Portable garage covers

Homeowners and businesses are constantly searching for that cost efficient outdoor storage solution to protect their valuable assets. One of the most budget minded options is a fabric covered portable garage. Often called portable shelters, these portable storage units can provide for many years of long term protection if properly maintained and secured. In addition to maintenance and anchor security, there are other critical factors which can enhance the longevity of these budget-minded shelters. A sturdy and durable framework is extremely critical in providing long term use. The frame also supports another critical component which is the cover. The cover can be manufactured from a variety of different materials including polyethylene and PVC (poly vinyl chloride). There are many different factors which can affect cover longevity and durability. The most crucial factor is cover thickness. Cover thickness is typically classified in ounces per square yard. In simplistic terms, if a square yard of material were to be cut from a roll, how much would it weigh in ounces? As a general rule, there a higher, weight per square yard will equal increased longetivity. There are many characteristics to consider when purchasing one of these carport storage canopies. The cover is a crucial component which requires an complete understanding.

White party tents keep the heat out

The summer heat can be very tiresome for many people. After all, the sun's harmful UV rays are not kind if you are not accustomed to the intense heat. Although man people love the sun if they are trying to get that golden tan. However, many people do not wish to be exposed to the intense heat and sunlight.

Situations like this call for a white party canopy or tent. As most consumers know, the white color does not "soak" up the sun when compared to a dark color tent. Compare the temperature of black asphalt to a lighter colored concrete in the same area. The black asphalt will be much hotter to the touch.

In addition to reducing the temperature inside the tent, a white color commercial grade canopy will have increased longevity if the material is comparable.

These reasons describle why white party tents and canopies are the most popular color.   The next time you are searching for that ideal tent keep in mind the color and the environment in which you live.

Keep the rain off with a fabric carport kit

Consumers are becoming ever more aware of the importance of car maintenance.  Although the powertrain (engine and transmission) are the most vital components, the exterior appearance of vehicles can dramatically increase the re-sale value.  After all, most consumers retain their vehicles for a short time period before they get the urge for that new vehicle.

One economical way to maintain a vehicle's appearance is with a fabric carport kit. Fabric carports consist of a rigid metal framework and polyethylene which is tightly tensioned to the frame using brackets and ratchets. Longevity can vary by product, however, the higher end units still provide a cost efficient solution when compared to the traditional wood or metal structure. Best of all, these carport canopy shelters can be erected on any mounting surface in a minimal amount of time. Consumers with little to no experience can construct a carport within hours utilizing only common household tools. Most manufacturers offer these products in a variety of sizes and styles to accomodate any application. Keep that rain and snow off your car with a fabric carport.

Enclosed carport kits for all weather environments

Has anybody seen those metal carports which have the sides and end panels open to the harsh elements that Mother Nature brings?   Cars and trucks which are located under these carports are still subjected to the snow, rain, and wind.   After all, the purpose of these units is to protect your investment against the harmful effects of Mother Nature.

One of the most effective methods to provide cost efficient protection for cars and trucks is a fabric covered portable carport kit.   Fabric carports have rigid steel frames which are covered by a durable poly material which is tightly tensioned to the frame using ratchet straps or brackets.    The side poly material typically covers the sides of the structure.   End panels are typically separate pieces which have zippers to allow for entry.   This style of car canopy is typically available for single car or multi-car storage.

Depending on the type of carport, these shelters are available for all weather protection including regions which encounter snow.  Most manufacturers do not provide snow or wind load rating due to these structures being considered temporary in nature.

Hoop buildings are not just for Agricultural use

How often have we seen one of those fabric covered hoop buildings in an agricultural setting?   Well, the answer is quite often.  Many rural residents and farmers utilize these value based outdoor storage structures for hay, farm equipment, vehicle, boat, RV, and bulk material storage.   Hoop buildings present a number of benefits when compared to the traditional wood framed structure.    They are very economical, easy to assemble, and are portable in nature.

Why aren’t these portable hoop buildings utilized more frequently by business owners and contractors?   The answer is that more businesses, contractors, and landscapers are utilizing these hoop structures for outdoor storage.   Businesses will utilize these buildings for warehousing and manufacturing space.    Contractors are quickly becoming aware of the benefits as they are using them for temporary storage at construction sites.   State and township agencies utilize them for salt, sand, and dirt storage.

Regardless of application, arch storage sheds have quickly become a popular alternative for any type of outdoor storage.

Outdoor canopy: Great for seasonal car shelter

Americans who reside in the southern regions of the United States have a multitude of uses for outdoor frame canopies.  Break out the party canopy.   That’s right, the party canopy has long been a great shelter alternative to prevent those intense UV rays from destroying that perfect paint finish on your car.  We are not referring to those “pop up” canopies which are used for “tailgating” and backyard parties.    Our reference is to the canopy which has a rigid framework of steel tubing.   These portable car canopies are not intended for all weather protection in heavy.   They are intended for the consumer who desires a cost efficient shelter solution to combat the sun.

