Maximizing Efficiency and Space: Why Fabric Buildings are Ideal for Industrial Storage

When it comes to industrial storage, maximizing efficiency and space is a top priority for businesses. Traditional brick-and-mortar structures often have limitations, such as high construction costs, lengthy installation times, and inflexible designs. However, there is a solution that offers versatility, cost-effectiveness, and rapid construction: fabric buildings. In this article, we will explore the advantages of fabric buildings for industrial storage, discuss how to choose the right one and provide maintenance tips to ensure their longevity.

 

Understanding Fabric Buildings

Fabric buildings are engineered structures that utilize a high-strength fabric as their primary building material. This high-strength fabric is tensioned over a structural frame, creating a durable and flexible structure. The fabric is typically made of polyethylene or PVC, which offers excellent resistance to UV rays, weather conditions, and wear.

 

Advantages of Fabric Buildings for Industrial Storage

Cost-Effectiveness

Fabric buildings are significantly more cost effective than traditional construction options. The materials used are generally less expensive, and the construction process is quicker, resulting in reduced labor costs. Additionally, fabric buildings require fewer foundation requirements, lowering overall project costs.

Quick Installation

One of the key advantages of fabric buildings is their rapid installation time. Compared to conventional structures, fabric buildings can be constructed in a fraction of the time. This speed can be critical for businesses needing immediate storage facilities or those operating in time-sensitive industries.

Versatility and Customization

Fabric buildings offer remarkable versatility and customization options. They can be designed to accommodate specific storage needs, whether it’s large open spaces or segmented areas for different products. The interior layout can be adjusted easily, allowing for efficient organization and optimal use of available space.

Energy Efficiency

Fabric buildings are known for their energy efficiency. The translucent fabric allows natural light to filter through, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, the fabric’s insulation properties help regulate temperature, minimizing the need for excessive heating or cooling, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs.

Durability and Maintenance

Despite their lightweight construction, fabric buildings are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. The fabric membrane is engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including strong winds, heavy snow loads, and UV exposure. Routine inspections and simple cleaning practices can help extend the lifespan of these structures even further.

 

Choosing the Right Fabric Building

Assessing Storage Needs

Before investing in a fabric building, assessing your specific storage requirements is crucial. Consider factors such as the type and volume of products to be stored, access points needed, and potential future expansion. Understanding these needs will guide you in selecting the appropriate size, layout, and features for your storage building.

Size and Design Considerations

Size and design play a significant role in maximizing the efficiency of your fabric building. Evaluate available space, site constraints, and zoning regulations when determining the dimensions of your structure. Additionally, consider features like doors, windows, insulation, ventilation, and other accessories that can enhance usability and functionality.

Quality and Warranty

Quality is paramount when choosing a fabric building. Look for reputable manufacturers or suppliers, such as FastCover, that use high-quality materials and offer comprehensive warranties. A well-constructed industrial building should provide long-lasting performance and withstand harsh industrial storage environments.

Safety and Compliance

Ensure that the fabric building you choose complies with relevant safety standards and building codes. These structures should meet or exceed local regulations for wind and snow loads, fire safety, and other safety requirements. Consulting with experts or professionals in the field can help ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.

 

Maintenance and Care

Regular Inspections

To maintain the integrity of your fabric building, conduct regular inspections. Check for any signs of wear, tears, or damage to the fabric membrane, structural components, and accessories. Promptly address any issues identified to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of stored items.

Cleaning and Repairs

Keep your fabric building clean by regularly removing debris, dust, and dirt. Gentle cleaning methods, such as pressure washing or mild detergent solutions, can help preserve the fabric’s appearance and performance. Address any necessary repairs promptly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines or seeking professional assistance.

 

Fabric buildings have revolutionized industrial storage by offering cost-effective, versatile, and efficient solutions. Their rapid installation, customizable design, energy efficiency, and durability make them a compelling option for businesses seeking to maximize their storage space. By understanding your storage needs, choosing the right fabric building, and implementing proper maintenance practices, you can utilize fabric buildings to optimize your industrial warehouse operations.

 

FAQs

Are fabric buildings suitable for all types of industrial storage?

Fabric buildings are highly versatile and can accommodate various types of industrial storage needs. However, it’s essential to assess your specific requirements and consult with experts to ensure the fabric building’s suitability for your intended use.

