Fabric buildings have grown in popularity due to their numerous advantages over traditional structures. Also known as tension fabric or membrane structures, these pre-engineered building systems provide temporary or semi-permanent shelter. They utilize various flexible materials, such as polyethene or PVC-coated fabric, to form the walls and roof.
The material is usually lightweight, highly durable and can be moulded into different shapes depending on their use. You can also use fabric buildings for indoor and outdoor purposes. For example, it can be used in hospitals as an isolation room for patients with highly infectious diseases. However, hospitals aren’t the only consumers of fabric buildings. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Fabric Buildings?
Fabric buildings have a range of uses, including in industrial warehouses, sports arenas, medical camps and even for military shelter systems. Here are some of the reasons why these industries and more prefer fabric structures to traditional ones:
- Using Fabric Structures Is More Cost Effective
Fabric structures offer significantly higher cost savings than conventional construction methods. The lightweight materials mean you’ll require less labour to assemble and install. The overall resources spent on setting up are also reduced compared to setting up more complex builds. For instance, concrete structures used in traditional buildings require additional workmanship, which means an added expense. Also, material like concrete is an added resource that increases the overall cost.
Additionally, because fabric buildings don’t contain any internal support columns, there’s no need for costly reinforcement measures. Most fabrics also come pre-treated against UV rays. It allows light to penetrate interior areas better than traditional buildings, significantly reducing electricity bills. This feature of letting in natural light makes fabric structures ideal for events such as outdoor weddings or concerts. With them, you don’t worry about guests feeling gloomy or suffocated inside.
These factors combined make fabric buildings far more affordable than other options. They’re also a good option if you’re within a tight budget but want quality results and performance.
- They Have Faster Installation And Dismantling Times
Experts can install fabric buildings in a fraction of the time it takes to build traditional construction projects. Most projects take only a few days from start to finish. That’s because there are no foundations or other structural components required. All that is needed is an appropriate area and access points for utilities like electricity and water. It makes them ideal for quick turnaround jobs or tight deadlines.
With the help of experts, you can also quickly take down fabric buildings when not in use. They can be conveniently moved from one location to another too. If you need a structure for an event or project in a different place, you’ll not have any problems relocating. For example, some structures also come with foldable frames that you can take apart. It not only helps with moving but also for storage when they aren’t in use
- They Help Promote Eco-Friendliness
Fabric buildings are also a great choice if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint. These structures are made from eco-friendly materials like synthetic vinyl, canvas, and polyester. Therefore, by using them, you’re promoting environmental sustainability. For instance, you’ll need no wood lumber for construction, so you don’t have to worry about contributing further to deforestation efforts.
There’s also minimal waste associated with these buildings, as they can be recycled or reused for future construction.
- They Have Better Natural Ventilation And Thermal Benefits
Fabric structures allow more natural ventilation than traditional buildings. They have mesh panels that you can open or close depending on weather conditions.
Air passes through these structures more easily than it would with brick-and-mortar construction projects. They also have far fewer crevices and cavities, which can trap heat when needed. As a result, these types of structures remain cool in the summer months. Their permeability properties also mean that heat loss is minimal during cold months.
If natural ventilation isn’t enough, consider using simple fans or small heating and cooling systems that maximize user comfort.
- Fabric Buildings Have Enhanced Durability Given Their Use
These structures are suited for use outside. Therefore, they are built to withstand harsh elements like heat, wind, or rain without lowering their shelf life. Fabric buildings can also be designed with various configurations depending on your needs. It means they can be designed to be durable enough to handle specific needs and environments. For example, fabric structures used for military shelter systems tend to have robust durability and performance, given their use and the climate where they’ll be deployed.
- They Have Robust Safety Features
First, since these structures are light, assembling them is easier. It leads to less strain while they carry pieces around. It also minimizes fatigue-related injuries associated with typical labour jobs involving heavier items used in other installation types.
Second, most fabrics used for these buildings meet fire-retardant standards. These standards guide the ignitability of a material. A good fabric should be fire-resistant. It gives people enough time to vacate the building in a fire emergency.
Unlike conventional structures built poorly or exposed to disasters like earthquakes, fabric buildings also don’t collapse. Manufacturers also use vinyl products specifically designed with heat resistance technology which helps to keep the building cool. Lastly, under these structures, you can be more active while operating outdoors than if exposed to the sun directly.
- Fabric Buildings Are More Flexible And Versatile
Last but certainly not least, fabric structures are better than brick-and-mortar ones due to their versatility. They can be altered in shape or size to fit your needs.
Structures like load-bearing walls, extra support beams or pillars used for traditional buildings take up much space. Fabric buildings, on the other hand, don’t need such structures. You are left with plenty of room to use.
These buildings also allow for greater aesthetic diversity as the walls and ceilings are easily customizable. It means you can choose different colours, patterns, or textures according to your needs.
- Ease Of Maintenance And Repairs
Fabric structures are generally easier to maintain due to their simple design. They are built to allow for a quick patch-up job to the damaged parts. You can also replace old parts instead of the entire section.
Conclusion
Fabric buildings have a range of advantages over traditional construction methods. With so much going in their favour, it’s no wonder they’re increasingly being used. They’re a practical option amongst many who need quality results quickly and affordably. Whether you’re looking for a temporary or a more permanent solution, there will surely be a fabric-building for you. Check them out, and you’ll enjoy these and many more advantages!