Fabric structures, fabric buildings, fabric membrane structures, or tension fabric buildings are alternative terms that all refer to one thing—coverall structures. This term refers to a large array of budlings that include fabric over a steel frame to create a building. Because there are so many different coverall structures to choose from, it can be hard to determine which one is right for your application and what you need to create the perfect structure. If you want help designing a coverall structure that works for your needs, let’s review a few important questions and considerations before purchasing.
Is Your Application Commercial or Industrial?
Your first step is to determine exactly what you need your coverall structure for, as it will determine the choices you make from here on out. The great thing about fabric structures is that they’re incredibly versatile, so you can use them for industrial and commercial purposes.
If you need a commercial coverall structure, you may want to focus on the aesthetics as well as its purpose. Suppose you want something other than the standard white fabric—you may want to add your logo or business name somewhere along the structure. Industrial buildings tend to go for form over function, so if you need one, you can save an extra penny by forgoing aesthetics and branding.
Will Your Structure Be Temporary or Permanent?
The term “temporary structure” might bring up ideas of a flimsy building that can’t handle the long haul. However, both temporary and permanent structures can last for many years. The difference is that you can move temporary structures from one end of your job site to another or move it to another job site entirely. Conversely, permanent structures stay in one place until it’s time to remove it. If you foresee your business growing or think you may need to move your structure at some point in the future, a temporary building is your best choice.
Will You Need To Move Your Structure Eventually?
If you do choose a temporary structure, you’ll need to ensure the design is mobile. You can equip your structure with different mobility systems such as railing, telescoping, or crane lift additions. They allow you to move your structure within the jobsite.
Consider a fabric tent that’s easy to disassemble and ship if you need to move it to a new job site entirely. This is especially pertinent if you won’t use your structure throughout the year and need to place it in storage occasionally.
What Are Your Specific Storage Needs?
Your next step is to think about what you plan on storing in your fabric building or what you’re using it for. For example, if you need to store temperature-sensitive materials, want to provide a “break room” for employees, or establish a waiting area for customers or guests, you’ll need more than fabric and a steel frame. Fortunately, fabric structures can be much more than four walls to keep out bad weather or protect from UV rays. Most coverall structure manufacturers allow you to add various features, including the following:
- Light fixtures
- Electrical and HVAC systems
- Insulation
- Doors
- Lightning protection
Here’s another example. If you plan on using your structure as an athletic center, you’ll need high-quality flooring, lighting, and cooling systems to keep guests comfortable. On the other hand, a salt storage building only needs to be durable and climate controlled rather than comfortable and aesthetically appealing.
How Much Storage Space Do You Need?
Once you’ve taken customizations into consideration, you should start thinking about how much space you’ll need. If you’re using your structure for storage, account for all you intend to store by measuring the length, width, and height. Then, add about a foot around that to account for walkthrough space. You can multiply that value by how much you intend to store in order to get a relative idea of your spacing needs.
These calculations can get tricky if you’re using your structure for multiple purposes. Knowing how much space you need as an individual airplane hangar is much easier than determining your space needs as a storefront or storage unit. This will also depend on how much land space you have. Setting up a construction tent in an empty lot is different from setting up a temporary art museum in the middle of a busy square.
Which Structure Type Best Suits Your Needs?
As mentioned, you can choose from quite a few types of coverall buildings to meet your needs. Industrial applications typically use container-mounted structures, ecology block buildings, warehouse tents, hangars, and sunshades. Conversely, commercial applications commonly include customized structures rather than a prefabricated design, but this isn’t a hard rule. It’s not uncommon for businesses to convert a warehouse tent into a lunchroom or open office space.
What Kind of Foundation Is at Your Disposal?
The foundation of a structure is critical to its design. Additionally, it is the key to ensuring structural stability. Many customers believe they’re limited to what they can mount a coverall structure on, but you don’t have to spend extra time and money on a concrete foundation. You can anchor your structure to a variety of foundations, such as ballast blocks, dirt, and asphalt. Your anchor of choice will change depending on the type of foundation at your disposal. For example, a large base is necessary for dirt foundations to evenly distribute building loads, and specialized earth anchors are vital to securing the building.
Does Your Structure Meet Local Building Codes and Requirements?
Building codes vary differently across states and counties, so ensure your coverall structures meet your local requirements when designing them. Otherwise, you risk hefty fines for code violations. In some cases, you might have to take down the structure entirely. This can be stressful for business owners, which is why Big Top Manufacturing takes care of that for you!
All of our buildings comply with the International Building Code, and we do all the leg work to make sure each structure complies with your area’s building codes. We’ll walk you through the processes of designing and erecting your fabric structure so you stay informed on every step of the process. Contact Big Top Manufacturing today with any questions regarding structure style, additions, or pricing.
