Much more than just metal boxes with padlocked doors
Developers today want all new structures, even those usually built for economical and utilitarian purposes, to have as many hightech and sustainable features as possible. This is why self-storage buildings have to be much more than a collection of metal boxes with padlocked doors.
A prime example of this new business model is Boston-based Boston Seaport Self Storage, a four-story facility with almost 1,000 units of self-storage space, each equipped with state-ofthe- art technology, a secure access system and a climate-controlled environment. The developers commissioned the designer to create a building with a high level of technical and eco-friendly features to protect such customer conveniences as a self-service kiosk, retail store, and a business center with flat screen television monitors, high-speed Wi-Fi Internet controls and computer workstations. They also required that it must have an impressive appearance. This is the direction many design teams are taking today for self-storage structures.
Thermal Performance Priority
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are increasingly the cladding of choice to enclose self-storage facilities for two primary reasons: energy use reduction and design flexibility. IMPs are able to withstand frigid weather while providing excellent thermal performance.
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| Photo courtesy of Kingspan Insulated Panels |
IMPs provide superior air tightness, low thermal bridging and a very high R-value thermal performance. They are manufactured with a core of continuous, rigid insulation, which provides reduced thermal bridging not typical of built-up wall systems. This creates a better building envelope and energy savings up to 30 percent over other cladding methods.
Weather conditions are a significant concern with all exterior envelope systems. Eliminating the weather factor reduces labor costs by accelerating construction and completion time. IMPs can be installed any time of year, even during periods of really inclement weather. This is because IMPs create non-reservoir walls that do not absorb water. Brick, precast concrete and tilt-up walls have the potential to absorb rainwater. If moisture enters a wall cavity and is not drained or vented properly, mold and mildew growth usually occurs. By drastically reducing the potential for moisture-related damage, the owner of the facility is realizing significant savings through the use of insulated metal panels.
Self Storage with Curb Appeal
Design flexibility is also of importance, as developers want their self-storage building to stand out in comparison to conventional self-storage structures. IMPs are a prime choice to specify because they can be useful for a wide range of styles in both vertical and horizontal applications. They are available in a wide range of widths, lengths, gauges and finishes, and further fabrication in the field is not needed.
These features allow architects greater flexibility to give a structure that wow factor. The impressive appearance of IMPs significantly increases a building’s curb appeal. IMPs have been extensively tested for compliance with newer industry standards and building safety codes.
Cost Reduction and Sustainability
IMPs do more than just reduce a building’s overall demand for energy. They offer several benefits that save a developer substantial costs. Each IMP is a single-component product that allows faster on-site installation compared to built-up wall systems. IMPs now arrive at the job site ready to be installed. Construction delays are minimized and there is less need for multiple trades.
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| Photo courtesy of Kingspan Insulated Panels |
IMPs also ease the critical path of construction, as they are easier to detail and attach. This allows schedules to be tighter and reduces installation errors. Tilt-up, precast or block construction usually requires cranes and other heavy equipment to be set in place. However, lightweight IMPs are often installed with forklifts or even a simple pulley system. Because insulated metal panels weigh only 3 pounds per square foot, transport and installation energy usage costs are also decreased. The lighter weight of insulated metal panels, compared to other building options, allows foundations to be lower and framing lighter, which further reduces installation costs.
The Insulated Future
IMPs are a large contributing factor to a structure’s sustainability rating as they support LEED certification requirements and also Path to Net Zero Energy targets. They will last as long as the expected service life of a conventional self-storage building and contain a substantial amount of recycled content, which offers multiple end-of-life reuse options.
Customer demands have changed. Developers can win these customers if they construct self-storage buildings with the technical and sustainable features that will draw attention away from any competing self-storage businesses. Today, with insulated metal panels, a self-storage business can stand out in comparison from other such facilities in appearance, thermal performance and sustainability.
Doug Nye is regional sales manager at Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc., Deland, Fla. To learn more, visit www.kingspanpanels.us.
