When it comes to the design of your building, it’s important to consider how you intend to use it and whether its location will be permanent. While often overlooked, portable fabric buildings have been increasing in popularity over the years. Their versatility and adaptability allow them to be utilized in ways that permanent structures cannot, while still maintaining a reliable structure.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why you should consider choosing a portable fabric building for your next build.

4 Benefits of Portable Fabric Buildings

Easily Relocatable

By investing in a portable fabric building, you do not have to commit yourself to a single location. Instead, you can bring your building with you to maximize its usefulness and availability, such as moving it from one job site to another.

Alternatively, this style of building is perfect for those who may only need a structure seasonally or for certain events. When it’s not in use, you can simply store your portable fabric building until it’s needed again, allowing you to still work with the land space that it normally occupies.

Easy Assembly

From a structural standpoint, there are fewer elements to be considered. With a permanent, non-fabric building, there are several more steps to constructing the roof alone, from the framing all the way to the shingles.

However, a fabric building is constructed in considerably fewer steps. Once you have the truss frame ready, you only have to worry about securing the fabric.

Roof Dome construtction, canvas and metal sheet

Easy assembly means an easy disassembly, which is perfect when considering its portability. You will save time and money when it comes to taking down your fabric building and reconstructing it in a new location.

Multi-purpose

It’s important to note that you can definitely customize your portable fabric building to suit your needs. However, at the end of the day, fabric buildings are essentially one large space, rather than being divided up into smaller rooms. Therefore, it’s fairly easy to alter its use if you find your business or lifestyle changing. This allows your building to grow with you and be whatever you need it to be.

Bright Interior

One of the most visually appealing and cost-effective elements of a portable fabric building is that it naturally offers a bright, sunlit interior with a clear span frame. As a result, not only can you save money on lighting, but window maintenance is a thing of the past.

Portable fabric buildings are the perfect option for someone looking for a structure that can be manipulated and moved on a whim while still being durable and sturdy. Always feel free to consult with a professional to help determine whether portable fabric buildings will best suit your needs.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Coverco Buildings is the team you can trust when it comes to fabric and steel structures. We offer versatile solutions by providing economical and customized pre-designed buildings for the oil & gas, agricultural, mining, and recreational industries. Our superior engineering is what separates us from the rest, as we emphasize structural integrity, guaranteeing that our buildings can stand against all sorts of terrain and weather changes. With 50-year warranties, we offer you the best service in Ontario, Calgary, and Regina. Call us on 855-931-8600 today.

When you invest in a new build, you likely want your building to stand the test of time. Having to spend more money a few years down the road to reconstruct that same building seems less than appealing.

Steel buildings are a popular choice when it comes to construction because of their association with durability. But just how long do they actually last?

We explore the longevity of a steel building below.

The Lifespan of a Steel Building

The Benefits of a Steel Building

While there are several material options to choose from when building, steel has established a reputation for celebrating three main aspects:

Durability

As you can imagine, steel buildings are strong. They are designed to withstand Alberta snowstorms and rainfalls. It is difficult to compromise the makeup of steel, and they are more resistant to the wear and tear that affect other building materials.

Low-Maintenance

Steel buildings typically require less maintenance during their early years. This is an attractive feature for builders who simply want to finish construction and not have to worry about repairs immediately after.

Long-lasting

Steel buildings are generally made to be permanent.

It must be noted, however, that aspects like permit status and maintenance will impact this permanence.

How Long a Steel Building Lasts

The general consensus is that steel buildings can last approximately 50 years, provided you ensure regular upkeep. This can include actions as simple as washing your building and treating small scuffs as they appear.

This isn’t to say that they will be structurally compromised once they surpass that 50-year mark and that they will need to be torn down and rebuilt. Rather, professionals will be needed to be brought in to inspect the building and work on restoring it.

The life expectancy of steel is greater than most other materials used in construction, so choosing to build with it is never a poor decision. Never hesitate to reach out to professionals who specialize in steel buildings to gather more information and gain expert opinions.

Choosing a fabric-covered building for your commercial construction may seem a little unconventional. However, it may actually be the smart decision when you consider how you want to use the space.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of building with fabric.

Pros of Choosing a Fabric Building

Quick Installation

From a structural standpoint, there are fewer elements that need to be considered. With a standard roof, you are required to cover the roof framing with sheathing and the underlayment before even starting the process of adding the shingles.

