Fabric vs. Steel Aircraft Hangars: Which is Best?
When it comes to aircraft storage, choosing the right hangar is essential to protect your investment. Fabric and steel hangars are two popular options, each with their own set of advantages. Fabric hangars are generally more affordable and quicker to install, offering flexibility for temporary or short-term needs. On the other hand, steel hangars provide long-term durability, better security and protection against weather conditions. This article will compare the key differences between fabric and steel aircraft hangars to help you decide which is the best fit for your aircraft.
What are Aircraft Hangars?
An aircraft hangar is a sheltered space that shields aircraft from external conditions such as weather, theft and vandalism. To provide protection, they are usually constructed from steel and other durable materials that can hold:
- Aeroplane – from small private planes to large commercial or military aircraft
- Helicopters – for personal, commercial or military use
- Drones and UAVs – unmanned aerial vehicles for research, defence or commercial applications
- Maintenance Equipment – tools, machinery and parts for aircraft repairs and servicing
- Fuel and Supplies – storage for aviation fuel, lubricants and other necessary materials
- Vehicles – ground support equipment such as tugs, fuel trucks and service vehicles
Aircraft hangars come in different sizes to accommodate a range of aircraft. That’s why the choice of materials is important, to offer strength and protection but also flexibility.
Fabric Aircraft Hangars
Fabric hangars are also known as soft hangars. They are built with a metal framework and fabric stretched over the structure. The fabric is typically made from durable polyethylene or PVC materials.
Benefits of Fabric Aircraft Hangars
- Non-Conductive
The use of fabric helps regulate the interior temperature as it’s non-conductive, reducing extreme fluctuations.
- Quick Installation
Fabric hangars can be set up in just a few days, giving you immediate access to storage and maintenance space. This is an ideal solution if you need a fast and flexible option to protect your aircraft without waiting. They also offer the flexibility to be moved, as they are easy to relocate.
- Weather Protection
Although fabric may not seem as durable, high tensile fabric hangars can handle fair amounts of stress from wind, rain and snow. This protects your aircraft from damage.
Disadvantages of Fabric Aircraft Hangars
- Limited Options for Heating and Security
Since aircraft are best stored in climate-controlled conditions, it’s important that the hangar maintains suitable temperatures. While some fabric hangars offer basic protection, they usually lack the ability to be heated or provide secure storage, which is important for a high-value aircraft.
- Security and Protection
Fabric is more easily torn or damaged, making fabric hangars offer less security and protection compared to those made from other materials.
Steel Aircraft Hangars
Steel is a popular choice for the use of metal aircraft hangars. They are trusted for both personal and commercial aircraft storage. With no curved walls or interior support columns, virtually any aircraft can be parked and protected in a structure designed for durability.
Benefits of Steel Aircraft Hangars
- Durability and Protection
Steel hangars offer excellent protection, shielding your aircraft from extreme rain, snow, wind and even fire. Steel hangars offer long-term durability, as the metal used in their construction won’t warp or become easily damaged over time.
- Spaciousness and Flexibility
Another benefit of steel aircraft hangars is they can be designed with column-free interiors, allowing for expansive open spaces. This space offers plenty of room for personal aircraft fleets, including planes, jets and helicopters, without any obstructions from posts or beams. Additionally, these structures offer flexibility for expansion, allowing you to add space without disturbing the interior layout.
- Security
Personal aircraft are a significant investment, often costing upwards of £10,000 for a small, second-hand aircraft to potentially over £600,000 for a new one. Steel hangars offer the highest level of security to protect your investment. They provide safe storage from theft and vandalism and prevent damp storage environments that could damage your aircraft.
Disadvantages Steel Aircraft Hangars
- Initial Costs
The initial costs of steel hangar buildings can seem higher than other materials such as fabric and timber. However, steel aviation buildings are much more cost-effective in the long run.
Comparison of Fabric and Steel Aircraft Hangars
| Feature | Fabric Aircraft Hangars | Steel Aircraft Hangars |
| Cost | More affordable upfront | More cost-effective in the long term |
| Security | Less secure | Provides strong protection against theft and vandalism |
| Flexibility | Easy to relocate | Can be easily expanded |
| Weather Resistance | Can handle wind, rain and snow but may degrade over time | Highly resistant to extreme weather, fire and heavy snow loads |
| Maintenance | Materials used in fabric hangars require low maintenance | Minimal maintenance, as they are resistant to external damage |
| Installation Time | Quick to install, sometimes within days | Many parts are prefabricated so designs can be assembled within a few weeks |
Fabric hangars may seem cheap initially, but additional costs can arise. As fabric structures often lack proper insulation and climate regulation, you may find yourself having to invest in more expansive systems for temperature control. Steel aviation buildings save money in the long run because they are durable and require little maintenance.
If you own an expensive aircraft, it’s worth investing in proper protection. Fabric hangars may cost less, but steel hangars offer better security against harsh weather, damage and theft.
Best Uses for Each Hangar Type
Fabric Hangars
- Temporary or short-term storage solution
- Emergency shelters
- Budget-conscious buyers
Metal Aircraft Hangars
- Permanent installations
- High-value aircraft
- Protection against extreme weather conditions
Steel Aircraft Hangars and Aviation Buildings at Kit Buildings Direct
At Kit Buildings Direct, we specialise in high-quality steel aircraft hangars and aviation buildings designed to protect and store your aircraft, helicopters and aviation equipment. With decades of experience in the industry, our aircraft hangars are made from CE-marked steel.
Whether you need a large aircraft hangar or a custom-built helicopter storage solution, our team will guide you from design to delivery and installation. For reliable and competitively priced aviation hangars, contact us today.
