Quakertown, PA 18951
TEL: +1 215-529-9921
TOLL FREE: 800-634-8368
FAX: +1 215-529-9936
EMAIL: sales@ufsinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How long will a fabric structure last compared to more conventional construction like a steel building?
A. Universal Fabric Structures offers an industry-leading standard warranty: 25 years/Frame and 12 years/Fabric. The architectural membrane cladding has an engineered lifespan of 15 to 20years however, both the fabric and frame should well outlast the warranty period. Fabric roofs can be replaced with very little "down time". Premium coated membranes including DuPont's Tedlar™ or Ferrari's FluoTop™ with extended life spans and warranties are available as an option.
Our aluminum frames are maintenance free, made of T6-6061 extruded aluminum, the best for structural framing, and practically corrosion free.
Our steel framed structures epoxy painted or post fabrication hot dip galvanized to protect the entire frame from corrosion due to the elements or hazardous environments. A Universal Fabric Structure should last as long as or longer than a traditional steel building.
Q. How long will the fabric membrane last?
A. Our standard membrane should last 15 to 20 years hassle free. After that time the membrane becomes more susceptible to ultra violet degradation. Don't be surprised if the Universal Fabric Structures fabric exceeds the life expectancy or our warranty. The fabric is easily replaced for the cost of approximately a 2% per- year, maintenance set aside.
Q. What are the standard sizes of aluminum structures?
A. We have many different styles of aluminum buildings and have spanned up to 164 feet/50 meters wide.
Q. What are the standard sizes of steel structures?
A. We have many different styles of steel buildings and have spanned up to above 328 feet/100 meters wide.
Q. What types of projects are the structures used for normally?
A. The structures have a huge range of uses, the most common are:
- Aviation
- Correctional Facilities
- Custom Designs
- Emergency Services
- Environmental
- Gaming and Casinos
- Government
- Hospitality and Conventions
- Manufacturing
- Military
- Mineral Storage
- Mining
- Oil & Gas
- Ports
- Ski Resorts
- Sports and Recreation
- Tent Rental Products
- Warehousing and Storage
- Waste Recycling
- Worship
Q. What is the lead-time required from order to site?
A. Universal Fabric Structures has inventory available in both the U.S. and Europe. We have a current lead time of 6 weeks for steel framed structures and standard aluminum structures that are not available out of our existing inventory base. Custom structures lead times are targeted at a maximum of 12 weeks from order. This timeframe can be modified in special instances when a need is more urgent, and generally depends on our production and engineering schedule at the time your order is confirmed. Custom Projects with special engineering and design elements may require an initial engineering review to confirm the exact production and delivery time.
Q. How are the structures shipped?
A. Structures are typically shipped on flat bed trailers or in standard 40' ISO Sea Containers. The number of trucks or containers depends on the type of structure purchased or rented and the size of the structure.
Q. How long will it take to install my structure?
A. Installation rates vary based on site and weather conditions in addition to structure design; however, we lead the industry in efficiency and speed of installation. Typical installations on a flat level site range from 5,000 sq ft per day for SFS (Steel) Series structures to up to 10,000 sq ft per day for TFS (aluminum) and AH Series structures. Universal Fabric Structures can provide a full crew to build your facility or provide a timeline and equipment / manpower requirements to help aid in the construction process. In any case a custom installation can be designed to meet almost any timeline.
Q. Do multiple panels make up the single piece of fabric covering the structure?
A. It can, we can offer either large one piece designs or more modular panels in widths the same as column centers.
Q. Are building permits required?
A. In most circumstances building permits are required. Universal Fabric Structures can help provide the documents you need to secure a building permit.
Q. Will I be able to relocate my fabric structure in the future?
A. The initial concept was to provide a pre-engineered building that can be easily relocated or expanded at anytime. The modular design of our structure system allows for easy dismantle and relocation, allowing you to save on your capital investment should you decide to move your facility. Our unique design allows our customers to "reclaim" 99.5% of the structure and offers them the benefit of flexibility should they need to relocate, expand or sell the structure in the future.
Q. Do I need any footings or foundation?
A. The unique design and engineering of a TFS (Tension Fabric Structure), MSS (Modular Shelter System) and AH (Aluminum Hall), allows it to be erected with minimal ground preparation and, in most cases, no footings or foundations for rental or short term projects. We are capable of erecting structures on almost any terrain (earth, asphalt, concrete, etc.). The actual soil conditions, structure type, and engineering load requirements will determine the most suitable anchorage system for your project and Universal Fabric Structures will be able to anchor the structure in any location with a variety of methods.
Q. What accessories, doors or ventilation systems are available?
A. Our structures are designed and constructed using the same methods as conventional brick or steel construction. The accessories, interior build out, finish details etc. are limited only by the imagination therefore the same accessories you have seen on traditional structures, can be used on a Universal Structure. This holds true for doors, ventilation, HVAC, lights, insulation etc.
