Frequently Asked Questions about Bear-Proof Enclosures
- 1. What is meant by a Bear-Resistant garbage can enclosure?
- 2. This is our vacation home used occasionally; do I still need a metal enclosure?
- 3. How long will a metal enclosure last?
- 4. What are the design requirements for a well-built metal trash enclosure?
- 5. What is the advantage of GalXC™ steel compared to Galvanized metal?
- 6. What are the advantages of Powder Coat Finish?
- 7. How many trash cans does a BearGuard enclosure hold?
- 8. How are BearGuard enclosures mounted?
- 9. How secure is the BearGuard enclosure?
- 10. What about warranties?
- 11. Will the trash collectors check the enclosure weekly for trash?
- 12. How do I dispose of my existing wooden shelter?
- What is meant by a Bear-Resistant garbage enclosure?
-- Bear-Resistant enclosures are designed to effectively prevent bears or other wildlife from getting into your trash.
< Back to Q & A > - This is our rental and vacation home: why do I need a metal enclosure? -- Rentals and part-time homeowners are most susceptible to garbage problems. Renters usually place their trash outside when they leave regardless of the trash collection day, thereby encouraging animal intrusions. Most rental agencies require homeowners to install a bear proof enclosure before renting. < Back to Q & A >
- How long will a metal enclosure last? -- A well-built metal enclosure should last twenty years or longer with little or no maintenance. < Back to Q & A >
- Design criteria for a quality-built enclosure? – A quality-built enclosure should be made of 12 or 14-Gauge steel, MUST have a bear-proof locking mechanism and should include an Inside Child Safety Door Release Handle. It should have a reinforced door and close tolerances between the door and the frame to make it impossible for a bear to obtain a claw-hold on any surface. The enclosure should have a slanted roof to shed water and snow away from the front. < Back to Q & A >
- The advantage of GalXC™ steel versus Galvanized steel?
-- BearGuard enclosures are the ONLY metal shelters manufactured using GalXC™ steel, superior to Galvanized steel for
many reasons:
- 1. While Galvanized steel is susceptible to rust, GalXC™ steel is embedded with zinc and WILL NEVER RUST.
- 2.GalXC™ steel will not crack, peel or flake off like Galvanized metal will do.
- 3.GalXC™ steel has a smooth finish and is formulated especially for Powder Coat finishes.
- Advantages of a Powder Coat Finish? -- Powder Coating affords a superior durable finish compared to ordinary liquid paint. Powder Coat finish is resistant to scratches, does not require repainting and will not rust. Powder coat is Environmentally-Safe and provides an attractive maintenance-free appearance for many years. < Back to Q & A >
- How many trash cans does the enclosure hold? -- BearGuard enclosures hold a combination of sizes of trash cans. The Classic-330 holds three 30-gallon rectangular cans or two 32-gallon trash cans. The Traditional-230 holds Two 30-gallon rectangular cans or one 32-gallon and one 30-gallon can. < Back to Q & A >
- How are BearGuard enclosures mounted?
-- Our enclosures are mounted using a 3-foot structural steel Mounting Stand. The Pedestal stand allows the enclosure to stand 18 inches above ground level and 18 inches in concrete, securing the enclosure Rock-Solid.
< Back to Q & A > - How secure is the BearGuard enclosure?
All BearGuard enclosures are tested, approved and certified bear proof against aggressive 1,150 pound Grizzly bears. The "Living with Wild Life Foundation", the official
testing agency for the U.S. National Parks and Forestry Service, conducts testing at the "Grizzly Center" located just outside of Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
BearGuard enclosures can stand up to any bear. As long as the door is properly closed, we have not had a bear breach a single one of our enclosures.
< Back to Q & A > - Warranty: Our enclosures include a one year parts and labor warranty along with a six- month warranty on painted surfaces. < Back to Q & A >
- Will the trash company check the enclosure weekly for trash?
– Trash collection people are required to check all enclosures for garbage on a regular basis.
< Back to Q & A > - How do I dispose of my existing wooden shelter?
– Wooden enclosures are usually dismantled by the installer and hauled away to the local landfill, for an additional fee.
< Back to Q & A >