FAQ'S
A fabric structure is a fabric membrane material stretched over steel trusses and is engineered to withstand wind loads, snow loads, and seismic conditions. Beyond being a more economical choice over conventional steel structures, fabric structures cost less to operate, save energy, provide natural lighting, are quick to install, and offer exceptional corrosive resistance while falling under the same requirements, codes, and certifications as any other steel building.
Calhoun Super Structure is always one step ahead of our competitors in that we go the extra mile to ensure every structure installed is engineered to the highest possible standards. We are one of the only names in the industry that applies 3D Finite Element Nonlinear Analysis to engineer your structure. Our process uses the exact site conditions of your installation project by deeply analyzing wind loads, snow loads, and other environmental factors.
This means that we provide you with a prescriptive engineered structure that tells you the exact level of stress the structure is under, and where, and account for those particular areas in our steel frames. This provides you with a highly reliable facility that goes beyond industry standards.
Whatever your industry, the site of your operation is unique and our custom-engineered structures maintain the highest level of safety, sophistication, and longevity. With the family name right on our structures, who better to provide you with a more quality product.
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Both Non-Fire Resistant (Non-FR) and Fire-Resistant (FR) fabric covers should last approximately 15-25 years under normal weather conditions. Like shingles on a roof, weather and ultraviolet radiation eventually wear down the material. While some rips and tears can be repaired, loose-fitting or worn fabric should be replaced. Fabric building owners may even want to recover fabric structures for aesthetic purposes to bring new life to pre-existing structures or to increase natural light.
For more information on Calhoun’s fabric, learn more here
Calhoun uses both HDPE fabric and PVC fabric, and are available in a variety of colors. We also treat our fabric with ultraviolet stabilizers to protect it from the sun’s harsh UV rays. This prevents the fabric membranes from weakening due to the sun’s harsh rays, adding years to life for your fabric cover.
For more information on Calhoun’s fabric covers, learn more here
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.
For more information on repairs and recovers, learn more here
Calhoun Super Structure offers two fabric cover installation options depending on the size and budget of your structure.
- Keder Panel System is a custom-made, individual strip of fabric mounted at each individual truss section. This system does not allow the fabric to touch the structure’s frame and helps to create a quieter, more secure environment with no risk of wear points on the cover – adding years of life to your structure. Calhoun’s Keder Panel system is standard on all buildings over 60′ wide.
Key Advantage: Quick replacement of individual panels if damaged instead of having to remove the entire fabric cover
Ideal For: HT series, VP series, larger CC series - Bag Cover System is a large single-piece fabric cover that is tensioned both laterally and horizontally over the entire structure. This process is done quickly and easily in one single step.
Key Advantage: Affordable and efficient installation
Ideal For: Smaller CC series
For more information on Calhoun’s installation, learn more here
Yes. We re-cover or service any existing fabric structure whether a Calhoun structure or not, anywhere across North America. If you are in need of a repair or replacement cover on an existing Cover-All structure or other, Calhoun is up for the job and ready to serve you. Contact us so that we may help you understand the value of your building and any engineering or maintenance implications.
For more information on our Cover-All re-cover process, learn more here
Calhoun Super Structure fabric buildings can be ordered and installed much quicker than your traditional wood or steel building. For smaller structures, orders and installation can be deployed as quickly as three to four weeks if need to be. For larger structures, order and installation times may vary based on the scope of work, size, and customization. Your local Calhoun Super Structure dealer can give you a more precise idea on the amount of time your building will take based on your specific structure and needs.
Yes. While our fabric structures are designed as permanent buildings, expanding, removing, or re-locating your existing Calhoun Super Structure is easy. Our buildings are designed for quick expansion, and our versatility allows for easy relocation. This versatility is ideal for temporary projects or layout changes. Calhoun representatives will work with you to assist with changes to your building.
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.
In order to submit for a warranty, Calhoun requires you to complete a warranty registration form along with photos of your completed project. Contact your local Calhoun dealer for assistance with this process.
For more information, or to submit a warranty, visit here.
