How to Keep Your Fabric Structure in Top Condition
Fabric buildings are an affordable, quick-to-install, and durable alternative to conventional structures. However, to ensure they stand the test of time, some routine care and maintenance are required.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to keep your fabric structure in the best possible shape year-round.
Step 1: Routine Cleaning
Cleaning is the most obvious and important step in maintaining your fabric building. Since these structures are constantly exposed to dirt, moisture, and other contaminants, a proper cleaning schedule will help keep your building looking new.
To clean your fabric structure properly, you’ll need a few key items:
- A hose or low-pressure power sprayer (to avoid damaging the fabric coating)
- A soft bristle brush or sponge
- Warm water and mild dish soap
- A bucket and a soft, dry cloth
Before you begin, perform a test cleanse on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This ensures your cleaning solution and tools won’t cause discoloration or damage. Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, you can proceed with cleaning the rest of the structure.
Start by using the hose or low-pressure sprayer to remove any loose debris. Then, use your brush or sponge with the soapy water to gently scrub away any stuck-on contaminants. Finish with a final rinse.
As a general rule, cleaning your fabric building once a year is sufficient, though this may vary depending on your environment.
Step 2: Regular Inspections
After cleaning and drying your structure, it’s the perfect time to perform a thorough inspection. This step is crucial for catching minor issues before they become major problems.
What to Look for:
- Fabric: Check for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, discoloration, excess stretching, peeling, small holes, or thinning fabric. Finding these issues early can prevent more extensive damage and costly replacements down the line.
- Frame: Don’t forget the metal frame. Look for any signs of fatigue on the joints and couplings, loose fixings, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. Frame damage is more serious than fabric damage, so a detailed check is essential.
We recommend inspecting your fabric and frame every six months. You should also perform an inspection after any significant weather events, such as heavy storms, snowfall, or hail, or if any debris falls on the structure.
Final Thoughts on Proactive Maintenance
Being proactive with your fabric structure’s maintenance is the best way to extend its lifespan and ensure its safety. By setting reminders for bi-annual checks and inspecting your building after exceptional events, you can find and address minor issues well in advance.
Routine cleaning and inspections will reduce the risk of structural failure and injuries, saving you money and frustration in the long run.
If you have questions about the maintenance of your fabric building or are interested in our durable, functional, and affordable fabric structure options, feel free to contact us today.
Edge Inc. is committed to providing the most reliable fabric solutions in North America, backed by our team of experts.
