Fabric shelters are a great asset to any business because they give you a spacious area to work without needing a permanent structure. Plus, you can claim the shelter as equipment when your taxes come due. But like any piece of equipment, you need to take care of it to make sure it lasts for years. Keep reading this article to learn more about how to get the most use out of your industrial fabric shelter.
What Are Industrial Fabric Structures?
An industrial fabric structure is a type of shelter that serves all kinds of industries. Some companies use a fabric building as their main area of business, while others use it to store items in lieu of a warehouse.
Many business owners like these because it allows them to have a pop-up building that’s low-maintenance, on-budget, and wastes less energy than a permanent structure. Fabric buildings also come in handy when you need to set up shop in an area where it may be too challenging or impossible to build a structure. And if you decide to pack up shop and move, your fabric structure can go with you.
Tips for Caring for Industrial Fabric Structures
Maintenance is vital to the life span of all belongings. Your industrial fabric structure takes the place of a permanent building and is an asset to your business, so you need to take care of it. You can do this by:
- Cleaning it
- Inspecting it for rips and tears
- Being proactive
- Only buying high-quality fabric structures
Although fabric structures are inexpensive compared to permanent buildings, that doesn’t mean they’re cheap. Taking great care of them helps ensure they last as long as possible, so you don’t end up in a cycle of shopping for replacements prematurely. Likewise, taking care of the things we own makes them more likely to last years of use and look great. Below, we’ve further detailed each of these care tips.
Keep it Clean
No matter what you own, cleaning helps ensure the equipment lasts longer. A cleaning schedule is vital when it comes to getting the most out of your industrial fabric structure. Debris and dirt can build up on the building and impact the aesthetics and quality of your fabric building.
You can clean your fabric building by rinsing it off and applying some soap or commercial cleaner—both should be gentle or mild products. Then, use a soft brush to remove any stuck-on debris. Experts also advise against using harsh chemicals or a power washer to get the job done, as these are too strong and could ruin the structure.
Regularly Inspect It
Often, these buildings are waterproof and able to withstand strong winds and loads of snow, but that doesn’t mean you should hold off on inspections. Inspect your industrial fabric structure at least once a month to search for any rips along the roof and sides.
Take Care of Problems Right Away
Be proactive if you notice problems like rips and tears or issues with the beams. Taking care of problems immediately helps prevent them from snowballing into a larger, more expensive fix. Repairing issues right away helps keep the work environment safe for everyone. If a beam breaks, the building may not hold up well, leading to more extensive damage. When framing fails, any construction project—temporary and permanent—could collapse.
Shop for Quality
There are many ways to save money for your business, but choosing low-quality equipment should never be one of them. Industrial fabrics last for years because manufacturers design them to withstand outdoor elements. A heavy-duty tent is breathable, waterproof, and uses strong materials like PVC-vinyl.
Pro Tip
Big Top Shelters is one of the top manufacturers of industrial tent systems. We prioritize a high-quality product and design to ensure you get the most out of your temporary building.
Why Get a Fabric Building?
There are various reasons to get a fabric building rather than rely on brick-and-mortar structures. These types of structures save money and are more energy efficient; the fabric’s permeability to sunlight also makes it easier to rely on natural light. Industrial fabric buildings are also easier to install in a variety of places. In fact, you can place these structures in areas where the facility may otherwise be impossible to build.
They’re the Sustainable Option
Nowadays, eco-friendly businesses are more popular as we work together to help our planet. Construction creates various types of pollution, and people don’t always like to see a new building project in their neighborhood. On the other hand, fabric structures cause far less pollution, are mobile, and generally last at least 20 years!
They Save Money
Neglecting care for your fabric building could lead to tears that let too much of the outside air in. Most people heat or cool their tent depending on the time of year since this keeps everyone working inside comfortable. Fabric buildings are still more affordable than your traditional building after this cost.
Building Is Faster and More Affordable
When you have a permanent building, you either have to rent the space or hire a team to build it. Both get expensive in a hurry, especially when constructing your own. You’ll need to find the right team and cover the cost of materials and equipment, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
When you get a fabric building, you don’t need a massive team, building materials, or heavy machinery. Plus, you can move your fabric structure if you decide to relocate after a few years in business. Best of all, assembling the fabric building only takes a few weeks at most, rather than several months.
It’s Mobile
Business owners relocate their companies for all sorts of reasons. One problem with moving is that you can’t take a permanent building with you, which means you have to rent or build a new one. But the same can’t be said about fabric buildings. If you relocate, you can take it down and move it with the rest of your company to set up shop elsewhere.
Who Is Big Top?
Big Top is an industrial tent manufacturer that creates and sells various types of structures. We have medical tents, warehouses, container-mounted buildings, and more! Big Top will customize your installation to best align with your company’s needs depending on height, accessories, and any other factors. Get a quote today to take your business in the right direction.