subject: Portable Shelters: Good or Bad Purchase? [print this page] With the increasing popularity of portable shelters across the country, many consumers are asking the same question: Are portable shelters a good or bad purchase? Most shelter owners use these value based alternative structures as permanent or temporary storage for cars, trucks, RVs, boats, garden equipment, & bulk materials. Many consumers are still hesitant to make a purchase due to lack of general knowledge regarding the product. A portable shelter is a structure which typically consists of a structural metal framework (generally round or steel tubing) and a fabric cover. The fabric material usually consists of either polyethylene of PVC (poly vinyl chloride). Both of these components are extremely critical in determining the quality of the shelter product. The metal framework is the so called skeleton of the shelter building. The more sturdy the framework, the longer the building will last. Most portable shelters have rib (or rafter) spacing between 3-6 feet. Less rib spacing typically means more rigidity. Four foot rib spacing is extremely common. The tubing diameter and thickness are also very important. Heavier tubing thickness typically results in a more rigid structure. The material which fastens tight to the frame is typically polyethylene or PVC. The thickness or weight/sq yard is extremely important. As a general guideline, heavier material results in longer cover life. The cover usually consists of an inner scrim (similar to a mesh type material) with an outer and inner poly coating. The outer coating and scrim serve as the UV resistant barriers. The inner coating is generally white to enhance illumination so consumers can view the contents inside of the portable shelter. Many covers can fade with time, which usually results from heavy sunlight. The life expectancy of the portable shelter cover material can range from 3-25 years depending on owner care, sunlight exposure, precipitation exposure, & fabric tightness. If a hole develops, it is imperative to repair the defect quickly so it does not expand. Portable shelters are a great purchase if purchased properly. Due to the many different variations of shelter products that exist, prospective buyers must first understand their individual storage needs & budget prior to purchasing the product.
Portable Shelters: Good or Bad Purchase?
By: Doug Ruhenkamp
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