These outdoor canopy shelters can be mounted to any surface including asphalt, gravel, concrete slabs, and even rocky soil.   A variety of anchoring systems are available to accommodate each application.   A complete instruction manual is provided for simple setup and assembly.   In addition to anchoring accessories, side panels and enclosures are available for complete protection. 

Most manufacturers offer a variety of colors, however, the most popular color is white.  White reduces sunlight 'absorption' for enhanced comfort in high heat environments.

"Winterize" your car with a portable garage

It’s that time of year again for harsh winter weather!!     Consumers who reside in cold regions once again have to consider protecting their car or truck if garage storage space is not available.   If you are like many Americans who are “cash strapped”, the cost to build a conventional wood or metal garage can be quite depressing.   In addition, the process of obtaining building permits and waiting on construction crews can be very time consuming.   A fabric covered portable carport garage is the answer for these situations.   Common applications include car, truck, boat, equipment, trailer and garden tool storage. 

Portable garages are metal framed structures which are covered with a tightly tensioned fabric called polyethylene. The cost of these portable storage sheds is considerably less than the traditional storage shed.   Framework typically consists of round swaged steel tubing which is galvanized or painted for resistance against corrosion.  Additional car shelter framework components consist of various bolts, screws, brackets, and fittings.  Simplistic design provides for easy setup and construction using only common household tools.

If you are thinking of a cost efficient solution to “winterize” your car, a portable garage maybe your solution for temporary storage.

Portable Garages: Temporary solution for outdoor storage

It's that time of year again when homeowners, businesses owners, contractors, and landscape professionals are scrambling to shelter their valuable possessions from Mother Nature's wrath. If you are like most hard working people, waiting until the last minute is simply a fact of life. There is still time, however, it might be too late for erecting a permanent structures such as a wood or metal unit. This is where a fabric covered temporary storage garage can come in very handy.

Although delivery times for these portable structure are increased when the leaves start to change color, the delivery and construction times are typically shorter than needed for a similar sized wood unit.   These outdoor storage shelters can be erected by consumers with no experience in construction using only common household tools.   Mounting on any surface including gravel and rocky soil is not an issue with the proper anchoring.

One of the most common uses of these carport storage tents is to shelter cars, trucks, boats, trailers, and equipment.  Larger garages can be utilized to store RV's, tractor trailers, and box trucks. 

Fabric Structures have many Applications

The growing demand for fabric storage structures has allowed many homeowners, businesses, and contractors to more closely examine if these cost efficient portable buildings can satisfy their outdoor storage application.   Upon the arrival of fabric structures to the market, many potential purchasers were skeptical of the durability and benefits.  It didn’t take long to realize the many advantages of these alternative storage buildings.  

Due to the high cost of wood, metal, brick, and concrete wall buildings, many consumers are choosing a fabric storage structures.   Not only are they utilized for agricultural purposes, many consumers utilize them to shelter RVs, boats, cars, trailers, trucks, and equipment.  Businesses will utilize them to warehouse equipment, products for recycling, and as manufacturing space.  Municipalities will utilize these fabric buildings for salt, sand, and top soil storage.  

One of the significant advantages of a arched storage building is that they can be mounted on any type of surface including concrete pads, storage containers, wood header walls, asphalt, gravel, and even rocky soil.   Many potential purchasers will mount on a wall to gain additional interior clearance for storage.   If a “straight sided wall” unit is utilized, the wall may not be needed.   However, purchasers must be careful that the interior contents such as salt, dirt, or sand does not contact the sides to prevent damage.

There are many applications for these fabric units in addition to the many mounting options available.  Manufacturers offer a wide array of different shapes and sizes to accommodate nearly any customer application.

Don't forget the Canvas Shelter Anchors

As portable fabric storage shelters become an increasingly popular cost efficient outdoor storage solutions, consumers must take extra care in assuring that the shelter is properly anchored.  Lack of anchoring and incorrect anchoring is one of the most common causes of damaged shelters and its interior contents.   Unlike conventional wood, vinyl, and brick exterior buildings, fabric shelters do not have the proper weight to maintain stability in harsh weather environments.    A variety of shelter anchoring systems exists depending on the application and mounting surface.  Potential purchasers must thoroughly investigate the type and quantity of anchoring needed for their application.

One of the significant advantages of canvas storage shelters is that they can be mounted to any surface including concrete pads, asphalt, gravel, dirt, rocky soil, sand, wood rails, metal storage containers, and even concrete block walls.   Many consumers, business owners, and contractors mount these fabric structures on walls to provide additional clearance or height for items such as machinery or equipment.   Regardless of the application, the manufacturer will offer the proper anchoring mechanism depending on customer application.

