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Shrink Wrapping Modular Units

Rochester-Shrunk
Shrink wrap 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 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.
Dr. Shrink’s system is very simple with very few parts:

  • DS-SHFAST998     Propane Fired Heat Tool Kit w/25’ hose and regulator
  • DS-704W                 4”X180’ White Heat Shrink Tape
  • DS-009                     Long Cuff Safety Gloves (pair)
  • DS-007                     Film Cutting Knife
  • Shrink wrap to fit the job. We offer shrink wrap in widths of 12’-60’ with a variety of mil thicknesses.

 
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 a 32’ wide roll of shrink wrap 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 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 shrinkwrap 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 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.  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.
Call Dr. Shrink, Inc. any time with questions at 800-968-5147 or email drshrink@dr-shrink.com.
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Shrink Wrapping a Sailboat – Mast Up

Covering a sailboat mast up can seem like a very daunting proposition at first, but it takes only a couple of more steps than shrink wrapping a mast down boat. Following the directions below and watching the training DVD at least twice will minimize any problems.
1. Install your strapping fore and aft on the boat from the highest points at the bow and stern. The strapping will be tied around the mast from the stern and then around the mast from the bow (if the boom is left on, it can become part of the support structure aft of the mast, but you must put a 2” x 4” upright under the rear of the boom to give it strength). Pull the strapping tight as you normally would, measure and install your wooden uprights as on a mast down boat, put your lateral straps over the wooden uprights, or boom, and pad them.
2. Install the perimeter band following the DVD instructions.
3. Go aboard the boat with a 25’ tape measure. Measure from the mast back to the farthest point aft (top of the stern rail). To this figure add 2 feet which will extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of 6 extra feet).
4. Now measure from the mast forward (top of the bow rail or pulpit). To this figure add on 2 feet which will extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of 6 extra feet).
5. Next cut your roll of shrink wrap the measurement from the mast back. Roll it up and take it onto the boat. Lay the roll over the support structure or boom and open it enough to measure and find the center. Make a 2’ lengthwise slit in the shrink wrap at the center of the wrap. This slit area will be wrapped around the mast to form a collar. Once you have a collar formed, take the roll of heat shrink tape and go around the collar twice very tightly (do not stick tape directly to the mast as there might be an adhesive residue in the spring).
6. Unroll the aft section of shrink wrap towards the stern (do not unfold its entire width yet; the wind might catch it). Go aft as far as possible, until you run into the aft stays. Now you can unfold the shrink wrap and have it lay as straight fore and aft, and side to side, as possible. Using your wrap cutting knife make slits in the shrink wrap up to stays and halyards. They should be as neat as possible. Use strips of heat shrink tape to seal them and then apply heat to warm the adhesives (press tape down firmly to remove all air bubbles).
7. Trim and tuck the shrink wrap under the perimeter band on the boat so that wind doesn’t catch it.
8. Now the shrink wrap piece at the bow can be attached. It is done in a similar fashion as the aft piece. Place the measured piece of wrap just forward of the mast; find the center and slice into it 2 feet. Make a collar around the mast tightly and tape around it. Unroll the wrap toward the bow up to the forestay. Slice the wrap to the forestay and roll it over the bow. Tape the slit together and unfold the shrink wrap.
9. Run a strip of tape from the mast down to each side of the shrink wrap where the forward and aft pieces meet. Use the heat tool to warm the adhesives in the tape and actually heat weld the pieces of shrink wrap together.
10. Trim and tuck the forward piece under the perimeter band. Shrink wrap the boat according to DVD.
Please call us at (800) 968-5147 with any questions or email drshrink@dr-shrink.com.

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Shrink Wrap Weekly Bundle 2/17 – 2/ 21: Wrap n' Strap Knife

Free Wrap n’ Strap Knife

Place any size order this week and you can receive a free Wrap n’ Strap Knife (DS-008)!
*LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER, ONE PER WEEK*
Value of $9.38!

 

Make sure to mention this bundle if you are ordering over the phone.  If ordering online, use the promo code is BUNDLE154 at checkout.

**YOU MUST ADD THE WEEKLY BUNDLE PRODUCT INTO YOUR SHOPPING CART IN ORDER FOR THE PROMO CODE TO WORK**

 

 

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Shrink Wrap Weekly Bundle 2/10 – 2/14 : Strapping Dispenser

Free Strapping Dispenser

Place an order for $250.00 or more and you can receive a free Strapping Dispenser (DS-STRAPDISP)!
*LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER, ONE PER WEEK*
Value of $34.00!

 

Make sure to mention this bundle if you are ordering over the phone.  If ordering online, the promo code is BUNDLE153.

**YOU MUST ADD THE WEEKLY BUNDLE PRODUCT INTO YOUR SHOPPING CART IN ORDER FOR THE PROMO CODE TO WORK**

Dr. Shrink’s strapping system consists of four components working in conjunction with one another to create a sturdy, secure and sloped shrink wrap cover.  To have the most effective, durable, and secure shrink wrap cover, Dr. Shrink highly recommends using all four components of the strapping system:  Woven Cord Strapping, Buckles, End & Bottom Caps, and Tension Tool.

Dr. Shrink’s Strapping Dispenser has a durable and lightweight design which is compatible with all of our premium 1/2″ and 3/4″ width strapping rolls.  The unit features a convenient carrying handle and low resistance spindle system.  The Strapping Dispenser is the ideal tool to prevent knots, tangles, and twists in the strapping.

Don’t forget about our Valentine’s Day special this week on Tideminders. Only $39.95 per kit! Order your “String of Pearls” today!