Roll-up doors Archives

Benefits of a Single-Source Supplier for Self-Storage Projects

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Bray Allen

Traditionally, when we talk about metal products for self-storage facilities, we think about the metal building panels used for exterior wall and roof systems. But, when considered holistically along with interior components such as roll-up doors and hallway systems, the wisdom for contractors and erectors of turning to a single-source supplier comes sharply into focus.

There is, perhaps, some “old habits die hard” thinking behind customers traditionally sourcing interior and exterior components from different suppliers. This has meant that self-storage unit doors and hallway systems or the non-load bearing components inside of a building have generally been sourced from someone other than the company that manufactures the exterior building materials. But, just because this is how it’s been done in the past doesn’t mean it’s the best way moving forward. In fact, utilizing a single manufacturer able to offer a comprehensive, full-scale system—that is providing both exterior building solutions and interior self-storage solutions—can bring untold benefits to a project.

Advantages of Single-Source Provider for Self-Storage Facility Contractors and Erectors

One way to think about the benefits of using a single-source building material supplier for self-storage facility development is with a simple analogy to a consumer buying a car. When you set out to purchase a car, what if you had to buy the body of a vehicle from one dealer, but then you buy the engine, tires, seats, steering wheel, brakes and headlights from all different shops? That would be a rather cumbersome process. In reality, when we buy a new car, we can select the model we want and specify the options we want included—knowing that all the parts and accessories needed to provide the end-result are included when the car is delivered. So, you ultimately deal with one source, one contract and one purchase order to get the complete package.

Similarly, a reputable single-source supplier can help simplify the process needed to develop self-storage facilities. Contractors and erectors can get the materials and resources they need by working with a single point of contact at the single company, thereby streamlining the material ordering and delivery process in alignment with their construction needs and schedules.

With complex projects in mind, an experienced single-source vendor strategy drives successful outcomes and mitigates risk, but no one entity can do everything on its own. Therefore, an ideal vendor needs to have additional, seamless partnerships requiring specific expertise and certifications.

Lead-time and Optimal Delivery

The timing of material delivery can make or break construction schedules and budgets. In this industry, the quicker a building owner can get a facility open and start collecting rent/fees from customers, the greater the financial benefits will be.

When a manufacturer supplies all building materials for a project, they are able to build a relationship with the contractor or builder and optimize the support they provide on projects. This in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the project allows for a single-source manufacturer to ensure materials don’t show up too early, which can cause storage issues on the job site, and also keep them from arriving too late, preventing costly labor issues.

To guarantee reliable delivery, a single-source supplier can address industry concerns related to capacity by optimizing production methods and resources to handle spikes or drastic upticks in workload. Ideally, this would result in leveling off to a two- to three-week lead time rather than the typical eight-week lead time for delivering material you’d see on a given self-storage project.

Buying Power

Working with a single-source manufacturer leverages bulk buying power to ensure materials are sourced at the best rates possible. This cuts down on the time spent negotiating material costs with other manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, using a single-source supplier means spending less time finding and managing vendors and more time servicing your customers.

Material Compatibility

Another key benefit to using a single source for self-storage facility development projects is the inevitability of fewer potential product compatibility issues than might be experienced when sourcing different materials from several different manufacturers. By turning to a manufacturer that is essentially providing an envelope solution for self-storage facilities—not just a single part that must coexist with another manufacturer’s part—that expertise will help ensure all materials work together seamlessly and not jeopardize the build.

To learn more how MBCI can be a single-source for your self-storage facility project, contact your local MBCI representative.

Overhead Door Considerations for Metal Buildings

Posted on December 9, 2019 by MBCI

Selecting the right overhead door shouldn’t be an afterthought. As with metal panels, they should be a key consideration when planning and designing a commercial or industrial metal building. Functionality (i.e., size, operation and environmental concerns), security and quality are priority factors. In addition, location, climate and building codes should also be part of the overhead door solution decision. Selecting a door type and framing, in fact, can further depend on end use, strength/longevity needs, access and clearance/framing restrictions. Additionally, the type of door requested or required will impact the framing and support needed for installation.

