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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shrink wrap materials, installation and training. Can't find your answer? Call us on 01477 532 222.
Materials
Our scaffold and industrial shrink wrap film is available in widths from 4m up to 16m. If you need a width or length outside our standard range, contact us to discuss options.
Thickness determines durability and the right choice depends on your application. 200 micron is suited to indoor storage or light-duty use. 250 micron is recommended for items being transported by road or sea, where the cover will experience sustained wind loading. 300 micron is the standard specification for scaffold encapsulation and heavy-duty outdoor projects.
White is by far the most common choice and the industry standard for scaffold and industrial shrink wrapping worldwide — it looks professional, allows daylight into the work area, and is available in all flame retardant grades. Black is used where total light blocking is required. Clear film is available but tends to accentuate heat and moisture build-up beneath the cover, and welded joints are more visible.
Shrink wrap film shrinks in two directions — along the length of the roll (machine direction) and across the width (transverse direction). Balanced shrinkage means the film shrinks consistently in both directions, which produces a drum-tight, wrinkle-free finish. Many cheaper films shrink well lengthways but poorly across the width, making them difficult to install neatly and more vulnerable to wind loading over time.
Standard grade film is suitable for many industrial and marine applications. Flame retardant film is required on most construction sites and anywhere fire risk is a factor. In the UK, EN13501 is the baseline flame retardant standard and is widely accepted. LPS1207 and LPS1215 are more stringent standards backed by the insurance industry — LPS1215 in particular requires annual independent audits of the manufacturing facility, making it the most robust certification available. If your project specification requires LPS, choose our White FR film which carries all three certifications.
Ask your supplier for a technical datasheet and check three things: the shrinkage ratio in both machine and transverse directions (these should be similar and above 15%), the thickness tolerance (a variation of no more than ±10% is good practice), and the LDPE composition. Films with a high HDPE or MDPE content are harder to weld properly and may require taping every joint, adding cost and time. If in doubt, ask for a sample from current stock and test it yourself before committing to a large order.
Shrink wrap is made from low density polyethylene (LDPE), but many manufacturers blend in HDPE or MDPE to speed up production. These additives raise the melt point of the film, making it harder to achieve a strong heat weld — particularly with a standard propane heat gun. A film with a high LDPE content welds cleanly and reliably even in cold or damp conditions. If you find yourself having to tape every weld to reinforce it, the film is likely the problem rather than the technique.
The standard tape for shrink wrapping is 100mm wide patch tape, supplied on rolls of 33m or 55m. It should have a high-tack synthetic rubber adhesive that bonds to LDPE film in all weather conditions, and UV inhibitors to prevent the adhesive breaking down over time. A good quality tape should be easy to tear by hand. Double-sided tape is also used in some applications to temporarily bond sheets prior to heat welding.
For most projects you will need patch tape for repairs and sealing around protrusions, shrink wrap clips to temporarily hold sheets in position prior to welding, and a safety knife for cutting and trimming. For industrial or transport projects you will also need strapping to create a perimeter band or support structure, and zipper access doors if people or equipment need to pass through the cover. A roll stand is strongly recommended for larger jobs — it keeps the film clean and makes unrolling significantly easier.
There is no minimum order — you can order a single roll at any time, and for the 7m × 15m, 300 micron rolls, we can sometimes dispatch via courier rather than pallet, which reduces delivery costs. Volume pricing applies with the best rate available at pallet quantity. Actual pallet quantity will change depending on the roll sizing but will always be shown on the product detail page. Contact us if you need a quotation for a larger order.
Yes. Shrink wrap is manufactured from LDPE, which belongs to the #4 plastic resin group and is straightforward to recycle. Once removed from site it can be taken to a local recycling collection point or collected by a waste contractor — LDPE is typically accepted free of charge, though there may be a small collection fee. The film must be clean and free from other materials. Recycled shrink wrap is commonly used to produce plastic furniture, pipes and decking.
Unopened rolls stored correctly have a shelf life of 24 months. Rolls should be stored indoors, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, in a cool dry environment. UV exposure will degrade the film over time even before installation, so outdoor storage should be avoided. If rolls are being transported individually rather than on a pallet, protect them from sharp objects which can damage the sheeting before it is used.
The ideal roll width depends on the size and shape of the structure being covered. As a general rule, choose the widest roll that allows you to cover the area with the fewest possible welded seams. Fewer seams mean faster installation, lower labour costs and a stronger finished cover. For scaffold encapsulation, 7m and 12m rolls are the most common choices, while larger industrial projects may benefit from widths up to 16m. If you are unsure, send us the dimensions of your project and we will recommend the most suitable size.
The cost of shrink wrap depends on the film thickness, roll size, flame retardancy requirements and the quantity being purchased. As a general rule, thicker films and flame retardant grades cost more, while larger orders benefit from volume pricing. The best way to compare options is to consider the total installed cost rather than simply the price per roll — a higher quality film can often reduce labour time, minimise waste and improve the finished result. Product pricing is available online, and we are happy to provide quotations for larger projects.
