Busting the Fiberglass Shelter Myths

There are a number of misconceptions in the market regarding aluminum and fiberglass shelters. Experience tells us in applications including oil & gas, water pumping and purification, and in numerous pump cover applications where fiberglass is commonly used, these myths are particularly widespread.

You may have heard assertions like:

  • fiberglass shelters require less maintenance than aluminum
  • fiberglass is stronger for field equipment shelters
  • aluminum shelters have to be painted

You want to make the best decision for your project and equipment, so in the interest of informed decisions, we'll tackle these myths and more one-by-one below.

strengthasse_logo.png

Aluminum shelters are designed to withstand heavy snow and wind loads. Our standard line of enclosures go through rigorous testing to be ASSE 1060 certified. Any enclosure that is ASSE 1060 certified meets the same minimum requirements for strength. So, like any comparable fiberglass shelter, aluminum enclosures will be more than strong enough for your application.

corrosion resistance

Safe-T-Cover's aluminum shelters are made of marine grade 5052 aluminum which has good resistance to corrosion, especially in salt water environments. There is also 3003 aluminum, which would be a good option for hydrogen sulfide applications. However, fiberglass enclosures are necessary for environments where chlorine is present as aluminum is not recommended.

impact resistancedamaged_Safe-T-Cover_but_not_equipment.jpg

If you hit an aluminum shelter with a baseball bat, a dent is possible. However, we’re not aware this type of vandalism is commonplace. A more common situation would be if a car hits the enclosure. In this case, aluminum may dent, but fiberglass may shatter. If an aluminum enclosure is dented, the integrity of the shelter is not compromised and it won’t rust. Also, if the aluminum enclosure manufacturer uses a modular design, replacement panels are inexpensive to buy and easy to replace.

thermal properties

Depending on the insulation used by the manufacturer, the R value of an aluminum shelter is as good if not better than a fiberglass shelter. There are different types of insulation from polyisocyanurate boards to a spray-foam insulation. Each has an individual R value, which changes depending on the thickness. Be careful of fiberglass enclosures that use spray-foam insulation, as it can fall off.

colorhartford_green_backflow_enclosures.jpg

Our aluminum enclosures are available in 30 colors and the material is the same as used on metal roofs installed all across the US. They are known for low maintenance long lasting color. The company we use is Pac-Clad and here's a colorful example of their work. You don't need to worry about adherence or re-treating the shelters.

electrical conduction

Unlike fiberglass enclosures, an aluminum shelter requires grounding. This is a simple process, and as the electrician told us, all it takes is a ground rod and a strap.

weight

An aluminum shelter will likely weigh a bit more than a fiberglass shelter. At most, it might weigh a couple of hundred pounds more. This means it will be heavier to ship than fiberglass. However, since it can be shipped flat, this still saves on freight compared to a large, assembled fiberglass enclosure. Aluminum shelters require a conventional concrete pad for installation, the same as the fiberglass shelter.

maintenance free

Both types of enclosures require the same amount of maintenance. That's to say, they are basically maintenance free for their typical lifespan of 25+ years.

useful lifespanindustrial-enclosure.png

Aluminum enclosures have been in the market just as long as fiberglass shelters. Some of our enclosures are going on 30 years. As our company ages, we'll find out just how long they last. You can safely plan on your aluminum shelter to be fully functional after 50 years in the field. The aluminum enclosure won't break down due to the sun, wind, rain, or temperature.

warranty

The warranty for an aluminum shelter is 1 year, typical for materials and workmanship on a construction project. Since there is nothing on an aluminum shelter that can fail, there is no need to offer a longer warranty.

cost of ownership

The cost of ownership for an aluminum shelter and a fiberglass shelter is the same. Both are maintenance and worry free. The only additional cost consideration would be for a heater if your equipment requires freeze or frost protection and the power to maintain that heater. The covers themselves require no ongoing cost.

ease of installation

shelterworks equipment shelter.jpg
Source

An aluminum shelter is shipped flat in a box and can be easily assembled by two workers in less than half a day. Here's a video of two of our staff putting one together. They're old pros and weren't mounting it to a slab, so it only took them about 5 minutes. Conventional tools are all that’s required and we send easy to follow instructions for our covers. On the other hand, for a fiberglass shelter, it may be shipped as an assembled single unit. That may sound easier to install, but really it means you'll need a crane to lift and place it.

timeframe

Our experience tells us an aluminum shelter is a stocking model, it can ship the next day. Custom enclosures are typically shipped within four weeks. Fiberglass shelters may take twice that long, as you can see on this FAQ for a leading fiberglass manufacturer.

