Get the Facts: Busting 4 Modular Building Myths
Thanks to significant advancements in processes, materials, and technology, the modular building industry has rapidly and progressively improved its products to the point where permanent modular construction is consistently being compared side-by-side with conventional construction as an option that provides greater affordability and timely construction project completion. It’s time to set the record straight and bust these common modular building myths.
Myth: They Don’t Look Nice
FACT: Today’s modular structures are a comprehensive portfolio of highly functional, creative, and attractive temporary and permanent structures. Contrary to popular belief, pre-assembled buildings designed for permanent use can be multiple stories, including elevators, vestibules, and connected to stair towers. Furthermore, depending on the budget and specifications for a particular project, the building’s interior and exterior can be created to suit a client’s custom design preferences, including matching the architectural design and façade of surrounding buildings. At its roots modular construction is a building method rather than a building type.
Myth: They Are Only Temporary Buildings
FACT: Temporary modular buildings are often seen at construction sites or near expanding businesses making it understandable why modular buildings may be primarily recognized as temporary solutions. While portable modular buildings offer a fast environmentally friendly solution to an urgent need for space; Vanguard Modular leverages Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) to provide an alternative permanent building construction option to meet the broad long-term space needs of businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. PMC solutions are fitted on comprehensively designed and engineered permanent foundations which are always custom installed to precisely meet the specifications of each integrated modular building, resulting in a high quality cohesive structure.
Myth: Modular Buildings Are For Those With A Low Income
FACT: Permanent Modular Construction and portable buildings alike provide alternative methods for satisfying space needs and offer a wide range of pricing options, but would not necessarily be considered “cheap.” When calculating the investment needed for a modular construction project our clients find that the greatest portion of inherent cost savings is achieved through how quickly the project can be completed, reduced time project management, shortened insurance and safety risk periods, and limited material waste at the factory. Vanguard’s clients, large and small, are savvy professionals looking to save time and money but they also demand project performance and consistent quality.
Myth: They Aren’t Structurally Sound
FACT: This may be the ultimate myth about modular construction. Modular buildings are painstakingly engineered and professionally fabricated to meet applicable building codes. The assembly of each module is performed in a safe and controlled factory using typical construction materials. Because modular buildings are fabricated in sections, rigorous quality control including structural inspections can be consistently performed throughout the modular construction process. Not only do the inspections at the factory investigate the individual components, there are also inspections at the project site during the assembly process further verifying the modular building’s structural integrity. The factory setting also protects building materials and assembly line workers from inclement weather while supplying an environment where safety procedures can easily be consistently followed and monitored.
There are many advantages of modular building design, but the most noteworthy attributes include cost-effectiveness, innovative flexibility, and a much shorter construction timeline.
Hi, my school district is considering leasing modular classrooms to implement a full day kindergarten. Parents are very concerned about indoor air quality from poor ventilation and building chemicals. We are a New England town and people have had bad experiences with some older modulars (now retired) that couldn’t stay warm enough in the winter. How do your modular classrooms maintain high quality air and temperatures? Thanks!
We appreciate the time you took to visit our website and read our modular building blog. While I do not know your school’s specific location or the history of the modular classroom buildings that have been ‘retired’, I trust that the following information is helpful to you as you evaluate modular classroom buildings to meet your classroom space needs.
Today’s modular classroom buildings are much improved over those built in previous decades, just like site built construction has evolved in addressing efficiency and health related concerns. It is important to note that the important concerns you have raised should not only be considered when evaluating modular off-site constructed classroom buildings, but also when considering traditional on-site construction.
No different than conventional construction, the mechanical system (HVAC) and the programmable climate control system selected for your modular classrooms are critical to ensure proper airflow and fresh air exchange rates. This area is important because all the other temperature and indoor air quality components build on the assumption that the classroom building has an appropriate and correctly balanced HVAC system. Our team works closely with our clients to ensure that these areas of concern are addressed completely. It is important to point out that skimping on this area to save on cost is not recommended.
Beyond the HVAC system, the important task of keeping classroom temperatures comfortable for students requires appropriate building insulation including floor, wall, roof, windows and doors. These areas will also help with energy efficiency because the mechanical system will work with optimal performance if your modular classroom is maintaining temperatures appropriately. Many areas of New England have put in place fairly stringent requirements for insulation and overall building efficiency. The modular buildings Vanguard Modular puts in place meet the applicable code requirements. Additional options such as upgraded windows, doors, and adding vestibules can help further reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency within the building envelop.
Materials, paint, and adhesives used in modular buildings have changed substantially to mitigate health risks of building occupants just like in conventionally constructed buildings. Today’s modular building materials provide NO greater health risk than those used in a traditionally built classroom building.
If you are looking for further specifics, do not hesitate to call 877-438-8627 for your local representative.
I think that myth about portable building not being structurally sound is one of the reasons a school in this area made some changes. It sounds like they didn’t do their homework since it’s apparently a myth that modular buildings aren’t safe. It’s kinda funny how things like this happen.