When deciding between a clear-span fabric structure and a steel structure, the usual question that comes to mind when considering your options is: Are steel structures more expensive than fabric shelters?
For operators of commercial and industrial projects that require high-quality shelter solutions, it may come as a surprise to know that there are viable alternatives to traditional steel buildings, in the form of custom-made fabric structures. If you have long-term shelter requirements, you may wonder why you would choose a fabric shelter solution over a steel structure.
By comparing the benefits and value of free-standing fabric structures to steel structures, we will see which structure comes out on top. At first glance it seems pretty straight forward: steel buildings are more expensive and fabric structures are cheaper, when all factors are considered, the initial outlay costs are often very similar. This is due in part to the increasing technology and quality of fabric structures, and at the same time steel building products are reducing in price.
So, if initial outlay costs are on par, what are the most cost-effective differences between a steel building and a fabric structure? We are going to discuss the cost-effective benefits regarding design flexibility, speed of delivery and construction, proven durability and lower ongoing costs.
Design Flexibility
A flexible design means a fabric free-standing structure can evolve as your needs do, changing in size or location. An Australian-made fabric structure provides a solution that is designed, engineered, and manufactured to suit your specific needs and operational requirements. If your project changes over time and you find yourself needing additional shelters or changes to your existing setup; this can be easily managed with the use of a fabric structure. The versatile nature means a fabric structure can be either a permanent or portable solution, depending on your choices. Fabric structures can also be installed and dismantled,, so you can adjust them to the changing requirements of your project whilst reducing downtime.
Speed of Construction
With the pre-engineered design of a fabric structure, the speed of construction is vastly shorter than a conventional steel building. Depending on the size, fabric structures can be manufactured within four to fourteen weeks of ordering and on-site within days of dispatch, and installed within a few weeks— depending on the structure’s complexity. With a fabric structure, the costs are reduced onsite, as there is less requirement for the site preparation, trades, and labour hire that is needed for a solid building, or for building upgrades and extensions if your needs change over time. Fabric structures can also be dismantled in a short space of time, and moved elsewhere if required – something that wouldn’t be possible with a steel structure.
Proven Durability
Through years of industry experience, fabric structures have been proven in the most demanding environments of extreme wind and heat.
- Wind: FreeSpan Fabric structures are designed and engineered to Australian Standards. Using state of the art technology fabric that can withstand cyclonic wind speeds of up to and over 300 km/hr. Allshelter fabric structures have proven to be durable to even the fiercest winds.
- Heat: The curved shape of a free-standing structure creates a large volume of interior air space, drawing the hot moist air away from machinery, equipment and personnel. Fabric structures have been proven to be up to 30% cooler than a conventional steel building.
Lower Ongoing Costs
A fabric shelter has low ongoing maintenance costs, further reducing costs for and future building maintenance and upgrades. Maintenance cost savings could potentially include lighting, painting, or cleaning. Fabric structures allow for up to 12% light transmission through the fabric, removing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Painting or cleaning of a fabric structure are not required because the fabric is dust-repellent, and rain will clean the structure.
Fabric structures are an excellent alternative to conventional steel buildings. Fabric shelters are becoming a popular, cost-effective, alternative solution in the building marketplace. When you are considering your next building, it’s important to work through your options and requirements. A fabric shelter may be better suited to your operational needs.
Allshelter offers both fabric buildings or steel structures, and we are ready to guide you through the ordering process and provide personalised support every step of the way! Contact Allshelter today to discuss which structure, fabric or steel, would provide more cost-savings for your operations.
