Fabric Structures: Old Technology, Modern Solution

Today’s projects and jobsites are more advanced than ever. Modern equipment and machinery have made jobs easier worldwide. However, one of the most underutilized, cost-effective tools that can benefit your business easily dates back tens of thousands of years ago.

Reacquaint yourself with the fabric structure. The age-old building solution has come a long way, especially in quality and durability. Not only can it be used as a structural solution on jobsites everywhere, but it can also be used as a tool to limit operating costs on a monthly basis. The structure can be customized to your exact needs and specifications, streamlining the work process and contributing to a more efficient workforce.

Benefits of a Fabric Structure

Fabric structures are still relatively simple in design, but they provide the strength of a traditional metal or wood building and are a superior product in many ways. The structures’ frames are now made from steel, and the cover is made from more durable fabric. The steel frames, which don’t rely on support beams and thus maximize available space, support a cover pulled tightly over the frame, securing it in place and providing added support.

When shopping for fabric structures, you will want to look into what materials the supplier is using and how the materials are being used. The steel should be galvanized to fight corrosion, especially in marine or salt storage applications, and it should be offered in a truss design to ensure optimal strength. The cover should be made from a high-density fabric that is resistant to rips and tears. Additionally, a 50-year warranty on the frame and 20-year warranty on the cover should be expected with any version.

Due to their simple design, maintenance on these buildings is minimal, allowing companies to save quite a bit of money throughout the lifetime of the structure. While traditional buildings require frequent repairs and can be overcome with mold or bacteria, a fabric structure can be maintained by checking the tension on the cover often and letting the rain wash away the dirt.

The money-saving possibilities of a fabric structure go far beyond just maintenance costs, but the minimal startup costs and limited operating expenses are what companies really appreciate. When the right structure is purchased, the monthly savings that can really start to add up. The structures allow natural light to be utilized during the daytime. The light-permeable covers provide an indoor space that is completely illuminated without using any electricity. The buildings also lend themselves to savings in heating and cooling, as the nature of the covers allow for the indoor environment to be cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter. The structures can also be naturally ventilated, so there is a constant supply of fresh air circulating inside the structure.

Applying Fabric Structures to Your Project

Companies have specific needs, and the endless list of options and customizations that come with fabric structures mean that no matter the industry, company or jobsite, there is a fabric structure that can be designed to completely fit any company’s needs. Depending on the company making the product, fabric structures can be built just about anywhere due to their ability to be built on numerous foundations and with minimal site preparation.

Taking a look at specific industries can show exactly how a fabric structure can be tailored to any customer’s needs. For gas and oil companies that need to store and maneuver large materials, the option is available to leave the structure open-ended or installing large, custom-designed doors. These options enable the materials to be moved in and out of the structure with ease, drastically improving efficiency. The aviation industry has appreciated the option of custom-designing doors that can be built to any scale. Previously, planes would have to be stored in multimillion dollar facilities. Being able to store planes in a fabric structure that they can easily enter or exit has provided pilots and their aircrafts with comprehensive and effective protection at a reduced price. Of course, this also works for any industry that frequently moves large materials and equipment.

Fabric structures have become the go-to option for temporary jobsites, too. Companies that offer fabric structures should have buildings that can be left in place as long as they are needed, but can also be relocated. Ideally, the same fabric structure can be classified as both permanent and temporary. Installation and take-down of the structure is quick and efficient, but the structures are still built to be strong enough to support and protect equipment in many types of weather, regardless of the design of any specific structure.

One of the biggest challenges facing a mobile jobsite is storage. Sites everywhere go through the timely process of packing and transporting valuable tools and equipment that will get stolen if left overnight, but there is a fabric building solution for this, as well. A building on containers provides ample storage space, while also increasing the height and overhead workspace within the structure. Additionally, fabric structures can be fitted with locking entryways to prevent the possibility of equipment being stolen during off-hours. For these buildings, the structure is actually constructed on massive shipping containers that can be locked at the end of the day. This reduces the total amount of time spent hauling tools and equipment around. Additionally, companies that utilize fabric structures also find that they lead to a more efficient work day.

The fabric structure has been around forever, but its unique benefits are what make it relevant to today’s applications. Fabric structures are built out of high-quality materials that provide the strength and durability that you depend on, all while still keeping the cost per square foot relatively low. Fabric structures can be built anywhere, lower operating costs and can be tailored to even the 
smallest detail. No matter what kind of jobsite you manage or work on, there is a good chance that a fabric structure can provide the cost-effective building solution you need.