GrowSpan 105148 User manual

1
COLD FRAMES
Revision date: 02.12.09
GrowSpan™
Mini Cold Frames
STK# DIMENSIONS
105148 4' W x 2' 9'' H x 6' L
105149 4' W x 2' 9'' H x 8' L
105150 4' W x 2' 9'' H x 12' L
105151 4' W x 2' 9'' H x 16' L
Photo may show a different but similar model.
©2009 GrowSpan™
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.

COLD FRAMES
2Revision date: 02.12.09
YOU MUST READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE THE SHELTER.
Thank you for purchasing this GrowSpan™ 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 cold frame. Please
read these instructions before you begin.
If you have any questions during the assembly, 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.
ANCHORING THE FRAME
Before installing a cover, the frame must be anchored to
prevent personal injury and property damage.
Anchor kits are not included with the shipment and must be
purchased or supplied by the customer.
Consult the MUST READ document for anchoring
information and suggestions. Please call Customer Service
at 1-800-245-9881 for additional anchoring information and
to purchase anchors for your cold frame.
LOCATION
Choosing the proper location is an important step before
you begin to assemble the structure.
The following suggestions and precautions will help you
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 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.
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, the 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
the assembly process. For safety reasons, those who
are not familiar with recognized construction methods
and techniques must seek the help of a qualified
contractor.

3
COLD FRAMES
Revision date: 02.12.09
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
Following the instructions as presented will help ensure the
proper assembly of your structure. Failing to follow these
steps may result in an improperly assembled and anchored
structure and will void all warranty and protection the owner
is entitled to.
The steps outlining the assembly process are as follows:
1. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment. Notify
Customer Service for questions or concerns.
2. Read these instructions, and all additional
documentation included with the shipment before you
begin assembling the structure.
3. Gather the tools, bracing, ladders (or lifts), and
assistance needed to assemble the structure.
4. Check the weather before you install the roof cover
and any 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).
7. Assemble the frame components in the order they are
presented in these instructions.
8. Properly connect the assembled frame to the ground
posts.
9. Install, tighten, and secure the main cover. (This
applies to fabric and film covers that stretch over the
frame assembly.)
10. Read the care and maintenance information at the end
of these instructions.
11. Complete and return all warranty information as
instructed.
LIST OF WORDS AND PHRASES
Before you begin, it is important to become familiar with the
words and phrases used in this instruction manual.
These words and phrases are common to most
GrowSpan™ shelters and identify the different parts of
the shelter. (Some are used in this document. Others may
not apply to this particular shelter.) These terms describe
the shipped parts and can also be found on the materials
list/spec sheets included with the shipment. To aid in the
assembly, read through the following definitions before you
begin to assemble your shelter.
• Clip or Fabric Clip: A short, half-section piece of
conduit (cut lengthwise) used to secure the end panel
or main cover (or both) to the leg or rafter assembly.
The clip or fabric clip is typically fastened in place using
self-tapping Tek screw.
• Conduit: An assembly of pipes used to secure the
main cover and end panels (if equipped). Purlins and
some strut assemblies also consist of connected pipes
to form a conduit. Each pipe joint of a conduit assembly
is secured with a self-tapping Tek screw.
• End Panel: Fabric or material used to cover the end
wall assemblies. End wall assemblies are optional
for many shelters. (Some shelters do not have end
panels.)
• Main Cover: Fabric or material used to cover the roof
and, in some instances, the sides of the shelter.
• Must Read Document: This document includes
building and shelter anchoring instructions, steps for
end wall reinforcement, safety precautions, and notices
and warnings. The Must Read document is sent with
all shelters and buildings. If you did not receive a Must
Read document, contact Customer Service at 1-800-
245-9881 to request one.
• Purlin: The pipe assembly that runs perpendicular to
the rafters or framework that supports the main cover.
Purlins are found on the sides and roof areas of the
assembled frame, are evenly spaced, and typically run
from the front to the back of the shelter. Small shelters
and frames do not include purlins.
• Plain or Straight Pipe: A term used to describe a pipe
that has the same diameter throughout its entire length.
• Rafter: A rafter is an assembly of pipes used to support
the roof or cover of a building or shelter. Rafters are
typically the main component of a frame and consist of
various sections depending on the size of the shelter.
Rafters can be attached to a base assembly, or can be
position on the site using ground posts.
• Swaged End or Swaged Pipe: The term "swaged"
refers to the tapered end of the pipe. Swaged ends of a
pipe can be inserted into couplers and the straight ends
of other pipes.
• Tek Screw: A self-tapping fastener used to secure pipe
joints and to fasten brackets to rafters.

COLD FRAMES
4Revision date: 02.12.09
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
• String to lay out the site
• Variable speed drill and impact driver (cordless with
extra batteries works best)
• Scissors, utility knife, or tin snips
• Hammers and gloves to drive ground posts
• Adjustable pliers
• Eye Protection
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: At this time, you do not need to open the plastic
bags containing smaller parts such as fasteners or
washers (if equipped).
SPECIAL NOTE: Baseboard Installation Procedure
These instructions describe installing a baseboard
(recommended) at ground level along each side of the
frame. The baseboard runs from the front to the back of the
frame on the outside of the ground posts.
This baseboard is not included with the shipment and must
be supplied by the customer. Treated or recycled plastic
lumber can be used for a baseboard.
The baseboard, when installed properly, helps prevent the
ground posts from sinking into the ground when anchored.
Depending on the building, it also provides a surface to
attach struts or other building components.
Consult these instructions, or contact Customer Service for
additional information regarding baseboards.
Space below is reserved for customer notes.

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COLD FRAMES
Revision date: 02.12.09
The following diagrams and photos will help you identify
the different parts and show you how they are used. (Some
parts are not shown.)
FA4482B
Tek Screw
Swaged
Plain
Swaged and Plain Rafter Sections
(some pieces are not shown)
104543
Ground Post
104545
Post Driver
100441
Nut Setter
105107
Fabric Clip