Temporary structures are a great option for warehousing, storage, construction, and commercial use; but it’s important that you choose a clear span structure as they are the most durable tents available.
A derecho is a storm with heavy winds and thunderstorms that has been compared to an inland hurricane. It can come on quick and pack a punch. And, it can travel for miles and miles. Several weeks ago, a derecho tore through parts of the Midwest leaving nothing but devastation in its path. While Iowa seems to have taken the brunt of the storms force, it also greatly affected parts of other states such as Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, too, as it traveled about 700 miles across the United States.
The damage has been so intense and cleanup is taking quite a bit. Federal aid, as well as volunteers and utility workers from all over, have been sent to the area to help with cleanup and restoring power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. The large agricultural area found here has been severely impacted, as well.
The Importance of Durable Tents
All of this makes one think about how quickly life can change. The things that we expect to be there for us – including shelter – can vanish in a moment. In the wake of this horrific storm, those in the agricultural industry, at schools, in the entertainment or event business, construction industry, the sports industry, and others have been left questioning whether their temporary tent structures would stand up to a storm of this level. Would they trust that they hold in these buildings be validated?
The answer is this: Not all temporary tent structures are created equal. While they may all seem durable, there is truly only one winner. And, during the cleanup of a derecho, it was evident that clearspan structures are the most durable tents available.
What is a Clearspan Tent Structure?
Clearspan tent structures are temporary structures that are designed to protect from outdoor elements while fulfilling a need or a purpose. Due to their versatility, these tents are commonly used by many different industries, such as:
- Construction
- Agricultural
- Military
- Disaster relief
- Sports
- Education
- And more
They can be used in so many ways by so many different people. Clearspan tent structures have often been used as storage facilities to hold large construction equipment and even shield construction projects from inclement weather. They have also been used as growing facilities in the agricultural arena, as well as housing for livestock and storage for tractors and other farm equipment. Clearspan tents are used by colleges and universities to house sports complexes and even overflow classrooms. With the recent introduction of COVID-19 to our world, these tents have also been used for testing sites, field hospitals, extensions of businesses to allow for social distancing, and so on.
It’s safe to say that clearspan tent structures are one of the most commonly used temporary structures across the board. But, what makes them so incredible and durable? Let’s see…
The Design of a Clearspan Structure
Have you ever been under an event tent and found that you had to keep maneuvering around poles? Imagine storing tractors under tents that have poles throughout the interior for support. One wrong turn of the wheel and you may be taking the whole tent down!
Clearspan tents are rightly named as the entire span of the space under the tent is free and clear of obstruction. They are designed with a wide-open space under an aluminum box-beam extrusion that forms the roof rafters. This frame is connected to aluminum or steel purlins that hold the building in a sturdy, durable manner – just as a permanent building. Then, rafters are installed using bolts and bayonet pins.
Because clearspan tents are designed with an aluminum frame, they do not use any guy lines. Clearspan tents are designed too much like permanent structures to have that worry, making them some of the most durable tents on the market. They can be installed on any surface – including concrete.
The Material Used for Clearspan Structures
Once the framework of the tent is erected, it is then securely covered with strong vinyl fabric. This water-resistant white outer shield is what is most commonly used. You should know, however, that two main types of vinyl fabrics are used.
Laminated vinyl is the most common and has been around for many years. It has an inner layer of mesh material made from polyester or nylon with vinyl on either side. With heat and pressure, this fabric is formed into one single layer. The coated fabric is a new option that is also very common. Like the laminated vinyl, it also has a mesh center to give it additional strength. But this mesh is coated in liquid vinyl that hardens into a pliable material.
The material used for clearspan structures is so durable that they can be constructed for more than a year without requiring any maintenance. That’s right – they can be subjected to outside elements for years while only requiring minimal maintenance, if at all.
Meeting the Code
Building codes vary from location to location. And the reason why is because the weather and environmental conditions vary greatly. To meet the buildings codes, buildings – including temporary structures – need to be able to handle the local weather. All true clearspan tents have been engineered to meet the U.S. building codes and can meet stringent state-specific codes, including California Fire Code.
Standing Up to the Weather
When it comes to being able to rely on your tent, you need to leave its design and construction in the hands of the professionals. See, those who are most familiar with clearspan tents understand that there is a direct correlation between its bolted weight and its ability to prevent updraft and resist shear pressures.
While the fabric helps deter water and the pitch helps allow runoff, additional protection can come with the installation of hard sidewalls made from molded plastic and other specialty materials.
In short, clear span structures are some of the most durable tents available and can stand up to nearly any type of weather.
Finding the Most Durable Tents for Protection
When you want the best protection for whatever it is you need your temporary tent structure for, then you need a clearspan tent. Whether it is a typical summer storm, a massive derecho, or a wintry ice storm, you can rest easy knowing that your choice in the most durable tents – clearspan tents – has you covered. Literally.
