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FAQ

What size are your buildings?

Signature engineers structures to meet the requirements of our clients. To date we have manufactured structures ranging in widths of 60′ to 250′. Signature prides itself on being the industry leader in custom fabric structures. In recent years, energy and building codes have become stricter, and vary widely based upon locale. For this reason, we do not keep an inventory of “off the shelf” structures.

How much do your buildings cost?

Structure costs depend primarily on width, local building codes, and accessories. Please fill the contact us form so we can better assist you.

What is the warranty on your buildings?

Please fill the contact us form so we can better assist you.

What are your buildings used for?

Product development and client requests continue to create new markets. Signature structures are used for a variety of applications including:

Can you put facades on your building?

Yes, Signature has developed the technology to incorporate the many aspects of traditional construction into our fabric structures. Our specialty truss system is designed to attach steel sidewalls, brick façades, and storefront glass.

Does your building meet building codes?

Signature structures are engineered to meet the local building code and customer requirements. We are very familiar with the challenges faced with combined wind, snow and seismic loads. We also factor collateral loads for sprinkler systems, HVAC equipment, audio visual equipment, sports equipment and/or any other requirements dictated by the client. We even offer code compliance maintenance service for fabric structure owners that need to determine or confirm that their current structure meets local codes and is still safe for its intended use.

How many people are required to set up a building?

Most structure installations require 1 supervisor and 4 to 6 laborers. Size and site conditions play a major role in determining the number of laborers and equipment needed.

Can the buildings be increased in height?

Yes. The structure can be customized with leg extensions to increase the interior clearance.

Is the building expandable?

Yes. Our structures can be expanded to meet the needs of your growing business.

How warm or cold will the building get?

Building performance varies with region, but typically during the summer un-insulated structures will stay relatively cool at ground level because the membrane will deflect much of the ultraviolet radiation. During winter, the un-insulated structure will act somewhat like a greenhouse. The wind chill factor will be eliminated and the interior will warm. An industry rule of thumb: the structure will be 15 degrees cooler in the summer and 15 degrees warmer in the winter without mechanical HVAC.

Can your building be insulated?

Due to new “green” building requirements, most local building codes are requiring energy efficient construction with a minimum R-19 insulation. Signature uses a variety of insulation systems based upon customer needs.  R Values from 10 to 40+ are available as necessary.

It is not recommended that the structure be heated or air-conditioned without insulation. However, several features of fabric architecture, such as the fact that they are approximately 400% more airtight than conventional buildings and the fact that translucent fabric roofs can offset energy costs by obviating the need for electrical light during the day, allow them to operate comfortably at much lower R values compared to conventional buildings.

How do you heat and ventilate the building?

Any type of HVAC system that can be used on a conventional structure can be used on Signature Structure.  Gas fired radiant heat systems are common, as well as ducted or ductless gas fired air rotation systems, which operate much more efficiently than radiant systems but carry a higher up front cost.

Do your buildings leak?

Steel structures use thousands of fasteners on their roofs, which are subject to fail over time. This means thousands of penetrations and seams, which may provide a channel for water to enter and air to escape. The cover on a Signature Building is neither water nor air permeable. There are no penetrations through the cover to allow leaks and drips. With Signature’s fabric structures, all panel seams are double overlapped and sealed.

Do your buildings “sweat”?

The amount of condensation that forms on the interior membrane surface varies with 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 it comes into contact with warm moist air, and vice versa.   Signature employs a variety of air circulation options to prevent that from happening and eliminating condensation issues.

Will I require artificial lighting?

New tension fabric construction is gravitating away from natural lighting in lieu of energy efficient, climate controlled environments. With tension fabric structures becoming a more traditional building product, clients prefer the benefits that an insulated roof offers in terms of climate control over natural lighting.

However, a translucent membrane allows up to 15% light transmission to the interior, providing an even, well-lit and vibrant atmosphere but the structure will still require artificial lights for day and night use.

Can dividing walls be built in the interior?

Yes. Dividing walls can be built inside the structure.

Can you attach access tunnels and other out-structures to your buildings?

Yes. Signature manufactures access tunnels, framing for over-sized doors, and any other custom feature that is practical and feasible.  The nature of Signature’s steel truss frame construction means that any out- structure (club-house, offices, connecting tunnels, etc.) that can be attached to a conventional building can be attached to a Signature Structure.

Can you manufacture Crane Lift-able Structures?

Yes. We design and manufacture crane lift-able structures in a variety of sizes. This type of building is extremely versatile when flexible coverage is required.

Is the building relocatable?

Yes. All structural components can be disassembled and transported to another location.

How easy is it to get a building permit?

The requirements for a building permit differ for each area. Our structures are individually designed to meet all local building code requirements. Please contact your local building department for the specific information required to obtain a building permit for your area. The most commonly used building code book is the International Building Code (IBC) in which our building technology can be found in Chapter 31: Special Construction under steel framed tension fabric structure.

What security measures can be installed to safeguard the contents of your buildings?

A criminal will gain access into any type of structure, whether it’s breaking a window or cutting fabric. Motion sensors can be installed on the fabric as well as other conventional security measures. We also can provide steel sidewall cladding as an optional choice.

How long will it take to deliver the building?

Size and production schedule effect the fabrication, delivery and install. A safe estimate is 8 to 10 weeks to manufacture and deliver with an additional 2 to 4 weeks to install. Naturally, custom designs require more time but some structures have been manufactured in as little as 2 weeks.

How do you ship your buildings?

Generally, in North America, ground transportation in the form of flat bed trucks is used. It takes 3 to 4 light load flat bed trucks to transport an average size building (80′ x 150′). Overseas orders are shipped in sea containers and require 3 to 4 standard shipping containers for the average size structure.

Will the building hold its value?

Yes. Because of its versatility and the ability to relocate the structure, our structures will retain 65-80% of their value.

What are the tax benefits fabric buildings?

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. Because the building is relocatable, it can be leased with lease payments being fully written off. Fabric structures also depreciate for tax purposes much more rapidly than conventional buildings. In addition, depending upon your jurisdiction, the relocatability of the structure and the modular nature of the construction may preclude the structure itself from causing an increase in your real estate tax assessment.  Of course, this varies greatly from one state or municipality.  Your accountant will be your best source of information as to which of these benefits will work for you.