Shrink wrapis an alternative to scaffold sheeting for temporary weather protection or exterior containment on construction sites. When heat is applied, it moulds to the structure or building, creating a drum-tight covering that prevents flapping in high winds and makes it nearly impossible to break through.
But how long does this ‘taut’ protection last, and what factors can help increase or decrease its lifespan? Learn more as you continue!
How Long Does Shrink Wrap Stay Intact?
Shrink wrap can stay intact for anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on the quality of the material and how well it was applied. It’s durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures, provided it’s installed properly.
Although shrink wrap is a temporary measure, it’s efficient and dependable as a barrier on scaffolding. By sealing off the work area, it protects workers from wind and rain so they can carry out tasks like plastering or bricklaying during an exterior building repair, for instance. It’s a practical solution until permanent covering is needed or the project is finished.
What Factors Help Shrink Wrap Last Longer?
Shrink wrap, like any plastic, will eventually degrade over time. However, certain factors can help extend its lifespan while in use, while others can reduce how long it lasts. Here are some of them:
Proper application
Shrink wrap uses specialised equipment for its application and this can’t be done on a whim. Only trained operatives must perform this process using shrink gun with regulator and hose. They start from the bottom and work their way up in one continuous motion, and the wrap will shrink and become drum tight.
Tips: Avoid applying shrink wrap in winds exceeding 20 mph, as strong winds can affect the evenness of the application and cause issues. Wearing heatproof leather gloves or gauntlets is recommended for protection during the heat-shrinking process. If any holes appear, they should be covered with shrink wrap patch tape.
Made from quality material
Shrink wrap can be made from various plastic materials, but polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are particularly popular for heavier shrink-wrapping applications due to their durability.
PE shrink wrap is strong, tear-resistant, and has excellent weatherproofing capabilities, while PP shrink wrap is more rigid and heat-resistant, providing a tighter seal. Choosing either of these materials ensures better protection, puncture resistance, and durability under stress for temporary applications.
Manufacturers like SP Group and SP Gilray also include additional additives, such as fire-resistant agents, for improved protection. Examples to highlight are the Scafwrap FR Shrink Wrap and Scaffold Shrink Wrap, both of which are heavy-duty and fire retardant.
Exposure to harsh weather
Strong gusts of wind and heavy rainfall can batter the shrink wrap and seep into any flaps or tears, which may eventually cause the films to loosen and the containment to fail. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed. Workers in the area, should be prepared to carry out simple patch repairs to maintain the shrink wrap’s integrity.
Improper application
If the welds, where sections of the wrap are joined, aren’t done to a high standard, wrinkles, air pockets, or weak seals can cause film wrap to fail sooner than expected. Larger areas covered in shrink wrap will also be more susceptible to damage because they have more surface exposed to wind, rain, and other elements. Proper application is key to getting the best performance from your shrink wrap.
Overall, shrink wrap is a dependable solution for scaffolding against debris and weather. It lasts longer when applied properly and is made from quality materials. Check out our guide, ‘The Basics of Shrink Wrap for Scaffolding,’ to learn more.
For more information on scaffold protection, FR debris netting, shrink wrap, scaffold sheeting, or monarflex alternative, contact us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.