Most fabric-clad structures available have framework made of either aluminum or steel. The manufacturers of steel structures rely on relatively inexpensive steel components without regard to the inefficiencies steel imposes setting up, taking down, and relocating structures. Mahaffey uses lightweight, environmentally friendly aluminum as the basis of our engineered structures. We believe that our aluminum structures offer the best value based upon several important factors:

Code Compliance. All Mahaffey MEGA structures are designed in compliance with applicable U.S. building codes, including the International Building Code 2003 (IBC 2003). The specifications outlined in the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Civil Engineers (ANSI/ASCE) 7-02: "Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures" are followed in determining the integrity of the structure. Computer-aided structural frame analyses, using STAADPro, are involved in the course of all investigations. Different load combinations are considered to find the critical aspects of each design. Member and detail checks are established to derive the conclusions for the entire structure. These results are independently verified by independent testing facilities.

Order Lead Time. Many Mahaffey customers chose to rent, lease, or use lease-purchase contracts. As a result, Mahaffey inventories structures in widths as small as 33' to as large as 164'. These structures are ready today. This ready inventory is the basis of Mahaffey's success in disaster recovery where speed is critical to shelter people and equipment after fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Manufacturers of steel structures typically offer a lead time of 8 - 10 weeks or even longer for custom designs.

Parts Volume. Mahaffey designs all use extruded aluminum box beams, which stack together tightly. Other aluminum designs have inefficient curved beams that are unwieldy and difficult to load onto trucks.

Interior Space. Mahaffey structures have unobstructed interiors and vertical sidewalls up to 20' high or higher. This clearance allows storage racks and other equipment to be placed adjacent to the walls, without fear of damaging structural members or the fabric membrane.

Easy Installation. Mahaffey structures are unique because they can be assembled with simple hand tools - there is no welding or fabric heat-sealing on site. Our trained crews provide efficient, turnkey services. Or Mahaffey can provide a skilled supervisor to work along with your staff. Even this scenario results in set up times of 110 sq ft per person hour - more than three times faster than a steel structure. Mahaffey's designs minimize labor requirements for set up, take down, and relocation of a structure, generating cost savings over the structure's life cycle.

Fabric Tops. Mahaffey offers a variety of fabric options, but primarily uses Ferrari Precontraint - a heavy duty PVC coated architectural membrane. Many steel structures use large sheets of polyethylene (the same material as "blue tarps" available at home improvement centers). Ferrari PVC offers the best combination of tensile strength, adhesion, and self-cleaning capability. Additionally, Mahaffey uses a proprietary keder system that fastens tops laterally, but permits a single section to be removed and replaced if necessary.

Guardian Steel Walls. Mahaffey offers a proprietary insulated steel siding system in place of fabric. The solid barrier of steel and 1-3/8" insulation keep structures warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With a standard R-value of 5.73, these walls give outstanding energy performance while providing security 24/7. Interior and exterior surfaces are painted steel that enclose CFC-free (environmentally friendly) polystyrene insulation.

Since 1924. Mahaffey has been an industry leader and innovator since 1924. As companies come and go, it is comforting to know that Mahaffey will be here to serve your future needs.

Conclusion. Listed above are some of the reasons why we feel Mahaffey structures are superior to designs that use steel or curved aluminum components. We strongly urge prospective customers to compare the relative features of our products versus those of our competition.

• Visit a work site to see first-hand how quickly and easily Mahaffey structures are installed.
• Compare the interior volume and transportation requirements of a Mahaffey structure with a similar sized structure from the competition.
• Talk to others who have relocated a steel structure and those who have relocated Mahaffey structures.

We are confident that after you've completed your research you'll conclude that Mahaffey is the best choice for your structure needs.