subject: How To Maintain An Instant Garage [print this page] An instant garage has a tremendous number of advantages for its owners. These instant, fabric covered storage building are an alternative storage solution for cars, trucks, RVs, & boats. Advantages include: affordability, portability, and ease of construction (just to name a few). However, similar to any building structure or possession, it requires something that many garage owners seem to neglect: maintenance. Maintaining an instant garage is by no means difficult, however, to obtain long lasting durability from your investment there are a few guidelines to follow.
The first step is to assure that the building is properly assembled according to the manufacturer guidelines & instructions. Following the directions is essential is assuring long lasting protection. Many consumers desiring these products often are in a hurry and neglect many of the necessary steps.
The second step is to assure that the cover remains tight. Covers which become loose often reduce the life expectancy. Some manufacturers have built in designs to maintain tightness. Ratchet straps are a typical component of instant garages which are used to maintain cover tightness. If the fabric becomes loose, simply tighten the strap. Some manufacturers use bungee balls to maintain tightness.
A third step to is keep the outside of the shelter clean and free of debris. The quality and thickness of the fabric can play a key role with how quickly debris and cleanliness affect the durability. Debris such as tree limbs and rocks can damage the fabric and reduce the life expectancy. It is imperative that a fabric shelter never be positioned under a tree or any other location where an object can fall and damage the cover. Most garages can handle some snow loads, however, heavy snow and ice can place severe tension on the cover. Heavy snow and ice should be removed from all garages when possible.
A fourth step in maintenance is to keep the garage properly anchored. Garages which can shift or more severely be overturned or moved by wind can create heavy damage. Frequently verify that the anchors are secured. As a general rule, the manufacturers anchors should be used to anchor the structure. All garages have anchors included or can be purchased separately.
This article should not be substituted for the manufacturers guidelines for maintaining an instant garage, however, it can serve as a general guideline.
