With the fall weather rolling in you can also expect rain storms, plenty of wind, and the winter season to be close behind and with winter comes the dreaded cold and snow. These elements can wreak havoc on your vehicles so it is important to keep them protected when you can. Your first thought may be to park the car in the garage but what if your home doesn’t have enough garage space for all of the cars or you are utilizing the garage for other purposes? The portable garage is an excellent solution to your parking conundrum and you’ll be ready to park in no time at all when choosing any of these portable garages.

6′ x 10′ x 6’6″ Shelterlogic Shed-in-a-Box Heavy Duty Shed – This portable garage is a great choice for those who need to park a smaller vehicle such as a motorcycle or an ATV. The petit size of this shed makes it an excellent choice if you are concerned about something taking up too much space in your driveway or elsewhere on your property. This small shed also packs a lot of punch as it is incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear that it may incur over time.

08′ x 16′ x 08′ RoundTop Garage – This portable garage is a great option for those who are interested in a bit more space and may need more overhead space for a taller vehicle such as an SUV or a boat. The round top of this portable garage combined with the durability make it a great choice for vehicle storage year round. This garage comes in both standard and heavy duty material so if you know that it is going to be assembled in a location with particularly harsh weather you may want to choose the heavy duty material to ensure the lifespan of the garage is long.

09′ x 20′ x 10′ Peak Style Garage – This is one of our larger portable garages that is sure to offer the ample storage space that you need while ensuring that everything is excellently protected. This garage also comes in the heavy duty or the standard material so if you live in an area where the weather isn’t too terrible and you know you’re only going to be parking one vehicle then the standard material may be a great choice for you. This portable garage will offer all of the overhead space you could ever need making it great for parking larger trucks and storing equipment and tools.

It doesn’t take much to realize that the world is going green and a part of this green movement is something as simple as recycling. People are able to recycle everything from junk mail and cardboard boxes to plastic disposable food containers and soda cans. Recycling has grown in popularity in recent years and one community environmental center is doing something to promote recycling even further and make it simpler.

Those who visit the Carver County Environmental Center in Chaska, Minnesota will be able to easily dispose of waste and recyclables without being subject to the elements or even getting out of their vehicles thanks to a recently built canopy. This new canopy was built over the summer and cost $125,000 to be completed, reported the Chanhassen Villager.

“Mike Lein, environmental services manager, said the canopy has made the flow of traffic at the site better and provides protection from the elements for residents as they drop off their materials.

Use of the facility has shown steady growth since it opened in 2002, with the number of visitors expected to reach about 25,000 again this year, Lein said.”

Visitors to the Carver County Environmental Center have been using this canopy for several weeks now and only have positive things to say about it. Those who wish to recycle will no longer have to step out into the cold Minnesota winters as employees at the Carver County Environmental Center are glad to help with pulling the items right from the vehicles.

“Lein said the canopy has been a long time in the making. It was originally envisioned to be part of the original construction. Until this fall, the site was the only one of its kind in the metro area without a canopy, he said.”

Hopefully other recycling centers around the country will follow suit and install canopies to encourage people to begin recycling and to make it a simpler task.

If you have read a newspaper or watched a newscast lately you probably know that the world is ‘Going Green’. It is important to preserve the earth and people and corporations are beginning to take note of this. One larger-than-life organization is displaying their efforts to ‘Go Green’ in an upcoming event that is going to be viewed around the country – the 63^rd Annual Primetime Emmy Award Show. A solar canopy built out of 225 high-performance solar panels will be gracing the red carpet, reported Market Watch.

“The 50-kilowatt system goes prime time during the official live pre-show “Countdown To the Emmys,” airing Sunday, Sept. 18 (7:00-8) on FOX, where the hottest names in American television will strut beneath the solar awning outside the Nokia Theatre at the L.A. Live entertainment center in downtown Los Angeles. Reliably drawing 12-13 million viewers, the awards show acts as a celebration of popular culture. In that light, this year’s show will present solar power as an energy option available to regular homeowners around the country and even the world.”

