Any suggestions for a portable garage which could survive in Alberta winters and cost less than $500?

[arthur13]

I'm planning to set up a portable garage on my acreage in Alberta. Does anyone have recommendations for a portable garage that can survive Alberta winters and costs less than $500?

I've read quite a few stories about portable garages collapsing in heavy snow or being blown away by strong winds. I'd love to hear about models that have held up well for you, especially through multiple winters.

Any recommendations or tips for anchoring and reinforcing them would also be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Captain Spaulding]

$500 is probably below the threshold to accomplish what you want. A conex box may be your cheapest option. Pricing varies with location somewhat. Last ones I got were ~$3500 delivered.

 

[arthur13]

Thanks. I just need a 12x20 feet single car garage.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I have a 12 by 20 frame given to me. I strapped it with 1x6 approximately 3' on center then I temporary stapled some 12mil heat shrink fire resistant poly over that then permanently attached some lath over top. Then I shrunk the poly. That has held up for 4 years so far. 2 sides are tied to a chain link fence. Its solid. If I didn't have chain link and I was exposed to high wind I would dig a 6" hole for concrete anchor on each corner. I wouldn't bother with the 1x6 at the ridge if I was to do it again. And no need to heat every square foot, just heat what you can reach easily and it all will pull tight. And that is key, no loose flapping or it will eventually pull loose from the strapping.
The cheap 12x20 Shelterlogic fabric ripped apart after 2 years, not recommended.

PS, I'm near Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 

[PoorUB]

No help from me, but years ago, where I worked my boss shows up with one of these "tents" and has the shop guy set it up behind the main building. He didn't like it when I told him the first good wind we get, it would be gone. Fast forward about six months and we get a blizzard. When we get back into the shop and clear away snow they guys kept finding metal framework from the tent. We never did find the canvas, and the shop guys had fastened it well to the ground. Some of the uprights were still fastened to the ground but the upper framework twisted and torn off.

 

[mikedodge]

I have one of those curved top shelter logic ones and it lasted through winter but I had to stay on top if keeping the snow off it and from around it. That's what wrecks them. Nothing but a real building will last through that.