From the outside, the thought of a coverall storage building being able to withstand harsh Canadian winters almost seems impossible. How is a building made from fabric supposed to handle snow, wind, and freezing temperatures? Equally, how can it conceivably stay warm? There are a lot of misconceptions about coverall storage buildings, but one of the biggest is that they weren’t designed for long-term winter use. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Coverall Storage Buildings Perform Better Than Metal in Most Weather Conditions
When it comes to standing up to harsh weather conditions, coverall buildings outperform metal structures in several key areas. For starters, the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material used in fabric buildings has natural thermal properties that help retain heat. Even without insulation, the interior temperature of a coverall building will typically stay five degrees warmer than the outside temperature. On the other hand, metal buildings act like giant coolers, often getting colder than the outdoor temperature.
But in addition to superior thermal performance, fabric buildings are engineered to handle snow, rain, and wind. The tensile strength of HDPE fabric allows coverall storage buildings to shed snow more effectively than metal roofs, reducing the risk of heavy snow accumulation and structural damage. Unlike metal designs that face blunt resistance against harsh winds, fabric structures flex and deflect these forces, offering greater resilience.
Keeping Fabric Buildings Warm and Comfortable
While the thermal properties of fabric buildings make the inside naturally warmer than the outside, these buildings can easily be customized with added features that can make them fully functional for year-round operations in winter climates.
Insulation Options
Insulation is key for maintaining temperatures inside fabric storage buildings and warmth, especially those serving as workshops, being used for livestock, or other purposes that require a comfortable temperature. Modern coverall structures can be outfitted with insulation packages customized to the building’s needs. These packages include insulation materials with varying R-values, which measure thermal resistance. For Canadian winters, an R-30 insulation is typically recommended, though R-60 options are available for maximum efficiency in the coldest environments.
Not only does insulation keep the cold out, but it also improves soundproofing—a valuable feature for recreational or event-focused fabric buildings.
Heating Systems
Adding a heating system is another optional step for optimizing coverall buildings during the winter. Options include radiant heaters, or forced-air systems, depending on the building’s purpose and layout. For structures with frequent traffic, such as warehouses with large overhead doors, air curtain ventilation systems can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Whether powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity, heating systems can be tailored to the specific requirements of the building and installed seamlessly. With these add-ons, fabric structures can stay warm and comfortable even in the harshest conditions.
A Durable, Dependable Winter Storage Solution
Far from being a temporary or flimsy option, coverall storage buildings are built to last through Canadian winters. Their ability to withstand heavy snow loads, deflect wind, and maintain a dry, warm interior makes them a superior choice for storage, workshops, and more.
From their durable HDPE fabric to customizable insulation and heating solutions, coverall buildings prove that staying warm and dry in the winter doesn’t have to mean compromising on performance or comfort.
Looking for a winter storage solution that’s as tough as your needs? Consider a fabric building so it’s a choice that won’t leave you out in the cold.
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