When manufacturing tarps, choosing the right material is crucial. PVC and polyethylene are two of the most common tarp materials, but which is the better option? Leave it up to the experts to help you compare PVC and polyethylene and see which comes out on top.

PVC and Its Key Characteristics

PVC is a synthetic thermoplastic material that comes from ethylene and chlorine. It has impressive strength, durability, and resistance to various chemical and environmental factors. Some of the key characteristics of PVC include:

• High tensile strength: PVC boasts impressive tensile strength, making it a sturdy and reliable material for various applications.
• Weather resistance: PVC exhibits excellent resistance to weathering, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, water, and extreme temperatures.
• Chemical resistance: PVC is highly resistant to acids, bases, and salts, making it an ideal material for various industrial and chemical applications.
• Low cost: PVC is generally less expensive than other plastic materials, so it’s an enticing option for large-scale projects or budget-conscious buyers.

Polyethylene and Its Key Characteristics

Polyethylene is a member of the polyolefin family and comes from ethylene through a polymerization process. It’s lightweight, flexible, and corrosion resistant, making it ideal for various applications. Key characteristics of polyethylene include:

• Flexibility: Polyethylene is highly flexible, allowing it to easily conform to various shapes and designs without cracking or breaking.
• Impact resistance: Polyethylene offers excellent impact resistance, so it’s a durable option for applications that require materials to resist impact or sudden forces.
• Chemical resistance: Like PVC, polyethylene is highly resistant to most chemicals, making it suitable for industrial and chemical applications.

Comparing PVC and Polyethylene

Now that we know more about PVC and polyethylene, the real question is, “Which one comes out on top?” To answer that question, let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Advantages of PVC

PVC stands out primarily due to its high tensile strength, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications. Its superb weather resistance renders it suitable for outdoor applications, as it can withstand harsh environmental conditions without significant degradation.

Disadvantages of PVC

Although engineers are working on creating more sustainable forms of PVC, there’s still lots of room for improvement in this respect. The PVC production process releases harmful toxins and isn’t typically recyclable, leading to a large amount of plastic waste. Furthermore, PVC’s resistance to UV radiation is imperfect. As a result, it’ll degrade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Advantages of Polyethylene

This material’s superior impact resistance also makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring resilience against sudden physical forces. Like PVC, polyethylene possesses commendable chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in industrial and chemical arenas where exposure to harsh chemicals is common.

Disadvantages of Polyethylene

Polyethylene lacks the high tensile strength that PVC boasts, which can limit its use in applications where high structural strength is necessary. Furthermore, weather-resistant polyethylene is less resistant to UV radiation than PVC and, therefore, can degrade over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

For heavy-duty, rugged applications, PVC is often the best and most affordable option. That’s why, at Big Top Manufacturing, we make all our large fabric structures with PVC tarps so that you can rely on your structure regardless of the conditions.

When you need quality, durable storage space quickly, a commercial storage tent is a customizable and convenient option, especially compared to traditional brick-and-mortar buildings. However, storage tents are still an investment and require decent funding to design and erect. We know that fabric structures are more affordable, but the question is, are commercial storage tents worth the investment?

Lasts for Years

Many people fall into the trap of believing that a fabric structure simply can’t match the durability of a brick-and-mortar building. The truth is a little more complex than that. Indeed, fabric can’t last as long as stone and concrete, but this doesn’t mean fabric structures can’t meet the same challenges. At Big Top Manufacturing, we use a flame-retardant, tear-resistant PVC fabric for our roofing and galvanized steel as the metal frame. With proper care and maintenance, our structure will protect your tools, materials, or products, and it can last up to 10 years.

Fewer Building Materials

Commercial storage tents require two main components to build—a fabric membrane and a steel frame. Traditional brick-and-mortar buildings require brick, concrete, wood, and steel, in addition to all the pipe and roofing materials. With the price of building materials rising, industries are looking for storage solutions that require the least amount of building materials possible. However, using a structure made with fewer and cheaper materials can often come with the risk of losing durability. Fortunately, with a fabric structure, you don’t have to sacrifice durability for affordability.

Lower Labor Costs

Due to the materials required and their relatively simple design, fabric structures don’t take long to erect and, therefore, require less labor. Small structures are quick and easy to erect and only need a small crew of about four or five people, with some only taking a few hours to build. Larger structures will require a bigger team and some heavy equipment, but it will only take two or three days to finish. With how little overall labor is needed, these structures significantly cut down on labor costs. This is especially beneficial when you compare them to the time, labor, and machinery required to erect a brick-and-mortar building.

