Caring for your
Investment
In a luxury tented camp
Bushtec Creations Maintenance
We provide you with the knowledge and skills to extend the lifespan of your tented accommodation.
While our materials are manufactured according to the most exacting quality and climatic durability standards, we understand that with time exposure to the elements will take its toll. To conserve the aesthetic appearance of your tented accommodation and extend the lifespan and return on investment, we offer regular on-site inspections and maintenance services.
Should you prefer to handle the maintenance in-house, we offer critical day-to-day training for your camp managers and staff members.
Typical maintenance checks you will require
Our tents are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from scorching heat and gale-force winds to icy cold, merciless rain and snow. Diligent maintenance goes a long way to conserving the ‘just new’ appearance of the canvas.
The kind of inspection that your staff would routinely perform includes:
- Checking for insect infestations and mildew.
- Ensuring straps, gable covers and window storm flaps (to name a few) are tightly tied or neatly rolled up.
- Explaining how to clean the tent roof and Velcro fasteners on the bull denim lining, remove dust and bird droppings.
- Checking for loose bolts, nuts, pipes, and fittings, as well as leaks.
- Checking that the lighting functions.
- Repairing or realigning hinges and locks, and...
- Checking that all air conditioning units are functioning optimally.
Electrical Distribution System
Typically, the electrical mains supply feeds into a transformer, which supplies the main distribution board. Secondary distribution boards are distributed throughout the property. The size of the project will determine the number of electrical boards installed. Our recommendations are included in the initial design concept. Our training manual will cover the maintenance of reticulation cables and facility installations, services which should be performed every six months, and common faults that may occur and how to rectify them.
Weekly checks
Our reticulation cables require little to no maintenance. It is advisable, though, that these be inspected weekly to ensure that there are no loose connections, scuffing, damaged isolation or signs of overheating.
Monthly checks
Our electrical kits are specifically designed to minimise the need for field maintenance. We do, however, advise that:
- You test the earth leakage device once a month.
- All electrical connections and plugs are kept dry and dust free.
- Cables are securely tied down.
- Connections are securely plugged into sockets, and...
- Check for heat/overheating.
Six-month check
Arrange for a qualified and reputable electrician to visit the site and service all electrical distribution boards.
Choice of Decking
Our choice of decking is determined largely by the client and the location of the tented camp, resort or lodge. While wood is beautiful, in extreme weather conditions it can quickly begin to look shoddy, and requires a great deal of maintenance.
A composite is a great alternative. Here’s why:
- Composite decking requires little maintenance.
- No staining, sealing or varnishing is required.
- Due to it's anti-microbial properties, composite decking is more hygienic than natural wood.
Our manual covers how to remove stubborn dirt, which cleaning materials to use and which ones to avoid, as well as our tips to prevent staining and scratches appearing on the deck. This type of decking will weather beautifully, so it really is a great option for owners who are looking for a hardy, low-maintenance decking solution.
Waste Water Drainage System
Each of our waste water systems is designed to client requirements, but does take into account operational aspects. The systems recommended and used comply with World Health Organization Standards.
Much like the potable water system, the waste water drainage system requires little maintenance once active. Having said this, we cannot stress enough how important it is to prevent the introduction of foreign matter into the system.
Daily checks
Multi-lift pumps should be inspected daily as some alarms don’t automatically reset. If your tented camp is located in very humid conditions, we recommend that pump control panels are checked for condensation.
To name just a few things to look out for, your staff and guests should be cautioned against using or placing any of the following items into the system:
- Plastic, condoms, sanitary towels or nappies.
- Cleansing and disinfecting wipes.
- Strong disinfectants or drain cleaners.
- Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.
- Liquid fabric softeners.
- Chemicals, and...
- Food waste.
At your service.
Training Manual
Each owner receives a customised and comprehensive training manual. It details the various units and components utilised in the creation of the tented camp and advises what type of maintenance should be performed on a daily, weekly, monthly and six-monthly basis.
Depending on the scope of work, this manual could, for instance, cover the maintenance of the tented facility, electrical distribution system, potable water system, wastewater drainage system, air conditioning units, interior and exterior fittings and furnishings, and decking. This is, however, based on discussion and contractual agreements with the owner.
Fittings & Furnishings
Many of our fittings and furnishings are custom-designed, so a single-method approach to cleaning these items won’t work. To guide the owner’s team, our maintenance manual provides comprehensive information on the different materials used throughout the tented camp and how to clean these. The manual will also indicate where a particular product has been placed, and include a photograph for easy reference. It’s a comprehensive and handy guide for all cleaners to refer to when conducting daily servicing.
Potable Water System
We design our potable water system according to your requirements. Our potable water reservoir typically consists of interconnected underground polycon tanks, which function as a single unit. As a luxury facility, we understand that should the mainline be cut, the camp’s facilities would still require water. This fact is incorporated into our design, ensuring that water is pumped from the reservoir by twinned booster pumps on a single line that splits. For convenience, we place shut-off valves at each facility.
The beauty of this system is that, once active, it doesn’t require manual intervention – although we do recommend that you check the system daily for leaks. If any are found, please repair them immediately.
Air Conditioning
Your location will determine what type of air conditioners we recommend. Because exposed wires are unattractive, we ensure that the inside unit is mounted in such a way as to be hidden. Your guests stay cool, and the accommodation still looks classy.
Our top tips for maintaining your air conditioners:
- Never tilt or place the air conditioner on its side.
- Ensure that staff clean the filters every three months using soap and water.
- Every six months, arrange for a reputable supplier to service your facility’s air conditioners.