Last month we introduced you to our new selection of carports and storage structures with a blog post offering general tips on how to use them. We discussed things such as positioning and local permitting issues. With winter setting in, we want to expand the discussion to specifically address winter concerns. Portable carports and storage buildings are suitable for most weather conditions, but there are some things that need to be paid attention to if you live in an environment that experiences harsh winter weather.
As we discussed in our previous post, snow is a major concern. Portable RV carports and storage structures are almost always built with an A-frame roof or a semi-dome design. This is on purpose. All of these designs are such that snow and rainfall off them very easily. But the designs are not foolproof. In especially heavy snowstorms where several inches are falling every hour, it is possible for snow to accumulate.
Preventing one of these structures from collapsing under the weight of heavy snow requires getting the snow off the roof as quickly as possible. The easiest way to accomplish this is to simply tap the underside gently with a broom or the snow brush from your car. Gravity will do the rest. If your structure is already bowing under the weight of the snow, it may not be safe to walk underneath. In that case, using a push broom gently on the exterior can solve the problem.
Anchoring Your Structure
It is imperative to anchor your carport or storage structure at least on the four corners. It’s even better if you can anchor along the sides as well. Anchors, by way of stakes driven into the ground, provide the structural integrity your carport needs to withstand windy conditions. Where winter is concerned, here is the most important thing you need to know: any stakes you drive into the ground may become immovable once a hard freeze sets in.
This is good in the sense that a hard freeze will prevent stakes from being pulled up even under very windy conditions. It is bad in the sense that stakes unable to flex with the wind may increase the chances of a carport’s material ripping or the metal frame bending if winds are extreme. Such conditions are rare, but they are possible. The solution is to use a two or three half-hitch knot on your anchor ropes. This kind of knot allows you to adjust the tension without having to move your anchors or the structure itself.
Extreme Temperatures
All of the carports and storage buildings we sell are manufactured using high-quality PVC fabric on top of galvanized steel frames. They will handle most winter weather without a problem. Having said that, extremely cold temperatures can make PVC fabric somewhat brittle. If your structure will be exposed to subzero temperatures for more than a day or so, it’s important that the fabric is secure enough to prevent it from moving in the wind. Otherwise, a combination of wind and ice can result in cracking.
If you can erect your portable carport or storage structure using a permanent storage building as a windbreaker, you will be better off in all four seasons. Keeping the wind at bay will go rather far in extending the life of your structure.
We invite you to browse our entire selection of portable carports and storage structures. Mytee Products has been supplying truck drivers and property owners with high-quality products like these for more than 30 years. All of our products are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
