FAQs
Q: Can I install a shelter myself?
A: Yes, we provide you with complete instructions. In most cases installation does not require skilled labour or any special tools. Larger more complex structures may require professional assistance and planning.
Q: How long has Splash been in business?
A: Splash Shelters is a division of the Splash Business Group(formerly Splash Marketing) and has operated since 1991. The manufacturer of the Allshelter range of products has been at the forefront of Australian fabric structure manufacture since 1997.
Q: Can you help me design a custom structure?
A: Yes, our engineers are available to support you and your own engineers in the design of special applications.
Q: How long does it take to receive my shelter?
A: Most shelters can be designed and manufactured in four to eight weeks, though in rush periods (e.g. Christmas) this time can be extended. We will advise you at time of quotation. Larger, more complex structures can take up to three months to design and manufacture.
Q: How long does it take to install a structure?
A: Installation of standard shelters can usually be erected by two to six people within one to four days, depending upon size of the structure. Larger more complex structures may require professional assistance and take a week or more to build. We will advise you at the time of quoting of your needs. We are available to supervise large custom designed constructions.
Q: Are the shelters flammable?
A: Standard Shelter fabrics are spark resistant but not flame retardant. For high fire risk situations we recommend that partially flame resistant fabric be used or fully flame resistant fabric be quoted.
Q: Do the shelters comply with building codes?
A: Yes, they are a fully engineered product and comply with global building codes and are structurally sound even in harsh weather environments.
Q: Do the shelters require any maintenance?
A: Shelters have no special maintenance or up keep. Cleaning of exterior walls can be carried out with a hose, steamer or pressure washers much like the walls of a conventional building.
Q: What are the acoustics like in a shelter?
A: The shelters have peaceful, and sound-dulling properties, which is great for environments that experience regular high pitched machinery noises.
Q: How are shelters priced?
A: We have a range of "off the shelf" prices for standard shelters utilising standard fabrics. To view a list of standard structures go to our Types and Sizes page. Use our Request Quotation page to gain prices. Any alteration to a standard shelter e.g. size, shape or fabric type will require a custom design quotation.
Q: What is the cost of replacing the fabric?
A: Fabric will last 8 to 12 years and presently costs 20-25% of the manufacture price. Allow about 3% per year for maintenance costs, which is considerably cheaper than traditional buildings.
Q: What kind of warranty comes with a shelter?
A: We guarantee all of our shelters for one year and the fabric is guaranteed against UV damage for 3 years. The manufacturer will always be available to provide any recommendations or assist with any repair work necessary throughout the life of the shelter. The manufacturer is in the process of designing a 10year warranty which will be available soon.
Q: Does a second hand market exist for my shelter when complete?
A: Yes, there is a resale market for used shelters and we would be delighted to assist you with reselling if required.
Q: How does the cost of a Shelter Structure compare to other buildings?
A: If you are comparing Shelter Structure prices to conventional permanent or portable buildings, you look forward to substantial savings in money, construction time, and materials. Where shelters are extremely cost effective is where you are in a position where you have to move the structure one or more times in the future. This fact makes management of your future storage, warehousing or maintenance buildings very flexible.
Q: Can the Fabric Structures be cut or damaged?
A: Fabrics used for our shelters are as strong as the steel frames, which is why we use Reliable Brands in Region D Cyclone localities (312 kph winds). The polyethylene fabrics utilized for Splash Structures are exceptionally strong, tear resistant and can withstand an impressive amount of bumps and scrapes. However, just like many other types of wooden, tin or aluminium surfaces, they can be pierced or cut by sharp objects. We recommend that where appropriate, fabric structures be protected from trucks, machinery and fire hazards by strategically located concrete posts and/or constructing your shelter upon containers, walls or poles. Splash can supply patching kits and patching tape once the extent of the damage is known.
Q: What will it cost to ship my fabric structure?
A: The cost of freight is subject to where you are and the weight of structure, we will quote you at the time of order, or alternatively you may arrange your own freight.
Q: What will it cost to ship my fabric structure?
