CLIMATE CONTROLLED SELF-STORAGE METAL BUILDINGS = INCREASED REVENUE

The addition of climate controlled metal self-storage units has opened a new revenue stream for self-storage facility owners. Tenants requested storage for more delicate items that needed protection primarily from humidity, but also extreme temperatures and they are willing to pay a premium for it. The answer to their need is climate controlled units, which can be rented for about 30% more than a non-climate controlled space.

In fact, many owners are building 100% climate controlled self-storage facilities while others have a mix of both climate-controlled and non-climate controlled.

Building climate controlled steel self-storage is more complex than simple steel units of varying sizes. Let’s take a look at what you need to consider if you intend to offer these types of units.

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LAYOUT AND SIZE
Tenants typically access their climate-controlled unit from an inner corridor rather than from the exterior of the building as is the case with non-climate controlled units. For facilities with a mix of units, the non-climate controlled units are placed around the perimeter with the climate controlled units lying in the center to be accessed from an outer doorway. Since the roll-up doors common to non-climate controlled units are difficult to insulate adequately, placing those units around the outside makes sense, allowing the back wall to be insulated and shared with a climate controlled unit.

The corridors are kept short, less than 150 feet, and at least 4 feet wide to minimize the distance tenants must move their belongings. Most units are 10 X 15 feet or smaller; those can be placed farther from the entryway. Larger units, 10 X 20 or larger, should be placed nearer the entrance. Tenants requiring this size unit typically have more to store and appreciate the shorter distances when moving large or awkward loads.

Rising land costs have made climate controlled units a more attractive option with the higher rents making up for the increased costs. Also, since climate controlled units fare better as interior spaces, it is not uncommon for the facility to rise to 12 stories or more and look like an office building. Incidentally, this type of appearance can make it easier to get code approvals.

INSULATION FOR METAL STORAGE BUILDINGS
Insulation is your ticket to optimal temperatures and humidity within your climate controlled units. Work with an architect, an electrical engineer,  and a mechanical engineer to determine how much insulation you will require. The calculation includes a wide range of variables:

Insulation R-values
Ceiling heights
Cubic area
Amount of lighting
Number and type of exterior doors
Volume of outside air filtration
The industry standard temperature range is 40 to 90 degrees F and 55% to 60% humidity or lower. The goal is to keep the unit temperatures above 40 degrees in the cold months and less than 90 degrees in hotter weather; as you can see the temperature is of lesser concern than humidity. High humidity can cause untold damage due to mold and mildew whereas high or low temperatures do not typically bother most property.

In July 2013, the International Energy Conservation Council (IECC) increased the insulation requirement from six inches of R-19 for the roof and four inches of R-13 for the walls to higher R values and thicknesses in the geographic regions of the US with the most extreme weather. In general, the IECC requires six inches of insulation in walls and roof.

Be sure to consult with an expert in insulating metal buildings to determine if you need thicker insulation or a higher R-value than recommended for general use. With the appropriate amount of insulation, you will save on energy bills and obtain a rapid return on the additional investment.


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