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Fabric structures are made of durable, flame-retardant materials and can last 15-25 years. They can withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads, and are ideal for temporary or permanent buildings. Fabric structures are different from awnings and tents because they are under tension and have sturdy frames. They are often used in the military, construction, and entertainment industries. Building permit laws for fabric structures vary by jurisdiction.
The walls and roof of a fabric structure are made of fabric rather than wood, metal, or stone. The fabric is usually a durable, flame-retardant material such as polyester, fiberglass, spandex, or some other material. A fabric structure is ideal when used as a temporary building, but could also be a permanent structure, as fabric can last 15-25 years and is easily repaired or replaced. Despite their delicate appearance, fabric structures can withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads. Some jurisdictions require a landlord to obtain a permit before erecting a fabric structure.
Fabric structures are not curtains and should not be confused with curtains. An awning is a metal or wooden frame covered with fabric. The fabric simply drapes over the frame, providing flexible walls. Tents are temporary and portable, and can be dismantled and moved quickly, usually within hours. Most tents cannot withstand extreme weather conditions such as snow or high winds.
The difference between an awning and a fabric structure is tension. The fabric of a fabric structure is under great tension, which allows it to create rippled walls and ceilings that won’t flutter in the wind or buckle under the snow. The fabric is stretched over a sturdy steel or aluminum frame. Both the frame and the fabric can generally withstand winds of up to 120 miles (193 km) per hour. They can also support up to 40 pounds per square foot (195 kg/m2).
A fabric structure can be erected quickly, and smaller structures don’t require a foundation or footer. This makes fabric structures ideal for temporary structures. They are often used by military organizations or as temporary storage or workspaces during construction. The entertainment, sports and leisure industries also use fabric structures. They have generally replaced inflatable structures because a tear or puncture in the surface of a fabric structure does not compromise the structural integrity of the entire building.
The temporary nature of fabric structures is why they often fall into a gray area of building permit laws. In many places, a builder doesn’t need a permit if the structure is temporary. Tissue structures can be permanent or temporary, so they are not easily classified. A property owner planning to erect a fabric structure should work closely with local building officials to ensure that laws are being followed.
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