A fabric build consists of considerably fewer steps. Once you have your truss frame ready, you only have the fabric to deal with.

Less Expensive

Considering that you are dealing with fewer components and that fabric is often a less expensive building material, it only makes sense that fabric buildings can be a more affordable option.

Additionally, since the installation process is quicker, you save on labour costs.

Bright Interior

Who needs windows when your entire roof lets in light? One of the most significant visual benefits of a fabric building is that it naturally offers a bright, sunlit interior with a clear span frame.

Easily Relocatable

By investing in a fabric building, you are able to change your mind about where it’s located more easily. A quick installation means a quick uninstallation, plus you won’t have to spend additional money on materials- you’re simply relocating what you’ve already paid for!

Cons of Choosing a Fabric Building

Less Durable

This isn’t to say that fabric buildings are flimsy and will tear at first sight of bad weather. However, when comparing fabric to other building materials, it’s reasonable to say that fabric is less durable than steel.

That said, some construction companies will include warranties with their builds. It’s never a bad idea to ask them what they cover.

Fabric buildings can be an excellent choice for your company if you find that it fits your needs. Always feel free to consult with a professional when deciding which build works best for your business!

So you’re looking to construct a building for residential or commercial use. There are many options you can go with as far as the material is concerned. Steel is always a material that people consider due to its durability. Here are the pros and cons you should be aware of if you want help with your decision.

Pros of Going with a Steel Building

– The obvious pro is the durability of steel. Steel buildings will do a better job of withstanding the elements including rain, snow, hail, heavy winds, high temperature, and exposure to UV rays. With other materials, you’ll need regular maintenance and replacement to fix the wear and tear.

– Fast construction. Because the steel parts are built already, it will less time to construct. The frames are already measured and cut, so it’s just a matter of installing the different parts together.

– Better temperature regulation. Steel buildings can do a great job of dealing with heat better than other materials. At the same time, it can help you maintain cool and warm temperatures inside the building with proper insulation.

Cons of Going with Steel

Of course, there are many downsides to going with steel as well.

– Possible Corrosion. Because the material is made out of metal, it’s going to be prone to corrosion. Corrosion will occur at faster rates in humid climates. Of course, there are treatments that can help protect the steel from corroding.

– Can be Costly. Obviously, the cost of steel is going to be higher than many of the other materials you can choose from. You should only opt for steel if you want a building for the long term.

– Not as flexible. If you do not know if you’re going to be using the building for a long time, you should avoid steel. Fabric buildings are great because you can easily move them from location to location at a low cost. Steel isn’t as flexible.

These are the pros and cons to look at if you’re thinking about steel for your building’s construction. Steel is probably best for long-term projects in a non-humid climate. Otherwise, you should look into using other materials and options for your building.

If you need a temporary building for your next project, one type of building you should consider are fabric made buildings. These buildings have become popular due to their durability, utility, and engineering. But are they worth it? Should you choose them over your other choices?

There are several things to look at when it comes to the value of fabric buildings. The first thing to consider is how long these buildings last. While it is less resilient than steel, it is surprisingly durable.

The fabric is not made of the same fabrics you see used in tents. They are much tougher and designed to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions. Many manufacturers will also use multiply layered fabrics to protect you in case the outer layer does manage to form a tear.

Then there’s the cost. Compared to the cost of setting up a pre-engineered steel building, the cost of fabric buildings are far lower. You can expect to pay around half as much for the fabric building. This makes it an attractive option if you need a temporary building but do not want to spend too much.

Finally, you have to think about how you’re going to use these buildings. Are you going to require a building for multiple locations? If so, a fabric building will be optimal since they are far more portable. You will save a lot of money on freight and construction costs if you’re taking these buildings with you.

On the other hand, if you plan on staying in one or a few limited locations over a long period of time, steel buildings may be better. These buildings will have a longer lifespan compared to the fabric option. They will pay for themselves over several years.

So it really comes down to your unique situation. If you need temporary buildings for multiple locations portable fabric definitely is the way to go as you’ll save a lot of money. But if you are staying in a few areas for a long period of time, it’s probably better to go with metal buildings.

Are you thinking about insulating a steel building? Many people opt to go without insulation because they see it as an unnecessary expense. However, insulating a steel building is important for several reasons.

Why Insulate A Steel Building

First, it helps keep the temperature comfortable. If you plan on working inside the building during the summer and winter months, the insulation will make it bearable in extreme temperatures. It also helps prevent condensation from forming.

