Fabric structures?

Reyer Farms · Nov 7, 2012

I am looking to put up a building for packaging vegetables and framing in a kitchen and bathrooms. First thoughts were a metal building and put up partition walls and floor top for storage over kitchen. I talked to a guy with Clearspan fabric structures and I think it would be a great alternative. I asked all my questions and he had good answers. Does anyone have one? How do you like it? My wife wants to know how it will look on down the road.
Thanks for the help.
Jody

KretZ · Nov 7, 2012

We operated out of one of those at a deployed location for a couple years. It was already two years old when we took it over and the last time I was at that base it is still there and seems to be in good shape (that would put it at about ten years old) It was pretty good in cold weather and actually held the heat in pretty well. We didn't have any mississippi style storms though. I would say if the price is right, it might not be a bad choice.

dmccarty · Nov 7, 2012

FarmTek sells them so you might want to look at their website for a comparison, FarmTek - Hydroponic Fodder Systems, Farming & Growing Supplies, Hoop Barns, Poultry & Livestock Equipment, High Tunnels, Greenhouses & More

There is a nearby farm that uses a structure that might have been from FarmTek. It is used to store hay and is pretty big. I know it has been there for at least 4-5 years and I think it is far older.

I just saw a quonset building go up. Ugly as heck but they it got it put up in a day which surprised me. They don't have end walls but I am not sure they want them. Time will tell. I don't like the looks of them but they certainly are strong, provide a large span with height, and they go up fast.

Later,
dan

Reyer Farms · Nov 8, 2012

Thanks for the input. I have contacted Farmtek and I hope to get everything soon. Just building shell is a $4500 savings. I am going to double check to be sure it is not false economy in the long run.

dmccarty · Nov 8, 2012

Reyer Farms said:
Thanks for the input. I have contacted Farmtek and I hope to get everything soon. Just building shell is a $4500 savings. I am going to double check to be sure it is not false economy in the long run.

Let us know how it works out.

I don't like the looks of fabric, quonset huts, or metal car ports, but I have been tempted to put one up since they are better than what I have, which is nothing. :laughing: What stops me is the money. The fabric ones are certainly reasonably priced but then I start thinking that I would rather spend the money on a more permanent structure and thus end up with nothing.

The fabric barn I see holding hay has help up well. We have had some big wind storms since that was put up. I am impressed with it.

Later,
Dan

pdhowell · Nov 8, 2012

I was looking at the same sort of structure as a machinery shed and hay storage. It was on a road nearby. Hurricane Sandy came along and ripped the cover to off and ripped it badly and bent the aluminum arch trusses. This structure seemed to be high, almost like that of a two story barn and would have a very high windload.

I guess that I would be careful of how they were set up, and if there is a warranty on the structure and the damage. Can you insure the contents inside one of these structures?

kensnelling · Nov 8, 2012

pdhowell said:
I was looking at the same sort of structure as a machinery shed and hay storage. It was on a road nearby. Hurricane Sandy came along and ripped the cover to off and ripped it badly and bent the aluminum arch trusses. This structure seemed to be high, almost like that of a two story barn and would have a very high windload.

How did the sheetmetal buildings in the area withstand the storm? Around here commercial(?) grade fabric structures seem to hold up fine for years with straight winds of 60+ mph. Tornados are a different story though.

Also on the homeowner vs commercial grade fabric covered buildings how much is the price difference? I had a homeowner grade for 3 years until a 28" of snow with wind around 30 mph over 7 days caused the frame to start buckling. The commercial grade buildings didn't seem to have any problems during that time.

Ken

Reyer Farms · Nov 9, 2012

The Clearspan buildings have ripstop covers and they are repairable. I asked about wind and they told me the buildings have ratings and do well due to the shape. He told me a Ms hurricane could tear it up. I guess you just can't have nice things these days

. For us I need to expand in the market but I don't want debt or to exhaust all my liquid assets with the uncertain environment.

These buildings are 14 ga steel galvanized not al. The sections are sleeved so if one is bent it can be replaced. They have pictures of the manufacturing facility, it is very large. The benders, welders and everything in a fabric building. I was told there are tax advantages also but I doubt once I build the kitchen inside they will apply. I thought about calling the kitchen The Chuck Wagon. I am really leaning toward it with 15 year warranty on fabric, and fabric cost about a third of total cost, and it could be up in two days.
It is never easy being the first around to do something new but if it works you look real smart.
If it fails I probably will not have disappointed anyone!! I might save enough money to capitalize on that bridge in Cal. It is a great deal!