Oranges vs Oranges
We have developed an at-a-glance comparison matrix that demonstrates the different ways that Sprung tensioned membrane structures outperform and outlast pre-engineered metal and conventional construction buildings.
Feature
Sprung Structures
Pre-Engineered Metal Building
Conventional Construction
 |
Delivery |
Sprung structures are normally delivered 3 weeks from order
6-16 weeks from order
8-12 months
 |
Shipping |
Compact shipping: Sprung structures, up to 15,000 sq.ft. can be shipped in one 40′ ISO container or on one 48′ flatbed
6,000 sq.ft. per load
n/a
 |
Foundations |
If appropriate soil conditions exist, concrete foundations are not required on Sprung structures up to 160′ wide
Yes – no exceptions
Yes – no exceptions
 |
Construction time on building envelope |
500 to 2000 sq.ft. per day, depending on options, complete with finished interior for a Sprung structure
After foundation is in place, a pre-engineered metal building can go up to 8,000 sq.ft within 4 weeks
12-18 months for conventional construction
 |
Overall fast-track construction timeline. Groundbreaking to completion. |
1-6 months for a Sprung structure
6-9 months for a pre-engineered metal building
12-18 months conventional construction
 |
Maintenance schedule |
A Sprung structure has a rust-free aluminum substructure. Sprung’s patented tensioning system does not require any retensioning of membrane panels for the life of the structure.
A standing seam metal roof is prone to large thermal movements. This causes leaks and requires continuous maintenance, especially at penetrations.
Regular maintenance is required.
 |
Expandability |
Adding additional modules Sprung structure is easy
Renovation required
Renovation required
 |
Exterior color options |
Sprung structures offers unlimited color options
Limited
Limited
 |
Flexibility to relocate |
Yes
No
No
 |
Daylight panels |
Standard feature: daylight panels in peak of a Sprung structure provide an optimum amount of natural daylight
Significant extra cost
Significant extra cost
 |
Airtight building Envelope Efficiency |
Air permeability is almost 0 in a Sprung structure, resulting in superior energy performance.
Poor air-tightness
Moderate air-tightness
 |
Acoustics |
Excellent acoustical properties with our comprehensive insulation package and “soft wall” interior membrane
Significant additional costs associated with acoustic treatments needed to make a metal building acceptable for any application where acoustics are a concern (gymnasiums, public assembly, churches, casinos, offices etc.
Limited performance
 |
Lifespan |
Indefinite lifespan simply by replacing exterior membrane on a Sprung structure every 20-30 years depending on membrane selection
15-50 depending on quality level
Replace roof every 25+ years
We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can help you build faster and better.