With these criteria in mind, its of note that metal building manufacturers don’t always supply the overhead doors for a project. Therefore, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance requires viewing door options from top to bottom and side to side—figuratively and literally.

Overhead Door Types

Although MBCI primarily offers roll-up doors, these are not the only door options for metal buildings. The primary types of commercial doors for large metal building openings can include the following:

Roll-Up Doors aka coiling/drum doors are typically a continuous corrugated sheet that nests into itself as its rolled around a cylindrical drum at the top of the door opening. This nesting allows them to take up far less overhead space as compared to doors that slide on tracks. Generally less expensive to purchase, roll-up doors also boast durability, maintenance and longevity benefits.

Sectional Doors are typically smaller horizontal door leafs/ panels hinged together and mounted between two tracks on both sides of the door. This permits the sections to be lifted continuously either by transitioning horizontally back into the building above the door opening or vertically only above the opening, clearance permitting.

Vertical or Horizontal Bi-Fold Doors are similar to sectional doors but have much larger panel sections, requiring fewer door panels. Manual operation is an option, however operation most often occurs via hydraulics with the support of door headers or jambs only and not via a full track system.

Sliding Doors may be mounted via an external or internal horizontal track system at the top of a frame’s opening. Depending on door weight and size, sliding doors may rely on support from the top track system or lower guide rail mounts and wheels as well. Top-mount-only systems are prevalent on smaller commercial doors or in agricultural uses. Larger versions typically support industrial applications like airplane hangars and freight facilities.

Walk Doors/ Man Doors are common to metal buildings of all sizes and types As a primary means of entry and exit. MBCI offers walk doors in varying sizes for commercial and industrial and agricultural building applications.

Planning Ahead: Coordination Is Key

Once you’ve selected the overhead door type best suited to your project, coordination with the building manufacturer is a must. Specifically, be certain that the building manufacturer knows the type and size of your doors before ordering your building materials. Here are some factors and situations you will want to account for:

Door Opening Size: Allow ample space to ensure no obstructions when the door is in its maximum open position. Even partial obstructions may require building design adjustments to accommodate for larger openings.

Door System Weight: The weight of the entire door system—including framing, sheeting, hardware and drive systems (if applicable)—can require certain design considerations.

Clearances: When open, the horizontal and vertical panel clearances shouldn’t foul trims or building exterior cladding.

Installation Clearances: Be sure to understand minimum interior building clear heights needed if installation of track systems are necessary. Or, if using roll-up doors, account for drum clearance and its proximity to roof framing, ceiling liners or roof insulation.

Framing Materials: Be sure surfaces and flanges of framing materials are wide enough for proper attachment of door tracks. The same goes for mounting hardware and mechanical operators if so equipped and required.

Bracing: If appropriate, evaluate any supplemental bracing necessary to keep the door opening square. Additionally, support for the door sheet in all positions should also be a consideration.

Verify Manufacturer Requirements: Work with the door supplier and advise the building materials manufacturer if the door opening, framing and/support require minimum or maximum deflections/limits. This helps ensure proper operation when building framing deflects under various loadings. Failure to do so may prevent the door from opening or closing properly. This coordination is made easier when the same manufacturer providing the roof and wall materials also provides the overhead doors.

In Conclusion

Always ensure you’re getting high quality metal overhead door products and services that seamlessly integrate into new or existing metal building projects. Regardless of scope, MBCI can help you find the best overhead door solution suited to your needs and project specifications. Contact MBCI today!

Self-Storage Hallway Systems and Accessories

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Lexi Edwards

Self-storage facilities, whether personal storage buildings or large self-storage centers, require strong, reliable construction to protect their internal assets. To ensure superior performance, first-class systems are essential, both inside and out. To this end, the facility’s interior doors and the hallway systems, i.e., the panels around the door, provide the basic framework of the storage unit and ideally eliminate potential hazards associated with unfinished or exposed edges to give your space a completely finished look. Additionally, a variety of accessories and associated products provide the final touches for aesthetics as well as security, privacy and performance.