The amount of shrink wrap required depends on the size and shape of the structure or item being covered. Measure the length, width and height, then allow sufficient material for overlaps, heat welded joints and any fixing method being used. If you are unsure, send us the dimensions of your project and we will recommend the most suitable film size and quantity.
Training
We offer three specialist shrink wrap training courses — for Scaffolding, Modular Buildings, and Industrial Products. Each is available as an online course you can complete at your own pace, or as a face to face in-person course. In-person training can be delivered at your own site.
Our online courses cover the same core knowledge as our in-person courses. They are ideal if you need flexibility — you can start and finish in your own time, from anywhere in the world. In-person training adds hands-on practice with the heat gun on a real structure or product. With in person training, we are able to assess your skills and verify your shrink wrap skills which is why our in person courses are fully certified.
In-person courses typically run from 8am to 12 noon — a half day including both theory and practical time on our training structure. Online courses are self-paced but most learners complete them in 3–4 hours. Both formats include an assessment at the end.
By the end of the course you will be able to safely set up and operate a propane heat gun, create strong heat-welded joints between sheets, heat shrink film to a drum-tight finish, make repairs, install access doors, and remove and recycle shrink wrap correctly. You will also have a solid understanding of health and safety requirements including working at height, hot works permits, PPE and risk assessments.
Yes. All in person courses lead to a ShrinkPass® certificate of competency, which you can provide to clients as evidence that your team is trained to a recognised standard. Note that there are no official CITB-endorsed tickets for shrink wrapping — any supplier claiming CITB endorsement for shrink wrap training is incorrect. Our certificates are recognised across the UK construction industry.
We find a ratio of one trainer to four trainees works best — this ensures everyone gets sufficient hands-on time with the heat gun. For larger teams we can arrange multiple trainers or split into separate sessions on consecutive days. Contact us to discuss the best arrangement for your team size.
Yes. We regularly deliver online and in-person courses for scaffolders, industrial wrapping teams and marine professionals worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East. Online training is available to anyone with an internet connection. For in-person training outside the UK, our instructors can travel to your location — contact us to discuss logistics and pricing.
For in-person courses at our Cheshire facility, we provide the training structure, shrink wrap materials and equipment. You will need to bring appropriate PPE — as a minimum, safety boots, a hard hat, safety glasses and leather welding gauntlets. If you are attending a course at your own site, we will advise on what materials and equipment need to be in place beforehand.
The two core skills — heat welding and shrinking — can be taught in a few hours. Most people are producing good quality welds and a drum-tight finish by the end of their first training session. The real skill development comes with practice across a variety of projects and shapes over time. Our courses are designed to get you productive quickly, with enough theory to understand why the techniques work and enough hands-on time to build confidence before your first real job.
Online courses are available to buy online and can be started immediately. In-person courses are priced per session rather than per person, making them more cost-effective for teams. Prices vary depending on the course type and whether training is delivered at our facility or at your site. Contact us for a quotation tailored to your team size and requirements.
No previous shrink wrapping experience is required. Our courses are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced installers looking to improve their technique, productivity and understanding of best practice. We start with the fundamentals before progressing to more advanced installation methods.
ShrinkPass® certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. After this period, we recommend refresher training to ensure installers remain up to date with current best practices, equipment, materials and health & safety requirements. Refresher training is typically shorter than the initial course and helps demonstrate ongoing competency to clients and principal contractors.
Yes. We regularly provide training for teams ranging from a handful of installers through to larger groups working across multiple sites. Depending on the number of attendees, we may recommend multiple trainers or splitting the training into separate sessions to ensure everyone receives sufficient practical instruction and assessment time.
How To
The two core skills — heat welding and shrinking — can be learnt in a few hours. The challenge of shrink wrapping, and also its benefit, is that because it is so versatile every project is slightly different. Therefore, shrink wrapping is a skill that develops with practice across a variety of projects over time.
A minimum team of two people is recommended for most shrink wrap projects. On larger scaffold or industrial projects, a team of three or four will work significantly faster and produce better results. Working alone is not recommended — and on projects involving work at height, a minimum two-person team is a health and safety requirement.
Dry conditions with low wind are ideal. Shrink wrapping becomes difficult above around 15mph wind speed and is not recommended above 20mph — large sheets of film can act as a sail, creating a serious safety risk at height. Rain on vertical surfaces is generally manageable, but water pooling on horizontal areas will cause the film to shrink unevenly. Snow and ice on working platforms create slip hazards and installation should not be attempted in icy conditions.
This depends on the project type, access, weather conditions and the number of trained installers. As a general guide, a team of two trained installers can typically cover 200–300m² per day on straightforward projects. Larger experienced crews working on open or repeatable structures may achieve 400m² or more. Complex shapes, limited access or windy conditions will reduce daily output.
The essential items are a propane heat gun with hose and regulator, a propane gas cylinder, shrink wrap film, patch tape, a safety knife, and leather welding gauntlets. For scaffold shrink wrapping, shrink wrap clips are strongly recommended as they speed up the process considerably. For industrial and marine projects you may also need strapping to create a perimeter band. Other items such as a roll stand are not essential but make the job faster and easier.
