Self-storage building supplier Storage Structures Inc. has launched a new website and series of products to assist self-storage operators in complying with the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards that went into effect in March. StorageDisabilityProducts.com provides ramps, door kits and more.
Under the ADA's new scoping requirements, 5 percent of a self-storage facility's first 200 units and 2 percent of all units beyond 200 must be ADA accessible. For example, a 350-unit facility must provide 13 accessible spaces.
The industry was being warned about these requirements for units for years," said Heath Mulkey, president of Storage Structures. "We knew the enforcement date of March 15, 2012, was coming. I wanted to have a product prepared that was economical. Operators can do the installation themselves. They just need to provide us the measurements to make the ramps.
Products in the line include ramps for exterior units, door handles and signage. Made of G90-galvanized, 16-gauge prime steel, the ramps fit the full width of the door opening and fill in the weather-ledge recession. They also meet the ADA requirements for slope. New handles raise and lower self-storage roll-up doors. Exterior rope handles are installed 15 inches above the floor, and interior handles hang 40 to 48 inches above the floor for ease of close.
Storage Structures understands the construction requirements to make self-storage facilities compliant with the ADA standards," said Scott Zucker, an attorney specializing in self-storage law. "The installation of these products can help to avoid costly lawsuits for many operators.
Based in Villa Rica, Ga., Storage Structures specializes in self-storage design, engineering and building erection in Canada, Latin America and the United States. The company's products include single- and multi-level buildings, mezzanines, and interior walls.
