Temporary car shelter: Checklist for a safe car shelter

As winter approaches, temporary car shelters (temporary shelters) pop up in residential driveways.

Although these shelters provide many advantages, do not forget that they require rigorous maintenance throughout the winter.

Here is a checklist that will help you know everything about temporary shelters!

A good quality shelter makes all the difference

Several models are available on the market. Whether you opt for a double or single shelter, it is recommended that you choose a good quality covering that is designed for the Quebec climate. It should also have a strong structure.

Depending on your budget, you can rent a temporary shelter. If you choose this option, make sure that the installation, disassembly and storage costs are included.

Check with your municipality

Did you know that the installation standards for temporary shelters vary from one municipality to another?

Boroughs usually require that you maintain a distance between your shelter and the road, pedestrian walkways, fire hydrants and bike paths.

Some cities simply do not allow residents to install a temporary shelter.

In addition, you cannot install and store your shelter whenever you like. Do not take any chances and check your municipality’s rules. You will save yourself a lot of trouble and avoid getting a fine.

A well-installed shelter to protect your vehicle

Your house is ready for winter and it’s time to set up your car shelter structure?

This is a particularly important step which you should not take lightly. If your shelter is not installed correctly, it can be blown away by the wind and cause major material damages.

It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s guide when you install your car shelter for the winter. Make sure it’s anchored properly so that it withstands the winter weather.

According to Le Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), it is not safe to use concrete blocks to anchor the shelter. It is better to use permanent anchors. In addition, do not install anything between the structure and the fabric, since it could weaken your shelter.

Install the covering at the right time!

It’s best to wait until after the first snow to install the covering.

If you are not comfortable with installing your shelter on your own, certain businesses offer this service.

Clear the snow off the covering regularly and check the structure all winter

A temporary car shelter is not designed to support a large amount of snow. To prevent it from collapsing on your car or injuring a passerby, it is important to maintain your shelter all winter.

Here are a few things to remember:

• Regularly remove the snow from your shelter to prevent it from collapsing under the weight of the snow.
• Do not remove the snow from the inside because it could damage the covering.
• Regularly check the tension of the covering, anchors and bolts to ensure that everything is firmly in place.
• If you have to go away, ask someone you trust to remove the snow from your shelter.
• Make sure your shelter is well-anchored in the event of high winds. It will prevent your shelter from being carried away by the wind.
• Do not leave your vehicle’s motor running in your shelter. Even if air is circulating, there is still the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Consult our article clear snow off your property to reduce the risks of damage for more tips and advice on safe snow removal in winter.

Watch for warm spells

Watch the weather and make sure you remove the snow from your shelter if the forecast calls for a warm spell or rain. Rain and meting snow will add weight to your shelter.

Also think about closing the doors of the shelter when there are high winds, since the shelter can be carried away by the wind.

Store the shelter in a safe place

When spring comes, it will finally be time to store your temporary car shelter.

Before storing it, make sure that the covering is in good condition. If it is torn, make the necessary repairs so that it is in good condition for the next season.

Next, take the time to clean it with a mild detergent and make sure that it’s dry before storing it.

A poorly stored shelter can get damaged. It is recommended that you store it in a dry place protected from humidity.

Are you covered by your insurance policy?

If your shelter collapses on your vehicle, the damages are usually coved by your car insurance contract. If your shelter is damaged by wind or freezing rain, you will be covered by your home insurance contract. In these two cases, you must have the required protections in your contract to be compensated.

We hope that you will make the most of this advice and that you will benefit safely from your car shelter!