Architectural Fabrics
Choose to Make Your Architectural Fabric Structures Extraordinary
No matter the scope or size of your project, you can rely on our expertise and superior products to help you create a structure that deserves to be marveled at. We can meet the architectural fabric needs demanded by a variety of applications and structures.
Fabric dome structures are popular for a wide range of athletic applications, from football to tennis. If your next project is an air dome structure that needs to be cost-effective, long-lasting and climate-controlled, Shelter-Rite® may be your solution.
Aluminum and steel frame structures cost less to build, are constructed more quickly than other structures and offer benefits of flexibility and sustainability.
Shelter-Rite® has the solutions you need to make your frame structure reach landmark status.
The tension membrane structure is the first of several planned at Logan International Airport.
Seaman Corporation, manufactures Shelter-Rite® Architectural Fabrics. Made in the USA, Shelter-Rite® leads the industry in modern materials and methods, producing high performance architectural fabrics for over 70 years. A vertically integrated company, Seaman Corporation develops proprietary formulations, knits, weaves and coats fabric in our two manufacturing facilities located in Wooster, OH and Bristol, TN.
Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics have been the material of choice of architects, designers and fabricators for commercial and military projects in the United States and throughout the world. Shelter-Rite is engineered with a proprietary coating formula for superior UV and mildew resistance, and unique weft inserted knit fabric that provides excellent tensile, tear and seam strength. This time-tested technology has resulted in architectural structures that withstand years of exposure to harsh environments.
In addition to Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics, Seaman Corporation also produces high performance FiberTite® Roof Systems, XR® Geomembrane Liners and Industrial Fabrics for Shelter-Rite® Truck Tarps, Dock Seals; and military fabrics used for flexible fuel and water tanks and military tents.
Architectural Fabrics
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 5.0 oz/yd2
Metric: 170 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 20.0 oz/yd2 +2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 678 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 375/325 lb
Metric: 1669/1446 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 9 daN/5 cm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 (1/8" mandrel, 4 hr)
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; FED-STD-191 Method 5903 – 2 second flameout;
ASTM 6413-13 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-10302);
ASTM E84 & ULC-S102 - flame spread index ≤25, smoke development rating ≤450
Request a Shelter-Rite® Tent™ Sample
Base Fabric Type
Light TransmissionStandard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 5.0 oz/yd2
Metric: 170 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 20.0 oz/yd2 +2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 678 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 375/325 lb
Metric: 1669/1446 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 300/275 lb/in
Metric: 263/241 daN/5 cm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 9 daN/5 cm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 (1/8" mandrel, 4 hr)
Standard: Pass @ -40° F
Metric: Pass @ -40° C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; FED-STD-191 Method 5903 – 2 second flameout;
ASTM 6413-13 - 2 second flameout;
Light Transmission
Visible light transmission (400nm to 700nm): 64%
UV light transmission (360nm to 400nm): less than 6%
UV Resistance
Material tested to ASTM G155 Xenon Weatherometer for 10,000 hours;
measured color change of less than Delta E of 5.0 after weathering
Request a Shelter-Rite® Tent™ Sample
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 7.5 oz/yd2
Metric: 250 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 28.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 950 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
NOTE: Average weight of opaque fabrics will be ~ 4 oz/yd2 (140 g/m2) heavier
Trapezoid Tear
ASTM D4533
Standard: 85/85 lb
Metric: 380/380 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 700/700 lb
Metric: 3115/3115 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 515/515 lb/in
Metric: 4500/4500 N/50 mm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 90 N/50 mm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751
2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip
Standard: 266 lb @ 70 degrees F, 133 lb @ 160 degrees F
Metric: 1180 N @ 21 degrees C, 590 N @ 71 degrees C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 - LTA
1/8" mandrel, 4 hr
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F, Pass @ -67 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C, Pass @ -55 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ULC-S109; ASTM 6413 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-10301); GB8624-2006;
ASTM E84 & ULC-S102 - flame spread index ≤25, smoke development rating ≤45
Request a Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics Sample
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 7.5 oz/yd2
Metric: 250 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 28.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 950 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
Trapezoid TearRequest a Shelter-Rite® Tent™ SampleASTM D4533
Standard: 85/85 lb
Metric: 380/380 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 700/700 lb
Metric: 3115/3115 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 515/515 lb/in
Metric: 4500/4500 N/50 mm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 90 N/50 mm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751
2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip
Standard: 266 lb @ 70° F
133 lb @ 160° F
Metric: 1180 N @ 21° C
590 N @ 71° C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 (1/8" mandrel, 4 hr)
Standard: Pass @ -40° F
Metric: Pass @ -40° C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ASTM 6413-13 – 2 second flame out;
Light Transmission
Visible light transmission (400nm to 700nm): 41%
UV light transmission (360nm to 400nm): less than 4%
UV Resistance
Material tested to ASTM G155 Xenon Weatherometer for 15,000 hours;
measured color change of less than Delta E of 5.0 after weathering.
