LONG-LASTING FABRIC BUILDING RESULTS
Fabric structure maintenance requires a consistent inspection schedule, checking lashing winch tension (55-60 ft-lbs of torque), and cleaning the HDPE fabric with mild, bleach-free soap. Detailed inspections should occur at least every three months.
To ensure proper fabric structure maintenance, it is essential to maintain a consistent inspection schedule. Daily, monthly, and yearly checks are necessary to keep the structure in optimal condition. At a minimum, a detailed inspection should be conducted every three months. Depending on the structure’s environment and usage, more frequent inspections may be required.
If the structure is newly installed and shows some wrinkles in the fabric, this is normal. It may take six to eight months for wrinkles to dissipate, particularly if installation occurred in cold weather. Adjusting the tension during warmer months may help reduce excess wrinkling. Calhoun recommends taking photographs of the newly installed structure to serve as a reference for identifying any future changes or damage.
Following a consistent fabric structure maintenance schedule helps preserve your fabric structure’s appearance, performance and service life. Use the schedule below to identify potential concerns early, address seasonal and environmental conditions, and prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs. Structures exposed to severe weather, heavy use or high-traffic conditions may require more frequent inspections.
Frequency |
Task |
Focus Area |
|
Daily |
Monitor environmental conditions |
Remove persistent snow accumulation Address pooling water, small leaks, water stains, unusual wind noises or visible damage promptly |
|
Monthly |
General visual inspection |
Check the fabric for small tears, wear, loose connections or visible slack Inspect the frame for rust and document concerns with photographs |
|
Quarterly |
Detailed structural inspection |
Inspect all fabric, frame and connection points Verify that lashing winches are properly tensioned, typically 55–60 ft-lbs, subject to the structure’s specifications |
|
Bi-Annually |
Check and adjust fabric tension |
Look for any fabric slack caused by temperature shifts Adjust the tension as required, following Calhoun’s specifications |
|
Annually |
Clean the fabric and assess overall condition |
Use mild, bleach-free soap, a soft-bristle brush and a wide-spray hose on low pressure. Rinse thoroughly, allow the fabric to air-dry and arrange professional repairs when needed. |
Preserve structural integrity
Routine fabric structure maintenance helps preserve both the appearance and structural integrity of the fabric, further enabling early identification of minor issues.
PREVENT COSTLY REPAIRS
Regular inspections facilitate the early detection of potential issues, preventing costly repairs. Common indicators of damage to watch for include water stains on the fabric or flooring, pooling water in low areas, wind noises passing through the fabric, rust on the frame, visible slack in the fabric, and persistent snow accumulation.
Factors to consider:
Structures in high-traffic public areas are more susceptible to damage. Inspect for graffiti, burn marks, punctures, stains, thinning, and sagging fabric.
Heavy snow or strong winds can place strain on the fabric. Check for any tears or sagging, and ensure accumulated snow is promptly removed to prevent damage.
Fabric tension is particularly important in fluctuating temperatures. HDPE covers installed in colder months may slacken in warm weather. Ensure the structure is properly tightened as temperatures rise.
We use our unique 3D Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis process to accurately model fabric behavior amid various environmental factors to design ideal structures for your applications. Our reliable and economical foundation systems ensure the highest degree of structural integrity.
Our fabric buildings use hot-dip galvanization on open web trusses for complete protection against corrosion and maximum foundational strength.
We use high-density polyethylene fabric with a high strength-to-density ratio to provide greater durability than other tension fabrics.
When you purchase fabric buildings from us, you’ll receive a 15-year warranty for repairs and replacements or a 25-year warranty for elite fabric upgrades to ensure the highest customer satisfaction.
Our competitively priced fabric structures have a lower cost per square foot than traditional products starting as low as $6 to $30, depending on scope.
Calhoun goes above and beyond to create fabric buildings customized to meet your needs. We offer options for windows, ventilation systems, logos, solar panels and more.
Every Calhoun Super Structure is hot dip galvanized according to long-established, well-accepted, and approved standards of ASTM, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). These standards cover everything from minimum required coating thickness for various categories of galvanized items, to the composition of the zinc metal used in the process.
Hot dip galvanizing is commonly used in the most highly corrosive environments such as guardrails. The same long-lasting materials are used for your Calhoun fabric structure.
Calhoun’s local representatives can repair most damage that may occur to a fabric cover. To begin the process, we may ask to see photos, or do a site-visit, to gage the level of damage at hand. We also take into consideration the type of fabric cover system your structure currently has – either a Bag Cover system or a Keder Panel system – to determine the cost and turnaround time for fabric cover repair or replacement.
All Calhoun Super Structure fabric buildings are backed by a standard 15-year warranty on every building, including frame and cover. In most cases, the steel framework lasts generations.
We also proudly offer a 25-year warranty through our Elite fabric upgrade for both FR and Non-FR fabric.
