Roofing for Temporary Buildings
There are various options available to roof a temporary building depending on the level of insulation required. The most common choice is an industrial grade, flame retardant PVC cover.
This type of cover can either be single skin for basic cover or a double skinned inflated roof to create better temperature control and minimise condensation. Another option for temporary building roofing is insulated steel composite panels.
Some people can have reservations about PVC roof cover thinking it will not be strong or sufficient enough. This type of cover however has a huge number of benefits and is more than fit for industrial use on a long-term basis.
PVC fabric roofing systems
The PVC roof systems are manufactured from an industrial grade PVC fabric. Compared to a more fixed solid roof, the PVC covers are extremely easy to fit and maintenance free.
Although they are exceptionally hard wearing a PVC roof system can be fitted in a day; a process that requires no high-level roof access and minimal man power. Sections are bar tensioned to eliminate any sagging and can also be easily replaced if they become damaged for some reason.
The fabric complies with international flame-retardant regulations and being translucent allows a large degree of natural light into the structure, saving on energy costs.
Standard colour for the panels is white, but the roof can be manufactured in any colour – including opaque – to comply with corporate branding or local authority planning requirements. All PVC roof panels from HTS are treated against fungal attack and UV protected.
For businesses looking for basic storage on site to protect goods from the weather and theft, then a single skin PVC roof – that comes with our Non-insulated Temporary Storage Buildings range – is easy, fast, affordable, functional and durable.
The single skin roof doesn’t provide any level of temperature or condensation control. Often storage doesn’t need this level of protection though and the associated cost of a superior roof system can be a waste.
Canopy structures providing outdoor cover for stock or loading operations are also where a single skin roof would be the perfect system to use.
Those sceptical of single PVC roof panels compared to steel should note that many temporary building customers have had their original PVC roof up for multiple decades without experiencing any roof related problems.
A double skinned PVC roof is engineered using the same industrial grade PVC fabric but there are two layers of PVC fabric instead of one.
Each section of roof is then inflated using an automatic low-pressure air compressor pump. Once inflated the roof reduces structural noise and minimises internal condensation.
The double skinned roof requires a small level of simple maintenance with the additional compressor pump and retaining the air pressure.
This type of roof – used with our Insulated Temporary Warehouse Buildings range – is more suited to goods and equipment that need additional protection from lower temperatures or any condensation build up.
To suit either aesthetics or functionality the gable end of a temporary building can have different roof panels to the roof itself.
Double skinned inflated gable triangles provide little in the way of additional insulation properties or condensation reduction. Fitting a single skin gable triangle in combination with the double skin inflated roof can therefore create significant cost savings without affecting performance or appearing visibly different.
Hard wall gable triangles can sometimes be fitted in combination with a single or double skinned PVC roof by installing the wall panels vertically. This is often an aesthetic preference that creates the look of a more permanent/steel structure.
To create a more permanent fully insulated environment, steel composite roof panels can be fitted onto the aluminium frame of a temporary industrial building. Panels can be supplied in different thicknesses and in different colours.
The key benefit with using steel roof panels is although the building offers a much more permanent solution with full temperature control, it still retains the ease of installation and dismantle/relocation if required.
How to choose?
By far the most popular roof choice is the double skinned PVC roof. The temperature and anti-condensation control is adequate for most types of temporary buildings and it offers a unique combination of durability versus easy low-cost installation and maintenance.
A good way to gain a better understanding of the PVC roof systems (and a realisation that you’re not investing in a tent!) is to go and see some buildings installed and fully operational.
This demonstrates first-hand how the roofs are fitted and secured in conjunction with the frame and wall systems. It also gives you the opportunity to observe the level of natural light and the differences between the single skin and air-filled roof – balancing your decision on the requirement, available budget and a degree of preference.
Our configurator tool allows you to design your structure to suit your needs. Design your ideal structure and see how it will look in less than 3 minutes! Receive an estimate and copy of your configuration.
