SOS: My Fabric Building Has Damage

Should I Repair or Replace My Fabric Building Damage?

Although the lifespan of fabric structures is great and generational use is the inherent goal, all buildings will experience deterioration and damage due to normal wear and tear. At the point of an aging fabric structure, the owner must decide – will I repair it or will I replace it? As with any decision, we’re here to help break down when you should consider repairing fabric structure damage versus when you should replace your building.

Inspection Advice

Some level of inspection should occur daily, monthly, and yearly. Generally, you should conduct a thorough inspection at least once every three months.

Tip: take photos of your newly installed structure for reference. This way, you’ll know what your building should look like!

Sometimes, the frequency of your inspection can increase.

Inspection Schedule Determinants

• Location: If your structure is in a public populated area, your inspection rate should be higher. Look for graffiti, cigarette burn holes, punctures, fabric stains, thinning, and sagging.
• Environment: If your structure must endure heavy snow loads or stronger winds regularly, we recommend checking for tears or structural strain more often. You may have to remove snow from the fabric cover if it pools and causes the fabric to sag.
• Seasonality: HDPE covers must remain taunt in all directions for maximum efficacy. Covers installed during the colder months may relax when temperatures increase. Once warmer weather arrives, ensure the structure is adequately tensioned.

Early Signs of Fabric Building Damage

With regular inspections, your vigilance will impede the development of costly deterioration. Below are common signs to look out for:

• Water stains on the fabric or floor
• Pools of water gathering at low spots
• Wind whistling through the fabric.
• Rusted trussed frame.
• Unusual structure slack
• Prolonged snow build-up on the structure

Cleaning

Implementing routine cleanings of your structure is crucial for maintaining aesthetics, protecting the fabric from degradation, and catching small defects. Cleaning your fabric structure is relatively simple; however, you should consult your owner’s manual if you possess uncertainties.

Our top tips include:

• Cleaning your structure with a gentle soap. Avoid heavy detergents and strong chemicals with active agents.
• A pressure hose with a wide spray pattern set to low pressure is key for removing surface dirt. Never clean your structure with a narrow spray, as you may damage the fabric.
• Tough stains may require a soft, bristled brush.
• Once cleaned, rinse and allow your structure to air dry.

Next Steps

So, you’ve found some damage after cleaning and inspecting your structure… It can be confusing to know which avenue to go down; therefore, we’ve broken it down for you!

It’s Time For A Repair If You Have

• Minor Cover Damage: If you discover tears or punctures upon inspection, take photos for easy manufacturer consultation. The damage size, type, and location will determine if you require a patch kit or a local service call. Extensive tears, jagged rips, or portions of missing fabric may require the expertise of a manufacturer; they can walk you through the proper steps for repairing moderate fabric building damage, or they can schedule an on-site inspection and consultation.
• Major Cover Damage: There are two options for major cover damage: fabric repair or replacement. If the facility’s framing and operating systems are intact, the owner may consider replacing the entire portion of damaged fabric, pending the fabric cover system used during installation. In contrast to a full replacement, this process is less laborious and costly.
• Structural Damage: Whether corrosion is only on one purlin or a worker accidentally ran into a truss, manufacturers will often advise and provide individual parts or spot welds; this is because structural damage is localized. If structural damage is widespread, you may need to investigate other options.

It’s Time for A Replacement

Sometimes, there is no way around a replacement. Replacements can take many shapes depending on the type of cover your structure has. If you have any questions about cover type, you can always send a photo to your manufacturer and ask for guidance!

Bag Covers

If your building features a bag-covered system it is generally more affordable to replace the fabric cover (especially on smaller structures or old coveralls). A bag-covered fabric structure is when a single piece of continuous fabric protects the entire structure. When major fabric damage has occurred or if the fabric has become detached from the framing, you should work with the fabric building manufacturer and local representatives who have the necessary tools, expertise, and materials to re-cover your structure. The bag cover will be removed as one unit and replaced as such; therefore, the manufacturing and installation process is frictionless.

Keder Panel Systems

Service teams can conduct quick re-cover replacements of individual panels if your building features a keder panel system (composed of custom-made individual strips of fabric mounted at each truss section). Alternatively, if your kedered structure is weather-worn and aged, the entire keder panel system can be re-covered and remodeled to ensure generational use.

Cover-all Buildings

Many manufacturers will re-cover or service any existing fabric structure, regardless of brand. We recommend educating yourself on the warranties offered by the manufacturer to learn about coverage and replacement costs. Depending on your coverall building’s cover type, a replacement will mirror that of a bag cover swap or a keder panel rejuvenation.

Are you still unsure of what to do?

Contact us today for more information or to start your re-cover or repair project!