Industrial canopy Vs temporary warehouse buildings
F&L Temporary Buildings work with businesses across the UK who need more space on their site. This could be for a range of reasons, seasonal storage, long-term additional warehouse capacity, bespoke manufacturing facilities or even dry shelter for vehicle preparation. This guide will help you evaluate between two popular options when it comes to increasing your warehouse and storage space. So, do you need a fully enclosed temporary warehouse building, or is an industrial canopy enough?
Canopy or temporary warehouse?
In short, an industrial canopy is usually suitable when you need open-sided weather protection for loading, unloading, vehicle movement or short-term holding areas. A temporary warehouse building is usually the better choice when goods need secure, enclosed and fully weatherproof storage. In our experience, the decision is not simply a choice between an open-sided or enclosed structure it depends on the level of weather protection, security, operational control and long-term usability required for the people, vehicles and products moving through the space. We offer a consultative approach, with a free site visit to talk you through the best options, giving you a solution that performs for your exact operational requirements.
Canopies and warehouses are both temporary structures
Industrial canopies and temporary warehouse buildings are both types of temporary building structures, but they serve different operational needs. Both industrial canopies and temporary warehouse buildings are treated as engineered temporary structures. The right solution must be designed around site conditions, operational use, structural loading, access requirements and relevant compliance standards such as local wind and weather loading conditions. No matter which option you choose, we engineer each structure for your site to meet exacting quality standards.
When is an industrial canopy better than a temporary warehouse building?
Evaluation Criteria | Industrial Canopy | Temporary Warehouse |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Loading, unloading, vehicle movement, goods-in/goods-out areas, short-term holding and weather protection around existing operations. | Secure storage, pallet storage, racked storage, bulk goods, warehouse overflow, longer-term capacity needs and operational continuity. |
Level of enclosure | Usually open-sided or partially enclosed, allowing easy movement of vehicles, forklifts, goods in/out. | Fully enclosed, creating a more controlled internal storage environment, with flexible options such as roller shutter doors for FLT access. |
Weather protection | Provides practical overhead weather protection, especially for loading and external handling areas, but does not offer complete protection. | Provides stronger weather protection for stock, equipment and materials, with insulated or non-insulated options for ambient and temperature controlled storage. |
Security | Best where the wider site is already secure and the covered area itself does not need to be fully enclosed. | Better when goods need secure, enclosed and controlled storage, especially overnight or on more open sites. |
Product movement | Ideal for fast-moving operations such as lay down, where open access is important and doors could slow down workflow. | Better for organised racked storage where goods are stored, picked or stacked for longer. |
Vehicle access | Particularly useful for HGV unloading, trailer loading and external vehicle management because access remains open and unobstructed. | Suitable for forklift and vehicle access through roller shutter doors and high internal clearances but access is more controlled. |
Specification options | Can include lighting, rainwater guttering, doors and integration with existing loading areas or warehouse entrances. | Can include insulation, racked or bulk layouts. Full range of specification options, as you would find in a permanent warehouse. |
Recommended option | Choose an industrial canopy when you need weather cover, open access and operational flexibility. | Choose a temporary warehouse building when you need secure, enclosed, weatherproof and organised storage capacity. |
Now see real life examples
F&L Temporary buildings have delivered hundreds of projects, ranging from expansive canopies to fully specified warehouse buildings. We have even delivered both solutions, on the same site, for the same customer. Explore how these structures can transform your operational performance in our project portfolio:
Next step, book a site consultation
Our expert team are only a phone call away and the purpose of a site consultation is to explore the best options for your project. Our experts can help you with:
• A full review of all your structure options
• Comprehensive site appraisal and location advice
• Guidance on planning permission
• Choosing your specification and bespoke options
• Budget and feasibility costs
