outdoor shop, convert awning?

[Charles Neuman]

I'll be building outdoors, and I would like to be able to work through some of the winter. I'm thinking about those Cover-It tents that I see in the Jamestown Distributors catalog. Can you work in one of those with a portable heater?

I was also thinking about making a similar space out of the awning attached to my house. I have seen some restaurants that have awnings, and when it rains or gets cold, they have thick see-through plastic that rolls down to become walls. Has anyone tried something like that? Do you know where you could get some material like that?

Thanks,

Charles Neuman
Long Island, NY

[imported_Daniel]

Chas, I dont see why you couldnt work in one. I bought one 12'x20' at Cosco to use here. It was relatively cheap at $200 Cdn. for the whole shebang, poles (powder coated steel) and UV resitant covering. I would make sure you check the requirements for fresh air inlet size for the heater, and make sure you have it OR better yet, buy a heater that is rated for indoor use for no worries work. I'm not sure I would be doing any epoxy work in it over the winter, I dont think you could keep it warm enough, long enough. Other than that, I cant see any problems. Good luck.

[JimConlin]

If the space isn't insulated, you'll be shocked at the cost of heating it.
Don't consider using an un-vented fuel-burning heater. They consume oxygen which most of us need, and produce water vapor which condenses in the worst places.

[Torna]

My first thought would be to call companies in your area that rent tents for outdoor weddings &c. Some have heavy clear roll-up sides. I'd wonder what they do with old ones that might have a tear or be otherwise unsuitable for the pristine rental industry.

-leif

[raycon]

I have a couple of those cover-it garages. I've used a torpedo ,kerosun and propane heater in them at different times. The heaters will more than take the chill out of the air. What I like about using one in addition to a roof over my head in a field is I can flip it upside down and with a tractor skid them to the next project without disassembling -- rock wall repair,tractor,truck,etc.

[Duncan Low]

I have used one of the Cover-it garages to do a complete restoration of a 18 ft CC Riviera. They work great. I have used all types of heaters without any problems. When varnishing, I even used a 10'x10' Easy-up inside the Cover-it as a paint booth. I also have shelving and a work table along one side.

[Charles Neuman]

Thanks for the tips, folks.

I'll bet I could work in one of those shelters while it's still above 40 degrees outside, which includes most of fall and spring. If I have to take a break for a couple months in the winter, that's not a big deal.

Daniel seemed to buy his garage/tent locally. Where did other people get theirs? Shipping is somewhat expensive if I buy direct from Cover-It.

Charles

[Charles Neuman]

Actually, my latest plan is to try to enclose my permanent aluminum awning. I bought some 6 mil clear plastic sheeting for the walls, supported by wood where necessary. I will use the plastic for my first trial. If that goes well this winter, I can replace the plastic with awning material that I can buy from Sailrite. I can even make windows and a zipper door!

I'll post pictures if it looks good. But I probably won't complete it until the fall.

[ 07-14-2004, 06:26 PM: Message edited by: Charles Neuman ]