Before we get into building a cover for a generator, let’s look at why you need an enclosure in the first place. The outdoor environment is filled with elements that can damage your unit. Rain and snow can cause moisture build-up on your unit and attract bugs and rodents. The combination of dust, dirt, and wind will grind away at your machine over time. Plus, having an enclosure can really improve the curb appeal of your house or business.
Now-a-days generators are not hard to find. Manufacturers and our sponsors have made it easier then ever, to have the portable generator you need when you need one. But they’re also not cheap. So if it’s something that’s important to have, you want it there when YOU need it. You’ll want some piece of mind knowing that even though it didn’t rain all week long, your generator can start on the first try in an instant…but is it worth spending extra money for those piece of mind? Below we will cover everything you’ll need to know about small generator enclosures. If you don’t know what a generator enclosure is, scroll down to the bottom and look around. They could be the extra piece of mind your looking for.
🛠️ What This Is About
Protect your generator from weather, dust, theft and danger by covering it or building an enclosure.
🧱 Why It Matters
✅ Keeps rain, snow, sun, dust, and debris off the unit – prevents corrosion and clogging
✅ Limits UV damage to rubber/fuel lines
✅ Helps reduce theft and vandalism
✅ Muffles noise if you add insulation or use a shelter
📋 Materials or Tools Needed
Purpose Materials
Structure 2×4s, plywood or T1‑11 siding
Weatherproofing Tarps, heavy‑duty covers or aluminum sheeting
Ventilation Louvered vents, fans, caulk, sealant
Base Concrete slab or wood platform
Extras Hinges, brad nails or screws, insulation (optional)
⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Pick a spot
Must be flat, dry, and allow 2‑3″ clearance around generator.
Measure & mark
Lay out generator footprint + extra room all sides for access and airflow.
Build the base
Pour a concrete slab or build a raised wood base.
Frame the enclosure
Use 2×4s and exterior siding or plywood. Leave space for vents.
Install vents
Add intake vents low & exhaust vents high.
Optionally retrofit a pop‑up canopy shelter for weather while running
Add door or lid
Install hinged door or lid for easy access.
Seal & finish
Seal edges with caulk, paint or stain to protect from moisture.
Ventilation setup
Use fans or ducting to ensure airflow and avoid overheating .
✅ Tip: Use flame-resistant or aluminum materials, especially near exhaust and heat sources .
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros
Protects from weather, dust and UV
Cuts noise (with soundproofing)
Boosts security and reduces theft risk
Cons
Needs ventilation to prevent overheating
DIY build takes time and materials
May need permits if permanent or near buildings
🔍 Compared with Similar Methods
DIY wood/brick enclosure vs pop-up canopy:
Wood/brick is sturdy, permanent, and brighter (can be sound‑insulated).
Canopy is quick, portable, and cheaper but less secure.
Pre‑built generator covers vs custom builds:
Covers are easy and ventilated-by-design.
DIY lets you size exactly and add windows, doors, insulation.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping proper air inlets/outlets → engine overheats 🔥
Using non-vented tarp while running → CO and heat buildup
Forgetting to seal seams → moisture seeps in
Not anchoring the structure → it can blow over in wind
👷 Who Should Use This
Homeowners with outdoor generators
Campers or RV owners using portable gensets
Shops or job sites needing weather protection
🧰 Expert Tips
Use lighter-colored paint to reduce solar heating
acousticalsolutions.com
Line structure with sound insulation or anti-vibration mounts if noise is a concern
acousticalsolutions.com
📌 Quick Facts
Leave 2‑3″ space all around for airflow
Intake vents low, exhaust vents or fans high
Base should slope away to avoid water pooling
How to Build a Generator Enclosure
A generator enclosure can extend the life of your generator and keep it safe from weather and other elements. There are many commercial enclosures available at home improvement stores, but they can be expensive. You can also build your own enclosure using lumber and plywood.
