1701 Midland Road, Salem, VA 24153     (540) 977-0500


Lightweight Construction

A lightweight shelter from VFP

A lightweight shelter from VFP.

Structural Metal Panel Construction

VFP lightweight shelters are prefabricated structural metal construction. All the structural metal panels are "galvaneal" coated. This rust inhibitive protection eliminates metal corrosion problems. Our lightweight shelters also withstand wind loads up to 150 mph.

Foundation and Floor

Foundation requirements vary with the local terrain and soil conditions. The VFP lightweight shelter has been designed for installation on a variety of foundations that include concrete slabs, compacted gravel, piers, and perimeter grade beams.

Lightweight shelter with painted exterior prepares to ship

Lightweight shelter with painted exterior prepares to ship

VFP will provide a suggested anchor location, but the site designer is cautioned that all foundations must be evaluated in consideration of local soil conditions, seismic requirements, and local building restrictions.

The floor is constructed of 3 inches of concrete reinforced by a steel foundation skid structure. The steel skid design includes a recessed step joint to form a waterproof seal with the wall panels. The skid structure also includes integral lifting points for easy lifting access. The interior floor is finished with a high quality commercial grade light color vinyl tile

Wall Construction

Lightweight shelter with painted exterior

Lightweight shelter with painted exterior

The shelter walls are constructed of "galvaneal" coated structural metal panels. Assembly of the C-shaped metal panels provides the equivalent of 2" metal studs for interior sheathing mounting.

The wall panels are insulated to a thermal value of R-11 and sheathed with an interior wall panel. This panel has a white laminate coating that is durable and easily maintained. The white color allows maximum utilization of available light. The interior panel also supports electrical and mechanical wall mounted components and provides a convenient structural surface to mount additional components on site.

Sloped Roof

The shelter roof is constructed of "galvaneal" coated structural metal panels and is sloped to shed water toward the rear of the shelter. Assembly of the C-shaped metal panels provides the equivalent of 2" metal studs for interior sheathing mounting.

Lightweight shelter being lifted into position

Lightweight shelter being lifted into position

The roof panel is insulated to a thermal value of R-19 and sheathed with an interior panel. This panel has a white laminate coating that is durable and easily maintained. The white color allows maximum utilization of available light. The exterior of the roof is covered with a standing steam sheathing to complete a roof system that includes two layers of weather-sealed protection.

Weight Advantage

Lightweight shelters weigh approximately one quarter as much as a similarly-sized concrete building. This results in less costly foundations and lower crane offload charges.

Interior Components

VFP provides a wide variety of pre-wired and pre-installed interior components. These include lights, convenience receptacles, power distribution, HVAC systems, UPS systems, and generators. Visit our quote request page for detailed options. [Quote Request]

Modular Structures

Concrete shelter modules with decorative additions in residential neighborhood

Three VFP shelter modules were assembled with decorative additions blend with structures in a residential neighborhood.

VFP's modular structures are designed to accommodate projects that require complexes larger than the typical single shelter size. These prefabricated structures allow us to provide a modular solution for any building size. VFP field service personnel provide on-site installations and assemble the modules into a single building.

Exterior Finish

The standard exterior finish is a heavy duty, weather resistant tan paint. Combined with "galvaneal" coated metal, this exterior finish coat provides excellent weather and corrosion protection. The standard exterior finish is available in various colors. Optional exterior finishes are also available. [more]

Find Out More

Feel free to ask us about our lightweight shelters. Or, enter your specifications on our Quote Request page.