Introduction to Self-Storage Buildings Maintenance
Storage buildings are in high demand these days. Many people today struggle to find storage solutions for their possessions, valuables, and equipment. Steel storage buildings represent the perfect solution. Not only are they practical, but they’re also a cost-effective way to keep possessions safe and secure.
If you run a self-storage building, you already know that there is high demand. But you still need to work hard to retain your customers and attract new ones. With this in mind, you need to take care to maintain your storage building properly. This is especially true when it comes to caring for their doors.
The doors of your self-storage building are regularly used by your customers. That means they’re a key part of their experience. In fact, the way your customers perceive your facility’s value, security, and safety, hangs on the function of those doors. If they look unattractive and poorly maintained, they’re not going to create the right impression.
Top Considerations to Ensure Your Doors Continue Working Efficiently for Years To Come
Your self-storage building needs high-quality roll-up doors. With that in mind, you need to ensure they’re properly maintained. They don’t just make your property look good, they’re a key element of the customer’s experience. Furthermore, they can represent a safety issue if left uncared for. So, how do you look after your self-storage building doors properly?
The Basics
Even if the self-storage buildings are in use, certain elements of the doors need regular inspection. Check, for example, that the curtain is undamaged. Check, too, that the latch hasn’t been tampered with. If your building features a jamb brush seal or header draft stop, check for wear and if necessary, replace them.
As soon as your tenant vacates your building, inspect some other key items before you rent it out again. Take a look at the latch. Does it look worn? Is there evidence of tampering? If so, buy a new one. Is it loose? Tighten up the nuts.
Look at the seal on the bottom of the door. Is it in good shape? Does it have any tears? Wipe the seal using a protectant. This will prevent deterioration from the sun. Is the seal damaged or torn? Then buy a replacement.
Check the handles too. Are they in good condition? Are they still properly attached? Replace any damaged ropes or missing or cracked handles.
Look at the door guides and check if they are clean. If necessary, give them a wipe. Inspect the runner for damage too. Replace any torn or broken pieces. Finally, wipe it with silicone or wax to help with the door operation while protecting it from the weather.
Are the guide screws tight? If any are loose or missing, replace or fix them.
Check the Springs
Spring tension will need adjustment as your doors age. If they are properly tensioned, they’ll open with ease. If it shuts too quickly or you need to use a lot of force to open it, you need to increase the tension. A lot of doors will have ratcheting mechanisms. This makes adjusting them easy.
Are the springs rusty or broken? If so, replace them. Next, lubricate them. Check if there are any wasps or birds’ nests and clean any debris in the coil.
Check the felt tape to the rear of the garage door. Is it torn, missing or worn? If so, replace it. Check the door brackets too. Are they tightly secured? Secure them if not.
Weather Protection
If you live somewhere that necessitates wind-locked doors, make sure the brackets are inspected. Are they properly fixed to your door? If not, replace the rivets. Check the wind-lock insert is properly secure too.
Are you renting out storage buildings that meet the ADA requirements? Then check the kit is in good repair and replace as required. If you rent ADA units or vehicle storage with door operators, carry out appropriate maintenance. Add new batteries and check connections.
In cold climates, avoid using salt for melting ice on the door. It causes corrosion and shortens the metal components’ lifespan.
Check the coatings and paints on the doors too. Usually, they should stay looking good for three decades. With a lot of exposure to the sun, though, they start to fade. You may want to replace your doors if they are ending their lifespan. This boosts curb appeal and means you can charge higher self-storage buildings prices.
Dos And Don’ts to Keep Your Doors Looking Their Best
You already know that you need to keep your doors looking good to impress your customers. But how do you go about it? Here are some dos and don’ts to consider.
- How to Wash – wash the doors on cloudy days or in the shade. This will help to avoid any water spots from appearing on them. You should use free-rinsing dish soap in small amounts to clean the doors. It is gentle on the paint and is simple to rinse away. Avoid any silicone-based or oily cleaning products. They will just attract dust and dirt.
- Fading and Dullness – if your doors are faded or dull, you can apply a clear protective coating. This restores the shine and color. Sometimes, paint may peel off the doors. Luckily you can fix this. You need to engage a professional to remove the loose paint. They can then feather in, prime and repaint. This will get your doors looking as good as new.
- Panels and Interior Doors – panels and interior doors can be challenging to clean. For example, hallway doors have no protective lip. This means spilled water seeps underneath the walls and doors. It can damage the goods inside. Therefore, avoid using buckets of water to clean those doors. Instead, use a waterless wax and wash product. It will spray on, and you can wipe it away using a cloth. Use a microfiber towel as it won’t leave any fibers or lint.
- Keep Them Clean – only ever wash your doors by hand. Use a microfiber towel or soft-bristled brush to carry out the cleaning process. Ensure no debris or rocks are trapped in it before you use it on the door. Rinse using a hose on a soft spray. Avoid pressure washers since this can damage paintwork and leave you needing to repaint the doors.
- Staying Safe – aging and regular wear and tear take their toll on garage doors. Safety can then be compromised. If the doors run off track or they’re hard to close and open, they can be dangerous. Someone could be injured. To stay safe, it’s important to ensure the doors are in good working order at all times. Add this into your budget so you can prepare in advance.
- Maintenance Checks – carrying out annual checkups on your doors is key. This will ensure they are functioning well and are simple to use. Check on the doors’ track alignment and grease the springs with white lithium grease. This will keep doors working smoothly with no malfunctions or locking up. Check the doors’ tension too. Adjust both sides of the springs simultaneously. This ensures the tension is the same on each side of the door.
Buy Your New Self-Storage Building Today from Storage Building Central
Storage Building Central is your number one choice for self-storage buildings, with two decades of industry experience. Delivering across the USA, offering easy financing and customizations, they’re the best option for you. Self-storage buildings are highly in demand at the moment. So get yours now. Get in touch with Storage Building Central today at +1 (844) 315-3151 and choose the right storage building for you.
