The value of lumber has reached exponential heights and it has become increasingly important for many companies in the business to protect their material at all costs. For Shell Lumber, located in Key Largo, Florida, it made sense to install a drive through storage canopy outside of their showroom.

Because the heat of the outdoors is a major concern for warping lumber, the covered racks will protect the wood for years to come and ensure that customers are satisfied with a good product. Not only will the canopy provide shading for the lumber, but also a cost-effective solution for the business owners to have a retail space outside of their showroom. Customers are now able to simply drive their car between the racks and receive their product without having to make the trip inside and drag out their heavy material.

To ensure the longevity of the structure into the future, galvanizing was the next-level support that the canopy needed. With proximity to the coast and a consideration of wind load, other paint methods would not be able to stand up to the everyday elements. Powder coating would easily rub or scape off over time because of the salty sea air, and the owners were looking for a solution that could last 20 years or more down the road without maintenance. Luckily, the galvanizer was directly on the way to the project location, ensuring travel and hauling of the material would be less of a hassle.

Ross Technologies was able to provide the main frame components, and Krauter-Auto Stak purchased the pre-galvanized roof purlins, eave struts and 24GA roof panels from McElroy Metals.

The team experienced many challenges throughout the project including long lead times with ordering hardware, renting machinery for the construction of the project, receiving the building permit and a labor shortage for trucking materials. These obstacles required fluid communication for all involved, and an ability to adapt to changes.