Portable garages are a practical way to protect your car if you do not have a budget or space for a permanent structure. They are very versatile, and you can use them not only to store your vehicle but also for purposes. In this post, I will share some tips to make your portable garages last longer.
Of course, the quality of materials in your carport directly affects its durability. To sustain the damages by environment elements such as snow, sun, and rain it is important to choose the good quality portable garage.
What can you do to make your portable garages last longer? From simple cleaning of the roof to keep an eye on any mold or mildew. Maintenance like painting the metal parts or re-treatment of fabric can significantly increase the life of your portable garages.
Below is the list to maintain and preserve portable garages and make them last longer
Clean the surrounding area
It is important to clean the surrounding areas where you assemble your garages. In nature, there are many plants and weed which can grow especially during summers and spring.
To avoid any damage to your portable garage from roots or branches of these plants it is important to clean them. I prefer to keep at least 2-4 feet around the area clean. This is very simple and effective as you just need to spend maybe like 5 minutes to pull out those plants.
It is important too as some small animals or poisonous insects can also take shelter in those plants or bushes.
Clean mildew and mold
If you ever used portable garages, awnings, or canopies then you probably know how mold and mildew can affect them. To make your portable garage last longer, keep the eyes on mold and mildew growth.
To clean them is also very simple, you will just need household bleach, liquid laundry detergent, and hot water.
Mix 1/4 cup of detergent, 1/2 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
Then use rag or sponge to apply it to your portable garage.
Wait for 10-20 minutes and then rinse the surface with water.
This trick will not allow any growth of mold and mildew and increase its lifespan.
Check the roof
Most of the complaints with portable garages are of the leaky roof or tearing of the top fabric. This is understandable as the roof part is more prone to damage because of constant beating by snow, rain, and even harmful UV rays. If you want your portable garage to last longer, it is better to keep an eye on it.
With regular checks, you have the chance to replace or repair the damaged roof before it destroys your whole tent. Also, make sure that roof fabric is always tight, so it doesn’t hold any water.
There are many replacement or repair kits on the market just make sure to buy the one suitable for your tent.
Check for damage on the frame
Like canopies, gazebos, or awning, your frame supports the overall structure. Make sure to check the frame so that your portable garage last longer.
Checking and maintaining the frame structure is important because an unstable frame can collapse anytime. This is not the only risk for your vehicle inside but also very dangerous for you.
I recommend you check the frame before assembling or assembly of your portable garage. It is also ideal to check them every month or two for cracks, fractures, or other issues. Also, do not forget about the joints and screws, make sure they are tightened and secure.
If you find any issues in the frame, then it is very important to fix it as soon as possible.
Paint the frame
Most good quality portable garages have powder-coating on the frame. This not only gives them a nice appearance but also save them from rust and corrosion.
In your regular inspection, you should check for any signs of rust, chipping, or corrosion. After how much time you need to re-paint depends on many factors such as:
- The weather in your area
- How much you use your tent
- Quality of the paint
- natural elements such as rain, snow, or sun
Make sure to properly check your frame before re-painting it. If you see any structural damage, rusting or corrosion repair it before painting.
You can use a protective layer of water and scratch-resistant paint to further increase your portable garage life.
Secure so your Portable Garages Last Longer
Snow, heavy rain, or windstorms can seriously damage your portable garage. Your garage has a high risk to break or collapse under those conditions if you do not secure it properly.
There are many accessories in the market such as anchoring kits, threaded rods, or weights to make them more secure.
You can choose from any of the accessories, just make sure it is suitable for the area where you are using your mobile garage.
Insects and bird’s infestation
With outside conditions, chances of having insects and bird infestation also increases. Make sure to check the exterior as well as the interior of your portable garage regularly for such infestations.
If ignored, wasp, bird, and insect nest can cause damage which might be impossible to fix. You can also spray pesticides or insecticides but make sure to take proper safety precautions.
Also, if there is any birds nest, its best to call some rescue service instead of going all hulk over them.
Re-treatment of fabric
With time, it is unavoidable to see the beating of nature on your portable garage fabric. The natural elements can damage and make your garage fabric less resistant to UV rays or water over time.
Regular re-treatment maintains and makes your portable garage last longer. This will bring your portable garage back to its formal glory.
Wash and clean
Dust, dirt, and other unavoidable natural elements such as bird poop are kind of common on portable garages. To avoid any damage from them, it is important to wash and clean your portable tent regularly.
You can simply use the water hose with low pressure to get rid of them. make sure to wash your garage on a sunny day, so it can dry faster.
Avoid those water pressure
The use of high-pressure water to clean your portable garage is never a good idea. High pressure of water can not only damage and tear the fabric but can also chip the frame or damage the paint.
Most fabrics of tents have a thin outer layer of water-resistant sealant. With high-pressure, there is always a possibility that you will damage that outer layer.
Conclusion
With little effort in regular inspection and maintenance, your portable garage last longer. With simple tips, you will not only save you money on buying a new garage but can also enjoy your portable garage to a full extent.
