Fabric buildings are a great option for any business and industry, but they must be maintained to perform to the best of their ability. Here are 5 tips to help maintain your structure.
So, you bought a fabric building for your business and you thought you wouldn’t have to do anything else once it was set up, right? Fabric buildings really are durable and built to last. However, there is nothing in life that is going to survive without a little bit of necessary care. Yes, this includes your clear span fabric structure.
It has served you great. You have been able to store your equipment, manage industrial projects, take cover from extreme outdoor elements, etc. Your fabric building has been the perfect choice for your business needs. It is time, however, that you take a good look at your structure and make sure that it is in perfect working order to keep serving your needs for years to come. Or else you may find yourself outside in the cold!
What Kind of Maintenance Do Fabric Buildings Require and Why?
Many things require maintenance. For example, you know that you need your car to get you from point A to point B. If you want to continue to be able to use it, you know that you need to maintain it. You give it oil changes, gas, you wash it, check the tires, and any other routine maintenance. The same idea goes for fabric buildings. You must clean it and inspect it regularly.
Why? Because not taking care of your building could lead you into some trouble. Such as:
- Rips or tears in your fabric can cause an incredible waste of energy.
- Weak spots in the fabric can lead to future problems.
- It is cheaper to maintain a building regularly than to have to replace it in its entirety due to lack of care.
- Elements of the weather can wreak havoc on fabric buildings, causing strain and damage.
- The sun’s UV rays can be detrimental to a fabric structure that is losing its protective coating due to unaddressed damage or wear and tear.
- Being proactive is a lot less costly than being reactive.
1. Cleaning
Think about all the things that meet fabric buildings on a daily basis – birds (and their droppings), debris from trees (fallen branches, leaves, moss, berries, dropped fruit, etc.), dirt blown in the wind that finds its place of rest on your fabric, and so on. It sits exposed, outside all day and night! Over time, these things can build up and cause great damage to the fabric. Therefore, whether you choose to hire someone or do it yourself, it is important to clean this debris off the fabric regularly.
To clean your fabric building you are going to need a few key items:
- A water hose or other source of water
- Gentle soap, mild commercial cleaner, or bleach alternative.
- A brush with soft – not harsh – bristles
- A sponge
While it may require special equipment to reach the top of the building, you will use the above items to remove the debris. The brush will assist with removing stuck on debris and the sponge will allow you to give the structure an overall shine, removing built up dirt. Do not use a pressure washer or similar equipment to clean this structure. Doing so could jeopardize the protective layer of coating on the fabric and overall stability of the building.
2. Inspections
Being outside all the time makes your tent structure subject to all sorts of elements. Think about it – while you are taking cover, your building is taking a beating with things such as rain, wind, the sun’s UV rays, snow, ice, etc. How do you think this impacts your structure? Doing an inspection regularly can save you from greater headaches later down the road.
When buildings get pounded by winter storms or heavy rain and wind, eventually the protective coat on the building may become affected. Once that happens, it is a matter of time until the sun’s rays cause the fabric to fall apart.
Don’t let that happen – inspect your structure regularly!
3. Maintain Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
By maintaining your fabric building, you will require less repairs. This makes the most sense financially and economically. If you are using your structure in your day to day business, you are, in a sense, affecting your livelihood when you fail to take proper care of your building.
In addition, energy efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint is a big deal these days. Not to mention, going green can save you green, too. While inspecting your building, look for possible leaks, tears, or other weak spots in the fabric that could be affecting the controlled climate. Repairing anything that you find will cut down on your cooling and heating costs and will also reduce the amount of energy wasted.
4. Public Safety
Not taking care of your building could lead to injury. Many people use their fabric buildings to hold either equipment, people, or both. If the structure is jeopardized in any way, it can lead to serious injury. That means a great deal of liability for you or your business. Looking for weak spots and inspecting your building, as well as keeping up with regular cleanings can safeguard you from a potentially disastrous situation.
5. Be Proactive
Taking care of your structure – both inside and out – can increase the life of the fabric building and reduce the possibility of any injury. Don’t be reactive, be proactive! We are too quick to let things go or put them off until we have time. Unfortunately, putting off the care of your building could end up costing you a lot of money that you hadn’t prepared for. Had you maintained your fabric structure in a proactive manner, you would be able to move forward without worry – and with more money in your pocket!
Your fabric building does so much for you that the least you can do is make sure it is cleaned, inspected, and maintained regularly. Doing so reduces the possible risk of injury and loss of your building. What are you waiting for?
American Pavilion will assist you with each aspect of your tent rental. Contact our team today!
