GROWSPAN
™
GOTHIC COLD FRAMES
9
Revision date: 01.01.16
FRAME ASSEMBLY
After all ground posts are driven in place and rafters are
assembled, assemble the frame.
NOTE:
The baseboards (strongly recommended) shown in
the diagrams throughout these instructions are not included
and must be supplied by the customer.
Contact Customer service at 1-800-245-9881 to purchase
baseboards, or for additional information.
ASSEMBLE AND PRE-MARK THE PURLINS
The following steps describe one way to speed the
assembly process and eliminate the need to measure each
purlin as it is installed. Pre-marking the purlins ensures that
an accurate spacing of the rafter assemblies is achieved
and maintained during assembly.
Gather the Parts:
• Pipe 1.315'' x 75'' swaged (#131S075)
• Pipe 1.315'' x XX'' plain (#131P0XX)
• Marker and tape measure
NOTE:
The purlins are part of the assembled frame and
run perpendicular to the rafter assemblies. Each purlin
consists of 1.315" x 75" (#131S075) swaged pipes (number
is determined by shelter length) and one (1) 1.315" x XX"
(#131P0XX) plain pipe.
ATTENTION:
The XX" represents the remaining length
required to reach the end of the shelter. Consult the Spec
Sheet for part identification.
1. Select the required pipe sections for one purlin and
connect these by inserting the swaged ends of the
pipes into the plain ends until the entire purlin is
assembled.
NOTE:
Assemble the purlins in a location that is
accessible during the assembly of the frame, but will
not interfere with the process of lifting and setting the
rafters.
2. Verify that each pipe joint is properly seated.
NOTE:
These pipes must be separated during the
assembly procedure. Do not fasten them together at
this time.
3. For the 48" rafter spacing, measure forty-eight and
three-quarters inches (48-3/4") from one end of the
assembled purlin and mark the distance on the pipe.
NOTE:
This first measurement is three-quarters (3/4)
of an inch longer than the on-center rafter spacing
to account for the length of purlin pipe that extends
through the end purlin clamp of the first end rafter.
RAFTER ASSEMBLY (continued)
Band Clamp
(#QH1404)
Band Clamp
(#QH1402)
Chord Pipe
Interior
Rafter
6. Center the chord at the peak of the assembled rafter,
add a band clamp (#QH1402) to each end, and attach
these band clamps to the band clamps on the rafter.
7. Secure the band clamps to the pipes using a Tek screw
when the chord is in position.
NOTE:
If the band clamps were not slid onto the rafter
pipes during the rafter assembly, the clamp can be
opened and placed in position.
8. Repeat Steps 1-6 for to assemble the remaining end
rafter and set both end rafters aside.
9. Select the pipes for the first interior rafter assembly and
position these on the ground as previous shown.
10. Slide one (1) band clamp (#QH1404) onto each of the
upper straight pipes on both sides of the peak pipe
(see previous diagrams for location).
11. Insert the swaged ends of the rafter pipes into the plain
ends of the pipes and secure each joint with a Tek
screw.
IMPORTANT:
Interior rafters do not use end clamps.
Instead, cross connectors are attached during the
frame assembly.
12. Attach the chord to the rafter as described in Steps 6-7.
13. Repeat Steps 9-12 for all remaining interior rafters.
NOTE:
For longer frames, it may be easier to assemble
a few rafters at a time and then begin to assemble the
frame.
14. Once rafters are assembled, assemble the frame.
