Whether you’re building a guard shack for a stadium, campus, event venue, or other facility, Texas weather presents a variety of challenges. From severe storms to summer heat waves and winter freezes, your guard shack in the Lone Star State has to withstand all the extremes that nature has to offer. Learn how to build a guard shack that can handle everything the Texas climate brings.
Choose Materials that Repel Heat
Keeping your guard shack cool in sweltering Texas temperatures starts with materials that reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Concrete is a material that both stays cool and provides the strength you need to keep your guard shack safe. Choose light paint colors, such as white, cream, or gray, especially for the roof of your guard shack. Reflective coatings can also help beat the heat.
Don’t Skip the Air Conditioning
Texas summers are far too hot to eschew air conditioning. Make sure your guard shack is equipped with an efficient HVAC system. You can have this system installed later, or choose a built-to-order guard shack with an HVAC system already included. Window units are an option for guard shacks that don’t have air conditioning, but these units are less efficient. Improper installation of window units can also compromise your guard shack’s security by leaving an opening for intruders.
Ensure Adequate Insulation
Although Texas is famous for hot weather, the state also experiences plenty of cold snaps in the winter. Make sure your guard shack has adequate amounts of quality insulation in the exterior walls and above the ceiling. Insulation pulls double duty by keeping heat out in the summer and warmth in during the winter, which helps lower your guard shack’s utility bills throughout the year.
Protect Your Shack From Storms
The weather in Texas is unpredictable and often brings heavy storms with high winds and lots of rainfall. Keep your security personnel safe and dry with a sturdy guard shack that includes an outdoor awning. Make sure your guard shack is built to withstand the highest winds that can occur in your area. An outdoor cover provides shelter for guards on duty outside the shack, and window and door awnings keep rain from making its way inside.
Focus on Structural Durability
With all the extreme weather that Texas faces, structural durability is of the utmost importance for any guard shack. Make sure your guard shack is fully compliant with the latest codes and engineered to withstand harsh environments. A structurally sound guard shack might cost a little more money upfront, but your investment will pay off with many additional years of service.
Choose a Quality Guard Shack Builder
Don’t leave the building of your guard shack to just anyone. Guard shacks require special expertise if you want them to stand up to the elements and provide top-notch security that keeps your personnel safe. Choose a custom or prefabricated guard shack builder with many years of experience in the industry to ensure that your shack is up for the job.
If you have a business in Texas that uses a guard shack, be sure to choose one that can withstand the Texas weather.
