GETSUP buyer guide · Last reviewed September 18, 2026
A fabric storage shelter is a system made up of a frame, cover, doors, anchoring and site interface. Buying by outside dimensions and cover colour alone can lead to access, permitting, snow, wind, foundation or installation problems.
Start with the material or equipment that must be protected and the exact site. Then compare only models whose documented configuration fits that use and location.
Quick answer
Define clear usable width, length and height; door opening; site boundaries and drainage; foundation and anchors; local snow/wind exposure; intended duration and use; permit and engineering requirements; unloading equipment; installation access; and maintenance responsibility. Treat every rating as model-specific.
Size the usable space, not only the footprint
Sketch the plan and cross-section. A round-roof shelter can have less usable height near the sides than its peak height suggests. Confirm interior clear dimensions and door geometry from the exact model drawing.
- Largest equipment or material dimensions, including mirrors, attachments and turning space
- Required clear aisle, work area and safe separation from the cover
- Door width and height after framing, tensioning and threshold details
- Sidewall clearance where the roof curves inward
- Space for pallets, racks, snow-management access and inspection
- Setbacks, utilities, overhead lines, drainage routes and emergency access
Compare frame configurations
| Feature | Why it matters | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Single vs double truss | Changes frame construction and intended scale/application | Exact truss drawing and model documentation |
| Arch spacing | Influences number of frames and structural layout | Model-specific spacing; do not infer strength from spacing alone |
| Round vs peak roof | Affects interior envelope, drainage and appearance | Cross-section and door location |
| Steel treatment | Relevant to corrosion protection | Material/coating specification and maintenance guidance |
| Connections and bracing | Transfer loads through the structure | Complete parts list, drawings and installation sequence |
Compare cover materials carefully
GETSUP’s current range includes model-specific PE and PVC covers at different listed weights, including examples around 300 g/m² PE, 420 g/m² PVC and 610 g/m² PVC. Weight and polymer name are useful comparison fields, but they do not by themselves establish life, fire performance, cold-weather performance or structural capacity.
Ask for the exact cover specification, UV treatment, temperature limits, flame or fire documentation where required, seams, fastening/tensioning system, repair method and warranty. Confirm whether end walls and doors use the same material.
Weather and structural documentation
Do not transfer a rating from one size, frame spacing or cover option to another. If the product page does not show a verified value, request the documentation before making a site or permit decision.
- Exact model snow and wind information, including units and assumptions
- Whether the data is a design load, test value or other manufacturer statement
- Engineering drawings or calculations available for the jurisdiction
- Foundation and anchor configuration assumed by the documentation
- Required snow-removal, cover-tension and inspection procedures
- Restrictions for exposed, coastal, high-wind or heavy-snow sites
Site, foundation and anchoring
The site must be graded and drained so water, ice and snowmelt do not undermine the support or enter the stored area. Foundation and anchoring may use engineered concrete, suitable earth anchors, blocks or compatible shipping containers depending on the exact system and approved installation.
Anchors are part of the load path, not optional accessories. Soil, frost, fill, pavement, concrete condition, container condition and edge distances can all affect the design. Obtain site-specific direction where required.
Delivery and installation plan
| Stage | Questions to close |
|---|---|
| Before order | Permit/zoning path, engineered documents, site and configuration approved |
| Freight | Package dimensions/weight, delivery appointment, road access and unloading equipment |
| Site preparation | Survey, grading, drainage, foundation and utility locates complete |
| Assembly | Crew, lift equipment, fall protection, wind limits, parts inventory and supervision |
| Handover | Tension, anchors, doors, inspection photos, manuals and maintenance log |
| Operation | Weather monitoring, snow plan, periodic inspections and repair process |
Quotation checklist
- Exact model, outside and clear interior dimensions
- Frame/truss layout, arch spacing, steel specification and bracing
- Cover polymer, weight, colour, treatment, documentation and warranty
- Door count, type, clear opening and hardware
- End walls, vents and accessories included
- Model-specific snow/wind documentation
- Foundation/anchor package and assumptions
- Engineering/permit documents and exclusions
- Freight, unloading, installation, equipment and site-work responsibilities
- Inspection, retensioning, snow management and warranty conditions
Frequently asked questions
What size storage shelter do I need?
Add access aisles, turning room, door clearance, sidewall curvature and maintenance space to the stored item dimensions. Verify clear interior dimensions on the exact drawing.
Is a heavier fabric always better?
A heavier listed cover may suit more demanding use, but weight alone does not establish durability, fire behaviour, cold-weather suitability or structural rating. Compare the complete specification.
What is the difference between PE and PVC covers?
They are different cover systems with model-specific weight, construction and performance. Compare exact documentation, treatment, temperature limits, tensioning, repair and warranty rather than polymer name alone.
Do storage shelters need permits in Ontario?
Requirements depend on municipality, area, use, duration, attachment, location and other factors. Confirm with the local building and zoning authorities before purchase or installation.
Can a fabric shelter stay up all winter?
Only if the exact model, site, foundation and maintenance plan are suitable and all local requirements are met. Snow and wind information is model-specific.
Does the shelter include anchors?
Packages vary. Confirm the exact anchor components, their intended substrate and whether site-specific engineering or different anchors are required.
Can I install a shelter on asphalt?
Asphalt alone may not provide the required structural anchorage. The support and anchor design must be matched to the site and manufacturer/engineering requirements.
How is a large shelter unloaded?
Large packages may require a forklift, telehandler, crane or other receiving equipment. Confirm package weights, carrier method, site access and responsibility before shipping.
Can GETSUP install the shelter?
Installation availability depends on model, location, site readiness and scope. Request a written quote that separates product, freight, site work, equipment, installation and permit/engineering responsibilities.
Official references
Related GETSUP resources
Get a model-specific recommendation
Send GETSUP your load, pallet or platform dimensions, aisle or site measurements, operating environment, delivery postal code and target date. Our team can narrow the current options and flag information that still needs to be confirmed before an order.
Contact GETSUP · 905-569-8898 · info@getsupinc.com · Local pickup at 2585 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.