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What features should a tensile structure sheetWhat we are used to calling “telephone"In common parlance, it's actually one of the essential elements for a sturdy, long-lasting structure. Let's look at the materials, their properties, and the different types available on the market.
Content index
The material: PVC tensile structure sheet
The technical name of the PVC è polyvinyl chloride – also called vinyl chloride. In its pure form, PVC is a rigid material, but when mixed with plasticizers, it becomes flexible and moldable. Just as it needs to be to cover our tensile structures! PVC is considered safe to use at room temperature, but can be dangerous in situations with high heat exposure, as it can release hydrochloric acid.
Think that – as often happens in history – It was discovered by pure chance back in 1872! However, it was only made malleable in 1926 thanks to the ingenious idea of an American inventor to mix it with plastic additives.
As anticipated, PVC in its original form is extremely sensitive to heat – even that of sunlight. For this reason, in order to be able to use it, some devices have been perfected over time chemical stabilizer addition processes.
If this process is missing, PVC, when exposed to heat sources, undergoes a dramatic color change: first yellow, then pink, then red, and finally brown. Not a pretty sight for tensile structures!
Now that we know the material we're talking about, let's look at its winning features and the weight required for safe and long-lasting use as a tensile structure cover.
Fire resistance: PVC is a fireproof material
One of the characteristics that have made PVC so widely used in the construction field is its being moderately fireproofRemember when we talked about heat-resistance stabilizers? They're the same ones that make it an excellent flame-retardant material. To be precise, PVC is defined by national regulations as self-extinguishing class 2 – that is, it doesn't spread flames. If we consider that the scale goes from 0 – non-flammable materials, like concrete – to 5, we understand that PVC is in an excellent position!
For your information, we must point out that there are also PVC sheets on the market with class 1 fireproof treatment, which makes them even more resistant to combustion.
In any case, the amount of heat developed during hypothetical combustion is still considerably lower than with many other materials.
Finally, even in case of fire, the dioxins released into the environment – extremely toxic and carcinogenic to humans – they are low.
In short, a safe material that:
- offers excellent performance between -30° and +70°
- It is hardly flammable and does not spread fire
- does not release large quantities of harmful substances if burned
But let's get to a crucial characteristic of the PVC tensile structure sheet: the weight.
Tensile structure fabric weight: an important aspect
When evaluating the rental, but above all the purchase of a tensile structure, a fundamental element to take into account is the weight of the clothNot all PVC sheets are the same!
By grammage we commonly mean the thickness of the cloth. Although it would be more correct to speak of weightWeight is measured in grams per square meter. The heavier and therefore more robust the fabric, the more durable the investment will be.
On the market we can find covers for tensile structures and gazebos from 500 g/m² to 900 g/m².
The evaluation of the correct weight must take into account the following factors.
- Exposure to extreme weather events – hail, strong winds, heavy snow.
If the structure is to be built in a permanent form in locations where the weather is unpredictable, a higher weight will be more appropriate.
- Sun exposure – the higher the weight, the greater the shading and UV ray filtering function.
- Desired thermal insulation
A higher weight corresponds to greater thermal insulation, especially in the winter. This factor should also be considered for fixed structures, especially if you don't plan on installing a heating system.
Le AmaranthIdea tent structures are made with 850 g/m² PVC tarpaulin for the top and 650 g/m² for the sides. The aim is to offer maximum safety against weather events and excellent thermal performance.
Crystal tensile structure fabric, white or colored
Finally, we cannot fail to mention the aesthetic aspect, which is very important for certain uses – trade fairs, conferences, concerts, weddings. The classic tensile structure fabric is the White PVCThis is used in almost all of the industrial tensile structures – sheds, agricultural tunnels, animal covers and handling.
It is also often used for tensile structures for large events or festivals.
A decidedly more elegant type of tensile structure cover is the one CristalIn this case we are talking about a cloth completely transparent and shiny: perfect for weddings and hospitality! We discussed this fantastic option in detail in our article Transparent crystal tensile structures.
A final typology is that custom coloredWe remind you that PVC is a material suitable for moulding and can be produced upon customer request. For this reason it can be customized with logos, slogans Or completely colorful! Just think of the incredible variety of truck tarpaulins—also made of PVC!
The tarp: a factor not to be underestimated
In this long article of ours we wanted to analyse the issue in detail "tarpaulin"You don't joke when it comes to tarpaulins! And especially when it comes to weight. A perfect tensile structure with an incorrect tarpaulin weight could turn out to be... an investment that lasts less than hoped!
At AmarantoIdea, we are ready to offer you the best structures with guaranteed quality tarpaulins!
