Routine maintenance of agricultural air-supported structures (air-inflated membranes) primarily involves inspecting the membrane's exterior, checking connection points, cleaning the surface, and managing the operating environment. The core objective is to promptly identify issues such as damage, aging, slackness, or poor sealing, preventing minor defects from escalating and compromising the functionality of the agricultural facility. During daily inspections, focus on detecting anomalies on the membrane surface-such as scratches, tears, punctures, creases, bulges, or localized discoloration-and verify the integrity of connections to the supporting structure, edge anchorages, seams, and the areas around doors and windows. For standard agricultural greenhouse plastic films, check that film-securing ropes (tie-downs) remain taut, ensure that fastening channels (locking profiles) are securely in place, and inspect for any significant slack or tearing following high-wind events. For double-layered inflatable thermal-insulation membranes, verify that the air gap remains properly pressurized, ensure the inflation fans are operating stably, and clear dust or debris from air intakes to prevent ventilation obstructions that could lead to abnormal pressure within the gap. For large-scale air-supported agricultural structures, regular inspections of the inflation fans, air-pressure monitoring equipment, backup power systems, and base-sealing components are essential to ensure the structure maintains its design-specified operating state. When cleaning, use tools and agents compatible with the membrane material; avoid sharp objects that could scratch the surface, and refrain from using unverified strong acids, strong bases, or organic solvents, which could accelerate material aging or damage surface coatings. In the event of snow accumulation, water pooling, or high winds, take appropriate measures in accordance with the facility's design specifications to prevent excessive localized loading or uneven, sustained stress on the membrane surface.
Long-term maintenance for agricultural air-supported structures should also incorporate a structured, recurring inspection and servicing regimen, tailored to the facility's age, local climatic conditions, and operational history. As air-supported membrane structures are continuously exposed to sunlight, precipitation, temperature fluctuations, and wind, the material may gradually undergo aging, embrittlement, a reduction in light transmission, or a decline in mechanical properties. Consequently, the flexibility of the membrane, the integrity of its seams, and the stability of its anchoring system should be inspected regularly. Decisions regarding repair or replacement should be based on the manufacturer's product specifications and the actual extent of wear or damage. In the event of minor damage, the specific type of membrane material must first be identified, followed by repairs using compatible materials and prescribed technical procedures. If damage occurs in primary load-bearing areas, sealed joints, or critical connection points of a large-span structure, simple patching with standard adhesive tape is insufficient; such cases require professional assessment and repair. For agricultural air-supported structures used during winter, particular attention should be paid to material hardening in low temperatures, potential seam cracking, and whether wind or snow loads exceed the facility's design capacity. In summer, monitoring is necessary for issues such as membrane slackening due to intense heat and sun exposure, coating degradation, and excessive internal temperatures. Furthermore, routine management should include maintaining records of inspection dates, identified issues, repair methods, and replaced components to track the operational status and maintenance history of the structure. When the facility is not in use, it should be cleaned, dried, and folded or stored in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements for the specific membrane material-ensuring it is protected from prolonged compression, contact with sharp objects, or storage in inappropriately high temperatures. Through standardized routine inspections, timely repairs, and proper storage management, the risk of accidental damage to agricultural air-supported structures can be minimized, their service life extended, and their effectiveness in providing thermal insulation, sealing, and environmental control maintained.