Temporary Structures: A Guide to Their Types, Benefits, and Uses

Temporary structures are becoming quite common in the realm of building and construction. Back in the day, temporary structures were built for a specific period and later pulled down. However, with the development in tech, these structures now come with everything you could want in a modern house.

Temporary or semi-permanent structures also have more benefits than conventional brick-and-mortar houses. In this guide, we will review the types of temporary structures on the market. The article will also highlight the most common use cases and benefits of temporary structures.

Types of Temporary Structures

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At the top of the list we have industrial tents. Industrial tents come in various shapes and sizes depending on the use case. You will get any type of tent from small pop-up tents similar to those used in trade fairs to larger tents that can be used as warehouses or indoor arenas.

Industrial tents can also be used to set up temporary classrooms or housing during emergencies. They are cheaper and easy to set up than other types of temporary structures.

The other type of temporary structure is interim or semi-permanent steel buildings. These structures are built using prefabricated materials. Interim steel buildings are portable, making them the ideal solution for businesses operating on leased property.

Besides that, interim steel buildings can be customized further for residential purposes. For example, you can have extra cladding on the walls to make the structure warmer. Customized designs are also available, and you can look at this now for more information.

Benefits of Temporary Structures

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The number one benefit of temporary structures is their quick set-up time. Most temporary structures are built using prefab materials. This makes them the perfect option, especially during emergencies. For instance, setting up a tent can take a couple of hours depending on the size of the structure.

Another benefit that comes with temporary structures is versatility. Temporary buildings can be used as warehouses, classrooms, shops, and indoor arenas. As mentioned before, the structure can be customized further to add needed features depending on the use case. For instance, industrial tents and steel structures can be used as warehouses with inbuilt office spaces.

Temporary structures are also portable, which is something you cannot find in conventional houses. This is always a plus, especially for businesses that operate on leased property or events such as trade fairs that are moving from town to town. The structure can be dissembled and the materials moved to a new location whenever needed.

The cost of constructing temporary structures is also significantly low. With industrial tents, you also have the option of leasing if you only require it for short-term use. The construction time is short and the structures can be set up on any type of surface. This means that you will spend less on labor costs.

Temporary structures also have a less negative impact on the environment. The materials used can be recycled or reused. Also, fewer materials are required to construct a temporary structure. The structures are also fitted with energy-saving features such as a clear PVC roof and insulated walls.

Uses of Temporary Structures

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Temporary structures are versatile and have many use cases in almost all fields, from business to agriculture. With extra customization, the structures can be used for non-commercial and commercial residential needs.

Semi-permanent structures can be used to set up warehouses and storage facilities for businesses. The thing here is that temporary structures can be more than 12 meters high, which gives enough room for trucks and forklifts to move freely.

Temporary buildings can also be used as indoor arenas for events and trade fairs. Industrial tents are the perfect option for this thanks to their quick setup time. The tents can have a raised stage for the performers and sitting structures for vendors and attendees.

Another use case is in agriculture where temporary structures are used as greenhouses with advanced features. The structure can be fitted with temperature and humidity sensors and monitors.

Temporary structures can also be used to set up retail and commercial shops. This happens a lot with trade fairs or businesses operating on leased land. You can use the structures as portable pop-up kiosks, semi-permanent offices, and storage units, among others.

What to Consider Before Setting Up a Temporary Structure

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There are things you need to consider if you are planning to set up a temporary structure whether it’s for commercial or non-commercial use. You need to comply with the local building regulations and get the necessary permits if required.

The local regulations will ensure that your structure follows the safety standard guidelines. However, in some instances, you may not be required to get planning permission or apply for a building regulations certificate.

Building regulations and planning permits are legal requirements. Failure to get them can lead to a date in court plus a hefty fine. The construction process may also be stopped until you submit all of the necessary documents.

The other thing you should consider is your budget. Depending on your use case, there is a leasing option, which is best if you only need the structure for a short time. The prices of temporary structures vary depending on the type, features, and size. Interim steel buildings are costlier than industrial tents.

Ensure that the size and design match what you want. The design can be customized, even though this will make the structure more expensive. Consider other things such as accessibility and safety features, especially if you will be using the structure for commercial or residential use.

Review the quality of the structure. Quality PVC roofs and steel beams will be costlier, but your structure will last a long time. It will also be able to withstand any weather condition.

Wrapping Up

Temporary structures are a good option if you are looking for a cheap, but worthy investment. The structures are available in many sizes, and you can also get customized designs. Consult a construction consultant about building regulations and planning permits before setting up the structure.

Even though temporary structures are great, you have to do due diligence to ensure that you source from the best manufacturer in town. Low-quality structures will not last long or may not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.