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General Questions
What are the sizes of the structures you provide?
We currently manufacture spans ranging from 20' to 200'. Due to
the design and engineering requirements, we have separated the spans
into four separate families and a subfamily of structures. Subfamily
includes a 20' and 30' with 14' truss centers. Family #1 the 30',
40', 50', and 60' spans with truss centers at 14'. Family #2 the
60', 72', 80', spans with truss centers of 14'. Family #3 the 80',
100', 120', spans with truss centers at 12'. Family #4 the 130',
140', 150', and 160', spans with truss centers at 14'. We also group
a 180' and 200', span with truss centers 15'. We can manufacture
much larger or customized spans; it is just a matter of engineering
and producing the new design.
How much do your buildings cost?
The cost of our structures depends mainly on the span and length
of the building required. Generally, within each family, the wider
and longer the building is within a family, the cost per square
foot will decline.
What is the warranty on your structures?
We currently offer a 15-year warranty on the membrane (10 years
full coverage and 5 years prorated including all associated costs)
and a 15-year warranty on the steel framework (6 years full coverage
and 9 years pro rated). This same warranty also applies to our end
walls.
What are your structures used for?
Our structures can be used for a wide variety of applications. Product
development and client requests continue to create new markets and
applications for Signature Structures structures.
- Sports or Entertainment Venues
- Industrial or General Warehousing
- Airplane Hangar, Automotive Storage/Showrooms
- Soil Remediation or Hazmat Coverage
- Composting and Recycling Facilities
- Crane Lift-Able Structures
- Sand & Salt Storage
- Field Tank Covers
- Military Equipment Storage & Shelters
What are the maximum snow loads for your structures?
Signature Structures are built to meet building code requirements.
We are very familiar with the challenges faced with combined wind
and snow loads. Each of our structures is pre-engineered to exceed
the environmental conditions of the area required and to meet local
building codes.
How many people are required to set up a structure?
It would require 1 supervisor and anywhere from 4 to 6 laborers
depending on the size of the structure. The client can supply his
own laborers but an Signature Structures (experienced) supervisor
is mandatory to validate the warranty and ensure the problem free
completion of the project.
How long will it take to deliver the structure?
A safe estimate is 6 to 8 weeks to deliver the structure and an
additional 1 to 3 weeks to install it. This will vary depending
on the size of the structure ordered, and whether it is a custom
application. The production schedule of the manufacturer is also
a factor but time is considered to be of the essence for every order.
Some structures have been manufactured in as little as 2 weeks.
How do you ship your buildings?
Generally, in North America, we use ground transportation in the
form of Flat Bed Trucks. It would take approximately 3 to 4 Flat
bed trucks "light loads" to transport an average sized
building. (Example: 80' x 150'). For overseas orders, the structure
would be shipped using containers. The same size structure would
need 3 to 4 standard shipping containers.
Do your buildings leak?
No, they do not. The structure is designed to provide permanent
full time protection from all the elements. Each panel seals itself
in the channel system to provide a weather tight enclosure. The
bottom treatment to seal the base of the building depends on the
type of foundation. For earth, asphalt or concrete pile foundations,
any backfilling method will suffice to effectively seal the bottom
skirt of the structure. For concrete pad, or pony wall foundations
the membrane can be anchored and sealed directly to the foundation.
Do your buildings "sweat"?
How much condensation forms on the inside of the membrane depends
mainly on the amount of moisture contained in or on the foundation
and how often it is converted to a vapor. Any cool surface, be it
steel or membrane, will form condensation when contacted with warm
moist air. With relatively little ventilation near the top of our
structures, condensation can be kept to a minimum. Several Signature
Structures structures with little or no ventilation have presented
minimal condensation during the most humid of summer months.
Will I require artificial lighting?
During daylight hours the white translucent membrane will allow
75% light transmission to the interior, providing a well-lit and
vibrant atmosphere. If the structure were to be used in the late
evening or at night, artificial light would be required. Other occasions
when artificial light would be necessary are when using an opaque
membrane, dual membrane or insulation.
How warm or cold will the building get?
During the summer the structure will stay relatively cool at ground
level because the membrane will deflect much of the UV radiation.
During the winter, the structure will act somewhat like a greenhouse.
The wind chill factor will be eliminated and the interior will warm.
How do you heat and ventilate the structure?
Even without insulation the structure can be heated or ventilated
with conventional methods. The framework is rigid enough to hang
any type of ducting and or heating units. Heating or air-conditioning
units can also be installed outside the building and then plumbed
into the ducting inside the structure.
