Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar structures, tarp buildings are favored for their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, portability, and versatility. They offer functional flexibility and are now commonly used as urban shelters, military outposts, sports facilities, and warehouses.
This article discusses the longevity and maintenance of tarp buildings, including the factors that influence their lifespan.
Understanding Tarp Buildings
What Are Tarp Buildings Made Of?
Frames
The most commonly used framing materials are steel and aluminum.
Aluminum is alloyed with metals like magnesium to add strength. It’s suitable because it’s lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand harsh conditions. Majority of Shelter Structures frames are made of 6061/T6 aluminum alloys for reasons.
Steel is heavier than aluminum but needs to be galvanized to make it rust-resistant. It’s mainly known for its high strength, as it can withstand heavy loads during heavy rains and snow. However, it is losing popularity as tent framing because it is heavy and prone to corrosion even with protective layers.
PE Tarpaulin vs. PVC Tarpaulin
Due to a more robust internal mesh, PVC tarpaulin is thicker and heavier than PE tarpaulin, making it a perfect choice for structures regularly exposed to heavy rains, stronger winds, and UV rays. PVC also offers fire-retardant and chemical resistance.
PE tarpaulin is lighter, and compared to PVC, it’s a better choice for occasional use since it’s less sturdy.
While PVC can last up to 10 years, PE can last about 1-2 years. Shelter Structures’ tarps for buildings have a service life of 5-10 years with proper care.
Types of Tarpaulin Buildings
Tarp buildings can be categorized three ways depending on their weather resistance and duration of use. These categories are temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent.
Temporary buildings are quick and easy to build, take down, or relocate. They can be used for temporary storage, warehouses, aircraft hangars, and in emergency response operations for temporary shelters. A good example is Shelter Structures’ arcum tents, which can be installed quickly and allow personalization. TFS tents, on the other hand, are versatile and suitable for both temporary and semi-permanent use.
Semi-permanent buildings fill the gap between temporary and permanent structures and are designed for only a few days or weeks. They can be used for exhibitions, long-running sports events, industrial workshops, unique event venues, and luxury resort accommodations.
Shelter structures’ flat roof tents are ideal for semi-permanent structures as they are designed to be durable enough to withstand long-term events.
Permanent buildings are long-lasting and are designed to serve for decades. They have solid foundations (often made out of concrete) and cannot be disassembled or relocated. They can be used for manufacturing facilities and educational institutions.
How To Build a Tarp Shelter
This is the basic process of how to build a tarp shelter:
- Materials Needed:
- Tarps for buildings
- Stakes
- Metal frames/poles
- Guy lines
- Pulling machine for pulling tent tops
- Cords
- Bolts
- Fasteners
- Uprights
- Pegs
- Step-by-step process:
- Find a flat area that’s away from obstacles, and if necessary, conduct surface preparation such as leveling and clearing vegetation
- Place the base plate according to the size of the tent and its intended use
- Assemble the framework
- Install the tarpaulin
This entire process should take a few days to two weeks, depending on the size of the tent and its intended use.
Factors that Influence Lifespan
The lifespan of tarp buildings can vary based on several factors. However, they can last up to 20 years, depending on factors such as the quality of materials, environmental conditions, and maintenance.
Material Quality
Using high-quality materials, for example, for the cover and frame, can significantly extend the structure’s life.
Aluminum frames can guarantee reliability for several years, regardless of weather. This is because aluminum is corrosion-resistant and resilient against harsh weather conditions. It can also match the structural strength of other materials while being much lighter.
Steel can take heavier weights and is an option for glamping tents. Shelter Structures uses it for dome tents to withstand strong winds and snow loads.
PVC and PVDF-coated tarps for buildings are treated to resist UV, tearing, fire, corrosion, and water, which makes them usable for several years without any signs of damage.
Construction and Design
Choosing high-quality materials for your building will guarantee reliability for longer. With proper maintenance and only some exposure to harsh elements, the frame and fabric materials should withstand harsh weather conditions for several years.
For a semi-permanent structure, make sure the foundation is strong enough, and double-check all the connections during construction. Go for high-quality fasteners and reinforcements to secure the cover to the frame.
The structure should also be well anchored. Shelter structures use a number of grounding methods to keep the structures stable and secure. They include the use of tent ballasting system, steel stake & ratchets, expansion bolts, and embedded bolts. The cost of these ground fixing methods may vary depending on the surface.
Shelter Structures can also provide a fabric-pulling machine, which is an excellent investment for keeping the tent fabric taut throughout, as properly tensioning the cover prevents wear or any potential damage.
Environmental Conditions
In hot climates, UV rays damage the chemical structure of the tent’s fabric and cause it to lose its durability, in addition to bleaching colors.
The frame is more likely to deform or break in places with strong winds or heavy rains. In some cases, the winds may cause tearing or material abrasion.
Salt air affects metals over 50 miles inland in coastal regions and can accelerate the corrosion process of metal parts like steel. Even for a mostly aluminum structure, this can pose a problem.
Maintenance and Storage Practices
After prolonged use, add UV coating for extra resistance, especially in hot climates. Regularly reapplying the other coatings that enhance waterproofing and reduce corrosion is also recommended.
Even though the tarps are UV-coated, they need to be disassembled immediately after use. They need to be kept away from direct sunlight to further decrease UV damage. Even After use, tarps for buildings should be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from humidity and extreme temperatures.
Best Maintenance Practices
Regular and Thorough Inspections
Importance of Routine Checks
Check for tears, bends, cracks, or corrosion on the frames and the cover. Routine checks will depend on the load the structure experiences and are a great way of detecting problems early and preventing secondary damage.
Repair minor issues immediately, and always refer to the manufacturer if you have questions.
Key Areas to Inspect
Check the fabric condition for thinning, sagging, or stains. The structure is susceptible to vandalism in populated areas, so graffiti and punctures may be on the fabric. Also, ensure the overall tension is sufficient to prevent potential damage.
Check the frames and make sure they are rust-free. Also, inspect the joints and look for loose parts, rust, or degradation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning Fabric Covers
Use mild soap and water to clean the fabric and remove dirt, stains, and mold that may cause degradation. You only need a soft-bristled brush to scrub off any stains or debris. Power washing is not recommended as it can put too much pressure on the seams.
Avoid using solvents, abrasives, bleach, or any harsh chemicals, as they can easily compromise the quality of the fabric. Instead, you can check with the manufacturer if they recommend any substances.
Preventing Accumulation of Debris
Maintaining a clean fabric surface is critical in preventing debris buildup that could lead to material degradation over time. Cleaning not only leaves the tents looking better but keeps them in good condition for longer, promising a better return on investment.
Proper Storage
Appropriate Teardown Procedures
Disassemble the tent carefully to prevent tears and holes that may lead to leaking. Empty the tent and clean off any dirt and debris, leaving it to sit in dry weather for until it’s dry. Recheck and remove any pegs or poles carefully and fold the dry tent.
The Right Storage Conditions
The tent should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from the sun, pests, and extreme temperatures. It should also be kept away from nature and positioned away from food. The space should be well-ventilated, and the tent can be stored inside protective containers to prevent degradation or fading.
Conclusion
The lifespan of tarp buildings can go up to 20 years, but this depends on several factors, including the materials used for construction, environmental conditions, design, and maintenance. Check out Shelter Structures’ offerings for a customized tarp building of choice.
