The Most Frequently Used Part of Your Storage Facility
Think about how often a storage unit door gets used.
Customers open and close it every time they visit. Prospective renters see rows of doors when touring the property. And because the door is one of the primary access points to each unit, its operation and condition directly affect the customer experience. For that reason, roll-up doors deserve more attention than simply choosing a color.
Why Roll-Up Doors Work Well for Self Storage
Roll-up doors are commonly used in self storage because the curtain coils above the opening rather than swinging outward or requiring tracks that extend deep into the unit.
That helps preserve usable storage space. For drive-up storage, they also allow customers to pull near the unit and access their belongings without requiring additional swing clearance in front of the door.
Match the Door to the Unit
Not every storage unit requires the same door size.
A smaller unit may need a relatively compact opening, while large storage units intended for equipment or vehicles require considerably greater width and height. Door dimensions should therefore be considered at the same time as the unit mix.
Ask a simple question:
What is the largest item a renter is reasonably likely to move into this unit?
The answer can help determine whether the proposed opening is practical.
Durability Matters
Self storage doors are exposed to repeated operation and, for exterior drive-up units, outdoor conditions.
Door construction, guides, hardware and other components should be selected for the intended application. A door that operates smoothly also contributes to the renter's perception of the entire property. Customers may never notice the structural framing behind the walls, but they will notice a door that is difficult to operate.
Doors Affect Curb Appeal
Rows of brightly finished storage doors can become one of the defining visual features of a facility.
Door color can be coordinated with wall panels, roofing, trim and signage to create a consistent appearance. This matters because self storage is increasingly competitive. A clean, professional-looking property can make a very different first impression than a facility that appears neglected.
Think About Security
The door is also part of the unit's security system.
Locking systems, latches and facility access controls should work together as part of the property's overall security strategy. Lighting and camera placement around drive-up units should also be considered during site planning.
Don't Treat Doors as an Afterthought
Doors are integral to how customers interact with a storage facility.
Planning the door sizes, quantities and locations alongside the steel building and unit mix helps create a more functional finished project.
Duro Storage supplies steel self storage building systems and can help coordinate building configurations designed around the required storage unit openings.
Need replacement or new roll-up doors? Through the Duro family of companies, we can also help with commercial and self storage roll-up door solutions.
Call 800-872-5740 to discuss your self storage building project.