Base plates are ideal for all shelter mounting applications

Most fabric shelter frames consist of round steel tubing which is swaged for single pipe truss applications.  Without the use of base plates, the tubing end would be contacting the resting surface which would allow for easier “sinking” of the pipe into the ground because of the low amount of surface area.   Base plates provide a “flat” higher surface area for “anti-sink” properties.   Base plates are required for mounting surfaces such as concrete pads, wood rails, wood header walls, and asphalt.   Most base plates have pre-drilled holes for insertion of wood lags and concrete anchor bolts.

Auger anchors or ground posts for dirt surfaces

Many consumers chose to place the fabric shelter on“dirt” or gravel type surface.  These applications require auger anchors or ground posts.   Auger anchors and ground posts can vary greatly in length.  However, as a general rule, longer anchors will provide more holding force the fabric shelter.   Auger anchor typically have a “spade” plate which is welded to the bottom of metal rod.  The spade plate is inserted in the ground with gravel or dirt being used as “backfill”.   Ground posts are typically driven into the ground using a weighted hammer.   Ground post can also be utilized to increase the height of the shelter.

Sufficient shelter anchors required

Fabric storage shelters are available in a variety of sizes and styles depending on customer applications.  These units provide an excellent value based outdoor storage alternative, however, portable shelter owners must acquire the correct and sufficient number of anchors to properly secure their unit.

Cost Efficient Portable Carports

Car owners who take pride in their vehicles now have a cost efficient alternative method of outdoor storage. Wood and metal storage buildings carry a high price tag along with the usual procedure of obtaining a building permit. One of the most rapid growing outdoor storage alternatives for cars, trucks, boats, and equipment is the fabric covered portable carport.

Often referred to as portable carport garages, these metal frame structures provide superior protection in all weather environments. Some consumers may have some “question marks” regarding the durability of the fabric cover, however, many manufacturers produce units which have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. Cover material typically consists of polyethylene which is heat sealed at the seams to provide for leak resistance.

Carport cover thickness is crucial
Fabric covers are available in a variety of thicknesses and colors. Most manufacturers describe the material thickness in oz per yd2. In simplistic terms, this describes the weight of the material per square yard. As a general rule, more weight per square equates to increased longevity. This increased weight per square yard typically indicates a higher price. Consumers must be aware that thinner covers have a reduced longevity which can result in leaks or damage to the interior contents.

Portable nature is important
Portability is a important factor for fabric covered carport tents. These carport tent units can be assembled by consumers with little to no experience in construction using only common household tools. Unlike wood and metal structures, these units can be easily moved and relocated for future use. If you desire a cost efficient portable car shelter, fabric covered carports are an option for consideration.

Property Owners have RV Storage Alternative

Property owners who store their RV in a rental facility now have a value based storage alternative with RV storage garages.   These portable fabric covered structures offer the convenience and cost savings benefits of storing an RV on owner property (if sufficient area is available).   In addition, these fabric covered shelters are historically considered to be “temporary buildings”, which may eliminate the need for costly and time consuming building permits.

Shelter mounting options

Another advantage of these portable storage shelters is that they can be mounted on any surface including gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete pads, and even rocky soil.   Depending on the mounting application, manufacturers have available mounting hardware to accommodate any situation.   Most portable RV carport canopies have available base plates which fasten to the bottom of each leg to provide for a stable, “anti sink” frame construction.   A majority of the base plates have pre-drilled holes for easy mounting to concrete pads and wood platforms.  Auger anchors secure the building for gravel and dirt type mounting applications.   Auger anchors fasten securely to the frame for superior holding force.

Shelter assembly is quick and easy

There is no need to have prior experience in construction for one of these fabric RV storage units.   Easy to understand instruction manuals guide the user through each step of assembly.   Typical frame components consist of round steel tubing and various brackets, bolts, fittings, and screws.    Due to the simplicity of the components, only common household tools are required.   Taller shelters do require lifts for assembly.

Boat storage garage alternative

Boat owners are well aware of the financial impact of providing off season storage for their watercraft. Rental companies and marinas don’t hesitate to charge a hefty price due to limited storage locations and space. Many boat owners are hesitant to construct a permanent wood or metal side garage on their property due to the permitting and property tax issues. After all, obtaining a building permit can take months and the cost can be substantial. In addition, if the property (and boat) owner decides to relocate, the boat storage garage is left behind.

Fabric garages are considered “temporary”
One of the most cost effective and advantageous methods for boat owners to store a boat on their own property is a fabric covered boat garage. These metal frame structures are typically considered “temporary buildings” which can potentially eliminated the need and time to obtain costly building permits. In addition, no prior construction experience is necessary for assembly. Smaller boat shelters require only common household tools for assembly. Portable fabric storage garages can be erected on any surface including concrete pads, gravel, dirt, asphalt, and even rocky soil.

