FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long has Shelter Structures, Inc. been in business?
We've been in business for over 20 years, providing portable building shelters for a wide variety of applications to customers all over the world.

Are you a public company?
No, we're a family-owned business which is reflected in our wholehearted commitment to our customers.

What are your shelters made of?
A shelter from Weather Block & Poly-Steel Shelters consists of a strong, clear-span frame of galvanized steel arches covered with a skin of weatherproof, heavy-duty reinforced fabric.

What applications can your shelters be used for?
Our shelters can provide weather protection or containment solutions for virtually any type of location anywhere in the world. Our shelters are currently used at airports, factories, marine yards, construction sites, quarries, convention centers, playgrounds and water treatment plants.

Are your shelters permanent or temporary structures?
Our shelters are extremely durable. They can be either permanent or temporary based on your needs. Most of the shelters we delivered 5, 10, 15 and even 20 years ago are still in use.

What sizes are available?
Shelters can be sized and shaped to meet your specific requirements. They can range in size from 12 feet to 150 feet wide, up to 100 feet high and up to any length.

Can I alter the size of a shelter if my needs change?
Because our shelters are built with modular units, they can easily and cost effectively be shortened or lengthened.

Can I move my shelter to a location when done with a project?
Yes, our shelters are very portable. All shelters can be loaded right onto a truck. Larger shelters may require use of a crane.

Are your shelters weatherproof?
Yes, they are made of weatherproof, heavy-duty reinforced fabric. They can withstand wind and snow loads for almost any conditions and can be as safely used in the tropics as in the Arctic.

Can shelters have ventilation, air-conditioning and heat?
Yes, shelters can be open air or fully enclosed. If enclosed, they can have ventilation, filtration, air-conditioning and heat.

Can shelters be wired for electricity?
Yes, our shelters are completely customizable including electrical requirements.

Are shelters dark inside?
No, they let in natural light, giving a pleasant, sunny-day feeling. Additional lighting can also be installed. We can help you select lighting that will be most effective for your particular application.

Do shelters need foundations?
In most cases, no foundation is needed. You can mount your shelter on dirt, gravel, asphalt, pilings, barges, or concrete, making it easy to relocate your shelter when desired.

Can you help me design a custom shelter?
Our design engineers can make recommendations based on your application and available space. We can work from photos, blueprints, measurements, etc. If necessary, we will come to your location and do a comprehensive site survey.

How long does it take to build a shelter?
Most shelters can be designed and built in under one month. Large, complex structures may take a little longer.

How long does it take to install a shelter?
Installation of small shelters can usually be done in one day. Large, complex structures may take a few days.

Can I install a shelter myself?
Yes, we'll give you complete instructions. Installation does not require skilled labor or any special tools.

Are the shelters flammable?
No, they are made out of flame-resistant fabric.

Do the shelters comply with building codes?
Yes, they comply with building codes and are structurally sound even in harsh weather environments.

Do the shelters require any maintenance?
No, they are virtually maintenance free. Cleaning of their exterior walls can be done with pressure washers much like the walls of a conventional building.

Are shelters likely to get struck by lightning?
They are no more likely to get struck by lighting than conventional buildings. We also install lighting rods on our shelters for added protection.

What are the acoustics like in a shelter?
The shelters have sound-dampening properties, a real benefit when they're used in construction projects.

How are shelters priced?
Because every shelter is a custom design, prices vary accordingly. We quote every shelter individually, taking into consideration its size, shape, accessories and other features. If you're comparing our prices to that of a conventional building, you'll probably find you can realize a savings of up to 30% when you look at both material and construction cost.

What kind of warranty comes with a shelter?
We guarantee all of our shelters for one year and the fabrics for up to 10 years. However, even after one year, we are always available to provide any recommendations or do any repair work necessary throughout the life of the shelter.

Does a market exist for me to resell my shelter when done?
Yes, there is a resale market for used shelters. We can assist you with reselling if you like.