Self-storage facilities, whether personal storage buildings or large self-storage centers, require strong, reliable construction to protect their internal assets. To ensure superior performance, first-class systems are essential, both inside and out. To this end, the facility’s interior doors and the hallway systems, i.e., the panels around the door, provide the basic framework of the storage unit and ideally eliminate potential hazards associated with unfinished or exposed edges to give your space a completely finished look. Additionally, a variety of accessories and associated products provide the final touches for aesthetics as well as security, privacy and performance.
Two Types of Hallway Systems
The two main types of hallway systems are flush (flat) or corrugated (ridged). Both provide a modern, clean and polished look to self-storage units. In many (if not most) cases, a combination will be selected.
A flush system will have flush panels above the doors, between the doors and in all other areas. MBCI’s flush system (Corawall System) is a completely flush, interlocking hallway panel that conceals most fasteners, promoting the aesthetics of your hallway system. It is a 24-gauge, 12″ self-aligned vertical interlocking panel that allows for screws to remain concealed except where secured with a channel at the top.
A corrugated system uses a ridged panel for those same areas. MBCI’s Securawall System is an economically efficient and attractive divider partition for self-storage facilities. Designed to lock together at the seams and through the use of self-drilling fasteners, this system ensures security without sacrificing function, quality or appearance.
As noted, the most common system used for storage facilities is a combination of the two. In such cases, the flush panels are generally installed in between the doors and the corrugated panels are used in areas that do not have doors, the “fill-in” areas. In general, the panel located above the doors will be determined by the desired aesthetic and can be either flush or corrugated.
In addition to the systems themselves, a number of options provide various performance and aesthetic benefits-for example, unit partitions, mid-span horizontal bracing, burglar bars and door mesh products, which offer added strength, ventilation and security while enhancing the look of the hallway system. Here we’ll take a look at some of the main categories of hallway system options.
Hallway Options
Protection components
Accessories in this category can include corner guards and kick plates. Such components, designed with the goal of keeping the facility clean, safe and free of damage, are ideal for high-use areas of self-storage hallways, including corners and lower panels. Corner guards provide improved longevity and durability of both corrugated and flush hallway systems and kick plates help to ensure cost-effective and efficient operation.
Wire Mesh
Wire mesh is used at the top of storage units with overhead gaps that might allow entry. The mesh allows light and air flow inside of interior hallway systems while keeping unit contents secure. MBCI’s wire mesh product can be installed either horizontally above or vertically between units. The galvanized mesh is attached to the top edges of the units by mesh angles.
Self-Storage Door Features
Bottom Bar
The purpose of the bottom bar is to add strength and security to the door. This functional bar has a clean, attractive finish that enhances the appearance of the doors. The bottom bars are constructed of 6063 – T6 aluminum, which looks and wears well…and the vinyl weather seal is replaceable, which means that damage, wear and weather do not necessarily require replacement of the entire self-storage door.
Tension Set Brackets
Tension set brackets control how easily the self-storage doors open when unlocked. Older self-storage doors lack tension adjusters and require a door technician to readjust the spring tension. Our tension set brackets make adjusting roll-up doors easier, safer and faster. Facility maintenance personnel can adjust the self-storage doors themselves in as little as five minutes.
Latches
Latches keep the doors closed and the storage unit’s contents safe. The stainless steel and Apex latches maintain their integrity through the years. The latches are constructed with limited pry points and double padlock compatibility.
Paying attention to these details and considering a coordinated system from the door manufacturer helps to reduce unexpected issues during construction or operation of a self-storage facility. To learn more, contact your local MBCI representative and sign up for our newsletter to subscribe to our blog.