How Long Do Fabric Buildings Last?

The lifespan of fabric buildings, also known as tension fabric structures or fabric-covered buildings, can vary based on several factors, including the quality of materials used, environmental conditions, and maintenance. Generally, fabric buildings will last anywhere from 15 to 30 years or more.

Here are some key factors that influence your fabric building’s longevity:

Steel

This is one of those good news, bad news scenarios. In all likelihood, the steel will last longer than you or your needs for the building. Typical steel service life is 30 to 50 years or more.

Fabric or Membrane

High-quality fabrics and structural components can significantly extend the lifespan of the building. Heavier duty membranes like NovaShield Elite HDPE and HEYtex PVC are designed to last longer and include longer warranties.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow, strong winds, intense UV radiation, regional salinity, and humidity, can affect the durability of the building. The relentless sun (i.e., UV) in the western United States, heavy snow loads, coastal humidity and salinity, and storing caustic materials like salt are environmental conditions that can affect the buildings durability.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and timely repairs, can prolong the life of a fabric building. In higher snow load areas, cleaning snow off the building is an example of maintenance that will help extend the building’s service life.

Design

Proper engineering and design that account for the specific environmental challenges of the location can enhance durability. Essentially, we’re talking about properly engineering the building to handle the wind, snow, and dead loads required for the building’s intended use and location.

Manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 10 to 20 years for the fabric cover, while the steel will last much longer, often 30 to 50 years or more, with proper care. There are many buildings across the country currently in daily use that are well past their warranty or intended service life.