Starting the Assembly Process

08/30/2016 · HT034

Once the foundation is complete, you should be ready to start the assembly process.  The following tools may be required to complete assembly of your VersaTube structure:

• • Level – It should be at least a four footer.

• • Tape measure – select a length appropriate to the size of your structure. A wide blade model with a blade lock works well.

• • Adjustable wrench – a mid-sized model is all you need or a socket set can also be used.

• • Chalk box and line – these are available at most home improvement and hardware stores and are usually fairly inexpensive. Powdered chalk may already be in the box or you might have to purchase it separately.

• • Tin snips – these are also sold at home improvement and hardware stores.

• • Drill – A cordless or electric screw gun with 5/16” socket drive is necessary, a hammer drill might also be handy.

• • Hammer – a small sledge hammer that can be used with one hand should be perfect.

• • Step ladder – the size depends on the height of your building. You should be able to reach the peak of the structure while standing on the third step from the top or the last step on the ladder that’s marked as safe to stand on. Make sure the ladder is sturdy and structurally sound.

• • Safety glasses – always wear safety glasses specifically designed for the purpose when working with metal components.

The base rails for your building are the first components to be installed and there should be a set for both side walls. Each set will consist of a starter base rail and then a series of extension base rails to reach the total dimension of the wall. Where you locate them on your concrete slab can vary.  Consider the following:

1. • Slab construction – if the concrete slab was poured per the VersaTube kit instructions, you may have a sheeting ledge around the perimeter. Keep this in mind when locating the base rails. If an existing slab (or a slab with no sheeting ledge) will be the foundation, use a tape measure and chalk line to mark the exterior wall locations on the slab based on the structure dimensions provided in the drawings. It’s a good idea to pull diagonal measurements as well to ensure that your chalked lines are square.

1. • Roof and wall construction – the roof and wall framing will be one of the following (based on the structure size and usage). Your structure may use square metal tubing or it may use hat channel (metal that’s been shaped to resemble the letter “U”). Structures that have square metal tube framing will have base rails that can be situated even with the inside edge of the sheeting ledge (if applicable). A structure that uses hat channel (and a sheeting ledge) will need the base rails for the sides of the structure to be set back 1 ½ inches from the edge.  This leaves room for the channel to be installed. Your VersaTube drawings should be marked “uses hat channel on roof and sides” if your building is configured for that type of framing.

Once you’ve established the location of the starter base rail on each side, slide the base rail extensions into the starter rails. The number of extensions will be shown on your building drawings.

The short tube metal protrusions on each base rail are called pins and are set up on four or five foot centers based on your building size and type. Determine the center measurements of the pins on the starter base rails and adjust the measurement to match between the last pin on the starter base rail and the first pin on the extension rail. You’re now ready to begin installing some fasteners and doing some framing.