building wraps

The primary benefits of building wraps are to shield renovation works from public view, improve the aesthetics of the site and minimise any impact of the works on the surrounding area by providing a physical barrier between the site and the public. Alternatively, a building can be covered with building wraps for high impact marketing or brand engagement activity to mark an event or special occasion.

There are three main types of build wrap; direct to scaffold, extended offset frame (Kee Klamp®) and wire frame. 

A direct-to-scaffold system is an entry-level solution. It is tensioned directly to an existing scaffold structure, this may over time become less taut due to movements in the structure and can be damaged by the friction between the scaffold structure and the printed wrap. An extended offset system is an extended frame mounted to a scaffold that provides a perfect canvas to tension the wrap to, ideal for longer-term applications and where a prestigious finish is desired. It is possible to tension the wrap like a drum skin making the wrap appear to be rigid. A wire frame system is used where there is is no scaffold in place. Brackets are fitted directly to the buildings facade and a tensioned wire is looped through to create the outer canvas. The wrap is then attached by bungees at regular intervals through reinforced eyelets around the perimeter of the banner, ideal for where the wrap is not a standard rectangular shape or where there is a requirement for the printed content to be updated. The system allows for quick and easy access to remove and reinstate sections.

The wrap is constructed of either PVC banner material or PVC mesh. Both materials are suitable due to their durability and strength.

PVC mesh is lighter and allows air to pass through the structure which reduces wind loading. A PVC banner will be more vibrant and totally opaque, whereas mesh will be less vibrant and slightly transparent with some visibility through the material.

There is no size limitation for a building wrap. All wraps that exceed an area of 5m in width are manufactured in sections and then welded together using specialist print finishing equipment. The seams are visible but not detrimental to the finish.

A building wrap will increase wind loading on a scaffold or building structure. it is a requirement that structural calculations are completed at an early stage to ensure that the scaffold or building is suitable to accept the wrap. The wind loading calculations are taken care of as part of the managed service for this product.

Each wrap is different and will have a detailed installation plan created prior to the installation taking place. This is a very specialist task and requires experienced and accredited installers to complete the task. Often the wraps will be laid on the floor and raised into position with a series of winches before the IRATA-accredited installers abseil down and fix the wrap securely to the structure.

The complexity of the project and the location of the building can influence the timescales of the delivery of a building wrap. The typical turnaround time for a building wrap, which does not present any complexity and omits any planning consent requirements, would be circa three weeks. This timeframe includes a detailed survey, wind loading calculations, production and installation.

A building wrap will always require a specialist team to install. On occasions the install is possible without the need to abseil or use access equipment, however most situations will involve IRATA or IPAF-qualified installers to complete the task.

The location for many building wraps are in major cities in busy environments. It is therefore necessary to create a safe working environment underneath the working area. This can include closing footpaths and roads where necessary. Our project management teams will coordinate this with The Highways Agency and be in contact with local councils to ensure that all the approvals are gained before the works are undertaken. It goes without saying that a considerable amount of work is completed to ensure that extensive assessment for risks and method statements are completed to ensure that a project goes without incident.

There is usually no reason for a building wrap, if installed correctly, to require any maintenance. However, if a wire system was selected due to a requirement to change sections of the wrap to reveal updated information, then this is a situation where we would attend to update sections of the wrap. If a wrap was damaged for any reason, then it would be our priority to ensure that the wrap was made secure and safe.  

Our team will manage the whole process end-to-end from an initial site survey through to installation, ensuring every project is delivered seamlessly and cost effectively.

Get in touch today with our specialist team on 01604 774860. Your dedicated account manager will expertly guide you from initial contact to installation for complete peace of mind and seamless delivery of your project.

Yes we can supply and install throughout the whole of the UK.

We have our own in-house studio, but our project managers often work directly and collaboratively with a client’s own design team or agency to ensure the project’s success.

We offer the experience, expertise and added reassurance through our fully accredited, seamless approach. We know the right questions to ask and go the extra mile to understand any specific characteristics or challenges in order to specify the best solution to achieve optimum results.