Does AirClad need planning permission?
In most private cases there is no planning permission the answer is simply ‘no’ – you can order an AirClad and have it erected without any hassle at all. However, in some circumstances, if your desired AirClad exceeds certain size limits or if you live in a conservation area, planning permission may be required (please refer to planning section on this website). Through Inflate we can handle all the planning permission requirements and building regulations. For temporary use under 28 days no planning is needed at all and commercial requirements will be dealt with on a project by project basis with the owner of the land or local authorities.

Is my AirClad better than a normal constructed building or extension?
AirClad is designed to offer flexibility of space with low impact on your environment. The structures are delivered quicker than normal buildings with no site build inconvenience of dust, dirt, wet trades and as a result lots of tea making. All projects are to a fixed up front cost with no hidden extras. Furthermore if you no longer require it at a certain location or an event has finished then it can be pack down and taken away with you, or sold on. Inflate offers a reselling service through its global network of authorized selling agents, as well as leasing agreements.

AirClad am I eco?
Everything has been considered to be efficiently designed with minimal use of material. AirClad is light weight and low impact on the environment as possible, whilst offering a simulating space to live with, work in, or run a corporate event. All the components used are designed to be demountable and reused at new locations. In the unlikely event the structure were to be disposed of each element comes apart and can be recycled or better still reused in another construction negating the need to over production. The structures offer a natural insulation and life long performance for the space.

How big is my AirClad?
There is no limit to the size of construction for the AirClad buildings as they are assembled on site. Due to efficient shipping limitations normal single beams are no longer than 12m but these can be assembled on site to create larger spans as may be required. Widths to 12m offer the most cost effective manufacturing scaled with the length being as long as needed. The AirClad inflated panels come in 1m / 1.5m / 2.5m and 5m standard widths and these are worked out in relation to the span of the structural beams.

Is my AirClad as well built as a normal building or extension?
The AirPod has been designed and produced using the latest materials and manufacturing techniques. With this in mind we supply a building with minimal variables in build standards and quality. These buildings are designed and engineered to last through their accuracy of build.

What kind of foundation will my AirClad need?
Each site is different and the foundation solution depends upon the soil type. In certain cases and designs the structure will sit located through its own weight and design not requiring any foundations or fixing. Most corporate semi permanent structures will fit this situation. Where ground fixings are required, leveled small isolated steel or pre-cast concrete pad as used to site the Airclad. These are ‘Hilti’ anchored or terra bolted to the ground. The design and engineering for these will form part of the design and build process.

Is the structure Fire rated?
Due to our global experiences with AirClad we have a good knowledge of the fire codes that can be required and as such have a large number of different fabrics to work with. Each project will be tailored to ensure all fabrics used comply to all local fire codes.

Lighting and electrics?
As will all buildings power will be needed. The AirClad design offers easy options for plug and play temporary electrics that can be easily hidden for events and for permanent use can be considered as a normal building will options for under floor wiring, floor, wall and ceiling lights. AirClad can be supplied with all the lighting and power points built in or left naked for clients own electrician.

What is the AirClad production lead-time?
The AirClad system is all designed and manufactured in the UK. We can have most AirClad structures produced and ready to deliver in a minimum of 8 weeks from sign off of all design and engineering details. The AirClad has been designed to be as light weight and easy to assemble as possible with the installation from 1 day subject to size and any interior fit out requirements.
New and used structures are available off the shelf subject to stock and specifications at time of enquiry.

Is my AirClad guaranteed?
The workmanship and production is fully guaranteed for a minimum 3 years, and full service agreements can be incorporated in the agreement. The system has been designed to last with minimal maintenance above that of a normal building. All AirClad structures come with full log books covering the construction, use and care for the buildings.

How long will AirClad last?
The core materials used in the construction of the AirClad buildings are wood, aluminium and inflated membrane. All of which if properly maintained within our guidelines will last for many decades. The Inflated membranes are constructed from fabrics offering 5 to 60 years warranty based on specified materials and the demands of the project. All components are replaceable in the event of damage.