Can your buildings be insulated?
Yes, they can be insulated quite easily. A standard single layer
panel has an R-value of approximately R2. Insulated panels can be
manufactured, consisting of two sections of PVC fabric with an inner
insulating liner.
Do you provide dividing walls for the interior?
Yes, dividing walls can be manufactured and installed.
Can you attach smaller side access tunnels to your structures?
Yes, we can provide access tunnels, oversized side doors, or any
other custom feature that is practical and feasible.
Can the buildings be increased in height?
Yes, the design can be customized and extensions manufactured to
increase the buildings clearance if requested.
Can you manufacture Crane Liftable Structures?
Yes, we can design and manufacture Crane Liftable buildings in
a variety of sizes. This type of building is extremely versatile
when flexible coverage is required.
How easy is it to get a building Permit?
The requirements for a building permit differ for each area. All
of our structures are designed to meet local building code requirements
for wind and snow loading. Please contact your local building department
for the specific information required to obtain a building permit
for your area.
Is the building relocateable?
Absolutely. The entire structure except for any preformed foundation
can be disassembled and transported to another location.
What security measures can be installed to safeguard the contents
of your structures?
If a criminal wishes to gain access to a building they can break
a window or pry open a door on a steel building as easily as they
could cut a membrane. The membranes on our structures are tensioned
enough for motion sensors. Closed circuit TV and other conventional
security measures can be used or installed to protect the contents
of the building. Signature Structures membranes can be repaired
faster and cheaper then the damage normally caused by break and
enters of conventional buildings.
Will the structure hold its value?
Because of its versatility and the ability to relocate the structure,
our structures will retain 65-80% of their value.
What is the write off potential of the structure?
If the building is purchased, the potential write off per year
(10 - 20% depending on the application) is significantly higher
when compared to conventional steel buildings (Canadian Tax Laws).
Because the building is fully relocateable, it can be leased, and
the lease payments can be fully written off.
Will I be charged property tax?
Every county or municipality is different. In most cases if a permanent
concrete pad is not poured then property tax is not applied.
Signature
vs. Competitors
What are the main features of your structure compared to the
competition?
There are four key features, which set us apart from the competition:
- Post Hot Dipped Galvanizing Process - This means that
after all of our metal components are bent, laser cut, drilled
or welded into their final configuration, they are hot dipped
into molten galvanizing vats. (Aluminum, Zinc, etc.) Holes are
pre drilled in the webbing for drainage and to allow the galvanizing
to reach inside the webbing. This coats all the welds, both the
interior and exterior of all the tubing with a uniform layer of
corrosion protection. (The industry quantifies this layer as 6mil
thick.)
It creates a far superior layer of protection when compared to
using pre-galvanized steel tubing. When pre-galvanized steel is
welded, the interior corrosion protection is damaged from the
heat. This creates numerous small defects in the layer of protection
inside the steel tubing. These defects corrode and eventually
degrade the strength of the structure. The benefit of using the
Post Hot Dip method of corrosion protection is the elimination
of a potential corrosion problem, the extended life of the structure,
and a better warranty. Our steel can also be re-dipped without
sandblasting or fear of warping. This type of galvanizing protection
is what allows us to offer a 15 year pro rated warranty on our
steel framework.
- PVC Membrane - Our 22oz PVC membrane exceeds the industry
standard for this type of structure. All our membranes are Fire
Retardant and UV Protected. Single or dual color membranes are
also available providing additional flexibility. Our membranes
are also available from 18oz up to 32oz weights. Our PVC membrane
is 100% heavier than the Polyethylene fabric used by the competition.
We use the same membrane on our end walls as we do on the main
building. This gives the entire building a 15 year warranty. The
competition only offers 5 years on their end wall fabric. The
competition adds an additional charge for the fire retardant feature.
The benefits of using the PVC membrane are greater lifespan, better
warranty protection, and greater value for every dollar spent.
- Steel Framework - We use only the highest quality structural
steel in our manufacturing process. Combine this with the superior
galvanizing protection mentioned earlier and you get a modular
building able to withstand the harshest of industrial environments
and weather conditions. By using a better gauge of steel we are
able to keep our truss frames narrower allowing you the maximum
interior square footage. All of our buildings are designed to
meet the National Building Code.
- Warranty - As has been mentioned, Signature Structures
offers a 15 year pro rated warranty (10 years full coverage and
5 years pro rated) on the membrane and a 15 year pro rated warranty
(6 year full coverage and 9 years pro rated) on the steel. Our
competition only offers far less on the steel. If you want their
fire retardant fabric you only receive 10 years and a choice of
3 colors. It is important to note that for the first ten years
of your building, if you have any failure with your membrane,
we will replace the membrane and cover all of the costs. We are
the only industry supplier to offer this full coverage.