The key to making your own generator enclosure is to make sure that you use quality materials that will last for years. It is important to protect your investment by keeping it out of the elements. You may also want to consider installing a lightning arrester in your enclosure if you live near or work in an area where lightning strikes are common.
Materials Needed
Tools Needed
Tape measure
Square
Hammer or nail gun with nails
Saw (circular saw or table saw)
A generator enclosure is a great way to protect your generator from the elements. It can also help you keep it organized and secure.
If you want to build a generator enclosure yourself, here are some tips:
The first thing to consider is what type of generator you have. Some models are designed with an included cover, so this step may be unnecessary. If not, then you’ll need to figure out how you want to build it.
There are many ways that you can build a generator enclosure for your home or garage. Some people like to use wood or metal, while others prefer more durable plastics. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages and there are pros and cons associated with each option. You should also consider what type of weather conditions your area experiences most frequently, as well as how much protection you want from thieves who might try to steal your unit if they know it’s valuable enough to bother stealing!
If you’re like me, you’ve had to deal with the occasional power outage. It’s not fun, but it is sometimes inevitable. Recently, my town experienced an ice storm and we were without electricity for a few days. Luckily, I have a generator that allows me to run a few basic appliances during these times.
However, I was surprised to see some of my neighbors using their generators without any enclosure whatsoever! This seems like a really bad idea to me because it can lead to serious safety hazards. If your generator is exposed to the elements (and especially rain), it can cause dangerous conditions that could lead to electrocution or carbon monoxide poisoning.
So how should you go about protecting your generator? Here are some tips:
Choose an appropriate location for your generator enclosure – Your enclosure should be located in an area where it will not be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures (hot or cold). Ideally, it should also be located away from windows or other openings that could allow rain into the enclosure if there is heavy rainfall.
Get a professional assistance – Building an enclosure around your generator isn’t necessarily as easy as building one around your house; there are many different options available when buying components for your enclosure and you
If you have a generator, you need to protect it. Generators are expensive and if they get ruined, they can be a real headache to replace.
A generator enclosure is the best way to protect your generator from the elements and other hazards. Here’s how to build one:
Measure your generator. Get out the tape measure and find out how much space you have available for your generator enclosure. You want enough room on all sides so that when you put it in place, there’s no chance of it being damaged by anything like a falling branch or rock that could knock it over.
Determine where the entrance will be on your enclosure and mark off where it should go with stakes or string laid out from corner to corner of the area where the entrance will go. This helps determine if there is enough room for an opening large enough for people and equipment to enter and exit easily without damaging anything inside or outside of the shed.
Build a frame for the roof using 2 x 4s cut at 45 degree angles on each end so that they fit together just like bricks do in mortar joints when you’re laying bricks for walls in a house or building. You’ll need at least two layers of 2 x 4s for each side of your roof frame so that it
A generator enclosure is a safe and secure way to protect your generator from the elements. It also helps keep children and pets away from dangerous moving parts. Additionally, enclosures can help keep dirt off of your generator so it lasts longer.
There are many different kinds of generator enclosures available, but here’s how to build a simple one using PVC pipe and some basic tools. This project requires no cutting or welding, so anyone with a little bit of experience can do this task in about an hour or two.
First, gather all the materials you’ll need for this project:
• 1-foot length of 1-inch PVC pipe (for each corner)
• 1-foot length of 1/2-inch PVC pipe (for each side)
• 2 90-degree PVC elbows per side
• 1 T-fitting per side (or 2 if you want to add another outlet)
• 4 end caps per corner piece
The most common reason for covering a generator is to keep it from rusting. That’s especially true if you live in a region that gets a lot of rain and snow, or if you store your generator outside.
All you need to do is make sure the enclosure has openings for air circulation. Don’t seal off the entire generator! You need air to keep the unit cool, so don’t cover it completely or you could damage it.
If you want extra protection from rain and snow, you can build a generator shed out of wood or metal. If you go with wood, make sure it has good ventilation so moisture won’t build up on the inside walls and cause rot over time.