 

How long does it take to install a fabric building?

The installation time for fabric buildings can vary depending on factors such as size, complexity, site conditions, and weather. However, fabric buildings generally have significantly shorter installation times compared to traditional construction, with some projects taking only a few days to complete.

 

Can fabric buildings withstand harsh weather conditions?

Yes, fabric buildings are engineered to withstand various weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, wind, and UV exposure. High-quality fabric membranes and sturdy structural frames provide the necessary durability and resistance to ensure long-lasting performance.

 

Can fabric buildings be expanded or relocated?

Yes, fabric buildings offer flexibility in terms of expansion and relocation. Depending on the design and construction, these structures can be easily extended or disassembled and moved to a new location, providing adaptability as your storage needs evolve.

 

How do fabric buildings compare to traditional brick-and-mortar structures in terms of cost?

Fabric buildings are generally more cost effective than traditional construction options. The materials are less expensive, and the reduced labor and construction time contribute to overall cost savings. However, it’s important to consider factors specific to your project and consult with professionals to determine the most cost-effective solution for your industrial storage needs.

equipment-storage-building-50SLSS

How Fabric Buildings Can Help the Mining Industry Reduce Carbon Footprint

Fabric buildings can be beneficial to the mining industry in reducing their carbon footprint by providing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional mining structures. For example, fabric structures can be used as an alternative to permanent mining structures, such as storage facilities, workshops, or offices.

By utilizing fabric structures for these purposes, mining companies can reduce the need for new construction and demolition, which are major sources of carbon emissions. Fabric structures also require less energy to heat and cool, resulting in lower energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Additionally, these temporary buildings are portable and can be easily disassembled and relocated, making them a viable option for temporary mining sites or locations with limited infrastructure. This can further reduce the mining industry’s carbon footprint, as there is no need to build permanent structures which require extensive resources and energy.

Overall, using fabric buildings in the mining industry can directly or indirectly contribute to reducing carbon emissions, helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining industry.

The Cost of Fabric Coverall Buildings

If you’re in the market for a coverall building or fabric structure, you may wonder how much they cost and whether choosing a fabric building over traditional wood or concrete buildings is beneficial.

The price of a coverall building or fabric structure can vary depending on several factors, including

  • the size of the structure,
  • the labour,
  • the location of the project,
  • and the maintenance and utility costs.

Compared to traditional wood, steel or concrete buildings, fabric buildings are almost always significantly less expensive- both in terms of upfront building costs and maintenance costs over time.

 

Let’s look at the factors in detail that make up the overall cost of your project:

The size of the structure

The size of your coverall or fabric structure is perhaps the most important factor in determining the cost of your project, as the size determines how much material you would require. Although, steel structures cost more than traditional wood structures. If you take the wastage and the lifetime of both these structures, you will see that the steel structures easily outperform and outlast the wood structures with better durability and lower maintenance cost. Wood buildings end up wasting more material than steel frame structures over time due to weather damage, pests, mould, warping or rot.

Generally, a pre-engineered fabric structure can start from $25 per square foot.

The Labour

When undertaking a building project, time spent on site preparation, foundations, erecting the framework, roofing, and finishing are all critical factors in determining the overall construction time. Compared to traditional construction methods such as wood, steel, or concrete buildings, fabric buildings can typically be installed more quickly due to their simple design and fewer materials.

Steel frames can typically be erected in a matter of hours or days, depending on the size and complexity of the structure. The fabric is then pulled across the building in one seamless cover or installed in individual panels. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size of the building. On average, fabric buildings require significantly fewer man-hours to install than steel sheeting, typically ranging from .02 to .03 hours per square foot for fabric or coverall structures compared to .04 to .07 hours per square foot for traditional structures. This can save significant time and resources on large projects.

 

Commercial Storage BuildingThe location of the project

The cost of your fabric building will also be determined by its location. For example, if you want to place it on rough terrains like mining sites or oil fields, you will need to level the ground before the installation. You might also be required to create a concrete base if you use the fabric structure as a warehousing/storing facility.

The maintenance and utility cost

It’s important to factor in utilities and maintenance when estimating the cost of a building project. These long-term expenses can add up, and you don’t want to be caught off guard down the line.

