A fabric coverall structure uses steel frames and sturdy fabric to remain covered. This structure serves various purposes, such as warehouses, lunchrooms, and maintenance shelters. With this structure, you can skip the hassle of owning a physical building.
But first, you need to understand the mistakes to avoid when building a coverall structure. You’ll need to follow engineering codes, buy the right fabric, and ensure this is the appropriate temporary building for your needs. In the information below, we’ve further detailed these tips and more to help you make the best choice.
Not Following Engineering Codes
Following building codes should always be a priority regardless of the type of structure you assemble. Evaluate your state and city’s construction rules and restrictions to ensure you follow all the legal guidelines. Experts recommend reading the Standards of International Building Codes (IBC) to understand these requirements.
Understanding the engineering codes before you build helps save time and money. Neglecting this task risks placing your fabric coverall structure in a non-ideal location. Additionally, these regulations protect workers inside the system. These regulations require fire prevention, proper wiring for electrical fixtures, and anchoring for the structure.
Engineering codes also ensure the coverall structure is structurally sound. These codes consistently change, so strive to read through any changes to your local building codes annually.
An Example: Building Codes Matter
When building a coverall structure by the ocean, you’ll have different restrictions than business owners building by the Midwest. Why? Because you have other elements to account for. In the Midwest, you need to ensure the walls and roof of the fabric building are sturdy enough to withstand snow piling up. Both structures require different materials to withstand those elements.
Not Knowing the Size Needed
Once you’ve read through local building guidelines, consider how much room you have on your property for the structure. After doing this, think about how big the temporary building needs to be. Do you need it to store heavy machinery, or will it be an event center? Buying a fabric building that’s too big wastes money and space. However, if the temporary structure is too small, it’s not much of a business asset since you can’t use it for the intended purpose.
Measure the intended place for the structure and jot this down. That way, once you find a company to buy your temporary building from, you’ll know what size you need.
Not Inspecting the Foundation
Before the construction of your coverall fabric building, a competent person with an engineering background should inspect the foundation area. In contrast, you can place coverall building in more places than brick-and-mortar buildings because fabric structures don’t require a slab foundation.
As you inspect the area, you’ll want to verify critical aspects like the soil condition—can you anchor the structure walls in it? Most experts recommend a concrete, asphalt, dirt, or gravel pad for your foundation. You can even install it in a field or beside a quarry. Unlike stationary buildings, a fabric structure doesn’t require a permanent foundation; instead, you can use an anchoring system.
Why Have an Expert Inspection?
A professional has years of education and experience, so they’ll know what to look for in a sound foundation. If the coverall structure isn’t secure to the ground, it could crumble, posing a threat to everyone around.
Not Using Quality Material
No matter what type of building you construct, quality materials equal a superior structure. Although many refer to coverall structures as “temporary buildings,” this doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality. If you take care of your coverall structure, it could last up to 15 years.
The structure’s framing should be steel, and if it’s humid, you should purchase coated steel beams to prevent rust.
Talk with experts manufacturing coverall buildings. Sometimes fabric buildings have a PVC roof, while others have one that’s vinyl-laminated or vinyl coated. Big Top Manufacturing has decades of experience in constructing and installing temporary structures. We can help you decide on the ideal roof type and material based on your location and needs.
Not Knowing the Other Types of Fabric Structure
Understanding the type of fabric buildings makes it easier to know which option is best for your business needs. Container-mounted structures and tension buildings are two other common types of temporary structures. As you consider the kind of temporary structure to purchase, analyze what you need it for. While these are three types of fabric structures, the construction and ideal usage differ slightly for each type.
Container-Mounted Structure
If you work with tall machinery, then a container-mounted building may be the best option. Engineers mount the roof to shipping containers to provide additional height. Some companies have covered container-mounted structures with a door for entry, while others keep the front and back end open. This structure is best for equipment maintenance, recycling centers, and sunshades.
Tension Temporary Structure
A tension fabric building serves various industries, such as the military, aviation, and government. Like coverall structures, these rely on steel framing for support and last years of use with proper maintenance. Some services for tension structures include medical tents, meeting facilities, and blast and paint shops.
Not Hiring a Reputable Company
We’ve saved one of the most crucial mistakes to avoid when building fabric coverall structures. Hiring a trustworthy company with years of experience ensures you get the best product for your business. A coverall building is an asset, and you can claim it as equipment.
As you search for the right company, read through reviews and scope out the websites of your top choices. The best manufacturers have American Welding Society certifications and follow all of OSHA’s regulations.
You should also evaluate the options a fabric building manufacturer has to offer customers. Do they have set coverall structures, or can you get yours customized? Likewise, they should understand their product in-depth to help you learn more.
Big Top Manufacturers
At Big Top, you can get an energy-efficient, custom-made tent that’s the definition of perfect for your company. We prioritize getting construction projects done quickly and efficiently, so you can get to work inside your coverall structure. Contact us today for a quote on your temporary building.