Store products safely before installation

Correct temporary storage protects glass, aluminium, timber, seals and fittings from moisture, distortion and loss. This guide covers preparing the storage area, accepting delivery and an orderly handover to the installation team.

Days, or a longer project-dependent period, may pass between delivery and installation. During that time, parts for a greenhouse, pergola or outdoor sauna are not yet protected by the finished structure. Packaging must therefore not be treated as ordinary stored goods or scattered around the site without control.

Safe temporary storage starts before delivery. A level, load-bearing storage area, protection from rain and ground moisture, a traceable package layout and prompt delivery checks are essential. Instructions on packaging, delivery documents and assembly manuals always take priority over general recommendations. For order or delivery questions, see Shopping & Delivery, How to Order and Contact Bloomcabin .

Pre-installation storage checklist

• Keep the assembly manual and delivery information ready before unloading.
• Set aside a level, clean and sufficiently large storage area.
• Keep components clear of soil, standing water and splashback.
• Keep access, the unloading route and required manoeuvring space clear.
• Do not place loads on delicate packages unless stacking is expressly permitted.
• Check delivered items, package numbers and visible condition on arrival.
• Photograph and record damage or irregularities in writing.
• Do not remove labels, protective films or orientation markings.
• Store glass, timber, aluminium and small parts appropriately.
• Provide ventilation without leaving the delivery exposed to weather.
• Keep foundation materials separate from product packages.
• Limit access to informed people and document the handover.

1. Prepare the storage area before delivery

Do not choose the storage location only when the delivery vehicle arrives. Check in advance how packages will travel from the unloading point to the storage area. Narrow passages, steps, soft ground, low clearances or parked vehicles can mean components must be moved unnecessarily often. Each extra movement increases the risk of knocks, scratches and mix-ups.

Size the storage area so long packages are supported along their full length and glass or glazing units can stand as their markings require. Allow for a safe working aisle too. Packages must not be packed so closely together that labels can only be read by shifting heavy units.

Storage area requirements

Criterion	Practical approach
Ground	Level, load-bearing, clean and free from sharp building debris
Ground clearance	Use suitable stable supports and prevent sagging
Weather protection	Protect from rain, snow, persistent damp and strong wind
Ventilation	Allow air circulation; do not seal packages in wet plastic
Access	For authorised people only, not a general site thoroughfare
Order	Keep package numbers visible and mark areas by installation stage

A locked indoor space is often useful, but not automatically suitable. Unventilated basements, damp shells or rooms where plastering and screeding are underway can have high humidity. Equally, an open area beneath a loosely placed tarpaulin is not automatically safe. Wind can lift covers, rain can blow in from the side and rubbing can damage coated surfaces.

2. Accept and inspect delivery promptly

Arrange delivery acceptance so a responsible person can inspect the shipment immediately. Compare the packages present with the delivery documents without hastily dismantling all packaging. Visible transport damage, crushed corners, torn wrapping, soaked cartons, shifted glass units or missing packages should be recorded straight away.

A signature does not replace condition records. First photograph the complete shipment at the unloading point, then every irregularity from several angles. Ensure package numbers and labels are visible in at least one photograph. Follow the notified process for reporting transport damage and also review the information on warranty and claims handling.

Information to document

• Date and approximate time of delivery
• Name of the person who accepted delivery
• Number and identification of received packages
• Overall view before the shipment is moved
• Condition of cartons, wrapping, crates, pallets and edge protection
• Location and nature of visible damage
• Unusual moisture or signs of shifting
• Differences between delivery documents and delivered packages
• Immediate action taken, such as moving items somewhere dry

Do not discard damaged packaging until it is clear whether it is needed for assessment. Alter identified damage only as far as necessary to prevent further harm or an immediate hazard.

3. Preserve labels, orientation and packaging condition

Arrows, package numbers, centre-of-gravity markings and instructions such as this way up, fragile or do not stack are part of the storage system. Do not turn packages merely to save space. Removed labels or cut-open bundles make later identification harder and can result in parts being opened in the wrong order.

Open only what is required for the specified incoming inspection. If a package must be opened, photograph its condition first and retain every marking. Close it again so its protection and ventilation are as close as possible to the original purpose. Do not apply tape directly to painted, powder-coated, glazed or visible timber surfaces.

4. Protect glass, aluminium, timber, seals and fittings

Materials in a delivery react differently to moisture, point loads, temperature changes and incorrect support. One storage method for every package is therefore unsuitable.

Glass and glazing packages

Glass is particularly sensitive to point impacts on its edges. Store and move glass units only as indicated on the package and in the assembly documents. Where upright storage is specified, secure the package against tipping and support it on a suitable base. Do not lean unpacked panes loosely against walls or other components.

