What is Tensile Fabric

11.08.23

Most modern buildings are compression structures, where blocks or bricks are piled on top of one another to form walls or create frames to hang rigid materials from. Another way to build structures is using flexible materials and the force of tension. Tensile architecture is a twenty-first century method based on tents, one of the oldest and simplest methods of providing shelter.

This post explores a broad overview of what tensile fabric is, what it's made of, and its uses and benefits in tensile fabric structures. Tensile fabric offers various possibilities for free-form structural designs using flexible materials. One of the main applications of tensile fabric structures is to provide cover from harsh environments.

What Is Tensile Fabric Made Of?

Tensile fabric material can fall under two categories — coated and mesh. Coated tensile fabrics are typically used for external purposes. These fabrics are made of woven cloth fabrics and stabilized with a protective coating. Mesh fabrics are coated cloth with small spaces between the thread bundles, and are more commonly used for interior applications.

Fabric materials are considered to be more sustainable than traditional building material options. Although tensile fabric comes in different varieties, the two most common coated fabrics used in tensile structures are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

PVC Coated Polyester

Tensile fabrics coated with PVC can be used in both permanent and temporary structures. The PVC coating includes ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, fire retardant additives, and fungicides. It also has good resistance and is low-maintenance.

PVC-coated fabrics are commonly used in tensile structures due to their greater durability, translucency, and affordability. These tensile fabrics can have a structural life span of 20 years due to the material's strength and high flexibility. Adding extra UV protection and fire retardants in the coating can help increase the longevity of the fabric.

PTFE Coated Glass Cloth

PTFE-coated glass cloth is a high-quality material used in tensile fabric membranes. For those who prefer ultra low-maintenance structures, this high-quality fabric provides the additional benefit of a 30-year life span or longer. Cleaning is typically recommended only every 2-5 years, and rain may provide some degree of cleaning on the outer layer. This material also resists buildup due to environment pollution and will not discolor or become brittle over time.

Although it is more costly than PVC, PTFE-coated tensile fabrics are sturdy and durable, and can be used in extremely hot or cold climates.

What Are Tensile Fabrics Used For?

Tensile fabrics work well for any large interior or exterior area that needs some form of enclosed or unenclosed cover. Tensile cover and roofing structures provide effective and economical structural solutions.

Tensile structures generally fall into three classifications:

1. Membrane-tensioned structures: Cables stretch the fabric and attach it to solid structures, such as masts or poles.
2. Mesh-tensioned structures: Mesh cables support the fabric instead of stretching it.
3. Pneumatic structures: Air-supported structures create tension with internal air pressure to support the fabric.

For more permanent installations, tensile structures are put up with galvanized metal frames and components. Depending on the material and space of the installation, tensile fabric provides soft diffused natural light while holding up against the elements. At night, artificial lighting can create an ambient atmosphere and exterior radiance.

Because these structures are lightweight and flexible, they offer many design and feature opportunities. Here are some typical examples where tensile fabric roofing or covers can be used:

• Shade canopies and covered parking for a property, from single bays to large commercial parking lots
• Extra cover and shading for walkways, preexisting buildings, and entrances like atrium roofs or canopies
• Covers or shade sails for restaurants, bars, terraces, gardens, and entertainment venues
• Fully enclosed leisure centers, sports facilities, exhibition and educational venues, aquatic centers, film studios, and other commercial and retail facilities
• Industrial handling facilities and port storage areas where open space is required for large vehicles to move around
• Airport facilities, aircraft hangars, and warehouses
• Recycling and widespread waste facilities needing structures that are resistant to corrosion and harsh environments
• Structures for medical facilities and hospitals
• And more!

The Benefits of Tensile Fabrics

Tensile fabric structures offer significant benefits compared to traditional ways of covering an area, including:

• Portable: Tensile fabric is lightweight, making it easy to relocate, expand, and remove. The fabric is convenient and manageable for both temporary and permanent structures.
• Durable: If tensile membrane fabric is manufactured, installed, and treated properly, it helps create an exceptionally durable structure. The fabric's high strength-to-density ratio can withstand severe environmental conditions. Extra treatments can protect it further against cracks and abrasions.
• Economical: In addition to fast construction and installation phases, tensile fabric comes at a lower operating cost. Structures that use tensile fabrics are often more energy-efficient, as the covers let in more natural light and transfer less heat than traditional structures and roofs.
• Versatile: Tensile fabrics are suited for a wide range of applications. They can be designed into many possible styles, shapes, and colors, depending on a project's unique specifications. The structure can have any number of entrances or windows and skylights for added natural light.
• Visually appealing: A key benefit of tensile fabric is its ability to provide a variety of visually attractive shapes. These structures can often be used to draw attention and create a visual focus in any area.
• Low maintenance: Tensile fabric requires little ongoing maintenance other than annual cleaning.
• Wide cover area: Modular structures can cover an expansive area without the need for rigid intermediate support that other traditional structures may require.

Build a Tensile Fabric Shade Structure With VPS

VPS can build tensile fabric shade structures that meet site requirements and protect valuable assets. Our PVC and PTFE fabrics provide varying degrees of translucency, light reflectivity, fire retardancy, and non-combustibility. PVC membrane fabrics are available in different colors, while PTFE is available in white.

With our specialized fabric patterning, attachment methods, and welding, we create structures that are among the most durable, cost-effective, and innovative in the fabric structure industry. These solid membrane fabrics can fit many structural designs and will deliver on performance for many years to come.

Our team can determine the right tensile fabric-based option based on the size and scale of any project. Contact us and talk with an expert at VPS today.