Fiberglass - We all have some experience with the adverse effect of the sun on materials. In the case of fiberglass, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can have an adverse effect and could result in fiber bloom. If the fiberglass enclosure is not manufactured with a UV inhibitor, the UV rays of the sun will break down and weaken the fiberglass over time. If you are considering a fiberglass enclosure or fiberglass shelter, be sure to ask the manufacturer for details concerning the UV inhibitor. You don't want to be worrying about whether the enclosure perform the intended performance in 20 years.
Aluminum - Sunlight does not impact the structural properties of the aluminum used to manufacture aluminum backflow enclosures or aluminum equipment shelters. This means that 50 years from now the aluminum should be in excellent condition serving its purpose providing protection for the interior equipment.
Fiberglass - There are two main designs for fiberglass enclosures. One is the lift-top style where the enclosure either looks like a clam shell or is small enough that the entire box is on a hinge which can be lifted to reveal the equipment beneath it. This would provide sufficient access to the equipment for maintenance if the enclosure is small. For larger equipment including flange-sized and larger backflow preventers, you'll see fiberglass enclosures with hinged doors and hinged roofs. Once again, this design would work well enough for most maintenance, but what if the equipment needs to be lifted out and replaced? From what we've seen in the market, fiberglass enclosures do not typically have a removable roof or any way to easily replace the equipment.
Aluminum - Not all aluminum manufacturers follow the same practice, but Safe-T-Cover uses a modular design. This means that you can choose to add removable or hinged access panels and doors nearly anywhere on the enclosure. This allows maintenance personnel easy access to the equipment and provides ample room to get in and out of larger enclosures. Safe-T-Cover in particular also ensures that each enclosure has a roof that can be easily removed so that the equipment can be lifted from the enclosure. If you are looking for a pump cover, this is especially important to keep in mind.
Aluminum - If a car or tree damages an aluminum enclosure, you may still need to replace the entire enclosure depending on the extent of the damage. However, because of the panel design and because aluminum will crumple and bend rather than shatter, you may get away with just repairing the enclosure rather than ordering an entirely new one.
Aluminum - Because of our panel design, Safe-T-Cover's aluminum enclosures can replace a single damaged panel or selected panels. At Safe-T-Cover, our standard line of enclosures are manufactured using a few panel sizes, meaning we typically have each type in stock ready to be shipped. This is a quick and inexpensive repair that can done at any time during the year which means your equipment is fully protected again in a short period of time. If the aluminum shelter is a popular standard model, the manufacturer might be able to ship a complete enclosure the next day if needed.
For small diameter sizes only, fiberglass enclosures will typically cost a bit less. That is, if you only consider the up front costs rather than the costs for the life of the equipment. Repairing fiberglass enclosures is more difficult and expensive than ordering a new panel to replace a damaged one on an aluminum enclosure. Additionally, for flange sized installations, in North Carolina especially, an aluminum backflow enclosure costs the same and sometimes even less than a fiberglass backflow enclosure. As a purchaser of an enclosure, you want to buy the right one. After all, the enclosure is probably covering an important and expensive piece of equipment. You want it to deliver on its intended purpose and be as trouble free as possible. Keep these factors in mind as you speak with manufacturers to help you to make an informed decision.