Do not lay glass packages flat simply to save space. Profiles, toolboxes and building materials must not be placed on them either. Keep the area clear of grinding, sparks, mortar, metal swarf and heavily used walkways. For glazing options, material-property guidance is also useful; see the article on polycarbonate and multiwall sheets for greenhouses for an overview of glazing considerations.

Aluminium profiles and finished surfaces

Long aluminium profiles need even support. Isolated support points spaced far apart can encourage unwanted bending. Do not place heavy objects on profile packages or drag components across rough ground. Sand, drill swarf and small stones can act like abrasives.

Protective films should generally stay in place until the assembly step specified in the manual. However, do not leave them for an unspecified period in intense sunlight without checking the product instructions. Those product-specific instructions take priority. For later use, the guide to caring for an aluminium greenhouse is also helpful.

Timber components

Timber should be stored dry, ventilated and protected from direct weather. Avoid direct contact with soil, damp concrete or wet walls. Support longer components so they do not sag on one side. An airtight cover can trap moisture already present, while completely open storage can cause repeated wetting and drying.

For outdoor saunas, a clear package arrangement is especially important because shell, roof, interior-fit-out and accessory parts may belong to different installation stages. Always check the documents for the specific model, for example the Elma S outdoor sauna, the Elma L outdoor sauna, the HC150 barrel sauna or the HC 180 barrel sauna.

Seals, fixings and small parts

Keep screws, connectors, cover caps, seals and assembly aids in their labelled bags or cartons wherever possible. Store small parts dry and protected from unauthorised access. Do not tip different screws into one container: similar diameters or heads do not mean the parts are interchangeable.

Seals must not be crushed beneath heavy packages or stretched unnecessarily. Keep them away from sharp items, contamination and unsuitable chemicals. If small parts are removed for stock checking, count them on a clean surface and immediately repack them with their position identification.

5. Control moisture without trapping condensation

Moisture reaches deliveries through more than direct rain. Condensation forms when cold components enter warmer, humid air or temperatures change sharply in temporarily covered packages. An apparently watertight tarpaulin can keep water out while also trapping moisture already inside.

Check the storage area regularly for drips, damp ground, damaged covers and condensation. Allow air circulation without opening packages to wind and driving rain. Do not place heaters directly beside components or try to dry damp timber, seals or glazing packages with intense local heat. For a wet package: document it, move it to a protected area, have its condition properly assessed and seek product-specific instructions.

Controlling humidity later in an assembled greenhouse is a different subject. See the guide to greenhouse temperature and humidity.

6. Match the storage plan to product and project

A compact greenhouse, a large orangery, a wall-mounted pergola and a timber sauna do not have identical needs for access, package sequence and temporary storage. First clarify product type, intended position, installation date and the team carrying out the work. Information on greenhouses and conservatories, saunas and other useful information can support project preparation.

For pergolas, design and placement affect which packages must be accessible first. Compare the guidance on bioclimatic or classic pergolas, wall-mounted or freestanding pergolas and the pergola size guide. The article on bioclimatic pergolas also helps define the concept early.

For larger greenhouse projects, allow enough manoeuvring room in the storage plan for long profiles and glazing. Background and inspiration are available in articles on Victorian greenhouses and planning an orangery. These pages do not replace the delivery documents or assembly manual for the product ordered.

7. Separate foundation work from stored components

Foundation work creates dust, splashback, cement slurry, metal swarf and site traffic. Do not store product packages directly beside mixing areas, excavations, formwork or cutting work. Fresh concrete surfaces are not a general storage platform either. Keep routes clear so wheelbarrows, machinery or building materials do not have to be squeezed past glazing and profile packages.

Dimensions, heights, level, drainage and fixings must suit the specific product before installation starts. Use the pergola foundation guide for preparation. Whether approvals or other local requirements apply depends on the project and site. Check with the relevant New Zealand council before work begins; building consent and resource consent are separate matters. Check local requirements for greenhouses and pergolas before proceeding.

8. Organise packages by installation sequence

Space-saving storage is not automatically installation-ready. If the frame package needed first sits behind glazing or roof components, the delivery must be moved repeatedly. Create a simple zone layout:

1. Zone A: foundation, base or frame components needed first
2. Zone B: structural profiles and main construction
3. Zone C: roof, wall or cladding elements
4. Zone D: doors, windows, louvres or fit-out parts
5. Zone E: labelled small parts, seals and accessories

The actual sequence is determined solely by the assembly manual. Do not write directly on visible surfaces. Use separate, firmly fixed labels and maintain a package list. Removed parts should be recorded immediately or handed to the responsible installer.

