// ARTICLE
Challenges associated with storing modules
As part of The Proctor Podcast, where the Proctor Group team discuss all things construction, Keira Proctor (Managing Director) spoke to Will Jones (Head of Business Development) and Adam Salt (Head of Global Sales Modular Offsite) about modular construction. This edited version of the conversation looks at perceptions about the modular sector, why the UK has a lot to be proud of, and how best to deal with challenges associated with storing modules.
The landscape in the modular sector is interesting, with lots of new ideas. What is an ‘outsider’s’ perspective on the sector?
There’s a lot of negativity, especially in the media, but there is also positivity, innovation and investment. Every factory we’ve seen is different and has different processes. Some are full robotic, others a lot more hands on.
There is success out there. Some big companies are doing impressive projects, but success doesn’t seem to be as exciting as negative stories. The sector has grown and there’s a lot of pressure to deliver. If and when that doesn’t happen, then the negativity starts to come.
Modular is not a new concept, but there have been a lot of technological improvements that have attracted a new wave of interest and investment. It’s led to innovative ways that buildings can be delivered, and the speed at which they can be delivered. We’re finally seeing change and projects being realised at scale.
The criticism that modular solutions all look the same is hard to understand. Modern housing estates all look the same! There are only a few house types, so it’s normal.
There’s a misconception that modular can’t adapt. Companies do have standard modules, but can also design for specific client requirements. Also, at a basic level, the construction industry builds in bricks and blocks and rectangles. Why wouldn’t you try to do that more efficiently and cost effectively?
What challenges is the sector learning to deal with?
Storage and transport is a real challenge. You build a module in the factory, but then where do you put it? In the storage yard? In the car park?
6 Summer 2025 M36
Was the module designed with that in mind? How do you protect modules from UV, moisture, damage, condensation and mould?
It’s essential to understand what is happening to a module during what might be months of storage. Modules stored outside receive quite a bit of solar gain. It can go from cold temperatures to the sun warming up the module quickly. If wet trades worked on the module then there’s a high water content, and that moisture has to go somewhere.
Modules are oſten wrapped in an impermeable shrink wrap, and that creates a condensation risk. More companies are switching to a vapour permeable solution, such as Wraptite®, that protects the module from the weather while allowing it to dry out.
A self-adhered membrane is also better for transporting modules. Removing shrink wrap aſter transport oſten reveals areas of damage. We see a lot of evidence of companies not protecting modules aſter they’re complete, and that’s disappointing.
It oſten comes down to square metre price of the material used for wrapping, but it’s important to look at value rather than cost.
The elephant in the room is that a lot of high- profile modular companies have gone bust…
If we take modular as a relatively new venture then you’re going to get a lot of failures. Key is for the sector to learn and grow from those failures. As that learning takes place, it should bring the sector closer together.
There are a lot of talented people involved who will have learnt, and who will apply that learning to help make it work. There’s a lot of pressure on the modular sector to get it right.
The modular sector needs more support, especially from warranty providers, insurers and building control. Modular is a positive for building control – they can see all processes in one location, compared to trying to inspect a plot of several hundred homes where it’s impossible to see everything that ought to be inspected.
The language we use around the sector is important too. The media still like to call it ‘prefab’ but prefab is a very post-war idea and isn’t associated with quality or modern modular solutions.
It’s hard to tell the difference between modular- built house and traditional-built house. The difference is in being able to replicate a high level of performance with a consistent level of quality. Let’s not forget there are many challenges with traditionally-built homes, and a lot of quality issues.
It seems to be that if it happens to a modular company, it reflects on the sector has a whole and tars everyone involved. The UK modular sector gets a lot of things right, and it’s not in our nature to celebrate those things. There are people worldwide who want to know about what the UK is doing. Nobody here would really believe that the construction industry in this country is pioneering something, despite the evidence of exciting high rise modular projects in London and Birmingham.
Where is modular going?
It’s the answer to the housing shortage in particular. Modular is here to stay and has a bright future.
Watch the full conversation on the Proctor Group YouTube channel, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
proctorgroup.com
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