When it comes to modular building foundations, the debate between Jackpad® vs concrete – essentially a battle of traditional methods and modern, sustainable solutions – is a common one. Both have their place, of course, and the ‘correct’ choice depends largely on your project’s needs, timeline and sustainability goals. In this blog post, we’ll break down how the two compare in cost, performance and long-term practicality.
What is Jackpad®?
Jackpad® is our innovative foundation system that replaces costly, time-consuming concrete as the de facto option for portable building bases. Using a unique three-part design of steel adjusters, robust plastic support blocks and incremental packers, the Jackpad® system provides stable, level foundations on most surfaces. They’re also fully recyclable, easy to install and suitable for both short-term and long-term use with structures in the construction sector and education sector, among many others.
What is a Concrete Base?
Concrete bases are the traditional method of providing a fixed foundation for portable buildings. Created by pouring and curing reinforced concrete, they deliver long-term stability but require significant groundwork, curing time, and installation can only take place in favourable weather. While reliable and strong, concrete pads are single-use, heavy to remove and can add considerable time and environmental impact to a project. Plus, depending on ground conditions and the type of concrete base required, it can add significantly to the overall cost.
Pros of Jackpad®
Pros
- Ideal for Temporary and Short-Term Structures: The Jackpad® system has been specifically designed to work with temporary and short-term structures of all shapes and sizes.
- Lightweight and Portable: The units themselves are made up of three modular parts, making each one easy to move between buildings and sites.
- Surface Flexibility: Jackpad® foundations can be installed on most surfaces, including existing concrete, compacted gravel/shingle and tarmac.
- Quick and Efficient: The Jackpad® system is quick and easy to install and just as easy to remove at the end of a project – plus it’s reusable again and again.
- Cost-Effective: Our solution, which can either be hired for short-term use or bought outright for more long-term situations, is significantly cheaper than using concrete.
- Reduced Health and Safety Risks: With no heavy lifting, curing or excavation required, the Jackpad® system minimises manual handling risks and hazards associated with concrete.
Find out more about the benefits of the Jackpad foundations in this article.
Pros and Cons of Concrete
Pros
- Ideal for Permanent Structures: Concrete provides a solid, immovable base that offers long-term stability and strength, making it suitable for permanent modular builds.
- Suitable for High Loads: Properly reinforced concrete can handle exceptionally heavy loads, providing reliable support for large, multi-storey or industrial modular structures.
Cons
- Expensive: The material, labour and groundwork required to pour and cure concrete make it a costly choice, particularly for short-term or temporary installations.
- Labour-Intensive to Install: Concrete foundations need skilled workers, precise levelling tools and significant curing time, which increases overall project timelines and costs.
- Not Portable: Once poured, concrete cannot be reused or relocated, making it impractical for sites where buildings are frequently moved or replaced.
- Not Ideal for Short-Term Use: Due to its permanence, high cost and long installation times, concrete is inefficient for temporary modular buildings that need flexible, fast foundations.
Jackpad® vs Concrete: Key Differences
When it comes to the Jackpad® vs concrete question, it really depends on your project’s priorities. Is it speed, cost, sustainability or permanence? Here’s a quick comparison table of how the two foundation systems stack up against each other across key areas.
| Feature | Jackpad® | Concrete |
| Cost | Lower cost overall, with no excavation or curing required | Expensive materials, labour and groundwork significantly increase the total cost |
| Installation | Quick and simple to install in any weather | Labour-intensive and weather-dependent, with long curing times |
| Portable | Fully removable, reusable and transportable between sites | Once poured, it cannot be moved or reused |
| Durability | Proven, long-lasting system designed for repeated use | Durable but prone to cracking and degradation over time |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance; easily cleaned and reused | Difficult to maintain once installed; repairs require significant labour |
| Weather Resistance | Can be installed and adjusted in all weather conditions | Installation is restricted by weather, with poor curing in cold or wet conditions |
| Weight Support | Supports modular buildings up to three storeys tall | Extremely high load-bearing capacity for heavy permanent structures |
| Environmental Impact | Made from 100% recycled plastic and steel, fully reusable | High carbon footprint, single-use and difficult to recycle |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Jackpad® and concrete ultimately depends on your project goals, ground conditions and required timescales. Jackpad® offers a faster, cleaner and more sustainable option that delivers exceptional stability without the need for time-consuming and expensive excavation. With Jackpad®, if a suitable ground bearing capacity is achieved, minimal ground preparation is required.
We’re backed by several industry certifications, showing just how well our team have designed the solution for safe, reliable performance across many different types of sites.
Concrete can still be a good pick for large-scale, heavy-duty or permanent buildings where movement or reconfiguration is unlikely. But for any project that values flexibility, ease of installation and environmental responsibility, Jackpad® is the smart choice. It’s a very sustainable system that saves you time, reduces waste and can be reused again and again. Read our ful larticle on how to choose the right foundation for your modular building?
Cost Breakdown
Every site and installation is different, so foundation costs will always vary. Regardless of the size and needs of your buildings, though, Jackpad® will always offer a more affordable solution than traditional concrete foundation types. The pads themselves can either be hired for shorter-term usage or bought outright for long-term use, and our expert team can both install and remove your foundations as and when required.
Choose Jackpad® for Your Portable Building Foundations
With over 25 years of experience, we are here to ensure the process of finding a reliable, reusable foundation system for your portable buildings is as easy as it can be.
If you have any further questions or would like to hire or buy units for your next project, you can call us today on 0116 286 6966, email enquiries@jackpad.co.uk or use our online contact form.
