Beat the Heat: 4 Reasons To Use Prefabricated Systems in Hot Climates

Modular building systems are designed and constructed with the ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments and weather conditions. Continue reading to learn why using prefabricated systems in hot climates can reduce common heat-related issues. 

Every climate comes with a unique set of challenges. When it comes to warmer climates, construction and building structures are more prone to specific heat-related problems, such as:

• Strain on building materials
• Elevated energy consumption
• Reduced indoor air quality
• Fire hazards
• Damage to building exteriors 
• Construction worker safety (heat-related illness, injury, or accidents)

Fortunately, using prefabricated systems in hot climates is one of the best ways to prevent these issues from occurring. 

Material choice plays a crucial role in preventing heat-related issues and improving sustainability. Prefabricated systems boast a wide variety of materials to choose from, ensuring you can find one to withstand the conditions often encountered in hot climates. Some popular types of materials to use for exterior siding in hot climates include:

Stucco 

Made from a mix of Portland cement, limestone, sand, water, and additives designed to increase strength and flexibility, stucco is a great exterior siding choice for dry, hot climates. Desert-like locations are known for their extreme heat during the day, but also cool nights. 

Stucco provides insulation that keeps buildings cool during the day and warm when temperatures drop in the evening. Due to the dry air, these locations are also more prone to fires. Fortunately, stucco is a fire-resistant option, giving occupants an extra layer of security. 

As we mentioned before, stucco is made from a variety of elements, most of which are abundant in hot climates. This makes the material less expensive and readily available in locations that benefit from it the most. 

Vinyl 

Another popular exterior siding choice for hot-climate modular buildings is vinyl. This durable material can withstand extreme heat and sun exposure without fading, cracking, or warping. 

Vinyl siding is known for being highly waterproof, making it resistant to damage caused by excessive moisture, and similar to stucco, it is also flame-retardant. Finally, vinyl is one of the most cost-effective options for exterior siding and can be fully customizable, allowing you to match the structures and environment surrounding the modular building system. 

Modular building systems are designed to be adaptable and flexible, allowing them to meet the changing needs of their users. One of the reasons people choose to use prefabricated systems in hot climates is because of their ability to accommodate these needs. 

Since they offer modularity, prefabricated systems can incorporate features like deep overhangs for shade, triple-glazed windows, or upgraded roof insulation to help occupants fight the heat when necessary. 

Additionally, the design and construction of modular buildings prioritize energy efficiency and climate adaptability from the start. For example, modern modular buildings provide improved air tightness and sealing, reducing the infiltration of hot air from outside and as a result, improving the efficiency of cooling systems. This helps occupants save energy while remaining comfortable inside the building. 

Saving time and getting modular buildings ready for use quickly is a major benefit of prefabricated systems. This becomes even more important for sites located in hot climates. 

Construction teams that work in extreme heat are exposed to heat-related illnesses and injuries. Prefabricated systems help with improving construction times in hot climates because they are built off-site in controlled environments. This helps avoid weather delays and reduces the risk of heat-related safety issues.  

In traditional construction, unfinished structures are left unprotected while the building process is taking place. In hot climates, this means that the sun, heat, and other natural elements can begin causing problems before the building is even completed. 

Since the process of modular construction and assembly preparation occurs in an off-site controlled environment, they are not exposed to the weather until they undergo strict quality control, ensuring the modular building system is up to code before it is delivered to the site. 

The integration of technology in the construction industry has proved to be beneficial in numerous ways, especially when it comes to modular building systems. Our prefabricated systems can be designed to make the integration of smart technologies easier for our customers. 

As we mentioned before, modular buildings are built to be adaptable. This means that when using a prefabricated system in hot climates, you have the option to install your own smart systems and technology to make your occupancy more comfortable and energy efficient. Additionally, our modular building experts can assist you in choosing an efficient HVAC system that will keep occupants comfortable without wasting energy or driving up energy costs. 

As eco-conscious modular providers, we enforce green and sustainable construction by offering a large selection of high-efficiency mechanical systems, insulation, windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures to meet your standards.