Maintaining a clear span fabric building is essential for ensuring its durability, safety, and long service life. Though these designs accommodate extreme weather as well as provide ample unobstructed use-space, continuous maintenance is still needed so that the performance of the structure can be maintained over time.
Creating and following a structured maintenance plan will place buildings at lower risk of sudden mishaps, reduce total lifetime repair costs, and maximize the overall service life of clear span fabric buildings.
Routine Inspection and Preventive Maintenance
Performing a series of routine inspections is critical to keeping a clear span fabric building. Clear span buildings are constructed for strength and large, open use-space; however, like any building system, they need to be continually monitored to ensure peak condition. Every clear span structure should have a full inspection completed biannually; an additional inspection should be completed following major storm occurrences such as rain or snowfall accumulations, hurricane-like wind patterns, etc.
When performing a routine inspection, give particular attention to identifying deterioration of the membrane fabric, such as small rips or punctures, or areas with loosened tension; identifying and taking early action on minor damage on membranes is important because minor damaged areas can quickly become major damaged areas if not identified and repaired in a timely manner. Furthermore, inspect the frame structure for corrosion, loose bolts, or other miscellaneous shifting of frame components that could put the structural integrity of the building at risk.
Drainage is another item of focus. Ensure that drains and downpipes are unobstructed to prevent water accumulation; this will prevent the fabric and frame from bearing excessive weight. Proper drainage contributes to the long-term stability of the entire structure.
Cleaning and Surface Care
Regular cleaning is critical to maintaining both the appearance and function of a clear span fabric building. If dirt, dust, mold, and other organic materials accumulate on the fabric, they will degrade the fabric over time. To clean the surface, you can use a mild soap solution and water, soft brushes, or low-pressure wash equipment. Chemicals such as bleach or a high-pressure washer should be avoided because they will most likely damage the protective coating on the fabric membrane.
It is very important to clean both the inside and outside of the clear span fabric building. Dust accumulation inside the building can negatively impact products and equipment stored in the building’s interior, especially in agricultural and industrial applications. Keeping the building clean on the inside will also help provide a safe and efficient work environment.
It is also very important to check for areas that may be creating condensation or trapping moisture. Enhancing airflow and controlling the humidity levels will help reduce long-term wear on the fabric materials.
Structural Maintenance and Long-Term Protection
In addition to routine cleaning and inspection, performing proactive structural maintenance greatly impacts the longevity of a clear span fabric building. Regularly tightening tension cables and re-securing the fabric connections will help keep the structure stable and support it to continue to endure high wind loads. Fabric membranes will gradually relax as time passes. Consequently, periodic tensioning of the membrane is necessary.
Protective coatings will also likely need to be reapplied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Protective coatings help provide resistance against ultraviolet (UV) rays, mildew-growth and deterioration from environmental elements. Keeping a maintenance log will help tremendously in tracking repairs, inspections, and scheduled service.
Always perform repairs as soon as possible. Even minor repairs (for example, a small abrasion in the fabric or a loose fitting) can turn into major structural issues if left unattended. Hiring qualified service technicians to perform repairs will help ensure the integrity of the entire building system remains intact.
Conclusion
By following the maintenance practices set forth for a clear span fabric building, your building will be able to provide long-lasting performance, efficiency, and protection for many years to come.
KENTEN STRUCTURES designs and manufactures high-quality clear span fabric building systems. Our building systems are helping to offer thousands of building owners reliable protection with minimal maintenance, and are widely used in industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors.
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