MBCI delivers superior quality self-storage roll-up doors and hallways systems that are ideal for any self-storage facility or small building application.

Two Types of Hallway Systems

The two main types of hallway systems are flush (flat) or corrugated (ridged). Both provide a modern, clean and polished look to self-storage units. In many (if not most) cases, a combination will be selected.

A flush system will have flush panels above the doors, between the doors and in all other areas. MBCI’s flush system (Corawall System) is a completely flush, interlocking hallway panel that conceals most fasteners, promoting the aesthetics of your hallway system. It is a 24-gauge, 12″ self-aligned vertical interlocking panel that allows for screws to remain concealed except where secured with a channel at the top.

This completely flush, interlocking hallway panel conceals most fasteners, promoting the aesthetics of your hallway system.

A corrugated system uses a ridged panel for those same areas. MBCI’s Securawall System is an economically efficient and attractive divider partition for self-storage facilities. Designed to lock together at the seams and through the use of self-drilling fasteners, this system ensures security without sacrificing function, quality or appearance.

The Securawall System is an economically efficient and attractive divider partition for self-storage facilities.

As noted, the most common system used for storage facilities is a combination of the two. In such cases, the flush panels are generally installed in between the doors and the corrugated panels are used in areas that do not have doors, the “fill-in” areas. In general, the panel located above the doors will be determined by the desired aesthetic and can be either flush or corrugated.

In addition to the systems themselves, a number of options provide various performance and aesthetic benefits-for example, unit partitions, mid-span horizontal bracing, burglar bars and door mesh products, which offer added strength, ventilation and security while enhancing the look of the hallway system. Here we’ll take a look at some of the main categories of hallway system options.

Hallway Options

Protection components

Accessories in this category can include corner guards and kick plates. Such components, designed with the goal of keeping the facility clean, safe and free of damage, are ideal for high-use areas of self-storage hallways, including corners and lower panels. Corner guards provide improved longevity and durability of both corrugated and flush hallway systems and kick plates help to ensure cost-effective and efficient operation.

Kickplates provide excellent protection from push carts and hall traffic while giving a clean, cosmetic appearance.

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is used at the top of storage units with overhead gaps that might allow entry. The mesh allows light and air flow inside of interior hallway systems while keeping unit contents secure. MBCI’s wire mesh product can be installed either horizontally above or vertically between units. The galvanized mesh is attached to the top edges of the units by mesh angles.

Wire mesh covers the top of the storage unit while providing added security to the unit.

Self-Storage Door Features

Bottom Bar

The purpose of the bottom bar is to add strength and security to the door. This functional bar has a clean, attractive finish that enhances the appearance of the doors. The bottom bars are constructed of 6063 – T6 aluminum, which looks and wears well…and the vinyl weather seal is replaceable, which means that damage, wear and weather do not necessarily require replacement of the entire self-storage door.

The self-storage doors are manufactured with an aluminum bottom bar to improve rust-resistance over time, extending the longevity of your investment.

Tension Set Brackets

Tension set brackets control how easily the self-storage doors open when unlocked. Older self-storage doors lack tension adjusters and require a door technician to readjust the spring tension. Our tension set brackets make adjusting roll-up doors easier, safer and faster. Facility maintenance personnel can adjust the self-storage doors themselves in as little as five minutes.

Tension set brackets greatly improve the effort and time needed to adjust self-storage roll-up doors.

Latches

Latches keep the doors closed and the storage unit’s contents safe. The stainless steel and Apex latches maintain their integrity through the years. The latches are constructed with limited pry points and double padlock compatibility.

Our door experts designed the lock for our self-storage doors with the industry standard stainless steel latch or Apex latches to ensure that integrity is maintained through the years and self-storage unit contents remain safe.

Paying attention to these details and considering a coordinated system from the door manufacturer helps to reduce unexpected issues during construction or operation of a self-storage facility. To learn more, contact your local MBCI representative and sign up for our newsletter to subscribe to our blog.