Store products safely before assembly

Correct interim storage shields glass, aluminium, timber, seals and fittings against moisture, warping or loss. This guide explains how to prepare the holding area, receive the shipment and hand everything over systematically to the assembly team.

Assembly may follow delivery by days or a longer project-dependent interval. Until then, greenhouse, pergola and outdoor-sauna parts lack the finished structure’s protection. Packages need deliberate care; they must not be treated as ordinary stock or scattered around the site.

Plan storage before delivery. Choose a level, load-bearing place sheltered from rain and ground damp; arrange packages traceably and inspect them promptly. Pack labels, delivery papers and the assembly manual take precedence. For order or delivery questions, consult these Bloomcabin pages: Shopping and delivery, Placing an order or contact Bloomcabin Contacts .

Checklist before storing a delivery

• Keep assembly instructions and delivery details ready before unloading.
• Designate a level, tidy area with adequate room.
• Raise components clear of soil, pooled water and water splashes.
• Clear the access, unloading route and manoeuvring space.
• Do not load sensitive packs unless stacking is expressly approved.
• Verify the contents, pack references and outward condition immediately.
• Take photographs of concerns or damage and make a written note.
• Leave identification labels, surface films and directional symbols attached.
• Store glass, timber, aluminium and small parts appropriately.
• Maintain airflow while keeping the consignment sheltered from the elements.
• Separate foundation materials from product packages.
• Restrict access to briefed people and document the handover.

1. Ready the storage space before arrival

Choose the storage area before the lorry arrives and map the route from unloading point to it. Narrow gaps, steps, soft ground, low clearance or parked vehicles can force repeated handling. Every extra move increases the risk of impacts, scratches and mixed-up packages.

Allow sufficient room for continuous support beneath lengthy packs and for glazing units to remain in the orientation shown by their markings. Include a clear aisle for safe work. Labels should remain readable without first having to shift a heavy package.

What the storage location needs

Item	Recommended provision
Floor or base	Level, firm, clean and free of sharp rubble
Separation from the floor	Use stable supports and prevent bowing
Shelter	Cover from rain, snow, prolonged damp and forceful wind
Air movement	Permit circulation rather than enclosing damp packs in airtight sheeting
Entry	Authorised people only; not a general site route
Layout	Keep package numbers visible; mark areas by assembly stage

An indoor room may help, but is not automatically safe. Unventilated basements, damp shells or rooms with drying plaster and screed may be humid. A loose outdoor tarpaulin is also unreliable: wind can lift it, rain can enter sideways, and rubbing can mark coated finishes.

2. Check the consignment soon after arrival

Ensure that someone responsible can examine the consignment as soon as it arrives. Reconcile each pack against the delivery paperwork, but do not dismantle all the wrapping prematurely. Note crushed corners, ripped film, saturated cartons, glazing that has shifted, absent packages and any other visible evidence of transit damage immediately.

A signature does not document condition. Photograph the whole consignment at unloading, then each concern from several angles; show the pack number or label in at least one image. Follow the stated transit-damage reporting process and review the information on guarantees and issue resolution.

Details worth recording

• The date and approximate hour of arrival
• Who received and checked the consignment
• How many packs arrived and their references
• A complete image taken before anything is repositioned
• The state of boxes, wrapping, cases, pallets and corner guards
• Where visible damage appears and what form it takes
• Unusual damp or signs of shifting
• Differences between paperwork and packages present
• Immediate action taken, such as dry relocation

Do not dispose of damaged wrapping before confirming whether it is needed for an assessment. After recording a problem, alter the affected area solely to the extent required to prevent additional harm or deal with an immediate hazard.

3. Preserve package condition, labels and direction

Storage decisions must follow arrows, pack references, centre-of-gravity symbols and wording such as “fragile”, “do not stack” and “this side uppermost”. Never rotate a package simply to gain room. Lost labels or cut-open bundles make later identification harder and can result in components being unpacked out of sequence.

Open only what the required intake check demands. If a pack must be opened, photograph it first and retain every label. Reseal it afterwards, restoring its protective and ventilation functions as closely as possible. Do not place adhesive tape directly on painted, powder-coated, glazed or visible timber surfaces.

4. Look after glazing, aluminium, timber, seals and fittings

Damp, concentrated pressure, temperature variation and poor support affect the materials in different ways. Consequently, one arrangement cannot serve every type of package.

Glazing and glass packs

Glass edges are especially vulnerable to blows. Move and store glazing only as package markings and assembly papers direct. If upright storage is specified, secure the pack against tipping and support it suitably. Never lean unpacked panes loosely against walls or other components.

Do not lay a glass pack flat merely to save space, and never put profiles, toolboxes or building materials on it. Keep it away from grinding, sparks, mortar, metal filings and busy routes. For material characteristics and glazing options, see the article on greenhouse polycarbonate and multiwall glazing .

