ClearSpan 500 Cold Frame Series User manual

1
Revision date: 08.08.14
©2014 ClearSpan™
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.
Series 500 Cold Frame
42' Wide
42' Wide Series 500 Cold Frame:
All Standard Lengths.

2Revision date: 08.08.14
Important Information
READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TO ASSEMBLY
Thank you for purchasing a Series 500 cold frame.
When properly assembled and maintained, this product
will provide years of reliable service. These instructions
include helpful hints and important information needed
to safely assemble and properly maintain the structure.
Please read these instructions before you begin.
If you have any questions during the assembly, please
contact customer service for assistance.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Wear eye protection.
• Wear head protection.
• Wear gloves when handling metal parts.
• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
when working with power tools and cords.
• Do not climb on the frame during or after construction.
• Do not occupy the structure during high winds,
tornadoes, or hurricanes.
• Provide adequate ventilation if the structure is
enclosed.
• Do not store hazardous materials in the structure.
• Provide proper ingress and egress to prevent
entrapment.
LOCATION
Choosing the proper location is an important step before
you begin.
The following suggestions and precautions will help
determine whether your selected location is the best
location.
• Never erect the structure under power lines.
• Identify whether underground cables and pipes are
present before preparing the site, setting ground
posts (if equipped), or anchoring the structure.
• Location should be away from structures that could
cause snow to drift on or around the building.
• Do not position the structure where large loads
such as snow and ice, large tree branches, or other
overhead obstacles could fall.
• Always check local building codes before you begin
and follow codes as instructed.
SITE
After choosing a location, proper preparation of the site is
essential. Follow the information below.
• A level site is required. The site must be level to
properly and safely erect and anchor the structure.
• Drainage: Water draining off the structure and from
areas surrounding the site should drain away from
the site to prevent damage to the site, structure, and
contents of the structure.
WARNING: The individuals assembling this structure
are responsible for designing and furnishing all
temporary bracing, shoring and support needed
during assembly. For safety reasons, those who are
not familiar with recognized construction methods
and techniques must seek the help of a qualified
contractor.
SETTING THE GROUND POSTS
The frame assembly of this building requires the
setting of all ground post in concrete. Review the
layout diagrams for additional details.
Enlist the services of a professional and competent
contractor to prepare the site and set the ground posts.
Failing to secure ground posts in concrete as required
may result in damage to the building, building contents,
and surrounding property.

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Revision date: 08.08.14
ASSEMBLY
Following the instructions as presented will help ensure
proper assembly. Failing to follow these steps may result
in an improperly assembled and anchored structure.
The steps outlining the basic frame assembly are as
follows:
1. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment.
Notify Customer Service for questions or concerns.
2. Read this guide and all additional documentation
included with the shipment before you begin.
3. Gather the tools, bracing, ladders, lifts, and
assistants needed to assemble the structure.
4. Check the weather before you install the roof cover
and any end panels (if equipped). Do not install
covers or panels on a windy or stormy day.
5. Re-evaluate the location and site based on the
information and precautions presented in the
documentation included with the shipment.
6. Prepare the site (if applicable) and set the ground
posts in concrete.
7. Assemble rafter components and rafter support kit
components (if equipped). Optional support kits
require an additional purchase.
8. Assemble main building frame (rafters, cabling,
purlins, etc).
9. Attach customer-supplied baseboards if used.
10. Install main cover if purchased.
11. Complete and return all warranty information as
instructed if present.
REQUIRED TOOLS
The following list identifies the main tools needed to
assemble the shelter. Additional tools and supports may
be needed depending on the structure, location, and
application.
• Tape measure or measuring device and marker to
mark locations on the pipes and rafters.
• Variable speed drills and impact drivers. (Cordless
with extra batteries works best.)
• Metal-cutting saws or tools to cut pipe and
aluminum.
• Wrenches and impact socket set, hammer, and
gloves.
• Adjustable pliers and self-locking pliers.
• Ladders, work platforms, and other machinery for
lifting designed to work safely at height of building.
• Safety equipment to protect head, eyes, hands and
feet.
UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS
The following steps will ensure that you have all the
necessary parts before you begin to assemble the
shelter frame.
1. Unpack the contents of the shipment and place
where you can easily inventory the parts. Refer to
the Bill of Materials/Spec Sheets.
2. Verify that all parts listed on the Bill of Materials/
Spec Sheets are present. If anything is missing
or you have questions, consult the Pictorial Parts
Guide and all diagrams for clarification, or contact
Customer Service.
NOTE: Do not open plastic bags containing smaller
parts such as fasteners or washers at this time.
Simply verify quantity.
Important Information

