FAQs for Municipal Project Planners & Civil Engineers

Partnering with Shelter Works for Reliable, Code-Compliant, Long-Lasting Infrastructure Solutions

1. How can Shelter Works fiberglass enclosures address site access and space limitations in urban environments?

Shelter Works fiberglass enclosures are engineered to order and thoughtfully designed with site constraints in mind. Their lightweight construction enables delivery and installation in confined or difficult-to-access areas. This makes them ideal for urban infrastructure upgrades, pump stations, metering stations, and other essential equipment where space and logistics are challenging.

2. Will a Shelter Works fiberglass building stand the test of time in a municipal setting?

Yes. Shelter Works designs and manufactures our enclosures with the expectation of a service life of 30+ years with virtually no maintenance. Made from corrosion-resistant fiberglass and reinforced with our exclusive FiberBeam™ technology, Shelter Works shelters maintain structural integrity in the face of UV exposure, humidity, chemical exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles. They are ideal for water, wastewater, and utility applications that require dependable, low-maintenance infrastructure.

3. How do your fiberglass enclosures help municipalities build resilient infrastructure?

Fiberglass shelters from Shelter Works provide storm resistance, thermal insulation, and chemical protection. Our enclosures help protect critical assets, such as SCADA systems, pumps, and analyzers, ensuring that public services remain operational in extreme weather conditions. We can easily integrate environmental controls and security features into our shelters that support infrastructure resiliency and improve equipment longevity.

4. Are your shelters pre-approved or easy to permit for municipal projects?

Yes, our shelters can be engineered to meet IBC and site-specific structural requirements. They can include PE-stamped drawings and structural calculations to streamline the permitting process for municipal projects. When applicable, we can also provide COMcheck reports to support IECC energy code compliance for conditioned shelters, as well as detailed electrical plans, including panel schedules and layouts, designed in accordance with NEC standards.

5. Can Shelter Works fiberglass buildings be integrated with existing infrastructure?

Absolutely. We design our enclosures for plug-and-play integration. We can accommodate custom conduit entries, electrical panels, and mounting options compatible with existing equipment and systems, making upgrade and retrofit projects simple while minimizing system downtime.

6. Do Shelter Works shelters meet federal funding and compliance guidelines like Buy America or ARPA?

Yes. The standard base construction of a Shelter Works enclosure can easily comply with Buy America, Build America Buy America (BABA), ARPA, and other federally funded program guidelines. We can provide documentation and support needed for grant applications and funding compliance. *Note – Electrical components and other added equipment may require additional sourcing.

7. How do your products help minimize noise and improve public acceptance in residential areas?

We offer fiberglass shelters with scalable insulation and sound-dampening designs to reduce the noise made by pumps, compressors, and other loud equipment. This helps meet local noise ordinances and enhances the public's perception of infrastructure projects in residential neighborhoods, parks, and other public spaces.

8. What makes your shelters a good fit for budget-conscious municipal projects?

Shelter Works offers predictable, long-term cost savings. Unlike concrete or metal structures that degrade, rust, or crack, our fiberglass shelters don't require repainting, resurfacing, or regular repairs. Reduced maintenance labor and extended lifespan help prevent budget overruns and unplanned capital expenditures, supporting better long-term asset management.

9. Can your fiberglass buildings be configured for future system upgrades or changing regulations?

Yes. Shelter Works custom engineers enclosures with future growth in mind. We design accommodations for extra conduit space and support for future equipment installation to help engineers plan for future upgrades.

10. How quickly can a Shelter Works shelter be delivered and installed?

Lead times vary based on customization and the current production schedule; however, Shelter Works consistently delivers results faster than traditional construction methods. With factory-built, turnkey options, we can often cut months off project timelines since your shelter will be built at the same time the site is being prepared. Our shelters ship fully assembled, minimizing on-site labor and delays. Please contact our sales department for current lead times.

11. Do your fiberglass enclosures support compact or low-footprint designs?

Yes. Shelter Works specializes in space-efficient, custom-sized shelters for installation with or without prepared foundations. Our shelters can easily integrate with skid systems, which reduce site impact, especially in constrained areas such as sidewalks, alleys, or easements.

12. What technical support is available for engineering and design teams?

Our sales engineers will assist with designing your shelter to meet your needs. Once a purchase order is received, you will be assigned a dedicated project manager who will provide you with detailed submittals, complete with component specifications, for your review and approval before production begins. Your project manager will also ensure that the state labeling and PE Stamp processes run smoothly if needed.