Showing posts with label energy efficient storage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label energy efficient storage. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Increasing Energy Efficiency of Self-Storage Facilities

The building envelope of a Denver storage facilities can save the owners boat loads of cash, or cost them greatly. Energy costs aren't the only concern when discussing the facilities envelope. The comfort of the storage clients is also dependent on the building design as well. In the summer storage units can become ovens with internal temperatures rising to 20 and even 30 degrees above the outside temperature and in the winter stored items, especially electronics, could be damaged from the cold. Properly sealing and insulating the facilities envelope helps keep precipitation out and stored items safe.

Storage units are rarely air tight. The envelope (or floor, ceiling and walls) of Denver storage lockers often let in dust and dirt. The walls on self-storage units are typicall made of thin metals, like aluminum or masonry walls. Most of the wall space on these units are part of the garage-style door. These doors are made of thin metal and usually aren't insulated at all.

If you live in a climate similar to that in Denver, Colorado you need to think about climate controlled storage lockers. Denver has a wide range of extreme weather including snow storms and extreme heat. That means that you need a storage facility that can protect against water damage and extreme temperature fluctuations. Insulation is the best way to keep Denver storage units at a reasonable temperature.

To insulate the facility first you can insulate the walls and piers of the building. There are a few ways to add insulation to the interior of these walls. For masonry walls you can add insulation to the cells that aren't filled with grout or use furring strips to the inside of the walls and foam-board insulation between them. If you are looking for a more finished look for your storage facility, covering the insulation with gypsum board will help you to achieve that look. Spray foam insulation is another great option for insulating self-storage units. If the buildings are constructed from metal, the foam insulation is a great option among many.