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104189 Turnbuckle
Parts Identication
The following graphics will help identify the basic
parts of the frame. (Some parts are not shown.)
*107795
Box Bolt
*IMPORTANT: The installation of the blind
connection bolts cannot be reversed. Follow
the instructions when installing these fasteners.
103856
Band Clamp
FA4482B
Tek Screw
100441 Magnetic
Nut Setter
102546 Cross
Connector
QH1070
Pipe Strap
AS2167 Anchor
Shackle
AS1004
Clamp
AS1084
3/16" Cable Thimble
SHELTER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper care and maintenance of the shelter is important.
Check the following items periodically to properly maintain
the shelter:
• Regularly check the cover (if purchased) to ensure
that it remains tight and in proper repair.
• Replace all damaged or broken components
immediately.
• Check connections and all fasteners to verify that they
remain tight and in good condition.
• Do not climb or stand on the building at anytime.
• Inspect the anchoring system to verify that all
components remain tight and in good condition.
• Remove debris and objects that accumulate on the
building. Use tools that will not damage the cover (if
equipped) when removing debris.
• Remove snow to prevent excess accumulation. Use
tools that will not damage the cover when removing
snow. Keep heated during non-growing season to
prevent snow and ice buildup.
• Check the contents of the shelter to verify that nothing
is touching the cover that could cause damage.
• If the shelter is dismantled and moved, inspect all
parts and connections before using.
• For replacement or missing parts, call 1-800-245-9881
for assistance.
FALB08B
1/2" Nut
105370B
1/2" x 4-1/2" Hex Bolt
108503
Bracket

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Revision date: 08.08.14
Overview
Drawing may show a model of a different length. Refer to
Quick Start section located near the back of this guide for
on-center measurements and post layout.
OVERVIEW
This section describes assembling your building frame.
See illustration below to identify main parts.
1. Prepare site and set the ground posts in concrete.
2. Locate the required parts for each assembly
procedure.
3. Assemble the rafters and main frame.
Finished Grade
End Rafter
Interior Rafter
Ridge Purlin
Cable
Ground
Post
On-Center
Rafter Spacing
Side
Purlin
Ridge
Purlin
ClearSpan™
Series 500 Cold Frame
Structures

6Revision date: 08.08.14
Prepare and Square the Building Site
PREPARE THE BUILDING SITE
A level site is required to accurately and safely construct
the building. Consult the services of a qualified contractor
to properly grade and prepare the site.
Site should slope away from the building for proper water
drainage.
After the site is prepared, mark the location of the frame
corners to square the frame position. Taking these steps
before assembling the shelter saves time and ensures
that the structure is square and positioned as desired.
The following procedures are suggested methods.
Their use depends on the size of the shelter, shelter
application, the footings (if applicable), and the method
used to anchor the shelter.
When in doubt, consult the services of a qualified
contractor experienced with the construction of similar
structures.
Ground Posts
If the frame includes ground posts, set all ground posts
as described within this manual. Width of the shelter
is measured from the center of one ground post to the
center of the remaining ground post. Length is also
measured center-to-center. If your building includes
ground posts, continue with the Setting Ground Post
section.
SQUARE THE SITE: GENERAL STEPS
1. Identify a corner where a building rafter will be
positioned, drive in a stake, and string a line the exact
width of the building and stake in place. (Width of the
rafter is measured from center-to-center of the rafter
pipes/ground posts.)
2. After the first corner stake is in place, string a line the
width of the building (center-to-center) and drive the
second corner stake into the ground.
3. String a line at least as long as the building 90° from
the line between the first and second stakes.
NOTE: A transit can be used to ensure an accurate
90° angle, or the 3-4-5 rule can be used. Refer to
diagram. Using multiples of 3-4-5 such as 6-8-10 or
12-16-20 helps to maintain an accurate 90° angle.
4. After squaring the position of the building, measure
the length and drive the third corner stake.
5. Repeat the same step for the last corner stake.
NOTE: The distance measured diagonally between
corner stakes must be equal for the building to be
square.
SETTING THE GROUND POSTS
The frame assembly of this building requires the
setting of all ground post in concrete. Review the
layout diagrams for additional details.
Enlist the services of a professional and competent
contractor to prepare the site and set the ground posts.
Failing to secure ground posts in concrete as required
may result in damage to the building, building contents,
and surrounding property.
IMPORTANT: Do not drive ground posts into the
ground! Doing so will damage the swaged end making
it difficult if not impossible to set rafter onto the posts
during frame assembly.

