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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Storage tent buildings offer consumers, business owners, farmers, military, and contractors quick storage solution
Cost minded consumers and business owners seeking outdoor storage space for equipment, RV's, vehicles, boats, and bulk storage have quickly become aware that conventional steel and wood storage buildings can be quite costly and time consuming to construct from start to finish. Due to these ‘road blocks’, storage tent buildings have quickly become the popular outdoor storage alternative due to their cost efficiency, portability, and ease of construction. The cost and time required to obtain building permits for a permanent building has added to the frustration of many consumers, agricultural professionals, and business owners who need outdoor storage space. The majority of storage tent buildings are considered to be portable which deems them temporary in nature. Because of this, fabric covered storage tents and buildings have rapidly taken hold as the cost efficient and durable solution for outdoor storage for large and small items. Frequent applications of tent building products include equipment, vehicle, industrial, warehousing, and bulk material storage.
There are a number of advantages that storage tent buildings offer when compared to the conventional wood, brick, or metal permanent storage building. Cost efficiency, flexibility, and ease of construction are a few of the benefits that need to be compared. When comparing the cost of a wood or steel building, a polyethylene covered storage tent building is just a fraction of the total cost. Ease of construction is another notable advantage as these structures can be quickly assembled on any level mounting surface including poured concrete pads, blacktop, dirt, gravel, and even wood header walls for added inside clearance. Many consumers will place their storage tent building on a wood post header wall for additional internal clearance. In situations where bulk materials are being sheltered, the wall provides a durable foundation and anchoring platform. In addition, storage tent buildings traditionally do not require permits for construction approval, however, it is recommended to consult with local zoning and building authorities prior to purchase.
The durable framework is traditionally manufactured of round or square galvanized structural steel tubing for corrosion resistance. A variety of fastening hardware such as framing brackets, pipe clamps, and connectors complete the frame assembly. Many manufacturers use corner bracing to provide additional stability in harsh weather environments while others use cables and other bracing hardware. Storage tent buildings are freely standing, however, a rugged anchoring system is required to secure it to the mounting surface. If the building is mounted to a wood header wall, concrete blocks, or a poured wall, the wall provides the anchoring base. In general, most manufacturers provide base mounting plates which have pre drilled holes to mount to wood, steel, or concrete.
Covers are conventionally manufactured from woven coated polyethylene which is heat sealed at the seams to prevent water and moisture intrusion into the building. Some manufacturers may use a slightly different textile such as PVC. Regardless of the cover material that is utilized, these materials can offer years of protection with the correct care and maintenance. Covers are tensioned tightly to the storage tent frame utilizing a commercial grade tensioning system that uses ratchets, straps, and cables depending on the design of that specific building. Pockets are thermally fused into the cover on both sides extending the full length of the building. Steel piping is inserted into the pockets on both sides of the cover. Polyester straps are installed around the steel pipe in the pocket by carefully placing a small slit into the pocket (being careful not to cut the main cover). The straps are then inserted into rugged steel ratchets that are secured to the bottom of the frame or the wall on which the building is mounted. Tightening the steel ratchets places tension on the cover in all directions. Proper care and maintenance involves keeping the cover tight to the framework. Loose covers can cause moisture 'puddling' and debris to gather in certain areas which can reduce the life expectancy of the cover. It is also important to keep any debris such as sharp objects from collecting on the cover as this can reduce cover life expectancy. Debris such as tree limbs and other sharp objects can be especially harmful in nature.
As previously noted, buildings constructed on poured walls, concrete blocks, concrete pads, containers, and wood header walls do not require additional anchoring. Storage tents erected on dirt, gravel, or asphalt surfaces require additional security to prevent damage to the structure and its interior contents. Steel auger anchors are frequently used for dirt, gravel, and asphalt surfaces. The majority of these buildings will include steel base mounting plates with predrilled mounting holes attached to the bottom of each leg. The mounting holes allow the building to be fastened to wood headers, concrete slabs, and steel beams. The mounting plates also help to prevent the tent building from sinking on soft surfaces such as sand and dirt.
Each consumer ultimately has a different situation and application when deciding the size of storage tent building that is required to meet their shelter needs. Regardless of the outdoor storage situation, tent storage buildings can provide many years of protection.