Most self-storage facilities are constructed of steel, and for good reason. Learn seven advantages of using this building-component type for your next development or expansion.

Rachel Tolander, Editor

September 9, 2022

4 Min Read
7 Advantages of Using Steel for Self-Storage Construction

As a business opportunity, self-storage is attractive to owners and investors because of the solid income stream. According to industry supplier Storable, facilities can generate up to 41% profit annually. But there are challenges in today’s market, such as historically high construction costs. If you’re building or expanding a project, steel buildings can help you keep your budget in check. Following are seven reasons why metal buildings are perfect for self-storage development.

Lower Costs

Since the start of the pandemic, construction expenses have increased 36%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What cost $100,000 to build in January 2020 now stands at $136,000. While it’s impossible to avoid price hikes in an economy experiencing record inflation, choosing steel for self-storage construction is a great place to start. It can help reduce your building expenses because:

  • It requires less elaborate foundations for support.

  • There are many prefabricated structural-steel kits that can be largely assembled off site, creating a significant reduction in time from breaking ground to completion.

  • Due to the shorter time frame and nature of prefabricated kits, fewer workers are needed, meaning less labor hours for wages.

  • There are fewer construction errors and costly rework scenarios.

  • With shorter construction time, you’ll be able to start renting units and generating revenue faster.

An example of a steel self-storage building


An example of a steel self-storage building

 

Low Maintenance

Steel is one of the most straightforward building types to maintain. While wood must be regularly treated or painted—typically at least every two years—and masonry must be sealed to prevent moisture absorption, steel can remain in tip-top condition with little more than a semi-annual pressure wash. The most important thing is to make sure no mud or foreign particles remain plastered to the walls for long periods of time. Overall, the steel structure is largely a “set it and forget it” building solution.

Durability

Steel is arguably the most durable building material on the planet. It provides the highest fire, insect, moisture and impact resistance on the market. This can give self-storage tenants the confidence that their belongings are safe no matter how harsh the conditions in the area.

Better Insurance Rates

Not only does the high durability of metal buildings give self-storage owners and customers confidence, it’s taken into strong consideration by insurance companies. With premiums skyrocketing in areas of the country ravaged by wildfires and other natural disasters, insurance providers will be more likely to offer favorable rates to facilities that use resilient steel fabrication.

Ease of Use

As your self-storage business grows and expansion becomes necessary, steel makes the process easier than building with wood or masonry. With bolted connections and pre-punched holes, it’s relatively simple to make additions, without the need for any radical framing or foundation alterations.

Another example of a steel building


Another example of a steel building

 

Lots of Clear Span

Clear span is the amount of open space across which a facility can stretch without requiring support from beams or pillars. Capable of surpassing well over 100 feet of clear span, structural steel provides open interiors unmatched by other construction types. This is particularly beneficial in self-storage because it gives your tenants the power to add racks and shelves to their units as necessary. It also facilitates mobility for forklifts and other types of machinery within larger units.

Visual Versatility

Aesthetics are increasingly important in self-storage design. Many companies are distinguishing themselves based on their colors and innovative architecture. It’s critical that you be able to create the curb appeal you desire to fortify your branding efforts. Historically thought of as a utilitarian building type, modern steel structures are compatible with a wide array of cladding choices to help capture a wood, masonry or other custom exterior type.

Santa Fe Wine Storage in Santa Fe, New Mexico


Santa Fe Wine Storage in Santa Fe, New Mexico
 

Structural steel provides owners and builders with a quick, cost-effective way to get their self-storage development off the ground. From lower construction costs to elite durability, better insurance rates to versatile aesthetics, steel buildings make for the most affordable and efficient means for completing your project.

Rachel Tolander is a creative writer and editor with the blog Innovative Building Materials. She has writing experience in home renovations and design as well as commercial construction. She authors content on behalf of Allied Buildings, a provider of steel buildings. To reach her, call 512.596.2954 or email [email protected].

About the Author(s)

Rachel Tolander

Editor, Innovative Building Materials

Rachel Tolander is a creative writer and editor with the blog Innovative Building Materials. She has writing experience in home renovations and design as well as commercial construction. She authors content on behalf of Allied Buildings, a provider of steel buildings. To reach her, call 512.596.2954 or email [email protected].

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter
ISS is the most comprehensive source for self-storage news, feature stories, videos and more.

You May Also Like