Use Less Power

Traditional buildings require complex wiring and insulation to keep the space powered and temperature controlled. With a fabric building, you can customize your installation with electrical systems and insulation or use the natural heating and cooling fabric buildings provide. Our PVC fabric membrane blocks 99 percent of UV rays while allowing natural light to flood the space underneath. Not only does this protect the area from heat and weather, but it also means that you don’t have to use your lighting nearly as much. Our fabric structures allow you to stay cool during the summer and warm during the cooler months without running your electricity all day.

Plus, open-air fabric structure models funnel air in a way that allows air to flow freely through the building, lowering the overall environmental impact of your structure.

Save on Electricity Bill

It’s no secret that warehousing and managing a job site is expensive, and you want to cut costs in the right places without sacrificing quality or safety. By using the natural heating, cooling, and lighting that comes with your fabric structure, not only are you safeguarding the environment, but you’re protecting your wallet as well. Again, we can install HVAC, insulation, and lighting systems within your structure if necessary. However, the luxury of a fabric building comes with the bonus of not having to use these systems 24/7.

You get to use your power your way and save on your electricity bill without having to forgo comfort. We can also include a solar power system on your fabric structure so you can harness the natural light and power of the sun to run your electrical systems.

Easy Relocation

Once your construction crew erects a traditional brick-and-mortar building, it stays there until its demolished, and moving it from job site to job site isn’t an option. This is fine for businesses that remain in one place, but if your company is on the move, it’s impossible to simply erect a brick-and-mortar building wherever you go. Not only would this take a preposterous amount of money, but it would also take a ridiculous amount of time. At Big Top, we can include a mobility system in your structure so a crane can easily move your structure to different areas of your job site. Also, disassembling and shipping our structures is easy, meaning your structure goes where you go.

Rent Out Your Structure

If you don’t need your fabric structure anymore or only use it during certain seasons, you don’t have to let it sit around and collect dust. Your fabric structure belongs to you, and you can rent it out for a profit whenever you’re not using it. As you likely already know, businesses are always looking for a way to cut operation costs, and you can help them do that! Renting out your structure can help your investment pay for itself, and everybody wins in this scenario.

Buy Used Structures

There are plenty of ways a commercial storage tent can help you save money and make your investment worthwhile. However, if buying a completely new structure isn’t within your budget, or there isn’t one to rent nearby, we understand! That’s why Big Top Manufacturing also has used fabric structures for sale that you can buy for a discount. You can buy directly from us or our clients, who can already attest to the quality of our structures.

Whether commercial storage tents are worth the investment depends on your business and storage needs. If your job site doesn’t have a warehouse or storage building nearby, or you need quick, durable, and affordable storage, commercial tents are your best bet.

If you need a storage tent, contact Big Top Manufacturing today. We sell fire and weather-resistant commercial storage tents that we’ll design to meet your area’s building codes and local climate challenges like wind, rain, and snow. If you have a specific budget, we’ll work with you to find a structure that meets your needs and fits within your financial plan. At Big Top, we’re dedicated to providing industries with affordable, versatile, and quality storage solutions.

Sun damage can ruin materials, and rain and snow can damage sensitive equipment. If your jobsite is outdoors, changing your storage space according to the weather isn’t viable either. This is especially true for projects and businesses that need consistent storage throughout the year. So what can you do? If you need a versatile storage solution that meets the needs of your application, look at why coverall buildings are perfect for seasonal storage.

They’re Perfect for Any Climate

Fabric storage buildings can withstand various building loads, such as wind and snow. They can also withstand many conditions and climates. The fabric membrane that makes up the tent is polyethylene, so it’s tear resistant and fire retardant. While it blocks up to 99.5 percent of UVA and UVB rays, it still allows you to use the sunlight to your advantage. You can use it to light up your space while keeping stored items at your desired temperature.

They Use Solar Panels To Save Energy

While many warehouses need temperature control, they don’t need to use the same amount of energy throughout the year. For example, if you need to keep your machinery cool and dry, there’s no need to run the AC in the cooler months the same way you would during peak winter or summer months. Your coverall building is easy to temperature control and has the added benefit of being able to include solar panels. You can use the stored energy from them to keep your equipment cool as temperatures start to rise and spend less while you do so.

They Can Store Various Goods

Things like dry goods and freezer products need to stay in very particular conditions that a coverall building can easily meet. Your coverall building installer can add heaters, insulation, and an HVAC system to your structure so that you can store whatever you need. Building materials, equipment, machinery, food, and more will stay protected and in good condition throughout the year.

