Air-supported structure maintenance is essential for maximizing performance, extending lifespan, and ensuring reliable, year-round operation with minimal disruptions.
Proper maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of an air-supported structure. Whether it’s an air dome, sports bubble, or indoor training facility, is a smart, long-term investment in year-round programming and protection from the elements. Designed for efficiency and durability, our structures require significantly less upkeep than traditional buildings. With routine care and proactive inspections, they can perform reliably for decades.
Just like any high-performance system, regular maintenance ensures everything runs smoothly, minimizes interruptions, and protects the value of your facility – so you can stay focused on your athletes, members, and community.
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Air domes are built for daily use. Proactive inspections and preventative maintenance help identify small, manageable items early, such as minor fabric wear or airlock seal adjustments, before they become larger concerns.
This approach helps reduce unplanned downtime, support consistent performance, and keep operating costs predictable, ensuring your bubble is always ready when you need it. A little attention goes a long way in preserving both function and appearance.
Key Areas That Support Long-Term Performance
1. Fabric and Liner Care
Protects structural integrity, appearance, and indoor environment.
The fabric and liner systems are critical to the long-term performance and appearance of an air-supported structure. The exterior membrane act as the first line of defence against weather and environmental exposure and is designed for durability with minimal maintenance. In most cases, the exterior does not require cleaning, and when DuPont™ Tedlar® is used, its self-cleaning properties help the structure maintain its appearance over time.
Inside the structure, the liner plays an important role in both aesthetics and functionality, particularly in high-traffic sports environments. Interior cleaning is only required if specific issues arise, such as spills, or mold, helping maintain a bright, professional, and welcoming space without unnecessary maintenance.
2. Mechanical and Control Systems
Ensures consistent pressure, energy efficiency and uninterrupted operation.
The blowers, fans, and pressure control systems keep your structure inflated and stable. Ensuring these systems are properly serviced helps maintain consistent pressure, reduce energy consumption, and prevent unexpected downtime.
Preventative maintenance, such as checking belt tension, ensuring proper lubrication, and conducting regular power failure testing, is critical to system reliability. Routine servicing, particularly before and after peak seasons, supports uninterrupted operation and extends the overall lifespan of the dome.
3. Access Components and Airlocks
Maintains safety, usability, and stability.
Airlocks and entry doors experience frequent use. Routine inspection ensures proper sealing and smooth operation, maintaining both safety and air pressure stability within the dome.
4. Lighting and Safety Systems
Supports compliance and user safety.
Checking lighting systems, exit signs, and emergency backup systems ensures your facility remains safe and functional, especially during busy seasons or after extended periods of use.
5. Anchoring, Anchors and Cables
Supports long-term structural stability and safe operation.
Regular inspections of the cables are essential to identify external damage or signs of fatigue before they become an issue. Where applicable, the 2×4 anchoring system should be routinely inspected to ensure all components remain secure and properly aligned.
Consistent, proactive inspections help safeguard the bubble, maintain compliance, and support safe, reliable operation year after year.
The Farley Group ® Difference
At The Farley Group, we understand that your dome is more than a building; it’s a vital part of your community or athletic program. That’s why we offer comprehensive maintenance and service, supported by over 25 years of specialized experience in air-supported structures.
Why work with The Farley Group?
- 25+ years specializing exclusively in air-supported structures
- 24/7 emergency service and support
- Dedicated service and HVAC teams
- We build what we service, providing unmatched manufacturer-backed expertise
Our 24/7 service team is always ready to help. From routine seasonal inspections to emergency repairs, our expert technicians are trained to diagnose and resolve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and protecting your investment.
We take pride in ensuring every air bubble we build and maintain stands the test of time, performing efficiently and safely year after year.
Extend the Life of Your Air Dome
Routine maintenance isn’t just about keeping your structure running – it’s about keeping your facility ready for what matters most: the people who use it. Whether you operate a sports dome, training facility, or community recreation center, proactive care ensures your bubble remains a dependable, year-round space for play, practice, and performance.
Interested in a more in-depth maintenance checklist? Download our white paper!
Have questions or need support? Connect with our service team today to learn more about our maintenance services and discover how The Farley Group can help keep your air-supported structure performing at its best.