Pros and Cons of Different Building Materials

    Pros and Cons of different Building Materials
    November 13, 2024 | Tension Fabric Structures, Legacy Building Solutions
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    A new building is a major capital investment. You want a structure that will serve you well in all respects for as long as possible. What does that mean in terms of building materials?

    When we talk about traditional buildings, we’re referring to the materials and styles most commonly used in the past. For commercial purposes, that might be metal buildings, wood buildings, or even brick-and-mortar or concrete buildings. But you can also consider fabric buildings, a different type of permanent commercial structure.

    Each type of building material offers certain advantages and also drawbacks. Every structure is unique in some ways, so it’s important to consider every detail. Let’s see how various building materials compare based on key decision-making factors. 

      Fabric Wood Metal Brick/Concrete
    Clear Span Design

    Yes, can be designed to any length, width, or height

    No

    Yes

    No

    Portability

    Yes, though permanent, buildings can also be relocated

    No

    No

    No

    Foundation Options

    Yes

    No

    Require concrete foundation, with or without concrete slab  

    No

    Naturally Bright Interior

    White uninsulated fabric is 12% translucent, allowing enough natural light for daytime work

     

    White interior is light and bright, requiring less artificial lighting

    No

    No

    No

    Enhanced Acoustics

    Does not reverberate

     

    Absorbs internal sounds for naturally quieter interior

    Can transmit some external sound

     

    Helps dampen interior sounds

    Reverberates, amplifying external or internal sounds

    Does not transmit external sound

     

    Hard surface can amplify interior sound

    Low Maintenance 

    Yes

     

    Virtually  maintenance free required

     

    Rinses clean

     

    Flexibility resists damage from bumps and scrapes

     

    Easy, quick onsite damage repair

    No

     

    Require ongoing upkeep

     

    Expensive damage repair

     

     

    No

     

    Resistant to mold and insect damage

     

    Can be dented or punctured

     

    Vulnerable to rust and chemical corrosion

     

    Screw holes and seams allow air and moisture leakage

     

    Maintenance and repairs are expensive

    Yes

     

    Impervious to rust and chemical corrosion

     

    Vulnerable to mold and mildew

     

    Prone to cracking

     

    Easily damaged from accidental equipment bumps  

    Quick Installation

    Fabric buildings can be designed and installed about 1/3 faster than wood or metal buildings

    No

    Pre-engineered steel is faster to construct than concrete or wood but slower than fabric buildings

    No

    100% Custom Design

    Yes

     

    Any size, shape or options

     

    Easily expandable

    No

     

    Limited by architectural constraints and/or construction methods

     

    Potentially expandable

    No

     

    Can be expanded longitudinally

    No

     

    Requires some other building material for roofing

    Naturally Energy Efficient

    Yes

     

    Thermally non-conductive

     

    Seamless and airtight

     

    Artificial lighting not necessarily required

    Yes

     

    Thermally non-conductive but may not be airtight

     

    Artificial lighting required

    No

     

    Conducts heat and cold

     

    Artificial lighting required

    Yes

     

    Thermal mass can reduce heating and cooling costs

     

    Artificial lighting required

    Durability

    Can last for decades

     

    Fabric impervious to corrosion and rot

     

    Can withstand all extreme weather including seismic events

    Can last 100 years or more

     

    Must be protected against the elements

     

    Vulnerable to insect and moisture damage

     

    Limited ability to withstand high winds, heavy snow loads, or seismic events

    Can last for 20-50 years

     

    Does not tear

     

    Expands and contracts and can eventually warp

     

    Prone to damage from high winds and hail

    Can last 50 years or more

    Total Cost of Ownership 

    The ultimate value of a building comes from its ability to perform as expected with the least hassle over time. So, which building material is best for your application? It pays to fully investigate all your options to achieve the building you need now and for the future.

    Add up the pros and cons over the number of years you expect to use the building–initial cost, time to occupancy, maintenance, repairs, operations overhead, and intangibles such as worker safety and comfort. We encourage you to learn more about how fabric compares for your specifications, location, timeline, budget, and long-term goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the main types of building materials for commercial structures?

    The most common building materials include fabric, wood, metal, and brick/concrete. Each has unique strengths and drawbacks. Fabric buildings are a modern, permanent alternative that offer advantages in clear span design, energy efficiency, speed of construction, and maintenance compared to traditional materials.

    Do fabric buildings provide clear span design?

    Yes. Fabric buildings can be engineered to any length, width, or height with completely open interiors free of interior columns. This makes them ideal for warehousing, sports facilities, aviation hangars, and bulk storage. Wood and concrete buildings cannot achieve clear spans, while metal buildings have limitations and higher costs when expanding beyond 150 feet.

    How fast can a fabric building be constructed compared to other types?

    Fabric buildings can be installed about one-third faster than wood or metal structures, and significantly faster than brick or concrete. This speed reduces downtime, accelerates operations, and lowers labor costs. Metal buildings are quicker to install than concrete but still slower than fabric.

    Are fabric buildings energy-efficient?

    Yes. Fabric cladding is thermally non-conductive, seamless, and airtight, making fabric buildings naturally energy-efficient. They often require less artificial lighting since white fabric allows up to 12% natural translucency, creating a bright interior. Metal buildings conduct heat and cold, while wood and concrete require additional systems to improve efficiency.

    Which building material offers the best total cost of ownership?

    The best choice depends on your application, location, and budget. Fabric buildings often deliver the lowest total cost of ownership thanks to faster installation, minimal maintenance, and energy efficiency. When evaluating long-term value, consider not just upfront costs but also operating expenses, repairs, and occupant comfort.