Finished aluminium and long profiles

Give long aluminium sections support at suitable intervals throughout their length; isolated bearing points far apart may promote bending. Keep weight off profile bundles and lift parts rather than pulling them across an abrasive surface. Grit, swarf from drilling and small pieces of stone can all scratch like an abrasive.

As a rule, retain surface protection until the assembly stage identified by the instructions. At the same time, do not assume that film may remain indefinitely under strong sunlight. The requirements for the supplied item are decisive. For advice after construction, see aluminium greenhouse maintenance .

Timber parts

Store timber dry, ventilated and sheltered from direct weather. Keep it away from soil, damp concrete and wet walls, supporting long pieces so they cannot sag to one side. Airtight covering may trap existing moisture, while fully exposed storage can cause repeated wetting and drying.

An outdoor sauna needs particularly disciplined sorting because body, roof, interior-fit-out and accessory packages can enter the build at separate stages. Refer to the paperwork for the exact model, for example the outdoor sauna Elma S, the outdoor sauna Elma L, the barrel sauna HC150 or the barrel sauna HC 180.

Seals, connectors and loose items

Where practical, leave screws, joining pieces, caps, seals and assembly aids inside the marked packets or cartons in which they arrived. Protect these smaller items from damp and unauthorised handling. Never tip several screw types into one container: a similar diameter or head shape does not establish that one fixing can substitute for another.

Prevent seals from being compressed beneath weight or pulled beyond their natural shape. Isolate them from dirt, sharp items and chemicals that are not suitable for the material. When checking quantities requires parts to be taken out, count them on a clean surface, then promptly return them to packaging bearing the correct position reference.

5. Manage damp while allowing condensation to escape

Direct rain is only one way that a delivery can become damp. Condensation can form as chilled components meet moist, warmer air, or after substantial temperature swings inside improvised covering. A sheet that excludes rainfall may nevertheless hold existing moisture around the packages.

Regularly check for drips, damp flooring, damaged covers and condensation. Allow airflow without exposing packs to gusts or driving rain. Keep heaters away and never use intense local heat on wet timber, seals or glazing. If a package is soaked, document it, move it under cover, seek a competent assessment and request product-specific instructions.

Humidity inside a greenhouse after construction requires different advice. Read more under temperature and humidity in a greenhouse.

6. Match the storage plan to the job

Storage arrangements differ for a small greenhouse, substantial orangery, wall-fixed pergola and timber sauna. Establish the product type, intended location, assembly date and responsible team before planning the package sequence and access. Further project preparation is available in the sections covering greenhouse and conservatory projects, sauna projects and further practical information .

A pergola’s construction and location determine which packs must remain nearest to hand. Compare bioclimatic and traditional pergola types, wall-fixed or independent pergolas with the guide to choosing pergola dimensions. The overview of bioclimatic pergola design also helps distinguish the options early.

Large greenhouse deliveries also need generous turning and handling room for lengthy sections and glazing units. For design context and inspiration, explore Victorian-style greenhouses and orangery planning. These pages do not replace the ordered product’s delivery documents or assembly instructions.

7. Isolate delivered parts from foundation activity

Foundation work creates dust, splashes, cement slurry, metal swarf and traffic. Keep packs away from mixers, excavations, formwork and cutting. Fresh concrete is not storage space. Leave routes wide enough for barrows, machinery and materials to pass without brushing glazing or profiles.

Before assembly, ensure dimensions, levels, heights, drainage and fixings suit the product. For preparation, use the advice on preparing a pergola foundation. Whether planning consent or another local requirement is relevant will depend on the proposal and its site. Confirm the position with the appropriate planning authority; use the article on Irish planning considerations for greenhouses and pergolas provides a starting point.

8. Arrange packs to follow the build stages

The most compact arrangement is not necessarily the best one for assembly. Placing an early frame package beyond roofing or glazing means other goods must be shifted repeatedly. Instead, divide the area into straightforward working zones:

1. Zone A: the initial foundation, base and frame pieces
2. Zone B: principal structural members and supporting profiles
3. Zone C: wall, roof and cladding components
4. Zone D: windows, doors, louvres and interior-fit-out pieces
5. Zone E: accessories, identified small parts and seals

Only the assembly manual determines the real sequence. Avoid marking any surface that will remain visible. Attach separate labels securely and keep an inventory of the packs. Whenever a component leaves its zone, note its removal at once or transfer it directly to the installer responsible for it.

9. Handover checklist for installers

• Instructions, package list and order papers are complete.
• The responsible contact and storage access are agreed.
• Recorded concerns were shared before work began.
• Labels are legible and packages follow assembly order.
• Long loads and glazing remain stable in their allocated positions.
• Loose components are enclosed, dry and assigned unambiguously.
• The foundation and work area were assessed independently and remain unobstructed.
• Remove rubble, vegetation, parked vehicles and anything presenting a trip risk from every route.
• Required local consultations were completed before assembly.
• Discard packaging only after matching every part.

