People often make the mistake of thinking a temporary building uses the same materials and design as a marquee. There are some similarities, but in terms of quality and durability a temporary building is significantly superior to a marquee.
Some of the obvious differences are the uses – a marquee is typically used for events, whereas a temporary building is used, either short or long-term, for warehousing, storage, production, retail and sometimes sport. The mere fact that a temporary building can be in situ for 10 years or more meeting all required British Standards for structural engineering also suggests they are in a different league to marquees.
A component that creates one of the major advantages of a temporary building is the aluminium frame. Aluminium is a very strong but lightweight metal and is therefore simple and quick to transport and install. The lightweight quality also aids the unique installation method of anchoring down to hard standing such as concrete, tarmac or hardcore. As long as the ground is level, no foundations or ground works are required – creating a remarkable installation time of under a week in most cases. The business benefits that are derived from this quick and unique build process are numerous – installation costs are low, disruption is minimal, companies can very quickly see a return on their investment, quick responses give a competitive edge, unused site space can quickly start to generate value etc…..
Aluminium is also a material that has good green credentials. It can be recycled indefinitely, requiring minimal energy for the process and creating minimal CO2 emissions.
There are various different types of wall cladding system to choose from for a temporary building, largely dependent on what level of insulation and temperature is to be achieved but also whether the building is to be hired or purchased.
A basic storage building or canopy that doesn’t require any insulation will be engineered with a single skin steel cladding for the walls. This is a more basic and affordable cladding option that comes with strength and durability but won’t create a temperature controlled environment or reduce condensation.
Two types of wall cladding are typically offered if insulation is required. A Polymer Composite Walling System has panels that are easily slotted into the frame. Maintenance and repair of this walling system is just as simple – in the event of damage, the panels are as easily removed and repaired or replaced, they are also easily washed down and reversible. With an insulated roof system this walling option creates a good level of temperature control and minimises condensation ensuring any goods being stored remain dry. The recycling properties of this system are excellent – it is typically used for hired buildings and being so easy to refurbish or repair can be used time and time again for different customers and applications. It’s crowning glory, however, is it is manufactured from 100% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.
The second option is an insulated steel sandwich walling. This system offers a higher level of insulation again to the above and is generally used when a building is being purchased.
The roof of a temporary building is made from an industrial PVC Coated Polyester and can be single skin for basic non-insulated buildings or what’s known as a Thermo Roof, which is double skinned for temperature control. The Thermo Roof consists of two plastic coated membranes that are placed under atmospheric pressure forming ‘air-cushions.’ Once the roof is fitted to the frame each membrane is blown up with a specially designed air pressure unit. As is typical with these types of buildings, this is a process that requires minimal energy. This roof system together with one of the insulated walling options provides excellent insulation throughout the structure and also eliminates any noises or rattles usually associated with a marquee.
Where the confusion over similarities to a marquee arises is from the method of installation (the same as some larger marquee structures) and the PVC roofing system. As well as meeting all the required British Standards fire and safety codes the PVC roofing system also saves energy on lighting as it provides a high degree of natural light.
In fact, all the materials and components used for a temporary building meet the required British Standards including the frame which comes with a 10 year guarantee. So, although the confusion with marquees main still remain, it is clear that a temporary building is a far superior structure altogether when it comes to quality and durability.