Since that incident, I always tell people not to buy the cheap low grade models, it is just not worth the aggravation and expense. You won't be saving anything! Buy a steel storage building or heavy duty portable garage with a 12.5 oz. cover and 3ft. rafter spacing. Either of the two will serve you better than the cheap models. But I have to tell you that even when you have a steel storage building or heavy duty portable garage, when there is more than a few inches of snow on either its best to gently brush it off, and be very careful not to scratch the steel building or tear the fabric on the portable garage. In the long haul the weather will take its toll on any type of structure, you can minimize the damage by removing excess weight. Heavy duty portable garages or steel storage buildings. Both have their plusses and minuses. Properly installing your building, by leveling the mounting surface, paying attention to making sure the water drains away from the structure and properly anchoring the building are first on the agenda. Good planning is essential. Be careful to keep a portable garage out of the direct sunlight and in the lee of the wind whenever possible. The sun and wind are the most detrimental elements for your cover. Finding a shady place behind a building to install your portable garage will help to preserve the cover, by reducing the covers exposure to UV rays. Don't install your building under trees whenever possible! Heavy wet snow may break off branches, ice storms will also tear off branches. If your trees are not properly pruned branches will shed causing even more damage. Also trees house insects and pests like squirrels, chipmunks that will get into your stored items. Any fabric type structure is prone to wind damage. Be sure to keep the cover tight but not excessively. The winter snow load may damage the cover if the cover is too tight, and you do not remove the heavy wet snow! Paul Barnes Washington Maine | 