Unlike other structures whose roofs are lined with screws or nails, fabric buildings are less likely to experience leaks, rust or corrosion. Furthermore, the fabric is also guarded against harmful UV rays, which means your valuables inside will be safe.

Excessive utility costs like electricity and ventilation can be a huge strain on your budget. A fabric coverall building would require much less lighting and ventilation than a traditional wood, steel or concrete structure. This way, you save significantly on your monthly bills.

The translucency of fabric buildings is 16-19%, meaning there is more natural daylight. This reduces the need for artificial lighting. At night, little lighting is needed as the underside of the fabric roof reflects and disperses light effectively.

One of the benefits of fabric buildings is that they are naturally non-conductive, which means the interior temperature is cooler on hot days and warmer on cool days. The fabric does not retain heat from the sun, so it helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside, requiring less heating and cooling.

 

Overall, fabric buildings offer several benefits compared to traditional buildings. They are easy to install, cost-effective, and require less maintenance over time. Whether you need a temporary structure for a construction project or a more permanent building for commercial or industrial use, fabric buildings are an excellent option that can save you time and money throughout the lifetime of your project.

Fabric Buildings: Ideal storage or warehousing solutions for mining sites

The mining industry is tough, but it also requires a great deal of innovation to keep up with the changing needs. With harsh weather conditions and hard-to-reach places, there are plenty of challenges for mine managers, from setting up office space in an abandoned shaft to getting heavy machinery down access holes before they’re frozen solid.

A more cost-effective way would be erecting structures such as portable fabric buildings, which can be easily broken down when not needed (saving money). Building a traditional structure can be another operation nightmare, and this is where fabric buildings come in. They offer several advantages over traditional structures regarding storage, warehousing or temporary office spaces for mining operations.

Here are some advantages of fabric buildings for the mining industry:

  1. More durable and weather-resistant than traditional buildings. This is important in locations where the weather can be harsh and there are risks of flooding or other damage from severe weather conditions.
  2. Flexible and modular design makes them ideal for mining operations that need to change frequently. They’re also easily dismantled and can be moved if needed.
  3. Cost-effective as they require less energy to heat and cool and are typically easier and cheaper to construct.
  4. Multifunctional in nature, so they can be used in many ways, including storage, office space, workshop space, and more. This multifunctional nature makes them a versatile option for mining operations of all sizes.
  5. Fabric buildings can be considered environmentally friendly as they do not require as many raw materials. The mineral, energy and oil exploration industry have rigorous guidelines, so building a traditional structure requires a lot more consideration for the environment and ecology of the mining site.

If you are considering storage or warehousing options for your mining operation, consider the advantages of fabric buildings. They may be the perfect solution for your mine sites.

Ideal for mining operations, FastCover fabric buildings are quick and easy to install, even in remote areas. Our wide variety of customizable structures have column-free interiors, so you can fit lots of materials without sacrificing space or clearance requirements! They’re also made from sturdy material that won’t get ruined by the weather.

Talk to us today to see how our fabric buildings can help your mining operations.

Why fabric buildings are perfect for farmers

Farmers have a lot of responsibilities. They need to ensure that their crops are healthy and that the animals they raise are well taken care of. One of the challenges that farmers face is finding the right shelter for their animals and crops. Traditional farm equipment storage buildings can be expensive and difficult to construct, especially if you are working with limited space. Fabric buildings offer an affordable and practical solution for farmers who need a quick and easy way to create shelter for their animals or crops. 

Cattle Handling Barn
  Cattle Barn

Fabric buildings are made of fabric panels attached to a frame. This design makes them lightweight and easy to assemble, which is why they can be customized to meet the farmer’s needs. The fabric is also water and windproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Farmers can use fabric buildings to create temporary shelters for their animals or crops or use them as permanent structures. Fabric farm storage buildings are a cost-effective alternative to traditional building materials, such as wood or metal, and they can be customized to meet the specific needs of each farm. 

Agri Business Warehouse Building
Agri Business Warehouse Building

Fabric buildings can also be an excellent option for hay and grain storage. The fabric material is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for storing hay and grain outdoors. Fabric buildings are also easy to assemble and can be relocated if needed. They provide natural light and ventilation, which is important for keeping hay and grain fresh.

If you are a farmer looking for an affordable and practical way to create shelter for your animals or crops, fabric buildings may be the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more about our fabric-building options!

