Tension Structures Cleaning Guide
Tension Structures Cleaning and Maintenance Guide: Best Practices for Long-Term Performance
Whether it’s shading a commercial plaza, covering an outdoor dining area, or forming the architectural centerpiece of a campus or transit hub, a well-designed tension structure is built to perform for decades. Eide Tension Structures engineers and fabricates each structure to handle the demands of real-world environments, and while they’re built to withstand years of wear and tear, caring for them can make a difference in how well these structures hold up over time.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters for a Tension Structure
Regular cleaning keeps your tension structure looking clean and sharp, while also preventing dust, dirt, airborne pollutants, and organic debris from accumulating on fabric surfaces over time. When that buildup is allowed to sit, it can work into the fabric’s surface and protective coatings, and consistent cleaning prevents that kind of long-term deterioration before it starts. The same principle applies to the structure as a whole. Periodic inspections of the fabric, seams, and hardware can help you catch small issues early, rather than allowing them to develop into bigger problems. The fabrics used in tension structures also carry manufacturer warranties, and those warranties exclude damage resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. Keeping up with proper cleaning isn’t just good practice; it will keep your warranty valid and your structure performing as it was designed to.
What Proper Care Looks Like
Caring for your tension structure doesn’t require specialized knowledge, but these habits make a big difference over time:
- Keep the fabric clean and free of debris buildup
- Inspect the fabric, seams, and hardware quarterly
- Address small issues before they develop into larger ones
- Schedule a professional inspection regularly
- Contact the Eide Tension Structures team with questions or concerns
Cleaning Your Tension Structure Fabric
For routine cleaning, a lower-pressure rinse with a pressure washer or sprayer is all you really need to keep the fabric clear of dirt and debris. If you can add a mild detergent to your sprayer, the soap can also help get stubborn spots off of your Eide Tension Structure fabric membrane. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure washing, as these can strip the membrane’s protective coatings over time and will wear down the fabric or void your warranty.
How often your structure needs cleaning depends on its environment. A tension structure in an open setting without airborne debris may only need attention once a year, while one installed in a high-traffic urban area or in an area with heavy tree cover may benefit from more frequent cleanings. If possible, try to clean the fabric every quarter, or any time you notice visible dirt, biological growth, or lingering surface debris.
It’s also worth knowing that the fabric membrane your structure uses can affect how often it needs routine cleaning. PTFE-coated fiberglass has a chemically inert Teflon surface that is naturally easy to clean and resists contamination. TiO2-coated PTFE membrane has a titanium dioxide topcoat that is photocatalytic, meaning UV light breaks down organic substances on the surface and rain washes the residue away, largely eliminating the need for manual cleaning. PVC membrane, which is highly durable with proper care, has a more conventional surface and benefits from more consistent attention.
Managing Debris and Drainage
Tension structures are engineered to use the geometry of the fabric and structure to direct water and debris off the surface rather than allowing it to pond. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on any accumulation, particularly in lower points of the fabric and around any hardware or attachment points where leaves, dirt, or other debris may collect. Debris like organic matter that sits on or around the fabric for extended periods can promote growth of algae, mold, or mildew, which are harder to remove once established and can damage the fabric membrane surface over time. Keeping drainage paths clear and removing debris after storms or heavy leaf-fall seasons is a simple habit that pays off in the long run.
Snow Load: A Simple Habit for Winter Climates
Tension structures installed in regions that receive snowfall are engineered to account for the snow loads typical of their environment. However, allowing heavy snow accumulation is worth avoiding on any non-building structure. When significant snowfall occurs, brush or break up the snow so it can slide off the structure before it becomes too heavy. You can use a soft-bristled, long-handled broom or brush, and this is usually enough to disturb the snow so it can slide off. Routine snowfall within the expected range for your region shouldn’t be a concern, but heavier or sustained accumulation events are worth responding to by brushing off as much as you can to prevent heavy snow from sitting on the membrane for extended periods.
Inspecting Your Structure to Catch Issues Early
A quick visual inspection every so often is one of the most effective things you can do to keep your tension structure in good condition. Here’s what to look for:
- Fabric surface: look for holes, tears, thinning, or any areas where the coating appears worn or compromised
- Seams and welded joints: check for separation, fraying, or areas where the bond appears to be lifting
- Hardware and connection points: look for corrosion, loosening, or visible damage at the points where the fabric meets the structure frame or anchoring system
- Drainage paths: confirm that the fabric is shedding water as expected and that no areas are ponding after rainfall
- Overall tension: over time, fabric can relax slightly; if the structure appears to have lost its expected geometry or profile, it may be worth having a professional assess the tensioning
If anything looks unfamiliar or out of the ordinary during an inspection, reach out to the Tension Structure team. It’s always better to ask early than to wait until a small issue requires a more involved fix.
When to Call the Professionals
The Eide Tension Structures team is available to assist with professional inspections and repairs, and we recommend reaching out to us to schedule a professional inspection every year or two. This gives our experts the opportunity to review the fabric, seams, and hardware up close, identify any concerns that aren’t visible from the ground, and address any repairs or adjustments before they become larger issues.
Ready to schedule a cleaning or inspection for your tension structure?
Contact the Eide Tension Structures team to discuss your structure’s needs, whether it’s routine maintenance, a professional assessment, or a repair.
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