An In-Depth Look at Hoop Building Covers and Their Applications

An Introduction to Hoop Building Covers

Hoop building covers, also sometimes referred to as hoop building shelters or fabric building covers, are an efficient and cost-effective way to cover large spaces like warehouses, distribution centers, storage facilities, and more. As their name suggests, hoop building covers utilize a series of hoops or arches made of steel or aluminum to create a basic framework that is then covered in a durable outer fabric membrane.

Hoop building covers have seen a surge in popularity in recent years among owners of commercial and industrial facilities because of the many benefits they offer compared to traditional rigid structures.

Benefits of Hoop Building Covers

There are several key advantages that make hoop building covers a smart choice for many applications:

• Cost-Effective – Hoop building covers are much less expensive to construct than conventional buildings with rigid steel or wood framing. The materials are relatively inexpensive and require less labor to erect.
• Fast Installation – A hoop building cover system can typically be installed very quickly, often in a matter of days, since there is no complex framing involved.
• Flexible Layout – The hoop framework and cover fabric allow for wide open interior spaces without support posts or walls getting in the way. The layout can be easily adapted as needs change.
• Relocatable – In many cases, hoop building covers can be disassembled and moved to a new location. This allows for reconfiguration as necessary.
• Energy Efficient – The fabric membrane provides natural lighting while also insulating the interior from heat, cold, and moisture. This reduces energy costs for heating and cooling.
• Minimal Foundation – Only simple foundations or anchors are needed to secure the hoop framework, further reducing construction requirements.

These advantages make hoop building covers ideal for use cases like boat, RV, and vehicle storage, warehouse shelters, salvage yards, distribution hubs, aircraft hangars, agricultural facilities, and more. The low cost, speed of installation, and design flexibility open up many possibilities.

Hoop Building Cover Construction

The exact specifications and construction of a hoop building cover will vary depending on the size and intended use, but generally they consist of three main components:

• Hoop Framework – The semicircular steel or aluminum hoops that form the support structure. The hoop diameters and spacing are planned to achieve suitable clearance and structural integrity.
• Base Plates/Anchors – Steel base plates or anchor posts are embedded in the ground to secure the hoops and provide stability.
• Outer Membrane – A high strength fabric membrane stretched over the framework and secured in place. Many modern fabrics like PVC, polyethylene, etc. are durable and long-lasting.

The framework design is optimized through engineering analysis to withstand anticipated wind, snow, and rainfall loads in the geographic area. The number and size of hoops varies based on the cover width, length, and desired roof slope or pitch.

Hoop Cover Fabric Options

The outer membrane of a hoop building cover represents one of the most important material choices. The fabric needs to be strong, lightweight, and weather-resistant. Here are some of the common options:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – One of the most popular hoop building cover fabrics. PVC coated polyester is affordable, durable, and provides good translucency for natural daylighting. Comes in various grades and weights.
• PE (Polyethylene) – An extremely strong, tear-resistant polyethylene fabric used for higher end building cover applications. Provides excellent weather protection and durability.
• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) – Sold under the brand name Tenara, this advanced fluoropolymer fabric offers exceptional tear strength, UV resistance, and long term durability. Used for premium covers.
• Silicone Coated Fabrics – Silicone coatings improve membrane strength and weatherability. Can be combined with various fabric substrates.

Additional coatings or layers may also be applied to improve UV blockage, light transmittance, insulation value, and longevity. Fire retardant versions are available.

Adding Doors, Windows, Vents & Accessories

A major benefit of hoop building covers is that they can be easily outfitted with doors, windows, vents, and other accessories to enhance functionality:

• Roll-Up Doors – High speed roll up doors made of fabric, vinyl, or steel can be integrated to allow vehicle/equipment access.
• Swing Doors – Personnel doors can be mounted in steel frames fitted between hoops for secure access.
• Windows – Translucent fabric windows stitched into the cover allow natural light penetration.
• Roof Vents – Manual and powered roof vents provide ventilation and temperature management.
• Smoke Vents – Heat-activated smoke vents on the roof provide crucial fire safety and smoke evacuation.
• Lights – Interior lights and external security lights can be incorporated as needed.