 

Insulated Sports Training Facility

FastCover builds a few hundred fabric covered buildings every year. The list of applications for our buildings seems to be never-ending and we tackle each building project with the attention to detail and dedication to manufacturing quality that our customers expect. The vast majority of fabric structures that FastCover manufactures and erects are used for cold storage purposes such as commercial or industrial warehouses. Our structures are ideal for the storage of Commercial, Agricultural, Oil & Gas and Mining components and equipment. FastCover buildings are an integral part of improving equipment reliability and longevity by keeping valuable assets away from exposure to the harsh elements. We are seeing a significant rise in alternate uses for FastCover buildings such as light manufacturing, staging of sub-assemblies for further manufacturing, on-site safety & training facilities, and more unique uses such as sports training facilities. FastCover has the ability to adapt your structure to your specific application needs. You may want lighting, power, heat and remote doors which are just a few of the building options we can provide.

A recent project is a sports training facility that we are currently completing.  The exterior of the building looks like a very standard FastCover building, 30’ wide x 45’ long. This particular FastCover is fully portable and requires only a level surface to be mounted on. The baserail system sits on top of the ground and the entire structure is anchored using our screw anchor and turnbuckle system.  The typical all fabric roll-up door was swapped out for an insulated steel overhead door complete with electric lift and remote control openers. The accompanying walk in door is a steel insulated security door.

Inside the structure is where the uniqueness really become apparent. Rigid insulation panels are being applied to the trusses to provide an excellent environment for training our future NHL stars on artificial ice. This fabric structure is complete with lighting, heat and power to ensure a consistent climate for learning. As you can see, the rigid insulation panel interior surface is white woven polystyrene for a clean professional surface and the side facing out is reflective. With a 1” depth, this particular product has an insulation R value of 27 per inch. As with any type of insulation, rigid or fibreglass batting, there will be a significant reduction in light transmission from the original membrane (normally approximately 80% of light is transmitted through).  Interior lighting will be added. Once completed, this structure will be able to generate significant training revenue for the owner. At FastCover we are more than cold storage.  Give us your building requirements and we can help get you there.

For another example of an insulated building project please see Insulating Your New FastCover Building.

equipment-storage-building-50SLSS

Fully Portable Equipment Storage Building

FastCover recently erected the 50’ wide Straight Leg Super Series structure for a prominent crown utility company in Western Manitoba, Canada to be used as an equipment storage building. The building was required to be fully portable as the property is currently being rented by the Utility Company and it will be required to be re-located at some point in time. Although the FastCover 50 SLSS is portable it is imperative that the structure and foundation meet National Building Code for that specific site, which it does. FastCover engineers ensured that the structure exceeded snow, wind and rain loads for the area and also that the foundation met all the necessary uplift, down force and horizontal load requirements. With the stamped engineering documents in hand, FastCover started the fabrication process. The FastCover 50 SLSS is unique in that it provides a tremendous amount of cubic volume inside the structure. With 10’ high exterior straight legs, equipment, pallets and commercial racking are able to be placed in close proximity to the sides allowing for great use of space. In this particular application incorporating concrete blocks as the foundation allow for even greater use by lifting the structure even higher. Incorporating a steel non-insulated overhead door with a chain hoist ensures that the weather elements stay where they should be… outside.

equipment-storage-building-50SLSS-solid-end

The purpose of this FastCover is to provide excellent inclement weather protection for the client’s equipment. Providing equipment protection drastically reduces the deterioration of tires, hoses, mechanical & electrical components plus reduces the early onset of rust on painted parts. Longer equipment life results in greater return on investment for the client. Another benefit is the creation of a better work environment for their mechanical staff to complete minor repairs and maintenance.

equipment-storage-building-50SLSS-Door-End

The building did not require the supply of electrical wiring or interior lighting.  Primarily a day-use building, the semi-translucent building covers and end walls transmit a tremendous amount of natural light to the building interior, even on cloudy days.  As a result, the expense to install artificial lighting was avoided, increasing the ease of a future building move.

equipment-storage-building-50SLSS

FastCover uses only structural steel fabricated under the strict guidelines of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA A660-10). Working closely with and being audited annually by the CWB, FastCover ensures that documented welding procedures are adhered to by all CWB certified welders employed by FastCover. Being accredited and also annually audited to the CSA A660-10 standard ensures that we meet engineering standards as set out by the National and International building codes plus it ensures traceability of raw material to finished goods. Only CSA A660-10 accredited companies can provide site specific, engineer stamped documents for fabric structures such as FastCovers.