Now that you know why coverall buildings are perfect for seasonal storage, what’s stopping you from finding your ideal solution? At Big Top Manufacturing, we can design, manufacture, and install a coverall fabric building where, when, and how you need it.

The Pros and Cons of Using Temporary Building Structures

With the rising cost of labor and building materials, many jobsites are looking to cut down on costs as much as possible. Temporary fabric buildings perform similarly to brick-and-mortar buildings and are cost effective, but that doesn’t mean they’re a suitable option for every project. If you’re trying to determine if a fabric building is right for your jobsite, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of using temporary building structures.

The Pros of Using a Temporary Building Structure

Pro: Flexible and Customizable

When compared to a brick-and-mortar building, temporary structures are easier to customize and have more options. Workers can attach the structure to a variety of foundations and can have lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, and solar panels installed.

Pro: Cost Effective

The components used to build a fabric structure are minimal, including a steel metal framework and a tensioned fabric membrane. This means temporary structures are much more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar buildings and are a great option for jobsites looking to stay on budget.

Pro: Quick and Easy To Build

Due to the minimal amount of material used to make the structure, only a small crew is required to erect it, which is relatively quick and easy to do. Smaller structures take only a few hours to erect, while large temporary buildings take around two to three days to complete.

The Cons of Using a Temporary Building Structure

Con: Difficult To Transport

Temporary structures can have mobility accessories installed so you can move them from one jobsite to the other. However, the additions cost more, and if you need to move the building a considerable distance, the disassembly and assembly process adds more time.

Con: Hard To Connect Utilities

Again, temporary buildings can also have electrical systems added to the structure, but it’s at an additional cost. Comparatively, hooking up utilities in a brick-and-mortar building is a lot simpler, and electrical systems typically come included within the base cost of construction.

Con: Less Durable in Comparison

Temporary structures are durable, built to last, and can handle heavy snow and wind loads. However, there’s just no way to beat the durability of brick-and-mortar buildings. At the end of the day, the fabric isn’t going to surpass the endurance of brick, concrete, and steel.

Is a Temporary Building Structure Right for Your Project?

Now that you know the pros and cons of using temporary building structures, it’s time to ask the ultimate question—are they right for your jobsite? Ultimately, the answer depends on what you need the building for and the time and resources you have at your disposal.

If you need a structure that will last for years to come and have the time and money to put into construction, a brick-and-mortar building is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a fast and cost-effective way to safely house and store machinery and materials, you should consider using a temporary structure.

Construction projects come with a set of their own unique challenges, many of which can be costly, time-consuming, and or difficult to solve. If you’re looking for simpler, more cost-effective ways to deal with the hurdles that come with construction sites, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn how temporary construction enclosures can help you overcome some of these challenges.

Protects Jobsite, Tools, and Materials From the Elements

Weather changes can feel unpredictable and can change on a dime. If your jobsite isn’t adequately protected, your project, tools, materials, and machinery are all vulnerable to weather damage. If you have to replace or repair damaged goods, that means more money spent and more money wasted.

Temporary fabric buildings can easily protect all of your materials from wind, rain, heat, snow, and more, so you never run the risk of wasting money and extending construction time. This is because galvanized steel and PVC-vinyl fabric make up temporary enclosures, and you can install them with HVAC systems and insulation for temperature control.

Provides Shelter for Workers

Employees are the lynchpin of any construction site—without them, work doesn’t get done! That’s why keeping them safe and comfortable should be the most important thing. Temporary enclosures can act as break rooms, lunchrooms, or as a shelter for inclement weather. This is especially important when your project isn’t near any other buildings and is essentially in the middle of nowhere. The last thing you and your crew needs is to be stuck hours away from the city during a storm or have to take their lunch break in the middle of a blistering high noon.

Construction Is Quick and Efficient

You can construct temporary fabric buildings, large or small, relatively quickly when compared to traditional buildings. This means that when you and your crew are in a pinch, you can assemble a temporary enclosure whenever you need it. Smaller structures require only a crew of about four people, and some can go up in a matter of hours! While larger structures may need some machinery and a few days, it won’t be nearly as long as the weeks or months it takes to construct a brick-and-mortar building. It’s a quick, clean, and quality solution for jobsites in need of shelter.

