In self-storage facilities, the type of doors you install can play a significant role in customer experience, efficiency and security. Depending on the facility, different kinds of doors serve different purposes. In drive-up self-storage facilities, only unit doors need to be considered. These are most often manually operated rolling metal doors that secure each individual unit.
High-performance doors come into play when a higher level of security is required to access the storage unit premises. Some drive-up facilities might have a secure perimeter where a high-speed, high-performance door can help keep unwanted visitors out. In fully enclosed and temperature-controlled self-storage facilities, secure entry and exit doors are even more critical.
There are two primary door options for each of these applications: standard overhead doors and high-performance doors. Each type of door offers unique benefits, and understanding their differences will help you make an informed decision to select the best option for your storage facility.
Limitations of Standard Overhead Doors
Standard overhead doors are a familiar choice for many kinds of buildings, including self-storage units. They typically consist of roll-up or sectional designs made from steel or aluminum that operate manually or with a simple mechanical system. These doors are widely used because of their cost-effectiveness, durability and ease of use. They can be a good choice for storage unit doors allowing customers to access their individual storage areas.
However, standard overhead doors have many limitations:
- Slower Operation: They open and close at a slower pace, leading to longer wait times in high-traffic areas.
- Limited Security: They can’t be integrated with the latest security features, which can impact the safety and security of your unit(s) and visitors.
- Higher Energy Costs: The slower speed of these doors means they are open for long periods of time each time they’re used, which can contribute to inconsistent temperatures and significant energy loss due to air infiltration between areas, leading to increased energy costs.
- Frequent Maintenance: With more moving parts like springs, rollers and hinges, these doors are more likely to experience wear and tear, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential downtime. They’re also more prone to damage from vehicle or equipment impacts.
- Limited Cycle Life: Standard overhead doors are not designed for high-frequency use. They use torsion springs that limit the number of door cycles, leading to a shorter operational lifespan compared to high-performance doors.
Benefits of High-Performance Access Doors
High-performance doors are an excellent choice for exterior entrances and exits, allowing customers to easily and quickly access your facility. They’re designed to outperform standard overhead doors with efficiency, security and advanced functionality for daily use and high-speed operations.
Speed. With advanced motorized systems and innovative materials, high-performance doors move quickly to reduce wait times, enhance customer convenience and improve traffic flow. They can open and close at up to 100 inches per second, far faster than traditional doors.
Enhanced Security. Many high-performance doors are available with a wide variety of features to maintain security, including rigid aluminum double-walled slats for security, and integral rubber weatherseals for secure performance in a variety of weather conditions. Even full-vision models are outfitted with shatter-proof slats that are 30 times the impact strength of acrylic and 250 times that of glass.
Energy Efficiency. The high-speed of high-performance doors helps regulate temperature and reduce energy costs, especially in climate-controlled units. Not only do they minimize air exchange between areas, certain models meet strict energy efficiency standards to deliver up to 10% energy savings compared to conventional insulated doors.
Durability. High-performance doors use industrial-strength components and advanced motor systems to reduce maintenance costs and extend operational life. They’re built for frequent use and are often designed to withstand a minimum of 100 cycles per day, making them ideal for high-turnover storage facilities. Without torsion springs, they can handle far more cycles per day and are designed to last for millions of cycles without major repairs.
Advanced Technologies. Many self-storage facilities are relying on new technologies to cater to people’s evolving needs and preferences. Unlike conventional doors, high-performance doors offer a range of high-tech options that meet this need, while ensuring doors operate smoothly, day in and day out. They can also be integrated into building security and access systems.
Aesthetic Styles. Unlike traditional overhead doors, high-performance doors offer both the speed and upscale look that delivers the “wow” factor customers want, with the feeling of security they need.
Which Door is Right for Your Facility?
High-performance doors offer superior efficiency, security and speed for high-traffic facilities to ensure your self-storage facility provides the best customer experience. Contact us to discuss how Rytec high-performance doors can enhance operations in your self-storage facilities.
