Both fabric and metal protection structures can keep vehicles safe from hail damage. However, each material has strengths and weaknesses to consider before making a final decision. When companies install hail protection structures in parking lots, they can do double duty and protect vehicles from other weather, like heat exposure, rain, and snow.
Companies that are considering hail protection structures may wonder what material provides the most reliable protection. Should they invest in fabric canopies or metal parking structures? In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of fabric vs. metal for hail protection. Businesses that are looking for the best solution can use these guidelines to find the right fit for their unique situation.
What Are Hail Protection Structures?
Hail protection structures are canopies that cover vehicles in parking lots. They can be made from several different materials, and their parts include strong structural supports and lighter canopies that are secured overhead. Hail protection structures come in different shapes and sizes, with different kinds of supporting beams and canopy tilts.
These structures can reduce the heat that accumulates over a large parking lot by keeping the sun from directly warming the asphalt. Other benefits include a cool vehicle for customers and weather protection for commercial businesses. Once they’re installed, hail protection structures require minimal maintenance. They’re a cost-effective solution that provides peace of mind to business owners.
Comparing Fabric vs. Metal for Hail Protection
Business owners who are investing in vehicle hail protection structures may have several questions. Some of the most essential include:
- What is the most cost-effective option?
- What options will hold up best against inclement weather?
- Does the benefit of these structures outweigh the cost?
Additional options for hail protection include parking garages and indoor warehouse spaces. If companies already own a large parking lot, hail protection structures can be installed on the property for a lower cost than a new building. These structures are effective, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
To ensure the benefits of hail protection systems outweigh the financial investment, companies should look for a partner who offers custom hail protection structures. Custom options allow companies to find exactly what they need at a cost they can afford. Because every project has different requirements, vehicle protection structures should be customizable.
Fabric Protection Structures
Commercially produced fabric protection structures are made with tested material that can endure harsh weather. Fabric structures are often made of strong, engineered fabrics like ETFE, PTFE, and PVC.
Fabric canopies have a lower material mass, so they may be a better environmental choice than metal. However, not all fabrics are recyclable. Working with an eco-friendly company can ensure that canopies are sustainable and align with business values. If maintained well, fabric canopies can have a long life, reducing the amount of material and investment required to protect vehicles.
Pros of Fabric Canopies
Benefits of fabric protection structures include strength, durability, a lower upfront cost, and aesthetic appeal. Fabric canopies can keep snow and rain off vehicles. They can protect assets from overheating and being damaged by UV rays. Because fabric is lighter than metal, the structural component of a fabric canopy can be lighter and quicker to install.
Fabric options are also a good fit for large areas, especially if the project requires minimal structure. These canopies offer diffused natural light and come in different shapes and sizes. Some companies prefer fabric canopies for their artistic shape.
Fabric canopies provide a practical, modern twist on vehicle protection, offering reliable defense against hail and poor weather.
Cons of Fabric Canopies
Fabric canopies do have a shorter lifespan than metal options, especially in harsh environments. Over time, they can become degraded by exposure to UV rays and may have limited thermal insulation. Although they protect vehicles from hail, they may be susceptible to punctures or cuts — it depends on the specific material they’re made of.
When companies need quick deployment or are covering large areas with minimal support, fabric canopies are an ideal option.
Protection structures made with fabric are durable and aesthetically pleasing, offering the perfect balance for apartment parking lots, auto dealership lots, and other commercial applications.
Metal Protection Structures
Another vehicle protection option, metal structures are highly durable and can handle snow, hail, rain, and other types of inclement weather. They’re often made from steel or aluminum, metals that are known for their strength and dependability.
Metal protection structures are a good choice for the environment because these materials are highly recyclable. They have a long service life and are easy to refurbish and repurpose. Because of their strength, they can also support solar panels, allowing companies to generate sustainable energy from their parking lots.
Pros of Metal Structures
Benefits of metal vehicle protection structures include superior longevity and a durable structure. Metal structures are carefully crafted to resist heavy winds, large hailstones, debris, vandalism, and other sources of potential damage. They also require minimal maintenance after installation.
Metal structures align with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that can elevate the appearance of a parking lot. They come in different styles, some with more structural supports than others. Each kind of metal protection structure is engineered for reliable performance over the long term.
Cons of Metal Structures
Because metal structures are heavy, they may take longer to install than fabric options. They have larger foundational pieces and may require more heavy equipment to complete installation. Metal coverings also have a higher upfront cost, although they typically last longer than fabric canopies.
Metal coverings are designed to block light, support ventilation, and provide thermal breaks in parking lots. While they are built to last, they don’t give the airy, modern feel that fabric canopies can convey. They may also be hot to the touch, especially when installed in a warm climate.
Companies that require permanent, security-critical protection structures should consider choosing metal options. This material handles harsh environments well and is an excellent fit for areas with snow, hail, and windstorms. For some businesses, the metal aesthetic may also be preferable to fabric canopies.
Cover Vehicles With VPS Protection Structures
Are you comparing materials for hail protection structures? VPS has been equipping clients with the highest-quality vehicle protection solutions for over 30 years. We offer both fabric and metal structures, with the best option dependent on individual client projects. Some of our options include:
- Cantilever fabric canopies
- Water-resistant fabric canopies
- Metal rigid roof structures
- Solar-integrated parking canopies
Companies that are concerned about hail damage will find peace of mind with our products. We’re a turnkey solution that can handle everything, from design to engineering and installation. After projects are complete, we also offer maintenance so clients always feel supported.
Contact us today for a project quote and to learn more!