Is More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Buildings

Homes, shelters, and other buildings take a lot of materials to build up to code. With the high prices of materials, builders have to make sacrifices in material quality to make up for the high cost. Luckily, you can build temporary construction enclosures at a fraction of the cost it takes to assemble a brick-and-mortar building, meaning you don’t have to worry about making that sacrifice. This is because these structures contain lower-priced materials, take less time to install, and won’t need a large crew to assemble, cutting down on labor and material costs.

Designed To Be Energy Efficient

Temporary enclosures allow you to use the natural light of the day, so you only need to use electricity at night. Additionally, these structures can have insulation that shields jobsites from cold or heat. The natural ventilation of the structure can cool workers down on hot days without having stuffy, stagnant air. When you don’t have to worry about keeping the lights on 24 hours a day and don’t need to turn HVAC systems on and off, you reduce your overall operating costs.

Has a Low Environmental Impact

Because temporary fabric structures need fewer materials, fewer people, and fewer resources in general to assemble and run, they have a lower overall environmental impact. In addition, you can reuse and recycle the materials used to build these structures and the structure itself. When you own a temporary enclosure, you can resell it to other sites that need it.

Plus, due to the way you build these structures and the lack of machinery required, they are far less likely to contaminate groundwater. Green building codes are strict and important, and adhering to them is no small task, but temporary enclosures can rise to the challenge.

Can Suit a Variety of Needs

If you’ve read this far into the article, you already know that temporary structures are highly customizable, but there’s more to it than lights and HVAC systems. You can install these enclosures with crane rail systems, hydraulic-powered doors, freezer vinyl flaps, high-load capacity flooring, and even solar panels. With temporary enclosures, you can combine all the benefits of a quality building that meets your jobsite’s needs without putting a dent in your wallet and extending construction time.

Requires Little Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining your fabric structure is easy, and you can leave most of the work up to the original installers. To clean any stains, all you need is an adjustable pressure hose, gentle soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Generally, if you’re not too concerned about the aesthetics of your structure, you can leave it as is and just clean up harsh chemical spills that can degrade the vinyl.

You’ll also need to conduct the occasional inspection, especially after a major weather event. This is as easy as inspecting the exterior and structural support beams for tears or damage and keeping tabs on how customizations are functioning. If you notice any issues, you can contact the original installer and have them repair them for you. However, repairs are usually unnecessary, as the materials used are durable and rip-resistant.

Can Be Transported to Other Sites

As previously mentioned, you can sell or recycle your temporary enclosure to have a lower environmental impact, but you can also reuse them yourself. These structures are easy to transport from jobsite to jobsite, meaning you don’t have to buy and rebuild one wherever you go. With how portable, customizable, and cost-effective these structures are, it’s no wonder that construction site managers and other industry professionals prefer them.

Now that you know a little bit more about how temporary construction enclosures can help you overcome jobsite challenges, it’s our turn to help you with the next step. Here at Big Top Manufacturing, we specialize in constructing temporary enclosures to meet a variety of applications and jobsite needs. From marine, military, construction applications, and more, Big Top Manufacturing has your jobsite covered.

Big Top Protects a Construction Company from the Sun

Big Top’s Buildings Keep Employees, Materials & Equipment Safe from the Elements

Construction is a field of work that requires labor and equipment that can be weather sensitive. When rain, sleet, snow, or hail hits, sometimes it can postpone priority tasks or damage valuable equipment. Even when the weather
is nice, construction businesses must be conscious of heat, humidity, and the UV index, as these are all factors that can not only effect the lifecycle of equipment but also the productivity – and health – of those who work outside.

The ideal solution is to have a structure that can protect valuable assets and employees from the elements. In many cases, the need for this type of structure is specific to any given business, which means that the building needs to be adaptable so it can meet a specific set of requirements. At Big Top Fabric Structures, this is our specialty; as a custom manufacturer, we make buildings that are designed to accommodate many different specific needs. Our fabric buildings have been used for a variety of applications by businesses within the construction industry and beyond.

We can look at an example that highlights the usefulness and custom nature of our buildings. A company with a 50 million dollar bulk material handling project based in Portland, Oregon, found itself in need of a structure to provide protection from the elements. After partnering with Big Top, their construction team now has a covered fabrication yard that is immediately adjacent to structural and mechanical work fronts. This not only protects the construction team and its equipment from the elements, but also speeds up the team’s workflow because of their proximity to the work area. Additionally, the shelter serves as a staging ground for the early procurement of material and equipment, which helps to mitigate cost escalation.

Big Top is a custom manufacturer committed to making fabric buildings that improve the bottom lines of our customers. For more information about our products, contact us today.