A Deluge of Trouble: Addressing Water Infiltration in a Self-Storage Environment

Water that infiltrates self-storage buildings can be a nightmare for facility operators and their tenants. Not only does it threaten structural integrity, it can damage stored possessions. Understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to prevent and remediate permeation is crucial for maintaining the safety, function and reputation of your business.

The Risks

Water infiltration can lead to a myriad of problems in a self-storage environment. Here are the key risks:

The Signs

Early detection of self-storage water infiltration is crucial for minimizing damage and preventing costly repairs. Here are some common signs for which to watch:

Prevention and Remediation

Preventing water infiltration and responding promptly when it occurs is essential to the well-being of your self-storage facility and the people who use it. Here are some effective strategies:

Identify and repair sources of entry. Conduct a thorough inspection to look for the source of infiltration such as leaky pipes, damaged roofing or poor drainage. Repairing these issues is the first step in remediation.

Improve drainage. Ensure that gutters, downspouts and other drainage components are clear and functioning properly to redirect water away from the building.

Seal cracks and gaps. This includes your exterior walls, foundation, windows and doors.

Focus on waterproofing. Apply coatings to exterior and basement walls and floors to create a barrier against moisture. Over time, the membrane that was applied to these surfaces during construction will degrade (assuming it was ever there in the first place). A fresh application can be a major investment that involves shutting down drive aisles and full-depth excavation. It’s always best to investigate less invasive solutions.

Install sump pumps. These are effective at removing excess water from basements or crawl spaces, however, they do require ongoing maintenance. Before going this route, consider the possibility of “gravity drainage to daylight,” a process that uses gravity to move water away from a point of collection (for example, an appliance) to a lower point of exit.

Use dehumidifiers. These can maintain optimal humidity levels within your self-storage buildings, reducing the risk of mold growth and other moisture-related issues.

Remove mold. It's best to hire professionals who can safely and thoroughly eliminate the source of contamination and prevent its recurrence.

Water infiltration poses significant risks to self-storage facilities, from structural damage to health hazards. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive measures to address it is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your business. By identifying and repairing sources of water entry, improving drainage, and implementing effective remediation methods, you can minimize the risks associated with this issue and ensure a dry and secure environment for your tenants’ belongings. When necessary, partner with a qualified expert in the field.

Matt Torrance, president of Storage Solutions Advisors, is renowned for his expertise in capital budgeting, capital-expenditure project management, acquisitions and property-condition assessments. His background includes 19 years in management for a large self-storage real estate investment trust. He has a keen eye for detail and has consistently driven asset-value enhancements. To reach him, call 480.658.8370 or email [email protected].