One of the best features of a fabric shelter is that it’s relocatable. This makes them an ideal solution for companies in the mining & construction industries who are constantly moving to new sites & projects or need to relocate infrastructure as the site expands and changes. But the question is – what makes these fabric shelters relocatable?
There are 3 main features that make all fabric shelter sizes and types relocatable:
- The shelter comes in kit form
- Bolt together connections
- Simple fabric cladding
Let’s delve into these in a little more detail.
1. Shelter ‘kits’
Fabric shelters come in kit form, packed into a cradle (or cradles, depending on the size) for easy handling. The kit contains detailed yet easy assembly instructions and layout plans, which make it very clear how the shelters are installed or dismantled.
2. Bolt Together Connections
Ever played with meccano as a kid? The shelter frame components all bolt together in a similar way, just it’s oversized!
3. Simple Fabric Cladding
Fabric covers are mostly one piece and are secured to the frame via quick-release ratchet tensioners. This makes the shelters (especially the cladding) quick and easy to install in comparison to screwing on steel cladding. Installing the fabric cover is the quickest part of the installation process.
Whilst these features apply to all fabric shelter types, lets go into a little more detail regarding the container-mounted shelters. These type of shelters are arguably the most ‘relocatable’.
Container Shelter Foundations
Container shelters have very flexible foundation options. They can be bolted to piers, concrete slab and even ballast can be used as an alternative.
Container shelter fixed to piers.
Container Shelter Connections
The fabric shelters are fixed to containers with weld on brackets or twistlock beams. The ends of the twistlock beams are connected to the containers using the container twistlocks. Twistlock beams make installation and dismantle very simple and easy, especially if you plan to relocate the shelter on a regular basis.
The container-mounted shelter components are designed to fit inside shipping container, which makes it ideal for moving it to a new location.
Check out our top 13 Tips for Installing a Container Shelter.
In summary, fabric shelters can be relocated, and this provides a massive advantage over a steel shed which is difficult to relocate (check out the other advantages of fabric shelters vs steel sheds). Fabric shelters are ideal for applications where you’ll be moving from project to project, or moving as your site expands and changes.
But remember: fabric shelters are actually engineered to be permanent, so they can be erected and left up for decades!