It is crucial that solar canopies are featured at more high profile events in the future to ensure those watching from home consider adding solar energy to their home. Many seem to fear that solar energy is not a viable option but it is actually quite possible and the solar power conserves a great deal of energy. While a 225-solar panel canopy may not be going up at private residences any time soon homeowners can use solar panels on a much smaller scale to go green.

“The Emmys spotlight the tastes, trends and technologies which viewers nationwide are tuning into in their lives,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. “This year’s show will mark the historical moment when solar power made its debut in American popular culture.”

The city of Whangarei, New Zealand has recently installed canopies above the Market Bridge where residents of the town will be able to walk, talk, and dine while taking in the beauty of the area. On Saturdays local merchants set up on the bridge to sell handcrafts and art to those passing by. While the residents of Whangarei were able to access the bridge prior the installation of the canopies people are now able to relax in the shade instead of beneath the beaming sun, reported The Northern Advocate.

But the canopy was not the only addition to the Market Bridge:

“The combination of the Paint it Red glow of the Market Bridge, the new Hub transport centre and Art Museum, and palm trees which have sprouted at full height has given Whangarei a spruced-up and progressive appearance before the Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday.

Mayor Morris Cutforth met about 50 citizens taking in the new sights when he and his wife Jill took a walk there on Sunday.”

While all of these additions are wonderful and are sure to draw people to Whangarei the canopy is going to draw something else in: an award. “The Market Bridge is expected to pick up an award in a competition run by the Lightweight Structures Association of Australasia.”

The Market Bridge canopy was one of three canopies built by Fabric Structure System, but the one located in Whangarei is “technically unusual” said Fabric Structure System co-owner, Warwick Bell. “It’s an architectural award winner for us,” Mr Bell predicted.

It is apparent that canopies are gaining popularity in New Zealand, but are other parts of the world following suit? If you follow our blog regularly you have probably read about similar countries popping up in other countries but the canopy in Whangarei is quite unique in its shape and because of the materials it is made of. As time passes canopy technology will advance and we are sure to see a plethora of other types of canopies popping up.

Now that Hurricane Irene has ripped up the East Coast there is quite a bit of wreckage left behind. The powerful hurricane ripped shingles and sidings off homes, blew trees over, and caused a laundry list of other problems. If you accidentally left a canopy out when the hurricane hit there is a good chance that it blew away entirely or now has rips and tears in the fabric. Instead of just throwing your canopy away or wishing you had a new one it is a great idea to purchase a replacement or replacement parts.

If you have found that your canopy is still intact but just has rips and tears in the covers you can easily purchase replacements. The majority of canopy retailers will sell canopy replacement covers for the canopies they sell and maybe even more. Many replacement covers come in a variety of colors so if you have decided that you want something different after the storm damaged your canopy now would be a great time to switch it up a bit. And regardless of the type of canopy you have, whether it is a party canopy or a portable garage you will be able to easily find a replacement cover with the right amount of research on your canopy retailer website.

If your canopy was destroyed beyond repair or blew away entirely you may want to consider purchasing a new canopy. If you already had a canopy you probably are well aware of how useful they are. Canopies are typically incredibly durable and will last you for years to come, unless of course, a hurricane happens to blow through town ripping everything from your yard. But next time if you hear that a hurricane is coming you may want to stow your canopy away in a secure location where it won’t be at risk of blowing away.

So order your replacement canopy or replacement canopy cover today to start enjoying using a canopy again. With the use of a canopy you will be able to stay out of the sun or the rain, as long as it’s not pouring to hard, and a variety of other elements.

If you have been searching for a way to spread the word about your company you may be making public appearances at trades hows or other outlets. While some people may just use tables with signage for their public appearances you may want to consider using trade show booths or promotional canopies. An addition of one of these unique tents to your company could be just what you’ve been looking for to help your company stand out from the crowd.