Q. Can the structures be insulated to control temperature?
A. Yes, our buildings can be equipped with or without insulation depending on your needs. We have a number of insulation packages from R-11 reflective insulation to R-30 fiberglass batt.
Q. Will a fabric structure meet wind and snow load requirements for my area?
A. We have designed, engineered and installed our products in over 50 countries throughout the world and in the most extreme climates. From the heavy snow areas of British Columbia and Russia to southern Florida where the wind design load is 120MPH. Typical structure designs meet with extreme wind and snow conditions per the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-95 and have proven their viability and acceptability in numerous locations throughout North America. In addition, the architectural membrane is certified to meet nationally recognized Fire Retardant standards.
Q. How does the appearance remain so rigid?
A. All Universal Fabric Structures structures designed for snow and/or high wind loads incorporate a mechanical tensioning system to stretch the membrane over the structure (or module) so as to create a taught, wrinkle free finish. Once the fabrics base polyester scrim has been stretched, the membrane will remain in tension throughout the life of the structure. A weather tight seal is made (under tension) and the membrane suffers no damage due to friction of a loose fitting membrane.
Q. What happens if the structure is vandalized?
A. Vandalism by means of a sharp object such as a razor blade is a nuisance but the good news is that unlike an air-supported structure, it will not affect the structural
integrity of the building. If the structure is unfortunately vandalized, we can repair the damage easily. In many cases, our client can repair the fabric themselves. Each structure comes equipped with a fabric repair kit which contains a heat welds, matching fabric and a roller. The installation team will train our customer with welding of the fabric. Other products can be used to mend the structure without the use of a heat welder such as PVC fabric adhesive and "tear-aid". If a repair is not possible without the assistance of our fabric technicians, we can send someone to your site on very short notice.
Q. How do I repair damage to the steel/aluminum framework?
A. Though repairs should not be needed, it is possible to repair the structures by welding, or adding reinforcement in critical areas.
Q. Is there a warranty?
A. We are proud to offer our clients 25 year/frame and 12 year/fabric warranties and worldwide service for all of our products. Extended warranties and service plans are available as an option.
Q. Do the structures leak?
A. Our engineering and construction techniques focus around providing watertight buildings.
Q. Will condensation form inside the structure?
A. Without the controlling the inside air temperature the buildings can experience some condensation. Interior liners are also available to help maintain cost efficient air control.
Q. Are you cost competitive?
A. We offer only premium products and service therefore you will not find us at a State Fair or a backyard wedding, although we have hosted Royal and Celebrity weddings in the past. A key goal is to find a solution that will work for our clients while not compromising quality or more importantly, service.
Q. How does the cost of a fabric structure compare to conventional construction?
A. While there are many types of conventional structures that offer rock bottom prices and give little in return, you will find Universal Fabric Structures to be very competitive when you do an "apples to apples" comparison. In addition, by using premium materials and ISO-9001 quality certified production, Universal offers significant savings in installation and maintenance costs. Certain applications receive unique benefits that only a tensioned fabric structure design can offer. We are the only manufacturer that provides solutions to meet every budget so be sure to consider all of the advantages and benefits Universal offers when comparing manufacturers.
**Review our comparative checklist of how Universal Fabric Structures compares to other fabric structures companies!
Q. What is a ballpark price for a Universal Structure?
A. We provide buildings with your choice of engineered structural framework manufactured from either steel or aluminum. A budgetary estimate for a steel frame or aluminum frame fabric building would run approximately $10.00 to $16.00 per square foot.
Of course, each project has special considerations and each structure will be tailored to the exacting needs of the individual client. Options include doors, lighting, HVAC, and insulation systems. Custom colors, graphics and structural shapes and designs are also available and can be quoted as additional details are specified. Of course, each project has special considerations. We would be glad to provide you with a firm budgetary quote for your specific project if you would assist us with a preliminary scope of work.
Once again, when you do an "apples to apples" comparison, a Universal Structure will save you up to 30% over conventional buildings.
Q. What if I need something custom made?
A. We are here to listen, evaluate and then provide cost effective solutions that will meet your timeframe, budget and exact needs. Our in-house Engineering and Design Team utilizes state of the art AutoCAD systems that allow us to provide timely and accurate solutions.
Q. How long has Universal been in business?
A. Since 1983 Universal Fabric Structures has been the leader is designing, engineering and manufacturing state of the art structure solutions for our clients. Universal Fabric Structures, Inc. is part of the Veldeman Group out of Bree, Belgium with offices located throughout the World; we can offer our customers' unparalleled service and support.
Q. Tell me about your service
A. In today's competitive market and global economy, the word "QUALITY" is often overused to imply good service. Our very simple philosophy is:
Every one of our customers demands a quality product. We will continue to be successful and stay ahead of our competitors by providing benchmark service and support that all others are measured by.