Request a Shelter-Rite® Tent™ Sample
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (normal)
Standard: 4.3 oz/yd2
Metric: 145 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 24.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 815 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
Trapezoid Tear
ASTM D4533
Standard: 80/65 lb
Metric: 355/290 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 400/350 lb
Metric: 1780/1560 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 300/240 lb/in
Metric: 2630/2100 N/50 mm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 90 N/50 mm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751 (2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip)
Standard: 120 lb @ 70 degrees F, 60 lb @ 160 degrees F
Metric: 530 N @ 21 degrees C, 270 N @ 71 degrees C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 - LTA
1/8" mandrel, 4 hr
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F, Pass @ -67 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C, Pass @ -55 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ULC-S109; ASTM 6413 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-97701);
ASTM E84 & ULC-S102 - flame spread index ≤25, smoke development rating ≤450
Request a Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics Sample
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 5.0 oz/yd2
Metric: 170 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 21.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 712 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
NOTE: Average weight of opaque fabrics will be ~ 4 oz/yd2 (140 g/m2) heavier
Trapezoid Tear
ASTM D4533
Standard: 50/60 lb
Metric: 23/267 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 375/350 lb
Metric: 1669/1558 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 350/325 lb/in
Metric: 307/285 daN/5 cm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 9 daN/5 cm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751
2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip
Standard: 106 lb @ 70 degrees F, 53 lb @ 160 degrees F
Metric: 472 N @ 21 degrees C, 233 N @ 71 degrees C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136
1/8" mandrel, 4 hr
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ASTM 6413 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-10302);
ASTM E84 - flame spread index ≤25, smoke development rating ≤450
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 5.0 oz/yd2
Metric: 170 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 24.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 815 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
NOTE: Average weight of opaque fabrics will be ~ 4 oz/yd2 (140 g/m2) heavier
Trapezoid Tear
ASTM D4533
Standard: 50/60 lb
Metric: 220/270 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 375/350 lb
Metric: 1670/1560 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 300/275 lb/in
Metric: 2630/2400 N/50 mm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 90 N/50 mm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751
2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip
Standard: 106 lb @ 70 degrees F, 53 lb @ 160 degrees F
Metric: 470 N @ 21 degrees C, 235 N @ 71 degrees C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136 - LTA
1/8" mandrel, 4 hr
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F, Pass @ -67 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C, Pass @ -55 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ULC-S109; ASTM 6413 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-10301);
ASTM E84 & ULC-S102 - flame spread index ≤25, smoke development rating ≤450
Base Fabric Type
Standard: Polyester
Metric: Polyester
Base Fabric Weight (nominal)
Standard: 10.0 oz/yd2
Metric: 340 g/m2
Finished Coated Weight
ASTM D751
Standard: 32.0 oz/yd2 (+2/-1 oz/yd2)
Metric: 1085 g/m2 (+70/-35 g/m2)
NOTE: Average weight of opaque fabrics will be ~ 4 oz/yd2 (140 g/m2) heavier
Trapezoid Tear
ASTM D4533
Standard: 100/100 lb
Metric: 445/445 N
Grab Tensile
ASTM D751
Standard: 840/840 lb
Metric: 3740/3740 N
Strip Tensile
