Understanding the Life Cycle of an Outdoor shelter is crucial to making an informed purchasing decision. At Tamstar, we offer a wide range of outdoor shelters, from smoking shelters to bike storage solutions, each with an average lifecycle of around 10 to 15 years. Factors like material, weather conditions, and maintenance can influence this longevity. In this blog, we will break down the different types of shelters, how they age over time, and what you can do to prolong their lifespan or refurbish them.
Types of Outdoor Shelters Sold at Tamstar
- Smoking Shelters Smoking shelters, including wall-mounted and freestanding models, provide a designated space for smokers, helping to keep outdoor areas clean and smoke-free. Typically made from durable materials like galvanized steel and polycarbonate plastic panels, these shelters are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions while offering UV protection. With regular maintenance, their life expectancy is around 10-15 years.
- Bike Shelters & Storage We offer various cycle storage options, from individual bike stands to lockable compounds. Made from heavy-duty galvanised steel and recycled plastic, these shelters protect bikes and offer a sustainable solution. A well-maintained bike shelter can last up to 15 years, especially when protected against rust and corrosion.
- Bespoke Shelters Bespoke shelters, such as ticket machine shelters, waiting shelters, and motorcycle shelters, are custom-built to suit the unique needs of businesses. These structures are typically crafted from weather-resistant materials such as powder-coated steel, which extends their life expectancy. With proper upkeep and refurbishments, their longevity can reach up to 20 years.
- Recycled Plastic Furniture & Products Tamstar also provides recycled plastic furniture, which is eco-friendly and long-lasting. These products can outlast traditional materials like wood and metal, often lasting over 15 years due to their resistance to rot, splintering, and UV damage.
The 10-15 Year Life Cycle of an Outdoor Shelter
Year 1-5: Installation and Early Use
During the first few years, outdoor shelters require minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. The materials are in peak condition, and no significant repairs should be necessary. Shelters made from galvanized steel will resist rust, while polycarbonate panels will maintain their transparency and UV protection properties.
Maintenance Tip: Regularly clean your shelter, especially the glass or polycarbonate panels, to prevent dirt buildup and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Periodically check bolts and joints to ensure everything remains tight and secure.
Year 5-10: Mid-Life Checks and Minor Wear
By the halfway point of their lifecycle, outdoor shelters may show signs of wear. For smoking shelters, this could manifest as discolouration in the polycarbonate panels or minor rust in steel components if the paint or coating has worn away. Bike shelters may show signs of rust around joints or where protective coatings have thinned due to exposure.
Refurbishment Option: Around this time, you might consider repainting steel components to prevent further corrosion. Replacing or upgrading cloudy polycarbonate panels can restore the shelter’s original functionality and appearance. Replacing worn bike stands or adding new accessories can revitalize the space for bike shelters.
Year 10-15: Structural Aging and Replacement
As shelters end their natural lifecycle, more significant wear is likely. Corrosion, material fatigue, and weathering will become more noticeable. You might encounter minor structural issues like bent frames or loosened joints at this stage. Polycarbonate panels could turn yellow, reducing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
maintenance or replacement of an outdoor shelter
- Steel Frames: Repainting or recoating metal frames can extend their life by several years. If the structure is still sound, consider repairing damaged sections instead of replacing the entire shelter.
- Polycarbonate Panels: Replacing weathered panels is a relatively affordable way to extend a shelter’s lifespan. For a long-term solution, opt for higher-grade materials that offer more UV protection and durability.
- Recycled Plastic Components: These often last longer but may require surface cleaning or occasional bolt tightening.
Options to Refurbish or Buy a New shelter
When a shelter nears the end of its lifecycle, you have two primary options: refurbish or replace.
Refurbishing Your Outdoor Shelter
If the core structure of your shelter is intact, refurbishing can be a cost-effective way to extend its life by several years. At Tamstar, we offer refurbishment services, including:
- Panel replacement: If not part of your original shelter, upgrade to a more durable or higher-clarity polycarbonate, Petg or Perspex
- Component upgrades: Replace outdated smoking bins and bike racks or add shelter accessories to improve functionality.
Refurbishment is especially useful for bespoke shelters, where the unique design or integration with other structures makes full replacement more complex.
Buying a New Outdoor Shelter
Sometimes, the cost of refurbishing an old shelter may outweigh the benefits, especially if the shelter’s frame is significantly worn or no longer meets modern standards (e.g., in terms of space or aesthetics). In such cases, replacing the shelter with a new, upgraded model is the best option.
Life Cycle of an Outdoor Shelter
The life cycle of an outdoor shelter is a 10-15-year journey that can be extended even further with proper maintenance and timely refurbishment. Whether you refurbish your existing shelter or invest in a new one, Tamstar has the expertise, products, and services to help you make the right decision for your business.
Keeping your shelter in good condition ensures that outdoor spaces remain safe, functional, and visually appealing for many years.
