Evaluating the cost of agricultural fabric buildings versus traditional materials like wood, steel, or concrete can be complex. Key considerations include both immediate and long-term cost advantages, encompassing direct and indirect expenses. Generally, fabric structures are more budget-friendly than traditional materials, offering savings in initial construction costs and ongoing maintenance.
Understanding Agricultural Fabric Building Costs
The price of an agricultural fabric building is influenced by factors such as material, labor, upkeep, electricity, and air circulation.
Material Expenses for Agricultural Fabric Structures
Material costs fluctuate based on project size and market prices. Although steel frames are initially more expensive than wood, wood structures often incur additional costs due to waste and sheathing. Factors like weather damage and pest infestations further increase the expenses for wood buildings.
Fabric structures, which include steel in their design, are cost-effective, especially due to the fabric roof. While a standard steel building starts at per square foot, fabric buildings range from to per square foot.
Labor Expenditures
Building any structure requires significant labor for installation. Fabric covered buildings, however, typically require less labor due to simpler construction processes and fewer materials. Steel arches can be erected rapidly, and the fabric cover is installed either as a single piece or in panels. Fabric buildings average 0.02 to 0.04 man-hours per square foot for installation.
Upkeep Costs
Traditional buildings made from wood, steel, or concrete often need yearly maintenance like painting, roofing repairs, or weatherproofing, which can be costly in terms of materials and labor.
Fabric structures, in contrast, require less maintenance. The absence of screws or nails in the roof reduces moisture-related issues like leaks or rust. The steel frame in fabric structures is usually galvanized to resist corrosion, and the fabric itself is durable against rust and UV damage. Repair costs for fabric buildings are lower depending on what needs to be repaired.
Electricity Expenses
Fabric buildings are designed to allow natural light to penetrate, reducing the need for artificial lighting. This design can save thousands in long-term lighting costs. At night, the fabric’s underside effectively disperses artificial light, further reducing the need for additional lighting fixtures. The potential for integrating solar panels adds to the energy efficiency of these structures.
Ventilation Costs
Heating and cooling expenses are higher in conventional buildings due to the materials’ conductive properties. Fabric buildings, being non-conductive, maintain more consistent internal temperatures, reducing the need for extensive heating or cooling. Additional ventilation options like vents and air systems can be integrated into fabric structures to optimize air circulation.
Total Costs for Agricultural Fabric Structures
At MegaDome by Harnois, tension fabric buildings are offered at competitive prices ranging from 7$ to 35$ per square foot. Standard kits without end walls start as low as per square foot, while more comprehensive setups with additional features may cost more per square foot.
Considering the various factors influencing the cost of a fabric building is essential in developing a realistic budget. Our MegaDome team is ready to assist with replacements and upgrades for coverall buildings across Canada & United States, ensuring a cost-effective solution for your agricultural fabric building needs.