FAQ

What is WHP’s track record?
Over 400 projects — 25 years experience! WHP was the first to introduce both pre-engineered buildings and thermal insulating systems (Padgenite) to the Fire Training Industry. Contact us for a list of satisfied customers.

Tell me about the building.
Our building was designed solely for the purpose of training fire service professionals. We are the only company in the world able to offer customized structures of this quality to the industry.  We are owned and operated by fire service professionals.

WHP uses a proven building system introduced in 1949, consisting of structural panels with 4 ½” deep corrugations embedded with a series of smaller corrugations. The "compound" corrugations enhance the strength of the panel such that the support strength of a WHP panel can equal that of a steel girder of the same length and weight. Hot-dipped galvanized panels are at least 18 gauge (much thicker than found in most commercially available metal buildings). Because the wall panels themselves are structural components, the system offers the advantage of being able to span distances of up to 300 feet without the need for interior columns, making it a perfect choice for customers needing open spaces and enhanced design flexibility.

To meet the demands of the fire service, we further strengthened the building by adding a secondary framing system.   The secondary framing system consists of structural cees that are a minimum of 12 gauge steel. Without structural modification, our building system is capable of meeting the most stringent wind load and seismic requirements in the country. We’ve been through hurricanes and tornadoes in Florida, Guam, North Dakota – and we’re still standing.

How are WHP buildings constructed?
The building process begins with the erection of the internal framework of structural Cees and floor joists.  Structural panels are attached to the structural Cees and joined together with 3/8" diameter bolts (each able to support 1,400 pounds) at 6" intervals. Seams are sealed with top quality elastomeric strip caulking, making the building weathertight. Every structural component is at least 18 gauge and NO OTHER TRAINING TOWER PROVIDER routinely seals each and every seam.

Why would I want a metal building instead of concrete?

Clearly, concrete and masonry structures have a proven track record in commercial construction. You see them everywhere. In the event of a fire, they stand up well and frequently emerge without sustaining structural damage.

Does this mean that they will stand up as well if utilized for a fire training building? The answer is a resounding “No”. There is a great deal of difference in a single fire and the repeated burns. Even more important than the initial cost of a fire building is its long-term maintenance cost and durability. Just how many years’ service can you expect from this building? We frequently receive calls from fire departments that have a concrete or brick and block building that has been condemned because it has become structurally unsound.

Damage to a fire training building is largely a function of punishment dished out by the repeated heat-cool cycles. A metal panel is homogenous. It expands and contracts in response to temperature changes at a given rate up and down the entire length. Concrete buildings are composed of aggregates re-inforcing steel, and cement each expanding and contracting at a different rate throughout the heat-cool cycle.  Continual heat/cool cycle stresses the building, sometimes to the point were structural damage of such a magnitude is caused that it is condemned.

Proper maintenance of a concrete structure involves treatment with a waterproofing agent and ongoing reviews by structural engineers to verify that the building is structurally sound. Should the building be damaged, repairs are at best costly, at the worst, impossible.

The WHP building is generally 40-60% the cost of concrete or block, typically requires less architectural and engineering services than a masonry structure, and requires less maintenance. The steel structure, properly protected, will endure repeated fires without damage to the structure or need for expensive repairs. What you save by using steel can allow you to have a larger building with more training options.

Metal buildings require minimal maintenance beyond basic cleanliness. But, even in the worst-case scenario, we never expect to have to replace a metal building. A damaged panel can simply be unbolted and replaced with a new one.

What about the building process?
WHP is a full service builder and supplier, capable of doing a complete turnkey project. You have one contact— WHP — and we have control of the project from the time it leaves the drawing board until you sign off on a finished product. Any problems, we handle them, from early planning phases until break-in of the completed tower. We have multiple crews, so we can easily handle several tower projects at one time. WHP installers are specialists and ONLY do WHP buildings; consequently they are generally able to complete a building for you in 4-8 weeks. Our experience shortens the installation time and you take possession sooner. 

Does WHP do custom buildings?
Every WHP building begins with a clean sheet of paper. We will provide floor plans and elevations as a starting point but you make the choices about everything from building/room dimensions to window locations. No two fire departments are alike; no two have the same training needs. You are the best judge of your training needs, whether they are for confined space, rappelling, ventilation, ship’s ladders, or other features. WHP provides custom service and buildings to every client.

What type of foundation is required?
The unique design of WHP buildings and lack of interior columns allows linear loading to be spread across the foundation. Except in the poorest of soil conditions, WHP utilizes a spread footing foundation. This type of foundation eliminates the need for piers and footings required for columns, allowing you to take advantage of the cost savings.

What about floors?
Concrete flooring is standard throughout our buildings.  It is rugged, easy to maintain and provides the best long-term usage. Smooth concrete floors are realistic and firefighter friendly, saving wear and tear on bunker gear.   “When was the last time you crawled on a steel deck floor in a fire?”

