Temporary buildings

3 min read

How do aluminium temporary buildings compare to steel?

When choosing a temporary industrial building you will probably be considering a steel structure, but may come across aluminium buildings in your research and planning phase. So what’s the difference? Which is better for your project? How do you decide?

Each type of structure has pros and cons, and the overall business requirements and objectives usually dictate the outcome.

To shed some light on the subject, however, we have put together some pointers based on what your actual needs are

How long do you need a temporary building for?

If you are looking for a permanent long-term investment, you might consider a steel building. Known for its strength and durability, steel is often used for industrial structures and warehouses and can be relied upon to stand the test of time.

Don’t rule out aluminium buildings, though, as they do meet the required structural standards for maximum UK snow and wind loadings and can, therefore be legitimately used as an alternative to a more permanent steel structure. Aluminium also gains strength in other areas, including its non-corrosive qualities and ability to flex against loads and impact.

How quickly do you need the building?

If your project is dependent on getting extra space fast, then you need to look at aluminium temporary buildings. Simply because, unlike steel buildings, they don’t need any ground preparation. This means a potential turnaround time of 2 weeks from enquiry to order, with the actual installation process taking around 4 days.

And, if you need a fast response for long-term usage, you can still purchase the aluminium building and use it long-term. Or, hire the aluminium building as an interim measure before firming up longer-term plans.

How much flexibility to do you need?

Basically, how firm are your plans? If you’re unsure – which many companies are at the moment given the turbulent climate – then investing long-term in a permanent steel structure may turn into an Achilles heel. Space could end up standing empty, draining capex and operational budgets with no return.

The ability to hire aluminium temporary buildings for as long as required or until plans are firmed up will create flexibility and remove the risk factor. Additional flexibility comes with the ability to modify or relocate buildings for similar or new uses on other sites.

Aganto-on-site-team

What’s your budget?

Should be top of the list really, but its wise not to let cost rule every decision. When comparing the actual structures the prices don’t vary enormously. However, building costs will rise sharply once ground preparation is taken into account with additional design, equipment, labour, materials and of course time.

Aluminium buildings have a very fast and easy installation process that doesn’t need any ground preparation. Because of this materials, equipment, labour and time are kept to an absolute minimum. Also, disruption to daily operations is also minimal avoiding any in-direct losses through disrupted activity or even downtime.

Why do you need the building?

Do you need interim temporary space, a permanent expansion or something in-between. The former calls for an aluminium temporary building as you can hire it. A permanent expansion could benefit from the longer term investment of a steel building adding value to your property and security for long term plans.

Something in-between might be a temporary need that could turn into something permanent. The ‘could’ being the obvious key word here and something that might sway you to the additional flexibility and lower risk of an aluminium building.

Temporary-industrial-warehouse-for-storing-sheet-metal

What do you need the temporary building for?

Anything other than an application that needs heating on a long-term permanent basis can be accommodated in an aluminium temporary building. A public facility that needs around the clock heating for example and is going to be used ten years plus would need a steel or more permanent solution. So, apart from this your choice would be more down to the points raised above.

As you can see the decision is very much down to your business circumstances and often own preference. There is a place for both types of structures and having the choice gives businesses a solution for pretty much any need and criteria.


Temporary buildings to fit your business needs

Talk with our experts to kick-start your project or arrange a site inspection.

Fill out your project details, and we'll respond to your enquiry with a quote.