Common temporary-storage mistakes

• Ground contact: Moisture below and minor irregularities may harm both wrapping and parts.
• A fully sealed tarpaulin: It can retain moisture inside and pull dangerously against goods during windy weather.
• Unapproved stacking: Lower packs may suffer even beneath a light package.
• Turning glazing horizontal: Disregarding the indicated position does not provide secure, space-efficient storage.
• Peeling surface protection prematurely: Finishes then remain exposed throughout movement and assembly.
• Mixing different fittings: Lookalike fixings can subsequently be allocated to the wrong position.
• Packages left on active routes: Unauthorised handling, splashing or collisions can happen without being noticed.
• Delayed inspection: Repeated repositioning makes it difficult to demonstrate how the goods first arrived.
• Makeshift repairs: Tape, cleaners or local heat may cause further damage.

Questions about keeping deliveries safe

Is outdoor storage suitable for my Bloomcabin product before assembly?

Only where product documents allow it and proper weather protection is ready. A tarpaulin on grass is inadequate. Provide a firm, level base, clearance from ground damp, shelter from rain and wind, and ventilation. Protect glazing, timber and small-parts packs especially. If unsure, choose a dry, controllable storeroom.

Should all packages be opened as soon as they arrive?

No. First verify each pack’s quantity, reference and outside condition. Open it only when delivery or inspection instructions require this, or to investigate a documented concern. Needless unpacking can disrupt identification and reduce transit protection. If opened, record the contents and how the pack was closed again.

How long may packages be stored?

No universal maximum applies. Storage time depends on the product, packaging, material, conditions and manufacturer’s directions. Keep it brief and inspect regularly. If assembly is substantially delayed, request item-specific guidance instead of assuming shipping packaging offers unlimited long-term protection.

May greenhouse or pergola packs be stacked?

Stack only where markings or paperwork expressly permit it. Shape and apparent stiffness do not prove a package is stackable. Pressure or point loading can damage long profiles, glazing and finished surfaces. Without confirmed permission, store units separately with full, appropriate support.

What is the right response to rain-soaked wrapping?

Photograph the condition, identify the pack and move it under cover without changing its orientation unsafely. Do not trap moisture with more impermeable sheeting. Until the proper response is confirmed, avoid opening it or applying direct heat. Contact Bloomcabin promptly if damage is visible or contents are soaked.

May glazing packs be laid flat?

Not unless clear instructions permit it. Retain the orientation shown for transport and holding. Glazing requires appropriate support together with protection against falling, blows to its edges and weight placed above it. An unauthorised horizontal position may impose stresses that neither the panes nor their packaging were intended to withstand.

Can surface film come off ahead of assembly?

The protective film should remain until the instructions identify the relevant construction stage. Premature peeling leaves finishes vulnerable to tools, dust, scratches and splashes of mortar. Conversely, it must not remain under powerful sunlight beyond any product-specific allowance. Timing must therefore follow the manual for that particular item instead of a blanket rule.

Where should screws and fittings be stored?

Choose a secure, dry location with unmistakable identification. Whenever practicable, leave the components within the marked cartons or packets supplied for them. A sheltered box or cabinet for small items works well provided their initial allocation remains traceable. Never scatter accessories through profile bundles or leave them exposed around the worksite.

What happens if the base is unfinished when the goods arrive?

Give the consignment a dedicated location beyond the active foundation area. Avoid shuffling packs continually between concrete work, formwork and excavation. Reconsider whether the anticipated delay and future access remain manageable. Assembly should wait until both the foundation and requirements relevant to that project have been checked.

Whose access to the delivery should be authorised?

Limit access to named people briefed on delicate packages, safe routes and the layout. Keep children, visitors, pets and uninvolved tradespeople out. Specify who may remove parts, open wrapping or move packs. Any change in condition can then be traced by time and reason.

Which documents accompany the delivery?

File the purchase confirmation, consignment paperwork, pack inventory, assembly manual, arrival images, notes about defects and relevant correspondence together. Keeping electronic copies reduces the chance that site paperwork disappears. Broader details about the business and its services are provided under About Bloomcabin; direct enquiries about the individual project to Bloomcabin.

Final readiness check

Ahead of the assembly date, confirm that the consignment remains secure and dry, with complete records and a practical retrieval order. Revisit the wrapping, identification, glazing orientation, supports beneath profiles, timber packs and loose components. Make separate assessments of the base, working space and all movement routes.

Postpone assembly when an essential package is absent, a reported concern is unresolved or unrelated works still compromise the area. A brief but methodical final review avoids hurried rearrangement and safeguards every component until the completed structure can provide its intended protection.