For most projects, yes. The propane heat gun is powerful, portable and the industry standard tool for welding and shrinking. Industrial electric heat tools are available as an alternative, but they require a three-phase electricity supply, are cumbersome to handle, cost around three times as much, and deliver only about a third of the power — meaning jobs take significantly longer.
There are two main types of access door. A step-through door consists of a U-shaped zipper sewn into a rectangle of heavy duty polythene, which is taped onto the finished shrink wrap cover — best for occasional access where a tight seal is needed. A roll-up door uses a pair of self-adhesive straight zippers applied directly to the sheeting, allowing a custom-width opening with no threshold to step over — better suited to high-traffic access points or where materials need to pass through. Both types are installed after the shrink wrap has been heat shrunk drum tight.
Final seal describes the point where the shrink wrap sheeting meets a fixed surface — typically a wall, floor or ceiling — to create a fully closed containment enclosure. It is most relevant on internal projects such as temporary partitions or dust containment screens, where the sheeting must be joined to an adjacent surface rather than simply hanging free. The most common methods are taping a shrink wrap skirt to smooth, clean, dry surfaces; using a timber batten to clamp the sheeting against a toe board or floor; or applying a construction adhesive where batten fixing is not possible. Note that adhesives can leave a residue, which may be unacceptable on heritage or sensitive surfaces.
Small holes up to 50mm can be repaired with patch tape — cut the tape with a knife rather than tearing it to get a clean straight edge, and press firmly so it bonds well to the film. For larger holes, cut a patch of shrink wrap film with at least 30–40cm overlap around the damaged area, heat weld it to the existing sheeting, heat shrink drum tight, then tape around the edge of the weld to finish. Repairs made correctly will not affect the strength of the finished job.
On most construction sites and industrial facilities, yes. A hot works permit is a site-authorised document that allows heat-generating work to take place in a designated area for a set time period. Before starting, you should confirm with the site manager whether a permit is required, check whether any smoke or heat detectors need to be temporarily isolated, and ensure you have two carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to hand at all times. Hot works must typically stop at least one hour before the end of shift, with a fire watch maintained afterwards.
Removal requires a two-person team and should only be carried out in wind speeds below 20mph. Start by removing any timber battens or cutting the shrink wrap around the base of the object. Make vertical cuts upwards approximately 3–4 metres apart, then cut along the top of the object to release the sheeting. Fold the removed shrink wrap as tightly as possible to minimise volume, and take it to a recycling collection point — LDPE shrink wrap is recyclable and should not go to landfill.
For most applications, an overlap of approximately 75–100mm is sufficient to create a strong heat welded joint. The key is achieving a consistent weld along the entire seam rather than simply increasing the overlap. Excessive overlap wastes material without significantly improving strength.
Structural joints should always be heat welded. Tape is primarily used for repairs, detailing around protrusions, reinforcing specific areas and finishing welds where required. Tape should not be relied upon as a substitute for a properly executed heat weld.
The objective is a drum-tight finish with minimal wrinkles and no loose areas that can flap in the wind. However, the film should not be overheated or excessively shrunk, as this can weaken the material and place unnecessary stress on the fixing system. Consistent, controlled heating produces the best result.
The best approach is to design the cover so that water can naturally run off. Avoid creating flat horizontal areas where water can pool, and ensure there is adequate tension throughout the cover. On larger structures, additional support members may be required to create sufficient fall and prevent sagging.
When installed correctly, shrink wrap will not normally damage painted surfaces. Care should be taken when applying heat near sensitive finishes, decals or coatings, and direct contact between the heat gun flame and the surface should always be avoided. Where necessary, stand-off methods or protective barriers can be used.
The lifespan of a shrink wrap cover depends on the film grade, UV exposure, weather conditions and installation quality. A properly installed industrial-grade shrink wrap cover can typically provide protection for many months and, in some cases, significantly longer. If your project requires long-term protection, contact us and we can recommend the most appropriate film specification.
Standard shrink wrap installation requires a propane heat gun, so a hot works permit will normally be needed. If your site prohibits hot works entirely — for example, an operational oil refinery or chemical plant — standard shrink wrap installation is not suitable. In these circumstances, contact us to discuss options. Some projects have used a tensioning and bonding technique as an alternative to heat welding, though this is slower, more expensive and not suitable for all applications.
Shrink wrap works best on a flush scaffold structure with no protruding transoms, ledgers or standards. Large sheets spanning multiple lifts can be cut around protruding tubes, but this affects both appearance and containment performance — each penetration point needs to be sealed and is a potential weak point over time. If the scaffold cannot be built flush, or if the structure will need frequent adaptation during the project, traditional scaffold sheeting is likely to be more practical.
Shrink wrap requires a trained team, specialist equipment and more installation time than traditional scaffold sheeting. For short-duration projects where basic weather protection is all that is needed, or where budget is the primary constraint, traditional scaffold sheeting may be the more cost-effective choice. Shrink wrap delivers its best value on longer projects where its durability, wind resistance and containment performance justify the installation cost.