Frequently Asked Questions/ How to Purchase a Cover Building

What materials are used in my building?

Advantage Structures uses the highest quality materials available for this style of building. We use a 13 oz/sq ft fabric and the highest quality steel components. Our steel is optimized for hot dip galvanizing, the best corrosion protection available.

What is the fabric made of?

There are many fabric choices available for use in an Advantage Structure. We have chosen to provide a product called HL-13. This is a woven High Density Polyethylene fabric with extrusions of Low Density Polyethylene material with UV inhibitors. This is an excellent choice for both economy and longevity.

How long does the fabric last?

The fabric and building components come with a 15-year warranty. Depending on where you live and how you maintain the building will determine the actual life span. Places with a very intense exposure to UV light (southern states like AZ, FL, AL, GA, etc...) can expect right around 15 year life expectancy. In less intense exposures, (PA, IA, MN, MO, etc...) you should expect more life out of the fabric. A reasonable expectation may be around 20 years.

Much of this depends on your maintaining the building properly as well. Other than UV light, friction is the primary enemy of the fabric. If your building is not kept at a proper tension, the fabric will give you a long life of low maintenance and satisfaction.

How do you protect against the steel components from corroding?

Corrosion is enemy number one to your cover building. To protect against corrosion, Advantage Structures uses post-manufacturing hot dip galvanizing. This is the best method to protect all components from rust and corrosion. There is a significant difference in "galvanizing." Some companies will say they are "galvanized" or "shielded". If they don't specify hot dip galvanized, they are using an inferior protection method.

Hot dip galvanizing takes the raw steel and dips it into a vat of liquid zinc to cover all surfaces, inside and out, with 3.9 mils of zinc. Others use a pre-galvanized material and then spray-paint the outside surface of the welded joint. Corrosion will start from the unprotected spots on the inside of the tubing.

For more information about galvanizing or rust protection, click here.

Do you have a warranty?

Advantage Structures provides a 15 year warranty. Please click here for additional details.

Does your warranty protect me against corrosive materials?

Because Advantage Plastics uses the hot dip galvanizing method, we have the utmost confidence in our buildings. Read the warranties of buildings you are considering. Many offer warranties but don't cover corrosive storage. The Advantage Structures warranty does not exclude the storage of corrosive materials as long as the materials are not in direct contact with the covered steel components.

What should I use for a foundation?

There are many options for the foundation of your Advantage Structure. All of the building profiles show a 6 x 6 wooden post. The posts are an economical and long-term solution to hold the building in place. Pre-cast concrete or cast-in-place concrete foundations are also available.

Is my building designed to carry appropriate wind/snow loads for my area?

Advantage Structures are designed to handle weather conditions in your local area.

Where was the building manufactured?

Most cover or hoop buildings are imported into the US. We are a proud USA based manufacturer.

How long does the installation take place?

The length of time for installation depends on a number of factors, such as size of building, foundation options, soil conditions, weather conditions, etc... An average-sized building can typically be constructred in no more than 1 1/2 days.

Who do I call in case I need service?

You should start the conversation with the dealer who sold you the building. In most cases they will be able to answer any question you may have. If you have a warranty issue, you can call either the dealer or Advantage Structures at 1-866-987-BLDG (2534).