A properly installed and well-maintained car shelter can get through several Quebec winters without issue. Most of the damage we hear about doesn't come from a manufacturing defect, but from rushed installation or a lack of maintenance during the season. Here's how to avoid the most common problems.
Solid Anchoring: The Foundation of Everything
Wind is often more damaging than the weight of snow. A poorly anchored shelter can lift or shift during a storm. Use anchors suited to your ground type (soil, gravel, asphalt, or concrete) and make sure they're driven in properly before the first snowfall. Our anchor set and permanent anchors are designed specifically to withstand winter winds.
Clearing Snow at the Right Time, the Right Way
Don't wait for snow to build up on the shelter's roof. Too much accumulation adds considerable weight to the structure and can deform or break it. Clear snow after every significant snowfall, ideally with a soft-bristled broom rather than a rigid shovel or a pointed object, which can puncture or tear the fabric.
Orienting the Shelter With the Prevailing Wind
When possible, position your shelter's opening away from the prevailing wind on your property. This reduces pressure on the fabric and the arches, and limits the risk of snow blowing inside the shelter.
Inspect After Every Major Storm
After a period of strong wind, take a quick walk around: check that the fabric is still taut, that the arches haven't shifted, and that the anchors are still holding. A problem caught early can be fixed in minutes; a problem left unchecked can lead to a complete structural failure.
Repair Rather Than Replace
A small tear or snag in the fabric doesn't mean you need to replace the whole shelter. Our fabric repair kit lets you quickly patch a hole and extend your structure's lifespan for a fraction of the cost of a new shelter.
Spring Maintenance
When the snow melts, clean the fabric with soapy water to remove salt and winter residue, and inspect the galvanized steel frame for any signs of rust at the weld points. If you take the shelter down for summer, fold the fabric without tight creases and store it in a dry place.
Questions about installing or maintaining your shelter? Check out our maintenance and repair accessories or reach us through our contact page.