The covers are extremely important and this is where quality really does matter. The material has to perform in theatre to wide temperature extremes: strong winds, heavy snow, UV degradation, and must be waterproof, fire retardant and self extinguishing. To achieve these attributes it is necessary to use a polyester base cloth to provide the high tear and tensile strength which is then coated in PVC to make it waterproof and weldable with various additives to provide UV stabilisation, fire protection, blackout and colour.

The structure covering membrane is the barrier between the environment and the commodity inside. This attribute is so important that we select only the best quality materials with high specification and proven lifetime performance. We would expect the cover to last a minimum of 15 years, extending up to 30 years depending upon use and location.

Single Skin is the normal industry standard which provides virtually no insulation properties. It is usually specified when used as an unmanned warehouse or storage facility.

Double Skin and Insulation is unique to the Rubb group of companies and has been specifically designed to provide more acceptable working conditions for front-line aircraft hangarage and vehicle maintenance workshops, in both hot and cold conditions. The outer skin insulation and inner skin are all welded into one Keder track.

This arrangement provides full protection to the vulnerable lightweight insulation, forming one panel instead of three separate packages, simplifying packing, transportation and installation.

> Packing

All fabric panels are packed into their own individual high quality reusable storage bags to provide protection, easy identification during erection and a container friendly package. The storage bag is usually the same colour as the hangar itself and is made from good quality fabric with lace up top and professional handles to spread weight as well as being kind to the hands.

> Keder

Keder is the component that secures the PVC skin to the metal structure. This material is widely used in the commercial tent and marquee market but because of the forces involved and the need to install and operate in arduous conditions, we have developed an enhanced version to our specification with large weld area and less friction.

> Blackout

Normal fabric has three layers: outside PVC coated polyester woven fabric inside PVC coating.

This setup is totally acceptable in commercial applications where minimal light transmission will come through (strong sunlight). In some military applications this is not acceptable and for this reason an upgraded formulation with an additional black layer has been adopted and used on the outer skin of all EFASS structures. Providing full blackout capabilities.