A common myth that is circulated about modular walls is that they are weak. However, this is largely untrue, and it comes mostly from the fact that most people don’t know what they’re made of. If modular walls are so weak, then why are they often used for cleanrooms, hospitals, and military bases?
The truth is that, nowadays, modular wall systems are built with steel, aluminum, fire-rated materials, and tested to meet, or even exceed, the same exact codes traditional walls are held to.
In this article, we’ll look at what really gives a wall its strength, common modular wall materials, as well as some comments on their longevity.
What Actually Determines Wall Strength?
For any wall, the strength of it will depend on more than simply how thick it is. Here are a few factors that determine the strength of a wall, whether modular or otherwise.
Load-Bearing Capacity
Load-bearing capacity is, of course, the ability of a wall to support weight. There are many modular walls that can support roofs, floors, equipment, and more. Just because a wall is modular doesn’t mean it can’t carry weight. There are other modular walls that are non-load-bearing, but even still, they can be built to resist lateral force, pressure, and movement.
Wall Core and Framing
The materials of walls also matter. Strong modular walls use steel or aluminum framing, not wood or plastic. The core can be solid (like mineral fiber or gypsum) or lightweight (like honeycomb). Each of these choices has their own strengths and weaknesses.
Fire Resistance
Furthermore, modular walls can be fire-rated. Often, modular walls are tested under the same standards as traditional walls. In other words, modular walls, depending on the materials, can resist high heat and help mitigate the spread of fires, just like traditional walls are designed to do.
Resistance to Wear and Tear
In some environments, especially places where bumps are common or where there is a lot of traffic, such as factories, hospitals, or even offices, modular walls can be built tough enough to handle it. Some modular walls can be built with high-pressure laminate, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, vinyl-clad gypsum, and powder-coated steel to remain strong against repeated impacts, and to protect against scratches and dents.
Protection from the Environment
Finally, moisture, mold, and other microorganisms can weaken walls over time. Modular panels can be sealed at the joints, non-porous, and designed for use in cleanrooms and healthcare applications. These are high stakes spaces where failure is not an option; and many businesses choose the strength of modular walls to protect it.
Modular Wall Materials
In today’s world, modular walls use real construction materials; they are not just flimsy panels or plastic boards. Here are some common durable materials that modular walls are made out of (though this not an exhaustive list):
- Steel Framing & Surfaces: Everyone knows steel is tough, and it provides a lot of structural integrity and rigidity when used as framing. As far as steel surfaces go, they are also tough, cleanable, and long-lasting.
- Aluminum Honeycomb Cores: Lightweight but strong, these cores reduce wall weight while improving structural stiffness and helping the wall resist both load and impact.
- Composite Cores: Depending on the material, whether foam, mineral fiber, or fiberglass-reinforced blends, composite cores can improve insulation, fire resistance, and sound control.
- Vinyl-Clad or High-Pressure Laminate Panels: Both of these surfaces are known to resist wear, scratches, and moisture.
- Gypsum or Cement Board Skins: These are often used in fire-rated or acoustically sensitive areas.
- Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP): FRP is a common material used in modular walls. It’s tough, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and holds up well against chemical damage.
How Do Modular Walls Perform Over Time?
Furthermore, some people think modular walls are just for temporary use, but this could not be further from the truth. Many modular installations are designed precisely for permanent/long-term use.
According to the Modular Building Institute, a modular building can last as long or longer than traditional on-site buildings. Often, modular buildings have to meet the same types of codes as normal buildings, which is why they’re able to stand the tests of time so well.
Also, because modular walls aren’t dependent on wood studs or sheetrock seams, they don’t crack, bow, or settle over time the way drywall often does.
The Bottom Line
The truth is that modular walls aren’t weak, temporary, or even second-rate. They’re built with steel, fire-rated cores, and tested for strength, impact, and code compliance. You’ll find them in hospitals, labs, cleanrooms, and offices; the same places where failure isn’t an option. If you need walls that last, modular is more than strong enough for the job.
Interested in setting up modular buildings at your location? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular for a quote on new buildouts:
FAQs About the Strength of Modular Walls
1. Can heavy items be mounted on modular walls?
Yes, absolutely, but with proper backing or reinforcement, of course. Many modular systems can support cabinetry, medical supplies, and various other kinds of heavy equipment. How heavy exactly will depend on the internal framing and panel construction.
2. How are modular walls joined or sealed at the seams?
Typically, modular walls are joined using H-posts or other mechanical connections. To keep the walls smooth and secure, they may also be sealed with gaskets or caulk for airtight or hygienic environments like cleanrooms or labs.
3. Are modular walls available in custom heights or thicknesses?
Of course! While many manufacturers have standard sizes, modular walls can be custom-engineered to meet specific ceiling heights, panel thicknesses, and even fire/sound requirements.
4. What happens if a modular wall panel gets damaged?
One of the main advantages of choosing modular in the first place is that damaged panels can be replaced individually without having to tear down the entire wall. This can reduce any disruptions and keeps maintenance costs low. Modular walls can also be built with tough materials, so this may not even be required in the first place.
