Heads up to everyone, here is the proper link to download the updated MSS Installation Manual for 2023! We are working on updating the links throughout the site, but hopefully this post can help make sure you get the most up to date info!
We have much more detailed information in the posts and on the pages throughout the site, but the new manual will be going out with orders in the near future once they are finished being printed. There aren’t significant changes, but noteworthy enough, that we hope you will continue to review thoroughly.
Thank you for your interest in Multi Shelter Solutions. We look forward to helping you with your shelter purchase, and as always, we are here by phone or email to answer any questions you may have.
Unfortunately, wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent and we are certainly mindful of the many people who are dealing with those risks and challenges.
None of the covers that we sell have flame-retardant properties. This does not mean that our plastic or tarp covers will ignite in contact with a spark. Flying sparks will cause pin holes and when there is an open flame you will likely get melting of the cover. Please remember that we have products to patch this damage.
Rarely will the steel frame sustain damage. This statement would not apply if you have a pile of hay inside or a similar flammable product that would burn for a while.
The best defense when fires are in the area is to keep the area clear and clean of brush and debris. if there are trees or shrubs that are weak or dying, it would be best to remove them before they could become a torch.
If you are planning to build a greenhouse or other soft covered shelter in an area prone to fires, you should be an extra distance from taller trees.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything your wish to clarify in your planning or preparation.
From our social media: Norm was stopped along the LaHave River yesterday. Feeling grateful for the rain NS received to help with the forest fires and hopeful for the rain forecasted for Quebec and Ontario. He’ll try to bring some back with him 😉 (photo on fb & ig)
The person asked for advice when the quote came in over the money they had in the budget.
What not to do
Taking out double plastic, modifying roll up sides and keeping ends simple
Working with us for flexibility on shipping
We received a call for a greenhouse quote with double plastic and roll up sides and were asked to make sure freight costs were included.
The total quote was just over $8000 and we received a note back saying that the budget they had was $6500 and asked if we had any advice on bringing the costs of the quote down.
One area that we consider a last resort is to reduce the size of the structure. When you reduce the building size by 25% you may reduce the cost by 10% and you will reduce potential return by 25%.
If you are not growing in the winter the extra cost of the double plastic with inflator which reduces heat loss can be taken out. It can be added again later when growing cycles change.
Going with steel and wirelock for the top of the roll-up sides is the cheaper way of doing it long-term but for immediate savings, go with wood.
Fancy ends do not contribute anything to the return of the greenhouse so keep it simple and use those savings for extra square footage of production space.
When you have flexibility on the timing of your project we are able to group more orders together to have each customer save on delivery expenses.
If this sounds like the kind of advice you would like to have when you are looking for when it is time to make a structure purchase, please keep MSS in mind. Our goal is to help you get it right and we look forward to working with you on your project.
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Occasionally there will be damage to a spot in the cover that is really hard to get at. The approach and advice given here, for safety’s sake, is a 2 person job. If you have a double cover structure, first unplug the inflator fan.
You will need to attach a padded cross piece to a long ladder. This piece should be 50% longer than your structure hoop spacing. i.e. if you have 4’ spacing your attachment should be 6’ long. This cross piece should be located high enough so that when you lean the ladder against the building it will be making contact with the “bulge” of the hoop.
The base of the ladder will be quite a ways out from the building. It is important that the helper firmly anchor the base of the ladder so that it can not kick out from underneath the person climbing the ladder.
If the hole in the cover is past the top of the ladder, you can lean against a hoop while standing on the ladder.
The area of the cover damage must be dry and warm before trying to put on a patch. Patches will not stick well to cold or damp covers.
As always, please call the office if you have any questions or need any clarification on this information.
