What it costs: Tensile fabric | Features

Specification options	Capital cost (£/m2)	Lifecycle cost (£/m2)	Expected service life (years)
Glass fibre coated with PTFE	110-150	261	20-40
Prestressed polyester coated with PVC	35-50	216	15–20
Prestressed polyester coated with PVC with PVDF finish	40-60	177
Low carbon steel supported tensile covering
50-100m2 conical design with PVC fabric	250-350	940	15–20
24-48m2 saddle design with PVC fabric	350-450	1,135	15–20
Table notes: Net present values calculated with 3% discount rate for a 60-year period. Lifecycle costs include installation, inspections, cleaning, recoating PVC with silicone solution, allowance for minor repairs and replacement. Life cycle costs are indicative and are based on the average of capital costs and service lives. Costs for installed fabric depend on complexity of the design, size and access as well as the choice of material and finishes. Costs for the complete structure are based on an free-standing canopy or walkway construction. Low-carbon steel is galvanized and painted; Foundations excluded; service life relates to the fabric; lifecycle costs include maintenance to the steel coating. A cost analysis based on project specific information is essential for a realistic best value appraisal.