The first thing we always recommend is to consult with your local building official on the rules and restrictions regarding your building permit. Knowing what is and isn’t allowed for your area beforehand can save you time and effort later on. Let your local Calhoun dealer assist you throughout the process, from concept to completion.
For more information on our process, learn more here
In many cases, stamped plans are required for a building permit. Calhoun’s team of highly-skilled engineers review and provide site-specific stamped plans for every building we produce.
Calhoun never compromises on quality. Whatever your industry, the site of your operation is unique and our custom-engineered structures maintain the highest level of safety, sophistication, and longevity.
Our stamped drawings provide you with proof that the correct loading for the fabric building location, site, and application were used to configure the structure. This is necessary to ensure proper design, obtain building permits, and insurance on the finished project.
For more information on our engineering, learn more here
Calhoun Super Structure fabric buildings are designed to be built on many different types of foundations. We have installed our fabric buildings on wood posts, poured walls, demurrage blocks, pre-cast T-panels, grade beams, concrete piers, and shipping containers. Our team of representatives will work with you to determine the best foundation option for your structure.
For more information on building components, learn more here.
Calhoun Super Structure fabric buildings are engineered and manufactured using an open web truss, and hot dip galvanized for maximum corrosion resistance. Next to stainless steel, hot dip galvanizing is the best protection against rust and weathering.
For more information on our steel trusses, learn more here
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.
For more information on our hot-dipped galvanized steel frames, click here.
Yes. Calhoun designs, engineers, and manufactures your fabric structure to meet project-specific length, width, and height requirements which means that every structure is customized to fit your unique site location, application, and need.
We offer several end wall options, mount style options, fabric colors, and can build your fabric structure on different types of foundations. We customize our fabric buildings to meet your exact needs.
Yes. Most Calhoun Super Structure fabric buildings can be insulated and HVAC systems and ventilation can be added to the building frame.
Yes. When erecting a Calhoun Super Structure fabric building you have several installation options:
- Our experienced field crews travel to your project site and install your structure from start to finish
- Calhoun provides a complete set of plans and guidance for local contractors to do the install
- Calhoun representatives work with you and/or your contractor to install the structure
Not all steel building manufacturers are certified CSA-A660 in Canada, and it’s easy to confuse ISO (and their certifications for quality management) with CSA-A660. The two certifications are not the same. ISO certification only verifies that a company can manufacture a product consistently and does not satisfy standard CSA-A660 requirements. The audit and certification requirements of CSA-A660 ensures that the manufacturer is complying with the applicable building codes and design standards, and that the purchaser is protected. You should always make sure that the fabric building manufacturer you choose is CSA-A660 certified in Canada and AWS certified in the United States. Calhoun Super Structure is both certified CSA-A660 in Canada and AWS certified in the United States.
From the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), the CSA-A660 Standard was developed at the request of the Canadian steel building system manufacturers, and provides assistance to code enforcement officials in the process of reviewing building permit submissions incorporating a steel building system, ensuring the purchasers obtain a quality building. All aspects of the manufacturer’s process goes through a meticulous audit including engineering design methods and personnel, materials control, fabrication, warehousing, packaging, shipping, erection documentation, and quality assurance. Because the manufacturer of these buildings is often remote from the building site, and local code enforcement officials may lack the capability to check the structural analysis of a building, problems may occur in determining the acceptability of such structures. It is the intent of CSA-A660 certification program to alleviate such problems. Calhoun Super Structure is both certified CSA-A660 in Canada and AWS certified in the United States.
In the United States, the AWS certifications set industry standards which help meet and maintain compliance for many project regulations. Certifications are built around the processes for different weld-types, and welders are then certified on those unique processes. Welders who have passed these certifications will have uniform outcomes, are knowledgeable about what can go wrong and why, and have proven that they have the skills to ensure good, secure welds. You can maximize confidence in the quality of your fabric structure project by working with fabrication shops who employ welders that are certified to the standards put forth by the American Welding Society (AWS). All of Calhoun Super Structure’s fabric buildings are AWS certified.
Calhoun Super Structure boasts a competitive cost per square foot starting at approximately $20 per square foot. Price does not include end walls, foundation, installation, doors, or delivery; based on a standard CC Series hoop structure.