ralphgoodman
March 19, 2017
Category: Security, Storage Space
5 Security Considerations To Make When Building A Storage Space
Security is an incredibly important part of a storage space. It is one of many variables to consider before you renovate. No one wants what they are storing to be at risk of theft or damage. And the building itself also needs to be protected. For those reasons, security considerations are important to make during the designing and building process. So here is what you should think about.
1. Doors
The main points of entry on a storage structure determine the methods of protection. Overhead doors (like a garage) and sliding doors (like a gable style barn) are very common for these types of buildings, as they offer the largest opening. This is ideal for storing vehicles, boats, and any other large equipment that requires an entry way with greater height and width. Often you will be forced to use a padlock with these types of doors.
The building may also use more traditional hinged doors, which should be strengthened. Strengthening a door is made a whole lot easier by investing in a quality solid core door. These are different from the lighter composite doors used on the interior of the home. With a door, a criminal is always going to try and break it open. This is usually done with kicking attacks focused on breaking the material of the door. The weak points on the door are the hinges, the hardware side (where the locks are installed), and the strike plate. Adding metal and using longer securing screws to these areas will be enough to strengthen most doors against these attacks.
2. Exterior Lighting
Exterior lights are perfect for both security and safety. The better illumination around the storage structure, the safer it is. Light keeps anyone accessing the space at night from stepping on hazardous materials that could lead to falls, cuts, slips, etc. It also allows you to see the perimeter of the building from further away. With no darkness to hide in, burglars and vandals will be discouraged from even approaching the structure.
Motion sensor lights are ideal because the will activate when you need them, and also alert you and anyone viewing the structure, that someone is around. Lights get people’s attention, and they show you what is going on. And if you are using smart home technology, time operated lights can even give the appearance that someone is home, even when no one is.
3. Locks
A lock on a storage building needs to be sturdy more than anything else. As I mentioned in the sections above, bolt cutters and violent entry attacks are most common. This is because such methods are easy to perform and require very little practice. So a lock needs to have a high metal content and be resistant to cutting, drilling, prying, etc. The best metals are not hardened steel, as these products can deceptively have a simply hardened steel coating. Alloys are a safer bet, especially boron steel alloys.
Locks on more conventional doors should have as much metal as possible. Because a lock must be installed into a hole, this creates a lack of strong material on the hardware side of the door. The more metal within the lock construction, the more secure that gap is. Make sure that any lock changes are done correctly, as a door must properly shut and lock in order to get the best security.
4. Windows
Windows will often appear in a storage space when the intention is to use this space for more than storage, such as a workshop. Natural light and ventilation should not be major concerns if you are only looking to pack things away. However, in the case of a dual purpose storage space, or even a storage space that will frequently be visited, a window (or windows) may be desired. It is important that you consider energy efficiency in aspects of the building such as windows and lighting. As soon as you add a window, the threat of vandalism and burglary increase.
Storage structures on residential properties do not have an issue with window vandalism as much as those stored on the commercial property. However, burglary attempts depend more on location than property type. A criminal can enter through a broken window, depending on the size, or even break the glass and reach in, stealing without fully entering. They can also see what is inside, and where things are stored. Window tints and security film can solve most of these issues and can make the glass scratch and shatter resistant (depending on the specific product).
5. Pest Protection
Depending on where you live and what you are storing, there could be a number of potential pests threatening your stored materials. Rodents can cause a lot of damage and enter very easily through even the smallest of gaps. The more water tight the structure is, the better protected you will be from such pests. A solid foundation for the building is also essential. If critters can enter from the ground, they will do so.
Bugs and insects are much harder to protect from, but will often not compromise the security of the structure. In the case of metal buildings, burrowing insects are not a concern. Raccoons are the worst pest to be plagued with. Lights do not scare them off. They find ways around fencing, even if it is electrified. However, with locked doors, no pet entrances, and closed windows, the building should remain secure.
Conclusion
By taking these factors into consideration, you can make sure that your storage space is as safe as possible. What good is the investment without security? With better security, there is peace of mind. So take the time to protect what you build, and rest easier.
Article contributed by Ralph Goodman