A: The cost of freight is subject to where you are in the world and the weight of structure, we will quote you at the time of order, or alternatively you may arrange your own freight.
Q: What are your trading terms?
A: Unless otherwise stated, our trading terms are 30% upfront and balance prior to dispatch of your shelter.
Q: Do shelters structures require foundations or fitting?
A: Shelters can be constructed on most earth surfaces including gravel, sand and soil. Foundations vary with the type of shelter. Foundations are not required for the ACLS Relocatable series, which are mounted on special “A” frame legs that are secured to the ground by steel pickets. If the soil is sandy or compacted we would recommend a soil test to determine the holding force of the soil which should hae an undrained shear strength of at least 70kpa. Foundations or ballast are required for the CA Container Series although for narrow shelters there is usually enough weight in the containers to hold them down. Larger shelters in high wind areas may require in excess of 100 tonnes of ballast or footings under the containers. Frame brakets are welded to containers (by customer). The “A” Series fixed shelters do require foundations and are designed to be mounted on factory supplied steel posts, or customer supplied walls or wooden/steel posts, that are concreted into the ground. The large 20 m + wide shelters have substantial footings due to the high lifting loads.
Q: Are shelter structures dark inside?
A: Light varies with fabric colours that block between 85% and 99% of light/heat. All fabrics permit a pleasant level of natural ligh. Use the chart below to select your preferred colour and opacity.
Q: Are you a public company?
A: No, both Splash Shelters and Allshelter are privately owned businesses.
Q: What are your shelters made of?
A: Shelters have curved frames of high tensile galvanized steel which are mostly covered with tensioned, high density woven polyethylene material supplied from a number of manufacturers around the world. Other materials can be also used to clad the shelter for special purposes, including Visypak Landmark and Versatex.
Q: What types of shelters do you make?
A: a. “A” Series – These are fabric roof which can be mounted on wooden or steel posts. End walls are optional. b. “ACLS” Portable Series – These are building on “A” frame legs and the fabric is to the ground. End walls are optional. c. “CA” Series – These are designed to be mounted on top of shipping containers and come with a special footing that can be welded onto your containers. End Walls are optional d. Custom Built – Any width or height that varies from our standard shelters sizes are classified as custom designed. Any shelter over 16m wide will involve our engineers and be custom built.
Q: What applications can your shelters be used for?
A: All it takes is a little imagination to decide where shelters are best suited. Fabric Shelters Structures are presently utilized at airports, factories, warehouses, marine yards and wharf's, construction sites, quarries, mines, intensive animal farming, school playgrounds and council facilities. Around the world they house some of the largest events and entertainment venues such as sport grounds, ice rinks and gymnasiums.
Q: Are your shelters permanent or temporary structures?
A: Shelters Structures are extremely durable. They are designed to be either permanent or temporary based upon your requirements. You can expect a life of 10+ years from the fabric membrane.
Q: Do I need council approval for a shelter?
A: Portable buildings often do not require building permits in Australia. Check with your local Council town planner.
Q: What is the wind speed for my area?
A: Australia is divided into four zones and four Terrain Categories from Category 1. Open water or land with no obstructions to Category 4. Built up industrial areas. Check with your local Town Planner or Engineer to gain exact rating, but to give a very broad indication of the design wind speeds in the zones: a. “A” All inland Australia 100km from the coast and the southern coastline to 300 latitude (200km south Brisbane to 100km North Perth) Design wind speed design for Category 2 = 41m/sec (150kph, 90mph) b. “B” Australian coastline 300 to 270 latitude plus 50 to 100km inland above 270 latitude Design wind speed design for Category 2 = 51.9m/sec (186kph, 112mph) c. “C” The northern Australian coastline 50km inland above 270 latitude. Design wind speed design for Category 2 = 64.5m/sec (232kph, 140mph) d. “D” Around the Karratha region, 1,500km north of Perth in WA. Design wind speed design for Category 2 = 88m/sec (316kph, 190mph)
Q: Can shelters be used in regions that have snow?
