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Design and Build Process for Vehicle Protection Structures

November.08.2023

Design and Build Process for Vehicle Protection Structures

November.08.2023

Vehicles and assets exposed to the sun and weather elements need protection. Heat, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and hail can cause significant damage, but quality shade and hail structures can help prevent this damage. Using durable steel and fabric, VPS delivers protective solutions for a wide variety of industries. Our detailed design and build process ensures we approach each client’s project with creativity, innovation, experience, and precise implementation.

Our design and build process reflects our dedication to designing hail protection structures of the highest quality to meet client needs. We communicate and collaborate effectively to understand each client’s expectations and requirements, and we use this information to design, plan, schedule, manage, and complete projects efficiently.

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The Importance of Heat, UV, and Hail Protection

Protecting assets and vehicles from heat, UV rays, and hail is crucial. Excessive sun exposure can fade a vehicle’s dashboard, upholstery, and exterior paint. High temperatures can reduce tire pressure, gradually causing uneven wear and potential tire blowouts.

High temperatures rapidly heat the inside of cars, making it uncomfortable to climb inside after a car has been parked in the sun. Heat can also prevent proper engine circulation, making it more difficult to start a car after it sits in the hot sun.

Other than heat and sun damage, certain precipitation can be a risk to certain assets. Hail is a type of solid precipitation that can dent vehicles, break windshields and windows, and damage structures. Weather elements also present a risk to people walking to and from buildings, so protective coverage benefits people in addition to cars and other assets.

Hail and shade structures help protect vehicles and assets from harm. They can shade warehouse components and employees working outdoors for extended periods.

heat uv and hail protection

How the VPS Design and Build Process Works

VPS keeps each client at the forefront of the design and build process. Each step of the process revolves around what the client needs and expects, so we take measures to collaborate among our teams and with our clients for the most effective results. We plan and implement project construction, and we maintain project schedules to complete projects efficiently and on time.

the vps process

1. Conceptual Design and Sales Engineering

The conceptual design process for hail structures is significantly important. VPS offers custom solutions for clients by implementing an effective design and sales engineering process. The primary purpose of this phase is to gain an in-depth understanding of the client’s needs, preferences, and concerns so we can develop a solution. The success of this process phase depends on detailed collaboration, so we work closely with our clients and their teams to build structures according to their unique needs.

Our design and build team of electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers offer turnkey solutions by communicating and collaborating with our clients and the following members of their teams:

  • Structural engineers
  • Architects
  • Facilities managers

 

By communicating with clients and their essential team members, we can collect the necessary information and design preferences to develop an initial design concept. During the conceptual design phase of the process, we develop and communicate ideas based on client needs. We can then develop visual representations and detailed product descriptions to reference throughout the build process.

The conceptual design and sales engineering processes also involve project proposals outlining each project’s scope of work. We strive to develop the most effective solutions by understanding each client’s needs in the following categories:

  • Current infrastructure’s state
  • Proposal delivery timelines
  • Sales professional or account manager’s objectives

 

VPS structural designs can transcend traditional form and function boundaries, and many clients utilize these designs to create focal centerpieces for their existing properties or develop major design themes for their new facilities. Working closely with clients allows us to evaluate their needs and develop visual concepts with detailed input.

The conceptual design phase is also when we gather information about any terrain or property challenges. We have the ability to adapt projects to each individual location to overcome existing and potential challenges.

2. Project Design and Engineering

The project design and engineering phase is when we convert project ideas, concepts, project specifications, technical requirements, and themes into final solutions and designs. During this phase, we further refine initial designs and complete the proper manufacturing documentation. This process allows us to resolve any challenges that come up during the initial design phase.

We use feasibility studies and cost analyses to ensure project plans meet client needs and remain within regulations and budgets. We also produce pre-submittal documents, formulate project schedules, and negotiate municipality requirements.

During the project design and engineering phase, our Design and Engineering Department establishes the project’s required geometry. We then create a model of the structure’s geometry in 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and use the 3D model to develop design drawings.

To maintain effective communication and ensure we proceed according to the client’s specifications, needs, and expectations, we submit materials to the client for approval. The client reviews the 3D model, drawings, and engineering calculations, and we proceed with project implementation if the client approves these final design materials.

We design our engineering specifications so they meet all International Building Code (IBC) and local requirements. This helps companies and organizations remain in compliance with regulations during the entire process.

3. Project Management

Project management is an essential part of the design and build process because it ensures each project is completed correctly and on time. VPS project managers have the design and construction experience to accomplish the following tasks effectively and efficiently:

  • Design
  • Procurement
  • Schedule compression
  • Fabrication
  • Cost reduction

 

Our project managers can retrofit existing facilities and use new construction techniques for new structures. Proper project management ensures our design and construction teams communicate effectively throughout the entire process, facilitating effective coordination and decision-making. Our team tracks progress closely and uses all available resources to save companies money throughout the process.

4. Steel Fabrication

Steel fabrication transforms raw materials into desired forms. VPS fabrication professionals shape raw steel to produce some of the most durable, innovative, and cost-effective fabric structures. Our steel fabrication facility in Dallas, Texas, produces the parts needed to construct high-quality structures.

The International Accreditation Services (IAS) board certifies this state-of-the-art facility. IAS certification indicates that our facility meets or exceeds the steel fabrication industry’s highest standards.

5. Fabric Fabrication

While steel fabrication is an essential part of the process, fabric fabrication is the core of our durable structures. Our team produces high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh that can block up to 96% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. We also produce other high-quality fabrics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to meet individual client needs and specific project requirements.

VPS implements specialized welding, patterning, and attachment methods to ensure fabric provides durable, long-lasting, and high-performance protection. Our fabrics also enhance each property’s visual aesthetic.

