Built For Texas Extremes: Five Weather-Resilient Self-Storage Components and Designs

by Andrew Wilson, Central States Inc.
August 21, 2025

Each year, structures in Texas face some of the most extreme weather in the country. And since it’s happening year after year, builders, contractors and property owners must make educated decisions when choosing construction materials and project designs or face the consequences.

Texas Severe Weather

Hurricanes and High Winds – Since the 1850s, more than 60 hurricanes have hit Texas, including 10 Category 4 storms. The most recent and one of the most devastating, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, caused an estimated $125 billion in damage, making it the second most costly hurricane to ever hit the U.S. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is projecting above-average activity and forecasts up to five major hurricanes.

Hail and Tornadoes – Further inland, the severe threats persist. Texas is considered America’s hail capital, recording more hailstorms than any other state. These storms cause an average of $338 million in property damage every year, with some years exceeding $1 billion in damage. And not only is Texas hail frequent and costly, but it’s also increasing. Texas recorded 529 hail events in 2024, a 167% increase over the previous year. And Texas averages 132 tornadoes per year, the highest number of any state.

Heat – If high winds, driving rain, tornadoes and hail aren’t hard enough on a structure, Texas records some of the hottest temperatures in the country, along with oppressive humidity levels that can wreak havoc on subpar construction materials. Already this year, Texas has broken heat records with temperatures over 105 degrees Fahrenheit as early as May.

Five Severe Weather Solutions for Self-Storage Owners

In the self-storage industry, doors are more than just access points—they are vital components of facility security, durability and tenant satisfaction—especially when it comes to exterior doors that serve as the “Sentry” for the precious property inside. Their ability to withstand environmental stressors is especially critical in areas like Texas which are prone to extreme weather.

The U.S. has approximately 50,000 to 60,000 self-storage facilities nationwide and as many as 40% of those are in regions with high climate volatility, according to FEMA and NOAA climate zone maps. This puts an estimated 5.25 million exterior self-storage doors in the direct path of some of the nation’s most extreme weather. The materials and components used to manufacture exterior storage doors are incredibly important in ensuring everyday performance and durability during extreme weather scenarios.

1. Heavier Gauge Material – High-quality steel is the material of choice for most self-storage doors due to its strength and resistance to wear, but not all doors are made from the same steel gauge, thickness or quality. There are also significant ranges of thickness within a given steel gauge. Central States specs some of the highest quality steel on the market for its components and their Sentry door line features double-seamed curtains, reinforced seams, heavier gauge material and the most robust bottom bars in the storage door industry.

2. Enhanced Door Seams and Bottom Bars – Door seam integrity plays a vital role in keeping doors aligned and sealed against moisture intrusion, pests and temperature fluctuations. Poorly sealed seams can lead to warping, rust and operational failure over time. Similarly, the bottom bar or angle, an often-overlooked component, provides foundational support and helps maintain door alignment under pressure, including those created by weather events. A strong bottom bar resists bending and ensures smooth rolling or swinging action, even after years of use.

3. Higher Quality Springs – Spring style and quality is what determines the performance of roll-up door movement. Historically, roll-up doors have included standard springs, but a new product innovation, now being used in the new Sentry Doors and Hallway Systems line, is using ASTM 228 “music grade” wire for these springs. This enhanced wire has shown superior performance in fatigue, shear and tensile strength tests and has shown outstanding corrosion resistance, even when faced with extended exposure to salt spray. These enhanced springs are pre-galvanized and require no greasing, greatly improving durability and reducing maintenance time. Additionally, steel specification can also show less relaxation after extended cycling meaning less fewer adjustments to tension for the life of the product.

4. Enhanced Clips, Latches and Locks – In areas prone to high winds, select doors designed with additional fastening locations and options for 12-gauge wind clips to assist in wind load resistance. Look for products with enhanced wind ratings and building code approvals specific to high-wind areas. Latches and locks made from quality steel and featuring robust fasteners can also aid in door resilience to certain types of weather events.

5. Coatings and Design – Adding an extra layer of steel protection through processes like galvanization or by using enhanced paint systems, can reduce corrosion, including corrosion caused by excessive moisture, a smart addition in areas with high humidity levels. And some storage facility owners are finding clever ways to provide better circulation for their units in high humidity and temperature regions by using open-top partitions paired with burglar bars in interior hallways, rather than full-height unit walls to improve airflow.

In regions prone to hurricanes, hail, tornadoes or extreme heat, the choice of door and hallway materials and design can significantly impact a facility’s operational longevity and tenant satisfaction. Investing in weather-resilient doors—those built with corrosion-resistant metals, reinforced seams, enhanced springs, clever design and climate-adaptive coatings—helps facility owners mitigate risks associated with climate volatility. These design choices not only reduce maintenance costs and downtime but also protect stored goods and enhance the overall customer experience.

Ultimately, weather-resilient, well-engineered doors and hallways are more than a feature—they’re a strategic investment in the long-term success of a self-storage facility.

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