If you do decide to utilize a trade show booth or canopy the first thing that you must determine is where you are going to use it at most frequently. If you know that you will be presenting primarily at trade shows then a trade show booth will be the right choice for you. But if you plan on promoting your company in more informal locations a canopy will be sufficient. Whatever type of structure you end up choosing you will want to have your company’s name and logo printed on the materials for the most effective advertising and marketing.

It is also important to consider the environment that you will be using these portable structures in. I you know you are going to be outside where it is frequently chilly and rainy then you may want to choose a booth with sides for the ultimate protection. Mesh side walls are another excellent thing to use for a trade show booth in order to keep pests out when you are outdoors. If you are going to primarily be indoors then a canopy will get the job done and it will serve as an excellent sun shade on the occasions that you are promoting your company outdoors.

By having a trade show booth or canopy with your company’s name printed on it you will be effectively setting yourself apart from the crowd. By seeing your name atop the structure people will remember your company and the professionalism that you exuded. So contact a canopy retailer today to get on the right road to your next trade show.

If you have ever discovered that you need parking alternatives either at your home or on the go you may want to consider investing in portable garages. Portable garages can be very useful either at home or when you are out and about traveling. You may be unfamiliar with portable garages and may have never seen one before but once you invest in one and use one you will be sure to find it highly convenient and will always have a parking solution on hand. Regardless of the type of vehicle you need to park there are a wide variety of portable garages available to meet all of your needs. Here is a bit of information about each of the primary types of portable garages.

Portable Car Garage – A vehicle, whether it is a car or truck, is often the most common thing that will need to be parked safely. When cars are exposed to the elements such as the sun’s harsh UV rays, rain, snow, and hail they can be aesthetically damaged which can lead to costly repairs. Vehicle portable garages come in a variety of sizes to accommodate each of your vehicles. You can also easily find portable garages to fit multiple vehicles to meet the needs of your multi-car family.

Motorcycle Portable Garages – Motorcycles may be a hobby or your main mode of transportation but whatever you use your motorcycle for it is important to keep it protected from the elements such as sun and rain. By parking your motorcycle beneath a motorcycle portable garage you are ensuring that your bike has the most secure protection. Motorcycle portable garages are made to be a smaller size to fit bikes perfectly.

RV Portable Garages– If you have an RV your family probably enjoys spending a lot of their time on the open road. While RVs can bring a great deal of fun to any outing it can also be difficult to store at the end of the trip. In order to ensure a long life for your RV it is a good idea to keep it protected from the elements; unfortunately your RV is probably too large to keep in your garage. This is where a RV portable garage will come in handy – you will be able to quickly set up a garage and take it on the go wherever your RV goes.

Portable garages are a great way to ensure that all of your vehicles, no matter how versatile they are, have a protected parking spot.

Going green is a trend that has been popping up all over the world, and automobile manufactures are jumping on this trend, including General Motors and Chevrolet. Chevrolet has recently released the Volt, an electric vehicle that needs to be charged regularly. In order to accommodate the Volt’s charging needs two Chevy dealerships have made the move to install solar canopies, reported Automobile Magazine.

The canopies will primarily serve as an electric charging station with the capacity to replenish a dozen Chevy Volts daily. Additionally, the extra power harnessed from the sun can be fed back to the grid to supplement the dealership’s energy usage. Better yet, it will cost the dealers nothing to have the Green Zone canopies installed on their lots.

“The question isn’t whether to install a solar canopy; it’s where and how many,” said Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. “It’s a win for us because the electricity generated will help reduce operating costs, and it’s a win for the environment since solar power helps reduce our carbon footprint.”

The two dealerships that are taking advantage of the solar canopies are located in Modesto, California and Grand Blanc, Michigan. One of the canopies at either of these two lots produces enough electricity to power two or three homes per year to give you an idea of how much power they are generating.

While these solar canopies are just being installed at two dealerships as of right now they could be a sign of things to come in the future. With more and more electric car prototypes being announced every day more dealerships may opt to have solar canopy charging stations for their electric or hybrid vehicles.

