Wondering if you need foundations for a storage tent? Not right away. But... read more
One of the biggest advantages of storage tents is that there is no need to build permanent foundations. This saves time, money and paperwork. However, this doesn't mean that you can put it up on just any surface and forget about the issue. A poorly prepared ground can take revenge after the first downpour or strong winds. That's why it's worth taking the time to plan the site well - and have peace of mind for years to come.
Finding a site for your hall - not every backyard is suitable
Start with the location. The hall needs a stable site, away from stagnant water and preferably on land that has already been used industrially or agriculturally. The ground should be level or easy to level, and well drained - places that are waterlogged, have large differences in height or are constantly flooded are out. And it's not just about comfort, but above all about structural safety. Also check that there are no trees with protruding roots, power poles or other infrastructure around that may interfere with the hall.
Groundwork hardening - when it is worthwhile and when it is an unnecessary expense
Not every hall requires a perfectly paved area, but it is it is worth considering. If you plan to use forklifts, store heavy machinery or just want to keep things clean, a hardened area really does make a difference. More often than not, well compacted ballast or road aggregate will suffice - it's the cheapest and quickest option to implement. Concrete or reinforced concrete slabs offer more comfort and durability, but require more work. One thing is important: regardless of the material, the terrain must be perfectly level. Even slight tilting can disrupt the construction of the hall and make installation difficult.
Dimensions, diagonals and level - before you roll out the first tarpaulin
Before you drive the first anchor, you need to be sure that everything is correct. Check the ground level - preferably with a leveller or a good spirit level. Then measure the diagonals of the plot - they need to be identical if you want to avoid stretching the structure and having problems fitting the tarpaulin. You can't skip this step if you want a tight and stable hall. Anchor spacing? Always in accordance with the assembly instructions for the respective model, without guesswork or "by eye".
Anchoring the hall to the ground - no foundation, but seriously
Just because you don't make a foundation doesn't mean you can let the anchoring go. Quite the contrary. The hall needs to be stable - regardless of the weather. Depending on the type of foundation, you will use steel pins (for natural ground), expansion anchors (for concrete) or earth screws. Each of these methods makes sense - if chosen and executed well. The wrong choice of anchors is a simple recipe for problems at the first gust of stronger winds.
A hall in winter? A few things you need to plan ahead
If the hall is also to stand in winter, you need to think ahead. First: the slope of the ground. Without it, rainwater and snowmelt will collect at the structure and wash away the ground. Second: driveways. If you have a gate entrance, the ground needs to be level to avoid door jamming or transport problems. Third: additional loads. In areas prone to windstorms - the south of Poland, open fields - it's worth adding ballast in the form of concrete blocks.
Planning to store grain, mulch or fodder? Make sure you have stable walls
For bulk materials such as grain, maize or meal, boxes made of concrete blocks or slabs work well. You can simply set them up inside the hall as partitions. This not only protects the goods, but also makes it easier to keep things tidy. Importantly, this construction does not affect the stability of the hall as long as it is placed correctly.
Build the hall once, but with care - and have it for years to come.
In summary: the lack of foundations is a huge advantage, but only if you approach the subject sensibly. A properly prepared site is not a luxury - it is a prerequisite for a hall to be safe, durable and actually ready for use. Before ordering a structure, check your site, inquire about installation requirements and make sure that everything can be sensibly prepared. A storage tent can last for many years - but only if it is erected on well-prepared ground.
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