Boat garage shapes
A variety of shapes are available including round (often called hoop) or peak (often called A-frame). Round garages are most optimal in regions where moisture is more prevalent. This is due to the shape which does not allow moisture to “puddle” on the roof top as quickly as the peak style. As a general rule, peak style units have more vertical sidewalls which allow for greater interior storage volume.

These structures should be given strong consideration for housing boats, watercraft, cars, truck, and trailers due to the many advantages over the conventional wood or metal building.

Hoop building framework

With the increasing popularity of hoop storage buildings for outdoor storage, manufacturers are constantly searching for avenues to provide a durable and cost efficient shelter for their customers.   , The features which need to be considered are numerous when customers actively begin searching for the building which fits their application.  Cover durability and longevity is a feature which is very important and should be thoroughly investigated prior to purchase.   Cost and ease of assembly are additional factors which need to be considered.   One of the features which many potential purchasers overlook is the steel framework.   Although the cover provides the “shell” to protect against leaks for within the hoop cover building, the framework provides the support and rigidity for the cover.  A building which has a heavy duty cover can quickly be found to be inferior if it does not a have a durable frame.

Hoop leg spacing is important

Leg spacing is referred to as the distance between the legs or rafters of a hoop storage building or shelter.   Buildings with shorter leg spacing will provide for increased durability if the frame characteristics (pipe diameter and pipe gauge) are identical.   Many manufacturers recommend that anchors be installed to each leg of a fabric structure for superior holding force.   With additional legs, a hoop building will then have additional anchoring for security.

Framework finish reduces corrosion

Framework finish is also an important feature when considering the purchase of a fabric hoop building.   As previously mentioned, most frames consist of a steel framework.   The finish on the steel typically consists of either paint or a galvanized finish.    These finishes help to reduce the amount of corrosion the steel experiences which improves the longevity of the framework and provides a more pleasing appearance.  As a general rule, the galvanized finish provides for a more robust resistance against corrosion when compared to the painted steel.

Mounting hardware provides for building stability

Another critical feature is the mounting hardware.   The mounting hardware portion of the hoop building frame allows the structure to position evenly on the resting surface.  Many consumer use wide based foot pads which provide for "anti-sink" properties on surfaces such as dirt and asphalt.  Without the proper mounting hardware, some legs of the tent storage building may "sink" which can cause uneven cover tension.  This may reduce the life of the cover resulting in leaks and damage to the storage contents.

There are a number of items to consider when considering the purchase of a fabric shelter.   The framework must be closely studied prior to purchase.

Metal sided or fabric storage building?

Consumers and business owners who are seeking cost efficient outdoor storage have a number of different options to consider.   Wood framed metal sided structures are one of of the most common choices across the American landscape, however, one of the rapidly growing options is a fabric covered storage building.   Fabric storage buildings typically consist of polyethylene or PVC fabric which is tensioned to metal framework by ratchets and straps or another tightening mechanism.

Available building styles
     A number of different shapes are available including round and A-frame style (often called "peak" or "house" style).   The round style fabric storage buildings and sheds are most optimal for snow and wind related environments.    Moisture tends to "rolloff" of the sides more quickly are opposed to the peak style  buildings.   However, the peak style units allow for more interior storage volume per square foot when compared to the round shaped structures.   Some manufacturers may offer a "barn" style shed which provides a combination of both interior space and moisture rolloff.   These storage sheds are typically available in limited sizes.

Framework components
     Frames typically consist of galvanized or painted structural steel for excellent corrosion resistant properties.   Additional frame components consist of various brackets, fittings, bolts, screws, and other hardware depending on the type and style of fabric building.   Typical frame construction consists of round swaged sections of tubing which are connected by bolts or screws.   Frame construction does not allow for "sharp" hardware to contact the cover.   If sharp or protruding objects contact the cover, the fabric building cover may develop a hole or become damaged resulting in a leak.

Advantages of fabric buildings
     Many consumers may have reservations regarding the purchase of one of these portable buildings, however, many businesses and contractors utilize these structures due to the many advantages beyond cost.  In addition to cost, physically capable adults can complete assembly with no prior experience.  Smaller structures can be assembled using only common household tools.   Larger canopy buildings do require special equipment such as a lift.  Portability is a tremendous advantage for fabric storage buildings.   Unlike conventional wood or metal framed structures which are historically permanent, these units can be disassembled and relocated.

Strong consideration
When considering affordable outdoor storage options, the fabric building cannot be overlooked.   These value based storage shelters provide a cost efficient alternative to the traditional metal or wood building.