Nearly any accessory can be included during the design process to create a tailored hoop building cover solution.

Applications and Use Cases

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics of hoop building cover construction and benefits, let’s examine some of their most popular applications:

Warehouse Covers

Hoop warehouse covers provide economical, durable shelter for pallet storage, racking systems, inventory, loading docks, and work areas. They allow maximum clearance and height for stacking and equipment operation.

Distribution Centers

Flexibility is paramount in busy distribution centers. Hoop covers allow high-speed roll up doors for truck access and ample height for loading. Their modular design also allows expanding or reconfiguring layouts.

Storage Facilities

Hoop covers are an efficient solution for vehicle, RV, boat, intermodal container, and equipment storage yards. Accessories like roll-up doors facilitate entry/exit while the cover protects assets from weather.

Temporary Warehouses

When temporary warehouse space is needed for a project or peak season, hoop covers can be installed quickly on almost any terrain to provide pay-as-you-go storage with minimal investment.

Salt Storage

Hoop fabric covers prevent salt and de-icing piles from being washed away by rain and wind. The elevated design allows loading equipment access while shielding the product.

Airplane Hangars

Aircraft hangars built with hoop cover systems provide an economical alternative to traditional hangars. High hoops allow plenty of clearance for wings and tails.

Agricultural Facilities

Hoop covers give farmers flexible covered space for equipment parking, hay/grain storage, livestock pens, riding arenas, and more through cost-effective shelters.

Key Considerations When Planning a Project

Properly planning a hoop structure project involves careful consideration of key factors:

• Intended use – Warehouse, storage, aircraft, etc? Required clearances, loading capability?
• Location – Snow/wind loads? Seismic zone? Local building codes?
• Size – Overall length, width, and height based on projected needs.
• Functional components – Doors, windows, vents, lights, insulation, accessories?
• Cover fabric – PVC, PE, silicone, PTFE, etc. Coating and grades?
• Framework – Hoop diameter, spacing, and gauge. Base plates and anchoring.
• Professional engineering – Analysis for structural integrity and compliance.
• Permitting – Check jurisdiction's building codes and permit requirements.
• Utilities – Power, lighting, outlets, restrooms, HVAC if needed?
• Construction team – Experienced contractor for proper installation.

Taking the time to thoroughly plan will help ensure your hoop building cover meets current needs and accommodates future changes. Consulting with qualified engineering and construction professionals is highly recommended.

The Bottom Line

Hoop building covers provide versatile, cost-effective shelter and storage for commercial and industrial facilities. Their lightweight yet strong structural design, speedy installation, and myriad accessory options make hoop structures a smart investment for many applications compared to conventional rigid buildings.

By partnering with reputable engineering and construction teams, hoop building covers can be adapted to satisfy almost any set of requirements while offering superior value. If planned properly, they will provide many years of reliable service and return on investment.

FAQs

How long does it take to construct a hoop building?

Construction time varies based on size, but most hoop building covers can be fully installed in 1-3 weeks since there is minimal framing involved and the components come pre-fabricated.

What climate conditions are hoop buildings suitable for?

Hoop buildings are used successfully in most climate zones from hot deserts to cold snowy regions. The cover fabric and framework can be engineered for the anticipated wind, snow, and temperature extremes in your geographic area.

Can I relocate or expand my hoop structure in the future?

One of the advantages of hoop buildings is that they can be disassembled and relocated or expanded much more readily than conventional buildings. The modular design makes altering the layout fairly straightforward.

What types of doors can I put in a hoop building?

Hoop buildings support many door types including high-speed fabric roll up doors, insulated metal doors, and pedestrian personnel doors. Doors can be integrated nearly anywhere within the framework.

Do I need to get a building permit for a hoop structure?

Building codes vary regionally, but often a structural permit is required for permanent hoop buildings over a certain square footage. Your contractor can advise you on the permit requirements for your area and application.