The condensation that builds up can make its way onto the metal parts. This can result in rust over time. Insulation will help prevent mold buildup as well. It may not affect the metal, but moisture will affect the other materials.

Now how do you go about installing insulation for steel buildings? You want to start by choosing the right type of material. There’s fiberglass, reflect foil, insulated panels, and foam boards. Look into the pros and cons of each type of material to make a decision on which material to go with.

You’ll find that each type of material has an R-value. This is a rating given to measure the material’s ability to resist heat. The higher the R-value, the more resistant it will be to heat. This helps keep the interior cool during hotter months and will also help reduce the condensation inside steel buildings. There will be different prices based on R-values and material.

Choose where to insulate. If you live in an area that gets some rainfall, it may only be necessary to insulate the roof. On the other hand, if you are in an area that deals with heavy snowfall, you’ll need to insulate the walls as well. This will prevent the water from getting to the foundation.

Install the insulation properly. The best place to place the insulation will be above the skeleton of the building. This means the core metal frames that contribute to the shape and structural integrity of the building. Installing it there will prevent outside heat and moisture from transferring onto the skeleton of the building.

That’s a quick overview of how to insulate a steel building. You’ll want to do other things such as installing proper ventilation, allowing for good air circulation, and looking into other temperature control solutions.

When you need to get more space quickly, then opting for pre engineered metal buildings is a smart choice. These buildings are very sturdy, and they can be designed in a variety of ways. Be sure to get the best metal building with the following advice.

Look At the Type of Metal

There are many types of metal. Some metal is as pliable as an aluminum can. Other metals are strong steels that stabilize skyscrapers. As you shop for the best metal building, look carefully at the type of metal you choose. Other metals may be more affordable, but you want steel for the highest quality and durability. Pre engineered steel buildings are going to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear from the elements.

Consider the Different Design Options

After perusing your options for pre engineered steel buildings, start looking at the design. A metal building can be a simple square or a rectangle, but there are other variations available. Consider the different customizations that you can pick in terms of size, height, entrances, roofing and more. You want to have a lot of options on the table in order to get the right building for your specific needs. If there are not many design variations available, then you may want to look elsewhere for better buildings.

Verify the Ease of Installation

Picking out your pre engineered steel buildings is only half the task. You also need to get your buildings erected and secured in order to gain the versatility you crave. Therefore, do your research in advance. What is the installation process? What kind of costs are associated with it? What other support elements are needed for successful installation? The best buildings will be easy to install safely and securely.

There are many advantages to fabric buildings, such as their excellent weather resistance, convenient storage capabilities and easy-to-install design. In fact, they are the ideal choice for agriculture, mining, and drilling operations because of their modularity and ease of setup. However, like all things in life, they do come with an associated cost.

Oftentimes, the easiest way to determine the cost of a fabric building is to calculate the square footage and apply an average price to the amount. However, to arrive at that cost, there must first be a determination of the factors that may affect the price. We look at these below and offer suggestions for how to decrease the amount you pay in meaningful ways.

3 Variables Affecting the Cost of Fabric Buildings

The Company Performing the Work

The first way the cost of fabric buildings is affected is through the company performing the work. Every company will have a slightly different way to measure and calculate the costs based on industry standards. Therefore, it is important to vet the company that you wish to work with beforehand.

One of the most effective ways to properly vet a company is by requesting quotes and comparing them with other, similar service providers. In this way, you can determine not only the average cost of your project but also receive feedback from professionals in the field. Remember, the cheapest company is not the fastest, and the most expensive does not have the highest quality.

The Materials Used in the Building

The materials that you use to complete your building project will also play a role in the overall cost. If you are looking for a specific insulation material, for example, you may end up paying a premium compared to the average cost of our flagship material. Ensure you understand these costs at the beginning of the project for the best results.

The Size of the Erected Building

The size of the erected building will also play a role in the final cost. Of course, this may be obvious to some in a discussion about square footage prices. Still, it might not occur to everyone that changes the shape, entrances and features of the building will also play a pivotal role in determining the price. Consider developing a plan and some drawings of the features and requirements you have for the building beforehand for the best results.