fabric building insulation liner

Insulating Your New FastCover Building

Many of our FastCover clients wish to insulate their new FastCovers so that they can store or maintain equipment, protect inventory in or do some light manufacturing. There are a number of ways that this procedure can be done with various aspects to heat retention. Rigid board or fiberglass are the most common methods although spray insulation has been used. Spray insulation, although an excellent source of heat retention does render the high density polyethylene fabric to become permanently rigid. In light of the fact that many of our structures are portable they are often disassembled and re-erected at another location, making spray insulation a somewhat less desirable option.

Rigid board insulation is one common method of heat retention for FastCover structures. The combination of R value and dead air space between the exterior fabric and the interior rigid board can provide adequate heat retention with electric or temporary propane heat. Most rigid board insulation has a foil interior cladding that not only provides rigidity but reflects heat from the source, back into the building, making it an excellent source of heat retention. Couple this with sealing the edges of each board to create a continuous envelope adds to its value. Rigid board can be attached to the inner chords of the truss with horizontal wood strapping (1x4s are commonly used) or with factory supplied “U” channel adhered to the truss. FastCover fabric covers transmit approximately 80% of the exterior daylight.  When combined with rigid insulated boards a light source is now required. When considering this option always take into consideration your available power source and lighting requirements and remember service and maintenance is slightly more time consuming and some boards may need replacement.

Fiberglass insulation is also an excellent form of heat retention. This method although more labour intensive, is quite cost effective. FastCover commonly uses fiberglass insulation in roll form. Structures need to be strapped horizontally  and the roll insulation is applied up and over (side to side width-wise). The R value of the insulation may be dictated by the depth of the truss and space available for thickness of the insulation.

R12 is very common and adequate for our single truss structures as the rolls are 3’ in depth. As truss depths increase with building widths it is common to see R20+. Once insulation has been placed many of our clients finish the interior of the structure with our fabric liner. This protects the insulation from damage or movement yet still provides a reasonable amount of light transmission into the structure. Service and maintenance is the simplest with this type of application.

A very popular heat retention option is to install an interior liner and create a dead air space in between the exterior and interior liners. The depth of the truss between the outer and inner chords of the truss will determine the amount of dead air space and the heat retention provided. Light transmission is only slightly reduced in this economical option.

fabric building insulation

One more option called thermofoil is commonly used in far north applications where heat retention is a higher priority than the light transmission through the fabric.  The material comes in rolls and can be used in a similar fashion to a fabric liner.

fabric building insulation using thermofoil

How to Save Money on Your Next Building Purchase

When making your next building purchase, there are many financial considerations.  There are many ways a fabric building from FastCover Buildings can help you save money as described below.

Cost of Land and Taxes

Land is expensive and location factors often dictate the price.  When making the decision on where to locate your building, sometimes you have the option of several locations.  No matter what, there is a value to the land where your building will be placed.  Because of the unique characteristics of a FastCover building, it will often qualify as a temporary structure, even though it is built to meet the local building code requirements for factors such as wind and snow load.  When classified as a temporary structure, it will most often incur a lower property tax as it is not considered a permanent improvement to the property.

As will be described below, due to foundation options, a FastCover building can be erected on a wider range of terrain that may not be suitable for other building types.  This means less suitable land, possibly less expensive land, can be selected.

Foundation

Related to the above, one of the features of FastCover fabric buildings is the ability to be erected on a wide array of foundation types.  From permanent foundations to concrete block foundations to large engineered screw anchors.  The continuous outer base rail frame included in the FastCover building design allows the structure to be built almost anywhere.

Assembly Construction Time

Would you rather be using your building, or waiting on construction to be completed?  A FastCover fabric building can save you weeks to months on labour and equipment expenses.  A typical FastCover building installation is often measured in days.  Because the buildings are shipped in large component pieces, including truss sections, purlins, cross bracing, winches, and cover sections, the assembly of a building occurs rapidly.  Truss sections are bolted into completed trusses then raised into place and secured with bracing.  When all trusses are standing and braced, the fabric cover is pulled into place.

