This document is an instruction manual for the VersaTube End Enclosure, designed for use with Menards® building systems. It covers the assembly of both front and back enclosures for various widths: 12'W, 14'W, 18'W, 20'W, 24'W, and 30'W.
Function Description:
The VersaTube End Enclosure is a component of a larger building system, designed to create a finished front or back wall for a VersaTube structure. It provides structural support for the end walls and incorporates provisions for door openings in the front enclosure. The system utilizes galvanized tubular steel framing, ensuring durability and a long service life. The unique assembly process is designed for ease of installation, allowing individual pieces to be transformed into a robust structure.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual details various components and their dimensions, which vary based on the width and height of the enclosure.
- Framing Material: All components are made from domestically produced galvanized tubular steel.
- Bottom Rails: Typically 2"x2" or 2"x3" tubes, connecting to L-Connectors or T-Connectors.
- L-Connectors/T-Connectors: These are critical connection points for the base rails and vertical tubes, designed to be anchored to the ground or a concrete slab.
- Door Jamb Verticals (Front Enclosure): For structures over 7.5'H, these are made of two pieces: a cut length 2"x3" tube and a swaged (reduced end) height extension. The length of the height extension varies depending on the overall structure height.
- 12'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x35 1/2" with various height extensions (HE-1 to HE-5) ranging from 16.75" to 64.75" total swage.
- 14'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x36" with similar height extensions.
- 18'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x36" with similar height extensions.
- 20'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x37" with similar height extensions.
- 24'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x37" with similar height extensions.
- 30'W Front Enclosure: Door jambs are 2"x3"x37" with similar height extensions.
- Door Headers (Front Enclosure):
- 8'W Door Openings: Made of a 2-piece assembly: a 2"x3" cut length and a 5' Height Extension (HE-5, 2"x3"x64 3/4", 4 3/4" swage).
- 16'W Door Openings: Made of a 3-piece assembly: a 2"x3" cut length and two 6"5" Height Extensions (71-8175, 2"x3"x81 3/4", 4 3/4" swage).
- Door header height is either 81 3/4" or 84" from the bottom of the L-Connectors.
- Vertical Tubes (Back Enclosure): Each T-Connector receives a 74-8175 - 2"x2"x81 3/4" tube with 4 3/4" swage and a 2"x2" cut length tube. The specific lengths of these tubes vary significantly based on the enclosure width and desired height (7' to 12.5').
- 10'W Back Enclosure (1 Vertical): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 10" to 75.5" in length, with a 2"x2"x45.75" tube for the peak.
- 12'W Back Enclosure (1 Vertical): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 13" to 78.5" in length, with 2"x2"x58.75" or 2"x2"x57.75" tubes for the peak.
- 14'W 2"x3" Back Enclosure (2 Verticals): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 14.625" to 78.5" in length, with 2"x2"x32.5" and 2"x2"x42.5" tubes for the peak. Also uses 2"x3"x92.5" and 2"x3"x38" tubes, and a 2"x3"x45" tube for the base.
- 18'W Back Enclosure (3 Verticals): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 14" to 75.5" in length, with 2"x2"x31" and 2"x2"x40.75" tubes for the peak.
- 20'W Back Enclosure (3 Verticals): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 16" to 66.25" in length, with 2"x2"x37" and 2"x2"x47" tubes for the peak.
- 24'W Back Enclosure (3 Verticals): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 18.75" to 60" in length, with 2"x2"x49" and 2"x2"x59" tubes for the peak.
- 30'W Back Enclosure (4 Verticals): Uses 2"x2" tubes ranging from 19" to 61.75" in length, with 2"x2"x49.125" and 2"x2"x43" tubes for the peak.
- Brackets: BK-10 Angle Brackets and BK-20 Flat Brackets are used for securing joints.
- Fasteners: #12 x 1" Framing Screws are used for assembly. Self-drilling screws with rubber washers are used for sheet metal cladding (not included in this manual's scope but mentioned for maintenance).
- Anchoring: Ground anchors are used for securing to the ground. For concrete slabs, 5 1/2" or 6" concrete anchor bolts (not included) are required.
Usage Features:
- Versatile Design: The enclosure system is designed to fit various VersaTube building widths, offering flexibility for different structure sizes.
- Door Openings: The front enclosure specifically accommodates door openings, with options for 8'W or 16'W doors, allowing for ingress and egress.
- Modular Assembly: The system uses a modular approach, with components like bottom rails, L/T-connectors, and vertical tubes assembled in stages.
- Adjustable Fit: The manual provides a tip for adjusting bent tube ends with an adjustable wrench and hammer to ensure proper fit during installation, addressing potential difficulties.
- Anchoring Options: The structure can be anchored to either the ground using ground anchors or to a concrete slab using concrete anchor bolts, catering to different foundation types.
- Clear Instructions: The manual provides step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams for both front and back enclosure assembly.
- Safety Warnings: Comprehensive safety warnings are included, covering hot metal parts, walking on the structure, windy conditions, electrical hazards, ventilation requirements for enclosed structures, and sharp edges of metal panels.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Maintenance: The VersaTube Building System requires maintenance twice annually on "weld seams" and "cut or raw ends."
- Corrosion Protection: This maintenance involves applying "Zinc coated" silver spray paint to these vulnerable areas to prevent rust and deterioration.
- Shaving Removal: After applying sheet metal cladding (not covered in this manual, but part of the overall system), small metal shavings produced by self-drilling screws must be brushed off. Failure to do so can lead to rust spots and deterioration, and claims for such rust spots will not be honored by Menards.
- Customer Support: A toll-free hotline (1-800-900-7222) is provided for assistance with missing/damaged parts or technical questions, ensuring ongoing support for the product.
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