ASTM D751 Procedure B
Standard: 650/650 lb/in
Metric: 5700/5700 N/50 mm
Adhesion
ASTM D751 Dielectric Weld
Standard: 10 lb/in
Metric: 90 N/50 mm
Hydrostatic Resistance
ASTM D751 Procedure A
Standard: 500 psi
Metric: 3.45 MPa
Dead Load Seam Strength
ASTM D751
2 in (50 mm) seam, 4 hr, 1 in (25 mm) strip
Standard: 266 lb @ 70 degrees F, 133 lb @ 160 degrees F
Metric: 1180 N @ 21 degrees C, 590 N @ 71 degrees C
Low Temperature - LTC
ASTM D2136
1/8" mandrel, 4 hr
Standard: Pass @ -40 degrees F
Metric: Pass @ -40 degrees C
Flame Resistance
Meets NFPA 701; ULC-S109; ASTM 6413 - 2 second flameout;
Registered by California Fire Marshal (No. F-95301)
Architectural Fabrics for the Following Structures
Choose to Make Your Architectural Fabric Structures Extraordinary
No matter the scope or size of your project, you can rely on our expertise and superior products to help you create a structure that deserves to be marveled at. We can meet the architectural fabric needs demanded by a variety of applications and structures.
Fabric dome structures are popular for a wide range of athletic applications, from football to tennis. If your next project is an air dome structure that needs to be cost-effective, long-lasting and climate-controlled, Shelter-Rite® may be your solution.
Aluminum and steel frame structures cost less to build, are constructed more quickly than other structures and offer benefits of flexibility and sustainability.
Shelter-Rite® has the solutions you need to make your frame structure reach landmark status.
Our product offerings and flexibility allow for maximum creativity and innovation for tensile structure manufacturers. From canopies to music amphitheaters to sports complexes, Shelter-Rite® has the solutions for any open or closed tensile membrane structure design.
If you're looking for a lighter-weight, clearspan fabric for your rental tent or permanent frame structure applications that's just as strong as heavier fabrics, Shelter-Rite® Tent™ is your solution.
Because Shelter-Rite Tent is 20% lighter than the industry standard, it's easier to handle, which leads to:
- Faster installation
- Decreased worker fatigue
- Less wear and tear during handling
Technical Library
Project Profiles
Sprung Structures Utah facility, pivotal in producing their high performing structures, underwent a major expansion using Shelter-Rite® fabric. This upgrade showcases the facility's ability to meet the growing demand for rapid, cost-effective solutions while highlighting advanced design features.
Sprung offers a AIA credit through the Continuing Education program with Architectural Record.
Two new air-supported structures on the Drexel University campus provides safe indoor space for the university and community to enjoy sports activities during cold weather months.
When a company in the Northwest U.S. decided to build a new headquarters, it became clear to them that a fabric structure would take less construction time than traditional brick and mortar. Eleven months after construction started, the large fabric structure was move-in ready and turning heads for its unique design.
Entrance canopy featuring Shelter-Rite architectural fabrics retrofitted by Signature Structures protects visitors from the weather conditions, aesthetically matches the roof of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida.
The tension membrane structure is the first of several planned at Logan International Airport.
The Sun Park Tennis Center was constructed within Beijing Sun Park using a pressurized air structure made from a Shelter-Rite architectural fabric with Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride film (PVF).
The outdoor venue provides concert-goers pleasant, natural surroundings to enjoy the sounds and visual excitement of various national recording artists.
Entrance canopy sets the stage for what visitors are going to see when they enter the building.
Multi-sport dome in Minnesota provides indoor play space for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, rugby and other community sports from November through late-March.
Shelter-Rite® provides protection from frigid Minnesota temps.