The self-storage industry is almost always in growth mode. With entrepreneurs opening new facilities or expanding existing ones to meet consumer needs regularly, the demand for high-quality building materials is greater than ever.
Facility owners and developers seek materials that provide design flexibility, durability, and ease of use. Against that backdrop and with those requirements, corrugated metal is emerging as the material of choice. It provides a compelling combination of aesthetic appeal, strength, and longevity that is ideal for self-storage facilities.
This article provides an overview of what corrugated metal is, how it’s made, and why its performance characteristics check all the boxes for self-storage facility owners and operators. Let’s dive in!
WHAT IS CORRUGATED METAL?
Corrugated metal is sheet metal that has been cold-rolled into a wave-like pattern. These alternating ridges and valleys, known as corrugations, significantly increase the metal’s structural integrity.
This simple yet ingenious design provides exceptional strength and rigidity in a material that is also lightweight and easy to handle. Corrugated metal is available in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. It can be further enhanced with protective coatings and finishes to suit specific applications and aesthetic preferences.
HOW IS CORRUGATED METAL MADE?
The corrugated metal manufacturing process starts with coils of sheet metal. These coils are fed through a roll-forming machine consisting of a series of precisely engineered rollers that gradually shape the flat sheet into the desired corrugated profile.
The machine exerts controlled pressure on the metal, creating the characteristic waves without compromising its structural integrity. After the desired profile is achieved, the corrugated sheets are cut to the required lengths and ready for fabrication and installation.
Designers and builders use corrugated metal in many ways, including roofing, siding, decking, and custom applications. Once primarily used in agricultural and industrial settings, corrugated metal today is getting rave reviews for its “rugged good looks” and outstanding performance in structures of all kinds, from commercial to residential.
WHY CORRUGATED METAL IS IDEAL FOR SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES
Corrugated metal has several characteristics that make it particularly well-suited for self-storage facilities, including:
- Unmatched Durability: Corrugated metal is prized for its exceptional strength and ability to withstand the test of time. Its inherent resistance to impacts, heavy snow loads, high winds, and other destructive forces makes it an excellent choice for regions prone to extreme weather conditions. Unlike traditional building materials like wood, corrugated metal is impervious to rot, insect infestations, and fire, ensuring the long-term protection of stored belongings. This durability also translates to lower maintenance costs, which supports higher profitability for self-storage facilities.
- Design Flexibility: Corrugated metal’s versatility extends beyond its structural capabilities. It can be used for a wide range of applications within a self-storage facility, from roofing and exterior walls to internal structures and decorative accents. The material can be customized easily to accommodate various roof styles, including gabled, arched, and single-slope designs, allowing architects to achieve unique and visually appealing aesthetics. For the building exterior, corrugated metal can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally, offering endless design possibilities. Inside the facility, it can create durable and secure partitions between individual storage units, maximizing space utilization.
- Rapid, Efficient Construction: In the fast-paced world of construction, time is of the essence. Corrugated metal’s lightweight nature and ease of installation can significantly expedite the construction process. The panels are typically pre-cut to the required dimensions, reducing on-site fabrication and minimizing labor costs. This efficiency translates to faster project completion, allowing developers to bring their self-storage facilities to market quickly and start generating revenue sooner.
- Minimal Maintenance: The ideal self-storage facility requires minimal ongoing maintenance, and corrugated metal perfectly aligns with this prerequisite. Its resistance to weathering, corrosion, and pests eliminates the need for frequent painting, repairs, or replacements. This translates to significant cost savings over the lifetime of the building, freeing up resources for other operational needs.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Architects and designers are moving away from the purely utilitarian self-storage facility designs of the past, embracing a more contemporary and visually appealing aesthetic. Corrugated metal’s clean lines and sleek appearance contribute to a modern industrial look that blends well with various architectural styles. The availability of diverse colors, finishes, and profiles allows developers to create unique and attractive facilities.
It’s not uncommon for property owners, architects, designers, and other stakeholders to be unfamiliar with these features. However, when they learn about them, corrugated metal often shoots to the top of their materials list for self-storage facilities.