6. Construction

Well-planned and implemented construction ensures proper installation, and hail structure construction relies on durable materials. VPS builds protective structures using materials produced during the steel fabrication and fabric fabrication phases, ensuring we use only the highest-quality parts to complete projects.

Our experienced Construction Management team uses a Means and Methods statement to implement the installation process. This statement uses phased vehicle movement and minimal business disruption to facilitate operational efficiency. VPS offers the following construction services:

  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Permit acquisition
  • Surveying
  • Drilling
  • Steel erection
  • Fabric installation
  • Finishing
  • Reinforced pier installation

 

Advantages of Working With VPS

VPS has the tools, resources, expertise, manufacturing abilities, and qualified teams to handle large projects and cover thousands of ports and assets. When companies work with VPS, they can enjoy the following benefits:

Optimal Asset Protection

VPS products can protect vehicles and other assets from weather elements. Our durable protective covers prevent damage from elements such as hail, heat, and UV rays, preventing catastrophic loss.

Hail protection helps companies protect their assets from damage and repair costs. It can reduce operational disruptions caused by the weather, keeping assets and vehicles working properly. Companies can also decrease liability risks with protective covers. Taking protective measures can help organizations protect visitors’ vehicles, decreasing liability.

Protective covers also help prevent damage and health risks from extreme heat. VPS constructs shade structures with specialized, knitted mesh fabric. This fabric allows heat to circulate, unlike other shade structures that trap heat. With shade structures that can circulate heat, companies can keep their parking lots cooler and more comfortable.

UV protection helps increase comfort and reduce the risk of vehicle fading and damage. VPS structures help shade vehicles from the sun’s UV rays, which can keep cars in good condition and parking spaces cool.

Increased Revenue and Return on Investment

Working with VPS can help companies increase revenue. VPS can help transportation hubs such as rail stations and airports offer covered parking spaces, and we can help companies offer long-term parking terminals. Individuals typically pay a premium for covered parking, allowing our clients to generate revenue and increase their return on investment with our durable coverage solutions.

Efficiency

The experienced teams at VPS implement our design and build process with effective communication, collaboration, accuracy, and attention to detail. This process helps us complete each project with efficiency, saving our clients time and money.

Experience and Custom Solutions

Working with VPS provides companies with an experienced team they can trust. We take measures to understand each client and their unique needs. This care allows us to deliver custom solutions and integrate them on clients’ properties successfully. We can construct protective structures in various shapes and sizes to meet client needs.

Quality and Durability

VPS provides structures that meet the highest quality standards. We use durable steel and fabric materials to construct long-lasting and effective solutions. Organizations that work with VPS for their protective cover needs can expect the highest quality in the industry.

Innovation

Our experience designing and building high-quality structures also allows us to deliver innovative solutions. VPS is a leader in the covered parking and hail protection industries, and our team is committed to maintaining high excellence standards. We offer innovative creativity, design, technology, and construction to provide clients with the newest and most effective solutions.

Marketing and Branding

While VPS products protect assets and vehicles, they also provide marketing and branding opportunities. Projects with certain sizes and scopes can display text or company logos for unparalleled advertising. We can add block text and logos to fabrics, allowing clients to display their branding. With block text, clients can also differentiate different locations on their properties.

Industries We Serve

Our asset protection and covered parking solutions benefit various industries. We offer protective solutions for the following applications:

structures we build

Structures We Build

VPS offers a wide variety of structures to meet different client requirements. Depending on each client’s needs, we can construct the following high-quality protective structures:

Solar Protection

Solar-covered parking solutions offer organizations an opportunity to cover vehicles and assets while reducing energy consumption. Incorporating solar panels on protective structures is an innovative way to utilize renewable energy, decrease utility costs, and reduce tax liabilities.

Covered Walkways

Covered walkways shade pedestrians as they walk. These structures offer quality overhead weather protection for individuals walking between schools, office complexes, garages, parking lots, airport and transportation terminals, hospitals, and churches. Adding covered walkways to new or existing lots and structures can help prevent falls, protect individuals from sun exposure, promote walking, and improve building design.

Cantilevers

Cantilevers are structures with fewer columns, so project construction progresses faster for them than for multi-column structures. Cantilevers come in various styles, and we can design and fabricate them to accept internal wiring. With internal wiring options, clients can mount additional features on their cantilevers, such as surveillance cameras and light fixtures.

Mass Coverage

Mass-coverage structures are large-scale covered parking and asset protection solutions. We construct our mass-coverage structures with a customizable modular design. This allows us to customize design to meet each property’s terrain and layout requirements while providing individual bay sizes to provide vast parking and staging areas. Mass-coverage structures provide quality shade and hail protection for large areas.

Solid Membrane

VPS can fit most structural designs with solid membrane fabric to provide full overhead weather protection. This type of fabric offers maximum protection from weather elements, and it is available in PVC, PTFE, and HDPE scrim. PTFE fabric is available in white, and HDPE scrim and PVC fabrics are available in various colors. Each type of fabric provides a different degree of light reflectivity, non-combustibility, fire retardancy, and translucency degrees.

 

Start a Hail Structure Project With VPS Today

Protecting business assets from weather elements is essential, and high-quality structures can provide adequate protection while saving organizations money. VPS structures provide overhead weather protection for vehicles, assets, and people. Our extensive design and build process allows us to customize solutions for each client’s unique needs and expectations.

From conceptual design to construction, VPS designs and builds custom shade and hail structures to meet our clients’ needs. We collaborate closely with each client to understand their expectations and construct protective solutions to help prevent heat, UV, and hail damage while enhancing each property’s visual appeal. Our project managers maintain schedules and keep plans on track to complete projects efficiently and deliver results on time. Contact VPS to start a project today.

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