The time frame for expensive lift equipment rental is minimized along with the overall construction time.

Shipping and Logistics

Logistically speaking, the component pieces, from trusses, to covers, to hardware, are all sourced from the FastCover manufacturing facility.  When the building shipment arrives, it is ready to be built.  As compared to other building styles, the component pieces may be sourced from multiple suppliers, often causing construction delays when materials do not arrive in the correct sequence or on schedule.

Interior Finishing – Lighting

As buildings have their outer shell completed, attention turns to the all-important inside of the building where actual business activity is planned.  Most buildings require interior lighting so that people, equipment, and goods can move around inside the building.  For a FastCover building, the fabric offers a tremendous advantage of transmitting a high amount of the outside daytime lighting to the building’s interior, usually eliminating the need for daytime artificial lighting.  For a conventional building to achieve the same result, a very large number of windows would be required, increasing construction time and construction costs.  For early morning or nighttime lighting, the bright white underside of the fabric cover helps to disperse artificial lighting further and more evenly requiring fewer light fixtures and lower on-going electricity consumption.

Summary of Building Purchase Savings

When making your next building purchase, we encourage you to go beyond just the invoice cost of the building itself.  Consider the value of the land required, the foundation requirements and preparation, the expense of construction time, the cost of potential delays, and on-going costs such as electricity to light the buildings interior.  We believe the choice of a FastCover fabric building becomes more obvious.

Fabric Buildings Save Maintenance and Utility Costs for Storage Buildings

Reducing maintenance and utility costs associated with your storage buildings is a smart way to improve the operational efficiency of your business operations.  Making a smart purchase decision includes not only taking into account the upfront capital cost of the building but also the on-going operational costs of the building.

Save on Construction Costs/Time

Setting aside the capital outlay for the building, there are a number savings that a FastCover fabric building will provide which may not be immediately obvious.  The first is the time and expense saved to erect the building.  Because the building is shipped in modular components, on-site construction time is drastically reduced where buildings can be completed sometimes in days as compared to weeks or months with buildings which must be completely constructed on-site.  This also means your building is finished and ready for use in your business sooner.

Save on Your Lighting Bill

Now consider the post-construction state of your building, as this is expected to last for many years.  You will have recurring monthly expenses for utilities and maintenance on any style of building.  A FastCover fabric building can help to reduce a number of monthly expenses due to the nature of the materials used to manufacture the building.  The most obvious difference between a fabric building and steel or wood construction building is the use of a fabric cover.  This fabric cover offers numerous advantages.  The first is that it allows a tremendous amount of natural daylight to pass through the cover to the building’s interior, virtually eliminating the need for daytime artificial lighting.  Even on cloudy days, there is often ample light to perform most activities inside the building without flicking on the light switch and having the power meter spinning.  In early morning hours and nighttime when we no longer have the free benefit of the suns light, artificial lights can be used more efficiently as the bright white underside of the cover reflects and disperses light so that typically fewer light fixtures are needed.

Less Heat/Cold Exchange

Unlike a metal roofed building often used for storage buildings, a fabric building cover will not radiate the heat and cold of the extreme weather conditions we experience.  Combine this with a cover that is effectively a one-piece sealed membrane and there will be substantially less air through cracks and perforations traditional buildings tend to have.

Maintenance Costs on Your Roof

Some building styles require that the roofing and siding materials such as roof tar or shingles and exterior wall paint must be frequently maintained or replaced on a periodic basis.  With a FastCover fabric building chosen for your storage building, there is no need to paint or shingle the roof and walls.  The covers should be checked for tension periodically but are otherwise virtually self maintaining.  Dirt and dust have a difficult time adhering to the polyethylene fabric and normally wind and rain are enough to blow off or wash off any that does manage to sit on the covers.

The building’s steel superstructure is post-weld powder-coat painted in our own paint booth.  The extremely smooth finish helps to prevent cover wear and protects the steel framework from rust and corrosion.

Value You Can Re-Use

One cost saving factor that few other storage buildings can match is the ability to take your investment with you if your business circumstance result in a move of locations.  A FastCover building is designed with an exclusive continuous base rail frame system which affords it a tremendous range of options in regards to foundations.  So flexible are these options that the foundation itself may be temporary and if the need arises, a FastCover storage building can be disassembled, building and foundation moved, and re-erected at the new site.