CORRUGATED METAL SELF-STORAGE UNITS: SAFE, SECURE, AND SUSTAINABLE
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability is a key consideration for many developers. Although created in the early 1800s, corrugated metal is surprisingly relevant today as a “green” alternative to certain other materials.
Its sustainability credentials begin with the fact that it is often made from recycled content, contributing to the conservation of natural resources. At the end of its long lifespan, corrugated metal can be recycled again, minimizing waste and reducing the environmental impact of construction. In between its manufacturing and ultimate recycling, its minimal-care nature means fewer cleaners and other chemicals are needed to maintain its outstanding performance.
CORRUGATED METAL: A PROVEN SOLUTION ACROSS INDUSTRIES
One way to confirm that a building material lives up to its reputation is to consider how widely it is used. The long list of industries that leverage corrugated metal is a testament to its value. You’ll find corrugated metal products in use in a diverse array of business sectors, company types, and products, including:
- Agriculture
- Mining
- Construction
- Governments
- Airlines
- Container manufacturing
- Oil and gas companies
- Military
- Livestock trailers
- Power plants
Even organizations at the cutting edge of technology, like NASA, benefit from corrugated metal products!
SEE CORRUGATED METAL PRODUCTS IN USE
Another way to understand the value corrugated metal products can bring to your building initiatives is to check out our featured projects. The overviews, technical details, and images on these pages are interesting and enlightening for anyone involved in material selection for construction projects.
DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT CORRUGATED METAL
Corrugated metal’s popularity is rising rapidly. If anything is slowing that rise, it’s a handful of myths about it. Below, we debunk a few of the more persistent misconceptions.
Myth: Corrugated Metal is Prone to Denting. While corrugated metal can (like virtually any construction material) be damaged by severe impacts, its overall strength and resilience make it a durable choice for self-storage. The corrugated shape adds to its impact resistance, and choosing thicker gauge metal or applying protective coatings can further enhance its dent resistance.
Myth: Corrugated Metal Rusts Easily. Most people have seen images of old sheds on farms with weathered and rusted corrugated siding. That material bears little resemblance to today’s corrugated metal offerings. Modern products are available with a variety of protective coatings, such as galvanization or specialized paints, that prevent rust and corrosion. These coatings ensure long-term performance and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the building, even in harsh climates.
Myth: Corrugated Metal is Not Secure Enough for Self-Storage. While the visual simplicity of corrugated metal might give the impression that it lacks strength or rigidity, the truth is quite different from that perception. Corrugated metal panels are incredibly strong and resistant to forced entry. The corrugations add significant rigidity, making it extremely difficult to cut or penetrate. The fastening systems used for corrugated metal also contribute to its security. Specialized screws or clips are designed to be tamper-resistant, making it challenging for intruders to remove panels or gain unauthorized access.
Myth: Metal roofing and siding attract lightning. Yes, metal does conduct electricity. However, there is no evidence that metal building materials attract more lightning strikes than other materials. In fact, metal roofing and siding are non-combustible, which aids fire prevention.
CORRUGATED METALS, INC.: YOUR PARTNER IN SELF-STORAGE SUCCESS
Corrugated metal is a remarkable material, but not all products are the same. When obtaining roofing, siding, or decking for a self-storage construction project, you want to work with the experts.
Corrugated Metals, Inc. is a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated metal products, with extensive experience in serving the self-storage industry. We offer a comprehensive range of metal options, coatings, and profiles to meet the unique needs of each project.
Our team of experts provides personalized support, from initial design consultation to timely delivery and installation guidance. Our collaborative approach ensures customers get the products they need without compromising on appearance or performance.
LEARN HOW CORRUGATED METAL PRODUCTS CAN BENEFIT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
If you’re ready to move forward with a purchase, you can request a quote online now. However, we emphasize to self-storage facility owners, operators, designers, and other stakeholders that you don’t need to have a project planned or underway to reach out to us.
Having a conversation today about an initiative that might not get underway for months or even years means you’re better informed and ready to dive in as soon as material procurement is appropriate. So, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your project ideas, goals, or material needs.