9. Handover checklist for the installation team

• Assembly manual, package list and order documents are fully available.
• The responsible contact and access to the storage area are confirmed.
• Recorded irregularities have been passed on before work starts.
• Packages are clearly labelled and reachable in installation order.
• Glass and long-item packages remain safely in their intended positions.
• Small parts are dry, closed and clearly assigned.
• Foundation and installation area have been checked separately and kept clear.
• Transport routes are free of debris, plants, vehicles and trip hazards.
• Complete any required local coordination before installation begins.
• Packaging is discarded only after parts have been checked and assigned.

Common temporary-storage mistakes

• Direct ground storage: Ground moisture and minor unevenness can affect packaging and components.
• Fully sealed tarpaulin cover: It can trap condensation and become a mechanical load in wind.
• Unchecked stacking: Lower packages can be damaged even if the upper layer seems light.
• Laying glass flat: Changing the specified orientation is not a safe space-saving measure.
• Removing protective films early: Visible surfaces are then unprotected during transport and installation.
• Mixing up fittings: Similar fixings may later be assigned incorrectly.
• Storage in site traffic: Knocks, splashes and unauthorised access often go unnoticed.
• Late inspection: After repeated moving, the original delivery condition is hard to establish.
• Improvised repairs: Tape, cleaning agents or local heat can cause further damage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store my Bloomcabin product outdoors before installation?

Only where the product-specific documents allow it and suitable, prepared weather protection is in place. A tarpaulin on grass is not enough. You need, among other things, level load-bearing ground, clearance from ground moisture, protection from rain and wind, and adequate ventilation. Sensitive glazing, timber and small-parts packages need particular protection. If uncertain, a dry, controllable storage space is the better option.

Should I open every package on arrival?

No, not automatically. First check the quantity, identification and external condition. Open packages only in line with delivery and inspection instructions, or when a recorded issue must be clarified. An unnecessarily fully opened package loses its organised allocation and possibly some transport protection. If it is opened, document its contents and resealing clearly.

How long may packages be stored temporarily?

There is no universal maximum period. It depends on the product, packaging, material, storage climate and manufacturer instructions. Keep the storage period as short as possible and check the delivery regularly. If installation is substantially delayed, ask for product-specific requirements rather than assuming shipping packaging is designed for unlimited long-term storage.

May I stack greenhouse or pergola packages?

Only if the markings or documents expressly permit it. The shape and apparent strength of packaging do not reliably show whether it can be stacked. Long profiles, glazing and packages with finished surfaces can be damaged by pressure or point support. If in doubt, store units separately with full support.

What should I do if packaging gets wet?

Photograph the condition, mark the affected package and move it to a protected area without risky changes of position. Do not trap moisture by adding sealed plastic wrapping. Do not open or dry the package with direct heat before the appropriate action is confirmed. If damage is visible or contents are soaked, contact Bloomcabin promptly.

Can glass packages be laid flat to save space?

Not without an express instruction to do so. Keep the marked transport and storage orientation. Glass needs suitable support and protection from tipping, edge impacts and loads placed on it. Unauthorised flat storage can create stresses for which the package and panes were not designed.

May protective film be removed before installation?

Remove protective films only at the assembly stage specified in the manual. Removing them too early exposes surfaces to scratches, dust, mortar splashes and tool contact. Films should also not remain under intense sun unnecessarily contrary to product-specific instructions. The governing rule is therefore the manual for the particular product, not a blanket instruction.

Where should screws and fittings be stored?

In a dry, closed and clearly labelled area. Keep parts in their original labelled bags or cartons where possible. A separate small-parts cabinet or protected box is useful if the original allocation remains intact. Do not leave accessories loose in profile packages or on an open building site.

What if the foundation is not ready when delivery arrives?

The delivery then needs its own storage area that does not conflict with foundation work. Do not keep moving product packages between excavation, formwork and concreting. Also check whether the intended storage period and later access remain suitable. Installation should begin only once the foundation and local requirements for the specific project have been checked.

Who should have access to the stored delivery?

Only nominated people who understand sensitive packages, safe routes and the package layout. Children, uninvolved tradespeople, visitors and pets should not have access. Decide who may remove parts, open packaging or move the delivery. This makes it possible to trace when and why a package condition changed.

Which documents belong with the delivery?

Keep the order confirmation, delivery documents, package list, assembly manual, delivery-acceptance photographs, damage notes and relevant correspondence together. Digital copies help prevent loss on site. General company and service information is available under About us; for project-specific questions, contact Bloomcabin directly.

Final readiness check

Before the installation date, the delivery should be dry, secure, fully documented and accessible in a sensible order. Recheck packaging, labels, glass position, profile supports, timber packages and small parts. Also inspect the foundation, work area and transport routes separately from product storage.

Do not start assembly if important packages are missing, damage is unresolved or other work still affects the installation area. A short, systematic final check prevents improvised restacking and protects components at the stage when the finished structure does not yet protect them.