Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics Blog

Most architectural fabric buildings are white. If you ask the industry or marketplace why, there are normally two answers:  Either 1) we could not get another color because of lead time or minimum quantities for our desired color, or 2) we were told colors fade quickly and are not a long-term option. Both of these concerns are valid, but the suppliers of these materials now offer options to address both concerns and give the buyer many more choices.

One of the toughest measures of the stability of an architectural fabric seam is Dead Load Testing, which is found in ASTM D751 Section 80-83. This ASTM Standard applies to Coated Fabrics only, not reinforced laminates, or extruded or blown films. Why? Only a heavily reinforced material will perform in a dead load situation which is the very nature of the performance of an architectural fabric in a fabric structure.

What determines the life expectancy of a fabric structure, specifically the fabric itself? How does an owner select a building material when warranties often tout long time frames with no real substance? There are several items to consider, all of which contribute to the life of the coated fabric used in the building construction.