Maintenance

Like any asset, your tensile structure benefits significantly from consistent and informed maintenance. At J&J Carter, we help you protect your investment, maximise its lifespan and maintain its structural integrity and appearance through proactive inspection, maintenance and aftercare.

Our comprehensive aftercare service provides the expertise needed to keep your tensile structure performing as designed, while helping identify and address potential issues before they become more significant.

Regular maintenance should form an essential part of the lifecycle of any tensile structure. Formal annual inspections, supported by routine visual checks, can help identify wear, damage or changes in tension early and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Inspection

The care and maintenance of tensile fabric structures is a skilled trade best performed by the manufacturer. Regular inspections ensure that the membrane is cleaned properly and that cable and membrane tensions are maintained as designed. As part of our annual service, we perform the following:

• Professional cleaning of the membrane using only chemicals approved by the fabric supplier.
• Checking membrane tensions and re-tensioning as needed.
• Inspecting structure fixings, bolts, cables, and tensioners.
• Evaluating the membrane surface for signs of damage, abrasion, or scratches.
• Undertaking minor repairs, such as fixing small holes or tears.
• Producing a detailed written inspection report with findings and recommendations for repairs to support both client and insurer requirements.

Between professional inspections, maintaining a vigilant eye on your tensile structure is a crucial aspect of its long-term care. Regular visual checks conducted by your team can be instrumental in the early detection of potential issues. We encourage you to become familiar with the typical appearance and behaviour of your structure, paying attention to any deviations. During these routine checks, it's important to look for the accumulation of debris such as leaves, dust, and bird droppings on the membrane surface and within gutter systems.

Cleaning

Tensile structures require routine cleaning, the frequency of which depends on the surrounding conditions. Structures in dusty or high-pollution areas may need more frequent cleaning than those in less polluted, rural areas. It is also advisable to adjust the cleaning schedule during debris-prone seasons, such as autumn, or when the surrounding environment changes (for example, during nearby construction). Only the manufacturer should conduct professional cleaning to ensure that only approved chemicals are used, thus avoiding inadvertent damage and invalidating your warranty.

Repair & Refurbishment

Early intervention can help prevent minor defects from developing into more significant problems.

Where an inspection identifies damage or deterioration, we can advise on the most appropriate remedial solution. Minor issues, such as small holes or tears, may be addressed as part of routine maintenance, while more significant repairs or refurbishment works will be quoted separately according to the condition, size and severity of the issue.

Our aim is to help extend the useful life of your existing structure wherever practical, while ensuring that any necessary repairs are addressed promptly.

Ongoing After Care

Our aftercare service is designed to provide you with ongoing support and peace of mind. Even with minimal maintenance requirements, regular aftercare helps preserve both the membrane warranty and the pristine appearance of your tensile structure. We are your trusted partner in ensuring its enduring performance. Regular aftercare can help:

• Maintain the appearance of the membrane.
• Identify potential issues at an early stage.
• Preserve structural performance.
• Support membrane warranty requirements.
• Extend the service life of the installation.

Even with minimal maintenance requirements, aftercare is key to preserving both the membrane warranty and the appearance of your tensile structure. Regular aftercare services help keep the membranes looking as good as the day they were installed.

Managing the Lifecycle of Your Structure

Tensile structures are long-term assets, and appropriate maintenance can play an important role in maximising their useful life.

As structures age, there may come a point where repair or refurbishment is no longer the most appropriate solution. Our team can assess the condition of an existing structure and help you understand the options available — from continued maintenance and refurbishment through to replacement with a new, high-performance structure.

This approach allows you to make informed decisions based on the condition, performance and future requirements of your asset.

From installation and ongoing maintenance through to refurbishment or replacement, J&J Carter can support you throughout the lifecycle of your tensile structure.

Contact us today to arrange an inspection or discuss your maintenance and aftercare requirements.