Myths Busted

So the next time you hear about the promoted advantages of a fiberglass shelter, ask yourself if those claims matter for your project. Always consider which material will be best for your equipment and specific needs. If you need a cover to withstand a caustic environment including chlorine, definitely choose fiberglass. If you're basing your decision on most of the rest of this list, you can see that each performs well and has it's own strengths. As we’ve pointed out, for almost any application, the aluminum shelter will get the job done.

aluminum enclosures

Topics: Enclosures

Related Posts

3 Reasons Why a Backflow Cover Must Have Heat

From the Field: Tips for Safe-T-Cover Enclosures and Protective PVC Coating

Why RPZ Valves Are Required and How to Install One

How To Design A Pump Enclosure

From the Field – National Backflow Prevention Day

Forward thinking in Arlington, Texas: Leading the way with public health and backflow preventers

Enclosure Checklist: Summertime is the right time to think about winter

Enclosures for Control Valves

From the Field: June 2022

Introducing the MUNI-LOK from Safe-T-Cover

Customizing your aluminum enclosure for pipe penetration

Keep Pump Equipment Cool During Summer Heat

Aluminum Enclosure Spring Maintenance Checklist

3 Reasons to Use Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures and Meters — from Water Contamination to Injury

Heated Backflow Enclosure — Comparing Names, Products & Vendors

Installing Fire Dept Connection & Backflow Prevention Valve for Safety

What is a Backflow Enclosure?

Should I Cover My Well Pump? (Well Pump Cover Ideas)

New Safe-T-Cover LES Models

Backflow Covers: Smaller Footprint Saves Space

The Right Way to Improve Backflow Cover Aesthetics — Use Landscaping

How to Quickly and Safely Remove a Safe-T-Cover Roof

3 Tips for Securing Equipment and Accessories to Interior Enclosure Walls

Top 6 Questions About Covering a Pressure Reducing Valve Station

Virtual Trade Shows Aren't Perfect, But They are Effective

5 Ways Panel Design Equipment Covers Offer Superior Flexibility

The Best Way to Landscape Around a Backflow Enclosure

CASE STUDY - TRIPLEX WATER BOOSTER PUMP COVER

Quintessential List of Backflow Preventer Enclosure FAILS

Case Study - Water Corrosion Control System Enclosure

Project Engineer vs. Maintenance - A Valve & Pump Covers Tug-of-War

How are Backflow Covers Made?

Three Reasons Why You Should Choose an N-Type Device

Comparing The Costs Of Backflow Enclosures and Buildings

The Right Backflow Insulation Cover & Heater For You | Backflow Cover

Backflow Theft Prevention Cages Fail To Protect Your Backflow Preventer

Find The Right Backflow Cover For You

What Does It Mean To Think Outside The Vault?

How We Construct Our Backflow Enclosures and Pump Covers

This Is How Vinyl Wraps Disguise Backflow Enclosures

How Do You Hide A Backflow Enclosure?

Keep Your Backflow Enclosure Away From The Street

Backflow Enclosure Aesthetics: What Should Matter Most?

What Makes Outdoor Backflow Enclosures More Cost-Effective

This is What Makes Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures So Safe

How to Find the Perfect Enclosure for Backflow Prevention

What You Need to Know About Backflow Prevention and Flood Risks

What You Need to Know About OSHA Confined Spaces & Backflow

The Push For More Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures Is Already On

How Backflow Enclosures Save Money and Eliminate Risk

How to design & Buy a Pump Enclosure

Get the free, editable checklist.

download-cta
DOWNLOAD NOW

CONTACT US

Have a question about a backflow preventer enclosure?
Click the contact us button below and one of our experts will be able to help with your specific enclosure needs.