do modular buildings last as long as site built buildings?
A building constructed using modular methods will last as long (if not longer than) a traditional site-built structure. Again, the building is constructed to the same building codes, and must meet the same wind, snow, and seismic conditions.
Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FEMA commissioned a study called “Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida” comparing site built, modular, and manufactured housing. In that report, FEMA found Overall, relatively minimal structural damage was noted” “Overall, relatively minimal structural damage was noted in wood-framed modular housing developments. The module to-module combination of the units appears to have provided an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.”
Credits: 2019 PERMANENT MODULAR CONSTRUCTION REPORT: Modular Building Institute
Image: citizenM Hotel in New York City from Stephen B. Jacobs Group PC and Polcom Modular