vast majority of product supplied in the UK is supplied without cloaking.

Cloaking can be easily purchased and installed as an aftermarket accessory if desired, but it is obviously more cost effective to order this at the same time as you order your shelter.

A number of our premium products are supplied with cloaking as standard, while other products have the option to purchase this with your shelter.