What are the benefits of this type of structure over a steel
structure?
There are several benefits:
- Unlike a permanent steel structure, if the company moves, the
modular structure can be transported to the new location as well.
It is more of a movable asset than it is real estate.
- This type of structure is far easier and cheaper to repair.
- There is greater versatility with regards to the clear-span
nature of the structure providing more storage space.
- Several different types of foundation options to choose from.
- Little or no excavation is required to install a Signature Structures
structure.
- Increased tax benefits and write-off potential.
- Inexpensive post modular extension in either 10', 12' or 14'
bays.
- Shorter time period from the start of the project to its completion.
- The structure can be used as a temporary venue and then removed,
returning the environment to its original condition.
- Designed to hold the snow load not just shed it, our structures
are built to last.
- The cost of an Signature Structures structure is far less expensive
than a comparable steel building.
Membrane & Fabric
Questions
What is your membrane made of?
Our standard tensioned membrane is constructed of a 28oz Poly Vinyl
Chloride. A polyester scrim or weave is covered with a flexible
PVDF coating. The fabric is fully fire retardant (to World Wide
Standards) and UV protected. Visit www.Naizil.com to learn more.
What other options are available with your type of membrane?
The weights of our fabric range from 18oz to 32oz. This allows
the option of using either a heavier or lighter material depending
on the application. The membranes are also available in dual single
colors. It is a single membrane with one color on the outside and
a different color on the inside.
What is the lifespan of your membrane?
The fabric has an expected lifespan of 20 to 25 years under normal
use conditions. (It is similar to a conventional shingled roof on
a standard home.)
Are the panels manufactured from a single piece of fabric?
The high quality membrane we use is available only in 98.5"
wide rolls. Therefore, we bond together two sections of membrane
to create a panel. We are so confident in the quality of our manufacturing
we offer the longest full coverage warranty in the industry.
How do you repair the membrane?
The membrane is repaired easily by heat-sealing a patch over the
damaged area. The whole process would take only a few minutes to
complete. This is the same method used in the manufacturing of the
building panels. If the damaged area is too large to patch, the
entire panel can be replaced quickly and easily.
Can you install a secondary (Dual Membrane) liner for composting
applications?
Yes, Signature Structures can provide a secondary liner, for the
interior of the structure. A secondary liner is an excellent method
to prevent the corrosive moisture and gasses from composting applications
from reaching the steel framework. This can greatly extend the lifespan
of the structure under such conditions.
Anchorage &
Foundation
What type of foundation is necessary for your structures?
The foundation necessary will depend on your application and the
engineering requirements for the size of structure requested. The
types of foundations used range from ground or gravel, asphalt,
concrete pad, concrete pony wall, concrete piles or concrete blocks.
The most important features required of the foundation are, 1. -
The foundation is level 2. - It will provide secure anchoring points,
which meet the necessary engineering and building code requirements.For
the larger spans, we would generally recommend a minimum of some
type of concrete foundation to anchor too.
How are your buildings anchored to the foundation?
Several different types of anchoring systems can be used. For any
type of concrete foundation there are three different types of anchor:
- Pre-cast anchors - threaded anchors cast into the concrete
while it is poured. This method is very effective but requires
the most precision when setting.
- Post Drilled Chemical anchors - This process requires a hole
to be drilled and then filled with a 2-part chemical adhesive.
A threaded rod is inserted into the adhesive before it sets to
form the anchor. Very effective and allows more versatility because
it is set after the metal framework is in place.
- Post Drilled Wedge anchors - This process requires a hole to
be drilled and a wedge type anchor is hammered in place. Very
effective and allows more versatility because it is set after
the metal framework is in place. This is the easiest method because
it is not affected by temperature or moisture.
For earth or asphalt foundations there are two alternatives for
anchoring:
- Concrete piles can be poured and then pre-cast or post drilled
concrete anchors can be used.
- Ground anchors can be used. There are a few different types;
Duck bill anchors, Helical Screw type anchors, and Manta Ray anchors.
The Helical Anchors are very environmentally friendly because
they can be effectively removed from the foundation returning
the area to its original condition. The Duck bill and Manta Ray
anchors can be detached with a small portion of the anchor left
well below grade leaving the surface area free of debris.
Each of these anchoring methods will meet the building code requirements
of most counties or municipalities.
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