Not only will dealerships be able to charge their vehicles but they will also be able to give back to the grid meaning that they will be benefiting the greater good in the end. With gas prices constantly on the rise more and more people are leaning towards electric or hybrid vehicles meaning that the investments for solar canopies by automotive manufacturers will quickly see a return.

If you have ever been to a sporting event in a venue without a canopy then you can probably attest to how uncomfortable it can be sitting in the hot sun. With the opening of a new soccer venue in Kansas City, KS the architects and designers wanted to keep the fans in mind and protect them from the sun and heat while still ensuring the most optimal conditions for the players on Sporting Kansas City, the city’s MLS team. The stadium, which has been named LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, was built with the fans and players in mind and is a beautiful example of high-tech architecture. But the one feature of the stadium that everyone who worked on the project seems to be most proud of is the translucent crystalline canopy which shades all 18,500 seats and diffuses light onto the field.

Everyone had high hopes for this $200 million new home for the Major League Soccer team but no one was exactly sure just how ground breaking it would be going into the project. This canopy has been determined to be the largest polycarbonate canopy in North America. But polycarbonate was not the first choice for the canopy material; the firm that designed the canopy also considered fabric, ETFE pillows, and glass panels but none of them worked just right. The translucent polycarbonate gives the desired appearance while shading all of the seats and reflecting “the roar of the fans, amplifying to sound to create an electric place to be,” reported Reuters.

“Meeting the architect’s demands for this unique project was a function of understanding a multifaceted challenge,” said David Miller, Duo-Gard’s president. That challenge included several specific goals for the stadium’s polycarbonate canopy, more than 1800 feet long, ranging from 25 feet to 70 feet in depth.

The structural demands were extraordinary. In meeting them, Duo-Gard’s engineers created a low-profile, long-span system with performance and savings unprecedented in the industry.

While this canopy is ground breaking for designers and fans alike it is also bringing something unique for the players:

“One impetus for the canopy was to provide an intimate environment that would amplify the crowd’s noise; that’s why we covered every seat. Another factor was shading the crowd without shutting off the sunlight we needed to maintain the natural grass that Major League Soccer prefers,” said Spear. He said they wanted to avoid grow-lights while ensuring that the field had the best opportunity to flourish.

So if you want to see the largest polycarbonate canopy in America make sure you make your way to Kansas City to see a Sporting Kansas City match this summer.

The summer months are in full swing and the heat and sun are more powerful than ever. If you have found yourself spending more time outside it is important to keep in mind just what that sun can do to your skin and eyes without the proper protection. If you have ever had painful sunburn you probably know the importance of staying in the shade and informing your friends and family that it is crucial to do the same. Unfortunately there isn’t always natural shade so it is important to be able to create shade when it is needed; you can do this efficiently with the assistance of canopies. If you are unsure of which canopy is right for you, your family, friends, and home read on to find out a bit more information.

12’ x 12’ Sport Series Slant-Leg Pop-Up Canopy – This is an incredibly versatile, all-purpose canopy that you will find yourself carting around with you at all times to pop up, whether you are at home or on the go. Large enough to accommodate a small group or a picnic table the 12’ x 12’ sport series slant-leg pop-up canopy is great for a tailgating event with a few friends before the big game or a picnic with your family on a warm day. This canopy can be quickly popped up making it an easy way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays or other weather related nuisances such as rain.

10’ x 20’ Apex Steel Canopy – This canopy is slightly on the larger side making it a great choice for larger parties and gatherings. The length of this canopy makes it a great choice to place a long dining table beneath for a serene outdoor dinner. Because the canopy is made out of a steel frame it is also incredibly durable and will be sure to last you for years to come when properly maintained. So don’t let your guests get caught in the sun this summer, keep them protected with the 10’ x 20’ Apex Steel Canopy.

08’ x 08’ x 08’ Peak Style Garage – Heavy Duty Material – While this many not exactly be a canopy it is important to keep your vehicles protected from the hot summer sun as well. If you leave your car under the sun you may find damage on both the exterior and the interior of your car. So pop our portable garage up at your home to ensure that you always have a place to keep your car out of the hot summer sun.