Building Self-Storage: Essential Weather and Environmental Design Considerations

When starting a new self-storage project, you have a lot of choices to make with regard to facility design and materials. But when making these decisions, weather and environmental concerns should be a priority. The conditions your facility will face—whether heavy snowfall, high winds, earthquakes, or extreme temperatures—play a crucial role in determining its design and long-term durability. Ignoring these elements can lead to costly repairs, tenant dissatisfaction, and even safety hazards. By addressing these factors early on, you can build a facility that not only protects tenant belongings but also ensures your investment is ready to weather any condition. 

Earthquake-Prone Areas 

In regions like California along fault lines, seismic resistance should be a top concern. While the seismic requirements may vary from city to city, if you are building in California you will need to make these accommodations.  

• Earthquake Readiness: Structures need flexible frames that can absorb and distribute seismic forces. 

• Foundation Isolation: Using advanced foundation technologies helps stabilize structures during tremors. 

• Structural Design Codes: Familiarize yourself with local and international seismic codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards (e.g., ASCE 7). 

• Seismic Load Analysis: Buildings must be designed to handle lateral forces caused by earthquakes. Engage a structural engineer, with experience in seismic design such as MakoRabco, with our in-house engineering team.

Snow Loads 

• If you’re building in snow-prone areas like the Northern United States, heavy snowfall and ice accumulation are the primary challenges. Canopies, awnings, and roofs are the main areas susceptible to snow build up. Pay extra special attention to building orientation by positioning buildings to minimize snow accumulation on roofs or around entrances and exits. Don’t forget to consider prevailing wind patterns and shading from adjacent structures in your building orientations as well. 

• Reinforced Roofs: Roofs should be designed to handle significant snow loads without sagging or collapsing. Pitched roofs with steep slopes (e.g., >30 degrees) allow snow to slide off naturally, reducing accumulation and the risk of structural strain. Snow guards and retention systems are essential on sloped roofs to prevent sudden snow slides, ensuring safety for pedestrians and vehicles. Flat or low-slope roofs require reinforced structures and effective drainage systems to handle heavier snow loads and prevent damage from pooling or freeze-thaw cycles.  

• Efficient Snow Management: Pitched roofs and robust drainage systems help prevent snow buildup by allowing snow and water to slide off effectively. Additionally, ensure snow is directed away from areas in front of unit roll-up doors to avoid blockages and maintain easy access for tenants. 

• Ice Damming: Insulated roofing helps prevent melting snow and ice from flowing in between panels and forming ice dams that can lead to leaks or structural damage. 

 High-Wind Zones 

Regions along the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and areas frequently affected by hurricanes or tornadoes require robust wind-resistant designs. This is especially important when building canopy style storage, as the structure can act like kite and lift off or fall over in strong winds.  

• Strong Base: Be sure that the foundation and support columns are reinforced to prevent buildings from lifting off. This is achieved by design-engineering a more robust base and incorporating heavier gauge steel for added strength and stability. 

• Wind-Rated Doors: Roll-up doors and other openings should be tested and rated for high wind speeds. 

• Proper Door Fit: Ensure the door has a proper fit in its frame, especially along the floor. During high wind scenarios, wind can squeeze under gaps in the door, pulling the door and can cause damage to the door and frame.  

• Aerodynamic Construction: Streamlined, aerodynamic building designs can reduce wind resistance, lowering the risk of damage. While wind can come from any direction, orienting your building’s design to account for the most likely direction of wind can also help mitigate damage.  

Other Environmental Concerns 

Flood resistance is a key concern in low-lying coastal areas. Raising the building’s foundation or adding flood barriers can safeguard against water damage. Adding proper water mitigation and drainage is also an important factor in flood prone areas to divert water away from your buildings. For example, some developers construct a concrete parking structure on the first floor, elevating the self-storage units above potential flood levels. This not only protects the units but also provides a dual-purpose solution by combining parking and flood resilience. 

Another factor to be aware of in coastal areas is corrosion resistance. Coastal regions often have high humidity and salt exposure in the air, so materials like galvanized steel or coatings that resist rust are vital. Proper insulation also becomes key in this scenario to make sure clients' possessions are protected as well.  

In warm climates, heat and sun exposure are significant considerations, particularly for climate-controlled storage units. Insulation and reflective roofing materials help maintain interior temperatures and reduce cooling costs, helping make your facility more energy efficient. Additionally, constant sun exposure provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate solar panels, allowing the facility to generate renewable energy, further offsetting operational costs and supporting sustainability goals. Integrating solar solutions can make the facility more appealing to eco-conscious customers while enhancing its long-term profitability. 

Building Self-Storage Right the First Time 

Weather conditions aren’t just an afterthought—they’re a critical part of planning a successful self-storage facility. By understanding regional needs, you can design a facility that stands the test of time, offering safety and security for your tenants. 

At MakoRabco, we specialize in tailoring self-storage solutions to your location. Whether you’re in California, Maine, or anywhere in between, our team can help you address regional challenges and deliver a facility that meets your unique needs.  

Contact us today to discuss your project and see why we’ve been recognized as the industry’s best builder for over a decade. 

One Last Thought - Core Weather Considerations for Every Region 

While regional differences shape your approach, some weather-related challenges are universal. Weather doesn’t care about your zip code—it plays by its own rules. While it’s tempting to focus on the headline-grabbing hazards of your region (looking at you, California earthquakes and Midwest tornadoes), don’t forget the less dramatic but equally pesky challenges. Just because your facility isn’t in a hurricane hotspot doesn’t mean a surprise downpour won’t try to make a splash. The takeaway? Prepare for the worst, but don’t let the “minor” weather gremlins catch you off guard. A little extra planning now can save you a whole lot of headaches later.