9
GROWSPAN
™
STRAIGHT SIDED COLD FRAMES
Revision date: 01.01.16
FRAME ASSEMBLY
Gather the parts:
• All rafter assemblies
• Pipe 1.315'' x 75'' swaged pipe (#131S075)
• Pipe 1.315'' x 73.5'' plain pipe (#131P0735)
• Cross connectors (#102547)
• 5/16" x 2-1/2" machine bolts and 5/16" nuts
• Lifts, ladders, and assistants as needed
Frame Assembly Procedure
1. Using the proper lifts and with assistance, carefully
stand the first end rafter assembly and place the leg
pipes onto the first set of ground posts.
2. Secure the leg pipes to the
ground posts top hole
using
5/16" x 2-1/2" machine bolts and nuts as shown above.
3. Place an inside rafter assembly into the second set
of ground posts and secure the rafters to the ground
posts as previously described.
4. Position the cross connector (#102547) at the top of
the inside rafter assembly as shown below.
5. Take one (1) swaged 75" purlin section and insert the
plain end through the upper clamp on the end rafter
and through the cross connector at the top of the inside
(or second) rafter as shown above.
6. Verify that both rafters are plumb and properly spaced
(6' on center).
7. Tighten the cross connector on the inside rafter and
tighten the end clamp on the end rafter to secure the
first purlin pipe.
8. Move down the rafters and install two (2) purlin pipes
as shown below. Verify that the rafter spacing is the
correct on-center dimension for the shelter and tighten
the connectors.
NOTE:
Each purlin assembly consists of 1.315'' x 75''
(#131S075) swaged pipes and one (1) 1.315'' x 73.5''
(#131P0735) plain pipe.
9. Continue adding rafters and purlin pipe until the frame
is assembled. Secure all purlin splices using Tek
screws. See Step 10.
10. Finish each purlin run using a plain, shorter pipe
(#131P0735). Attach them to the final end rafter to
complete the frame assembly.
NOTE:
If the last end rafter is plumb and the purlins
extends beyond the end of the rafter, cut the last
section of each purlin pipe to the required length.
Typically purlin pipes
do not
require cutting.
Verify that
you have the correct plain pipe before you decide to cut
any pipe to complete the purlin.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the optional cover,
the ends of the purlin should extend no more than ½''
past the end clamp. The bolt side of the end clamps
must go toward the “inside'' of the shelter (the same
side as the purlin).
11. Once all rafters are set and the purlins are in place and
secured, return to each end clamp and cross connector
and install a Tek screw through each clamp and into the
rafter to secure the clamps.
12. Return to each rafter and, using Tek screws, secure the
joint between the lower rafter pipes and the upper rafter
pipes and continue with the following procedure.
IMPORTANT:
Brace the
first rafter in position
as needed to keep it
from moving. Bracing is
removed
after
additional
rafters are installed and
secured to the other
rafters.
6'
center-to-center
Inside of
Shelter
Outside of
Shelter
Rafter
Ground
Post