Our building is designed to handle the additional weight of 3” poured concrete without reducing load limits.

What does "hot dipped galvanized" mean?
Rather than simply spraying an item with a galvanizing material, WHP metal components are actually dipped into a vat of galvanizing material at a high temperature assuring complete bonding to the structural members and a long lasting superior coating that resists corrosion in all types of environments.

Are WHP buildings weather tight and why is that important?
All seams on WHP buildings are lapped and sealed to keep weather and wildlife out of your building. A weather tight building allows training year round. WHP IS THE ONLY SUPPLIER WHO OVERLAPS AND SEALS EVERY SEAM.

Conventional metal buildings have horizontal siding attached to supports and/or another piece of siding. Often these pieces overlap, or are even designed to interlock, but aren’t sealed. This siding is attached in the field by self-tapping screws. Each of these field-drilled screws is a new hole. Each new hole expose un-coated metal which in turn creates a potential rust area.

WHP panels are actually bolted together at 6” intervals by heavy-duty bolts (each capable of supporting 1400 pounds). The bolt holes are pre-drilled at the factory before the panel is painted to prevent rust then is powder coated. High quality weather stripping seals are applied in the field at every seam.

In keeping with our commitment to quality, every WHP panel edge is powder-coated after fabrication, unlike other manufacturer’s panels that are coils of flat sheet metal “pre-coated” with paint and then cut, leaving bare edges – another rust potential.

This weather-stripping provides a closed seam and a dark exterior. Factory-drilled holes insure that it will last. No matter how hard you hit them with an air pack or ladder during training exercises….the seams won’t separate. You won’t see light coming in.

What type of roof is used on the building?
We provide the roof that best suits your training needs, including a flat roof with railings, sloped roofs at whatever pitch you choose, double-pitched roofs (allowing training at two different angles on the same roof area) or any combination. For ventilation exercises, most of our customers find that using a roof made of composition shingles with replaceable chop-out hatches provides a more realistic experience. Our chop-out hatches are flush with the roof, avoiding tripping hazards from raised curbs.

Are roof railings required?
Because OSHA Standard 29CRF.1926.502 states that any working surface more than six feet off the ground requires fall protection, we recommend railings or parapet walls on all roof surfaces that will be used for training. Remember, not all railings are alike, WHP utilizes OSHA approved railings with toe plates, providing protection for both those on the roof and those below. We use welded schedule 40 railing and structural steel angles.  Our engineers can design railings to meet any local code requirements.

How is the burn room lined?
WHP offers Padgenite 1, Super Padgenite and Duraliner HT, each with different properties. In deciding which to use, our goal is value-engineering. We work with you to design a room that will meet your needs as economically as possible. Frequently this involves mixing the products within a room.

We provide a pre-engineered lining system that arrives on-site complete with shop drawings. Panels are mounted on a grid of 6” wide channels with spaces between the panels to allow for thermal expansion. Built into the system is an additional insulating air space between the panel and wall of the structure. When burning in one of our metal buildings, the Padgenite, coupled with the air space, insulates so effectively that you can touch the outside of the building.

Padgenite thermal insulation has proven itself in the field over 25 years. Properly installed and maintained, we still think it’s the best, most economical system on the market. If we found a better one….we’d be using it.

How is temperature build-up within the burn room controlled?
We recommend the use of temperature monitoring devices within the burn room and offer a number of different models. Thermocouples placed at ceiling level and working level allow you to monitor temperatures and can greatly extend the life of the burn room panels.

Can propane-fueled live fire training be added to WHP training buildings?
WHP works with all the major simulator companies, both in new buildings and retrofits.   Our experience working with propane/natural gas simulators makes for a seamless installation process.   

What type of stairs and railings are provided and why does it matter?

There are two issues to consider when looking at stairs and railings, how closely they approximate real-life conditions and the quality of the system itself. WHP uses stair designs that meet OSHA or local code requirements in your area. Stairs and railings are made from structural steel members welded together for superior strength and longevity. Stair treads are hot dipped galvanized bar grate with checker plate nosing, providing a slip-resistant and maintenance-free stair. OSHA specifies that the components of the stair/railing system must be welded, not bolted together, and that the railing needs to be smooth. They further specify that the handrail must extend all the way to the bottom of the last stair. Because these are approved by OSHA, this is also what you will find in commercial buildings.

Can I add on to the building later? Can I move it?
It is easy to add anything from a burn room to an additional structure at any time after the building is completed. It is even possible to disassemble the entire structure and relocate it to another site if necessary.

How long will the building last?
Our earliest structures were installed in the early 1980's in Streamwood, Illinois and Alaska and are still in use. We expect them to remain in service for many more years.  Over 25 years and still going strong!