Make Fabric Building Prices Easy

Although there are many factors that affect the square footage cost of fabric buildings, there is a way to ensure you are dealing at the right price. Indeed, you can give us a call at Coverco Buildings, and we will provide you with versatile solutions, reliable prices and other options to make the purchasing process as simple as possible.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Coverco Buildings is the team you can trust when it comes to fabric and steel structures. We offer versatile solutions by providing economical and customized pre-designed buildings for the oil & gas, agricultural, mining, and recreational industries. Our superior engineering separates us from the rest, as we emphasize structural integrity, guaranteeing that our buildings can stand against all sorts of terrain and weather changes. With 50-year warranties, we offer you the best service in Ontario, Calgary, and Regina. Call us on 855-931-8600 today.

For steel buildings, insulation is a must.

If you think of the benefits, you can see why investing in proper insulation can go a long way to sustaining and maintaining your building. You can enjoy the following advantages:

Temperature control
Negating condensation
Reducing the growth of mould and mildew
Higher R-value
Vapor barrier
Better economic value
Better eco-friendly value and reduced energy costs
Doesn’t allow nesting for rodents, birds or bugs

While those benefits are a must, choosing the right steel insulation for your building can be tricky. It is, therefore, essential to know which systems are available to you.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the best insulation options available for your steel buildings.

The Best Insulation Systems for Steel Buildings

Loose Fill:

The insulation type consists of loose fibers or pellets that are blown into the wall cavities with specialized equipment. It is ideal for walls, attics, and floors and reduces the air leakages while promoting insulation. You can choose from three material options: shredded recycled newspapers, fibreglass, and rock wool.

Spray Foam Cellulose:

This is a polymer spray that can be injected into steel walls and ceiling cavities. The chemical mixture expands quickly, drying into a solid mass of air-filled cells. When expertly applied, it can fill every tiny crevice within a steel building. It also is cost-effective and successfully absorbs noise.

Rigid Board:

Also known as foam board insulation, rigid insulation works by trapping air in the foam’s cells. Easy to install, rigid board insulation can work within any tiny or tight space and long-term investment. However, it does require additional flame-retardant, and insulation can suffer after several years.

Fiberglass Batt:

Also known as Fiberglass Blanket Insulation, ‘Batts’ are the top choice. Economical and effective, Batts is considered the most popular choice for steel building insulation. The insulation is outfitted with a vapor retarder and tested for fire safety, and is also mold and moisture resistance.

What To Consider When Choosing A Steel Building Insulation

Selecting from an insulation system based on these options can be difficult. Make sure you consider the following factors, so you know you’re getting the best insulation:

The Workability (As specific types of insulation cannot be shipped or installed in cold weather during winter).
The Facing of the Insulation (Facing material must be carefully selected if it is going to be left exposed)
The Cost-Effectiveness (Are you planning to use the steel building for a long-time? If so, consider what is the best bang for your buck!)
The Appearance (Aesthetics matter for businesses, so make sure you select a choice that brings out the best in your building)

Insulation serves several important purposes in steel buildings, so make sure you make the right choice for yours.

There is a lot to learn about the different types of buildings available and the multiple solutions they can provide. However, today you can learn more about the exciting world of pre-engineered steel buildings. This type of “pre-eng” building is excellent for storage and large project coverings.

However, this particular type of pre-eng building has many differences when you compare it to fabric buildings, building packages, or other forms of mobile shelter.

The Pre-Engineered Steel Building Difference

Modular Building

Modular building is probably the most substantial difference between pre-engineered steel buildings and other buildings of the same variety. The modular building aspect allows piecemeal shipments, which is both a boon for timelines and contractors alike. Naturally, if every piece can ship on its own, or as part of a complete bundle, the project can divide the work among many different shops or manufacturers. This change completes the project faster and with fewer headaches overall.

Test Fitting

Test, or dry, fitting is the process of incremental building. This process is used for pre-eng buildings because it allows the owner to test the construction before the project is complete. That way, if there are any issues or missing components, they can be ordered without a significant delay to production.

No Interior Supports

The lack of interior supports is also the mark of a pre-eng building. Interior supports often get in the way after installation and erection, which can cause problems and extra considerations. However, pre-eng buildings do not suffer this defect and, instead, actually create a better selling feature as a result.

Get Your Pre-Engineered Steel Building Today!

With all the benefits of pre-eng steel buildings, there are a lot of potential uses. For instance, storing dry goods or making a comfortable workshop in an otherwise isolated area of your property. If you can think of any reason to add a pre-engineered steel building to your property, give our friendly staff a call today to discuss your options!