Wind Cover
November 132008
A fabric covered storage canopy has a tremendous number of advantages for its owners. These 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 a storage canopy 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 are often 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 storage canopies 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 is to 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 canopies 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 canopies when possible.
A fourth step in maintenance is to keep the canopy properly anchored. Canopies which can "shift" or more severely be overturned or moved by wind can result in heavy damage. Frequently verify that the anchors are secured. As a general rule, the manufacturer's anchors should be used to anchor the structure. All canopies have anchors included or can be purchased separately.
A storage canopy can provide years of protection from the elements. This article should not be substituted for the manufacturers' guidelines for maintaining a storage canopy, however, it can serve as a general guideline.
Blowin' In The Wind (Cover)
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US $47.53