Note: link to this article from commercial equipment storage

Temporary Construction Warehouse

In what instances does purchasing a fabric building make sense for you or your business?  This is hard to say, but a fabric building from Fast Cover isn’t the best building for all building uses.  Fabric buildings do not make good multi-floor office buildings.  Fabric buildings do not make good houses or good apartment buildings.  But when you are putting together your construction plan for these types of projects, consider how a fabric building as a Temporary Construction Warehouse can be an invaluable asset to your plan.

Protect Your Inventory

For a large-scale building project, you likely have a large-scale timeline, stretching into months, or more.  During your construction project, you have many types of materials arriving on-site, some for immediate use, some for future stages.  Similarly, you have many types of equipment on-site, some are needed continuously and some less frequently.  With the climate we experience here, your materials and equipment may be exposed to UV rays from sunlight, wind, dust, rain, snow, and hail, maybe even all within the same week.  With a temporary construction warehouse, you can have a secure on-site storage facility to protect your inventory and equipment from weather damage, theft, and accidental damage.

Location Flexibility

Fast Cover fabric buildings are built with their unique continuous base rail system.  This feature results in incredible flexibility in both where and how buildings can be erected.  The foundation options range from ground mounts, screw anchors, temporary concrete blocks, and more.  In fact, the whole building, foundation, steel trusses, fabric cover, end walls, and doors can all be assembled, disassembled, and moved to the next project location.  This also makes the location of the temporary construction warehouse an easier decision to make as you have more flexibility to locate it where it is most suits your needs.

Rapid Assembly/Disassembly Time

One of your concerns may be the additional time needed to erect a warehouse only to have to remove it at the end of the project.  But consider how having a temporary warehouse on site will give you the flexibility of scheduling material deliveries and eliminate delays due to any weather damaged materials.  Now also consider that many Fast Cover buildings, which are shipped in modular components, can be erected with a week, often less, including placement of foundations such as concrete blocks.

A Fast Cover building as a Temporary Construction Warehouse will pay for itself many times over as you use it for future construction sites.

Top 6 Reasons Fabric Buildings are Ideal Vehicle Storage Buildings

When most people think of vehicle storage buildings often the image that comes to mind is a dark garage, cramped and dingy.  Wouldn’t you rather have a bright, wide-open space? When you are looking for your next vehicle storage building, your wish list is not as difficult to achieve as you might think.

Well Lit

Start with a Fast Cover building in mind and the first thing you will notice is how the fabric building covers permit a

Vehicle Storage Building
Wide Open Building for Vehicle Storage

tremendous amount of daytime lighting to enter the building interior and seems to fill up every corner with soft pleasant light.  So much light that there is no need for turning on the artificial lights, even on a cloudy day.  When darkness falls, the bright white underside of the covers helps to spread the light further, reducing both the number and size of light fixtures needed to light your building.  The covers include UV ray blocking properties to reduce the exposure to sunlight fading for your vehicles.

Wide Open

Personal Storage BuildingAll Fast Cover buildings are built 100% clear span.  The steel super-structure has no internal columns or low hanging rafters to obstruct your maneuverability.  Our building walls gain height very quickly leaving a maximum amount of space available for your storage needs.

Designed for Access

Commercial Storage Building
Putt’s Transfer Commercial Storage Building

Our building designs provide for flexible door locations, from large overhead doors to personnel access doors.  Configure your access need according to your traffic flow.

Sized to Meet Your Needs

portable fabric building garage or utility
18′ Wide portable fabric building garage or utility building

The Fast Cover product line has buildings available in widths from 18’ wide to 86’ wide and can be built to any length required.  We can even add on to most existing building if your storage needs grow in the future.

Put it Where you Need It

The unique Fast Cover Baserail system means tremendous flexibility regarding where the building can be erected and foundation options that range from screw anchors to concrete blocks to more permanent concrete bases.  If your business needs evolve and you need to move or re-configure your vehicle storage, a Fast Cover building can be relocated, preserving your building investment.

Durability

Our steel superstructure is powder coated at the factory after all welding has been completed to provide you with a corrosion resistant building.  The polyethelene building covers are made to withstand our harsh climate and will not rust.

Contact Fast Cover Buildings to learn more about the many advantages for your vehicle storage building.