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Revision date: 08.08.14
on-center
on-center
on-center
on-center
Set Ground Posts
Drawing may show layout of a different length. Refer to
Quick Start section located in the back of these instructions
for on-center measurements and post layout for your frame.
MARK THE SITE AND DIG POST HOLES
These steps describe marking all post hole locations and digging
the holes. For some sites, it may not be possible to complete the
procedure in this manner. An alternative procedure such as working
from one end of the building toward the other may be necessary.
Determine the best procedure based on the site and other factors
and proceed as needed.
NOTE: Refer to the Quick Start Section located near the back
of these instructions for the Side Profile and related diagrams.
ATTENTION: Do not drive ground posts
into the ground! Doing so will damage
the swaged end making it difficult if not
impossible to set rafter onto the posts
during frame assembly.
Complete these steps:
1. Stake the outline of the building using string line and batter boards. Set batter boards 3' back from the building
corners. Check to ensure that the building layout is square. Cover or panels (if equipped) will not install properly if
the building frame is not square once assembled.
2. Consult the diagrams in the Quick Start section to verify the frame length and width dimensions and to accurately
position the ground posts.
3. Guided by the string line, use a flag or stake to mark each ground post hole location.
4. Move the string line and dig a post hole a minimum of two feet (2') deep or to a depth that is below the geographic
frost line. Consult local building codes. A power auger works best. Minimum hole diameter is 12".
5. After digging all holes, reattach the string line to the batter boards and use it as a guide to set and align the
ground posts.

8Revision date: 08.08.14
Set the Ground Posts — Diagrams
Ground Post
Concrete
Ground Level
2’ Deep
In areas where frost is common, dig each post hole so
it falls below the frost line. Minimum hole depth for all
areas regardless of frost is 24". Minimum hole diameter
is 12". Set all ground posts 24" in concrete.
Consult local building codes and qualified contractors for
additional details when digging the post holes and setting
the ground posts.
Follow established codes and construction practices.
CONCRETE PIER
GROUND LEVEL
CONCRETE PIER
12"
12"
42'-0" CENTER TO CENTER OF GROUND POSTS
Optional: Before setting the
posts, drill a hole through the
bottom of each ground post
2"-3" from the end and insert
a 6"-8" length of rebar through
it. This will help stabilize and
anchor the ground posts once
the concrete sets.

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Revision date: 08.08.14
SET GROUND POSTS
Required parts and equipment:
• Ground Posts (113102)
• Equipment and materials to level and brace posts
NOTE: Concrete (customer-supplied) is required to secure all
ground post in the holes. Set all posts at the same height for
proper assembly. Position all rafter mounting holes to point toward
the outside/inside.
Consult the services of a qualified contractor to properly set posts.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Take one ground post, measure 24" from the end opposite the
bolt holes, and mark the location on the ground post. Repeat
to mark all ground posts.
NOTE: The rafter mounting bolt hole is near the top of the
ground post and is drilled through the swaged section.
Baseboard holes are below the rafter mounting hole.
2. With assistance, set and brace all posts in place. See diagram
below. All posts are to be plumb before adding concrete.
Use the baseboard mounting holes and customer-supplied
fasteners and stakes to hold posts in place.
3. Add concrete to anchor posts in holes. Fill hole so concrete
remains below the finished grade.
Stake Ground Posts for Concrete
Finished
Grade
Set all posts at the
same height. Additional
bracing may be needed
to keep the post plumb
while concrete sets.
Customer-supplied braces
and fasteners.
SETTING THE GROUND POSTS
The ground posts include pre-drilled rafter mounting bolt
holes and holes to attach the baseboards. Position holes
so they point to the outside/inside of the frame.
Do not position holes to point toward the ends of the frame.
Set Ground Posts
Set top of posts at the same
height. Set lower 24" of post
in concrete.

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Rafter Assembly
RAFTER ASSEMBLY
After setting the ground posts, continue with the rafter assembly. Do not set assembled rafters into position on the
ground posts until concrete has set. Check with contractor for set times.
NOTE: All rafter assemblies consist of seven (7) main rafter sections. Consult the rafter diagrams in the Quick Start
section of these instructions before and during the rafter assembly for details. Assistance is required to assemble the
rafters and frame. If space allows, assemble all main sections of rafters as described below and set aside.
1. Select the seven (7) rafter pipes
to assemble one rafter
3. Secure each rafter joint using a
1/2" x 4-1/2" bolt (105370B) and
1/2" nut (FALB08B).
2. Slide the separate pipe sections
together to assemble rafter.
4. Verify that each bolt is tight and wrap each
splice and bolt with duct tape to protect the
cover during installation.
PG500TC3514S424
PG500TC3514S422 PG500TC3514S422
PG500TC3514S421 PG500TC3514S421
42' Wide Rafter
(no ground posts shown)
PG500TC3514S423 PG500TC3514S423