A: Absolutely! A Standard 41.m/sec wind speed shelter design will withstand 50kg of snow/m2 (10lb/ft2) and a 51.9m/sec winds peed design will withstand 100kg of snow/m2 (20lb/ft2)
Q: What sizes are available?
A: The standard sizes are from 6m (20’) to 16m (52’) wide. Standard shelters are up to 30m long but can be lengthened to meet your requirements. Shelters can be manufactured to meet your specific requirements.
Q: Can I change the size of a shelter if my needs alter?
A: You cannot modify the width of a shelter, but we can work with the length. We can design the fabric in sections so as you may divide and relocate a larger shelter into two or more smaller shelters in the future.
Q: Can I move my shelter to a new location when done with a project?
A: Yes, shelter structures are much easier to relocate than most other types of buildings, and the ACLS series has been designed specifically for this purpose. However even fixed shelters can be re-located, though you may need to replace the foundations or fixtures that have been cemented to the ground.
Q: Are your shelters weatherproof?
A: Yes, they are made of very weatherproof, heavy-duty reinforced fabric. They can withstand sun, rain, wind, snow and hail and can be as safely used in the tropics as in the Arctic.
Q: Can shelters have ventilation, air-conditioning and heat?
A: Yes, shelters can be open air or fully enclosed. If fully enclosed, they can have the same ventilation, filtration, air-conditioning and electric heating of other buildings. Full end walls have one or more 450mm triangular hooded vents in them for ventilation and to stop pressure buildup.
Q: Can shelters be wired for electricity and fitted with plumbing?
A: Wires and pipe can be attached to the frames and the braces between the frames enabling you to enstall all your plumbing and electrical needs easily.
Q: How does the Fabric colour relate to the light and temperature of Shelters? Are shelters hot inside?
A: Shelter fabric does not radiate heat like steel based cladding, thus for warm climates we recommend a silver backed fabric. The following table gives light (heat) transmission for the various colours.
Polyethylene fabric light transmission - Canvacon 5000E or a similar
| Fabric Colour Hottest to coolest |
Cover Factor |
Av. % Transmission |
Shade Factor |
Av. % PAR Transmission |
Av. % UVR Transmission |
% UVR Block |
| White | 100.4% | 15.26% | 84.74% | 20.65% | 0.16% | 99.84% |
| Yellow | 99.9% | 13.67% | 86.33% | 18.28% | 0.65% | 99.35% |
| Ice Blue | 100.5% | 10.59% | 89.41% | 14.32% | 0.21% | 99.79% |
| Green | 100.5% | 7.30% | 99.27% | 0.92% | -0.11% | 100.11% |
| Blue | 100.4% | 2.83% | 97.17% | 3.81% | -0.04% | 100.04% |
| Silver/White | 100.6% | 2.52% | 97.48% | 3.39% | 0.05% | 99.95% |
| Royal Blue | 100.5% | 2.39% | 97.61% | 3.20% | -0.06% | 100.06% |
| Beige | 100.5% | 2.09% | 97.91% | 2.79% | -0.08% | 100.08% |
| Silver/Green | 100.2% | 0.26% | 99.74% | 0.30% | -0.03% | 100.03% |
Q: Where have you sold Shelters to be installed?
A: We sell Shelters all over Australia, and to countries that have requested them eg. : NSW Bathurst, Willcannia Richmond NSW, Broken Hill, Huntingdale Syd Sydney Cobar WA Truscott Air Base , Perth, Port Hedland Newman Kalgoorlie South Australia Adelaide Northern Territory Kathrine Toms Gully Victoria Tottenham Avalon, Melbourne, Loy Yang, Kinglake Vic, Lancefield Queensland Moranbah, Weipa, Acacia Ridge, Moura, Gatton, Roma, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Bundamba Qld Mackay Nebo Qld, Maleny Qld Emerald, Townsville International Balikpapan Indonesia, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Dakar-Fann Senegal West Africa Lae PNG.
Q: Can your Shelters be rented or leased?
A: Yes we have a number of financiers whom can assist lease arrangements for shelters. We do not rent at this time.