What happens if it gets punctured?
AirClad structures an air management system which keeps the structures to a pressure of 260 pascals. In the unlikely event of a puncture the fans will run constant against a back pressure to keep the skin to pressure. There is no risk of the structure collapsing as the main frame of the building supports the inflated cladding. All fabrics used are reinforced with polyester or glass fibres to stop any punctures or hole expanding. As such if there is an accidental hole made in the buildings the fans will compensate for the loss of air through the hole.Temporary patches can be applied during events and post event repairs can be made to the structure to replace small section to seem up the hole. The guidance notes give a step by step detail how this can be done.

Can they withstand heavy rain?
All the structures are waterproof and can withstand heavy rain. The air pressure within the structure repels the water away at the seams and allows it to run to the ground.

What about the wind?
Wind calculations have been factored into the engineering of all structures over 70m2. The AirClad structures will be engineered to meet the desired performance of the building codes for permanent installation. For semi permanent applications they will comply to temporary event regulations of over 51mph (25Kn). We have even engineered the structures in certain circumstances to hurricane force winds as the monocoque structure allows this to happen as the forces are transferred evenly around the buildings substructure.

What about Snow loading?
AirClad structures can all be snow loaded and in fact are ideal for use in such for semi permanent events in ski resorts where other temporary structures may not work.

Do they need fan(s) to be running at all times?
No the fans are pressure regulated and only run to top up the air pressure from time to time subject to size and the local weather conditions. The inflated membrane is a sealed skin with negligible air loss.

Are they noisy?
As the fans don’t run all the time there is mainly no noise. When running the noise is at source 50db. This can and is reduced by the fan being sited in a secured case which can be further insulated if required. In general the fans 99.9% unheard.

Cleaning?
All the structures can be cleaned and the guidance notes explain in more detail the specify eco cleaners we recommend and ones we supply. High pressure jet washing is one of the most effective methods with suitable detergent.
Panels can be removed and cleaned out of the structure as well if desired.

Can we have any colour?
The most common colours used are white black silver and frosted. There are also a large selection of coloured fabrics available off the shelf. Any special colour can be made for a minimum amount of fabric production. There will be an additional charge to the cost of the structure base on the fabric not used if this is the case. If the structure uses all the fabric then there is no extra cost. You must allow extra production time to sample match and approval, plus a further minimum 4 weeks to manufacture and get the material to factory for final production.

Can I have my logo on the building?
The fabric used in the construction of the buildings can be screen and ink jet printed with images or logos. Both the printing and the ink jet must be done before production. Post production logos and branding can be applied as vinyl transfers or Dacron adhesive films which can also be full colour printed.

Can we use lighting inside?
Our structures have been used with all types of lighting from strobes , lasers, LED walls washers etc. The structures work really well with internal battern LED lights in the base of the walls as this can create a dynamtice seem less lighting effect.

Will they melt with lighting?
We do not recommend hot lights in the structures. However if this necessary we recommend the lights are a minimum of 500mm from the internal skin of the structures in all conditions.

Does the price include VAT?
VAT is only billed in the UK and to companies who are not VAT registered.

Is there a helpline I can call for technical questions?
We have a network of offices and licensee partners around the world. All the offices are connected and offer assistance over the phone. By nature of how these office are spread through the time zones it should be possible to speak to an experienced Inflate member 24 hours a day even if they are not in the country where you are. Please refer to the global partners section on the web site.

Does it get hot inside?
The structures will be affected by the outside temperature and sun. AirClad structures offer a natural level of thermal insulation (data available separate on this web site) subject to the fabrics used. Additional insulation can be built in to specifically create a desired U value for permanent constructions. For semi permanent use in very hot and cold condition AC and heating is required subject to outside temperatures.

Where can I see them?
Please contact for the nearest place to see an AirClad. We have our head office in Kent, England and can show structures there and advise on local viewing.

Do you need to be an expert to use them?
No. All the structures come with full instructions. Training is available for your crew in Kent from our experienced team. They have all been designed to be installed by builders, marquee type crew with basic training. We have our own crew available to install anywhere in the world where it is safe to work.

And Finally for now…
As a design and production company we appreciate that you may require something out of the ordinary and we can design and engineer what ever you may need.

Please feel free to contact AirClad Inflate for further assistance. Individual meetings and site surveys can be arrange to assess all your building requirements in more detail.