Installing a smoking shelter is a great investment for businesses and public spaces, providing designated areas for smokers while keeping entrances and communal spaces free from smoke. Smoking shelters are one of those products that are unavoidably going to be outdoors, which means they get exposed to the elements all year round.
To ensure their long life, proper function, and safe use, you need to pay attention to two things: choosing the right shelter from the start and regular maintenance.
Choosing a Smoking Shelter
When it comes to building any shelters that can withstand the harshest weather conditions, choosing the right materials is crucial. All of our smoking shelters are made of steel, typically combined with polycarbonate panels.
Steel has numerous advantages, especially galvanised steel, which is an option all our shelters come with. It is the perfect outdoor material due to how robust and corrosion-resistant it is. Galvanised steel is very strong and easily withstands heavy loads and tough weather. Due to its zinc coating, it prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching the steel underneath, giving the structure excellent protection against corrosion. These qualities make treated steel a good choice even for very humid climates and reduce the overall need for maintenance.
Polycarbonate is another durable and transparent material favoured for outdoor use. It has high impact resistance and does not crack and break in the same messy way as glass, which makes it often a preferable choice during harsh weather. Many panels made from polycarbonate have an additional UV-resistant coating, which means that there is less degradation caused by sun damage.
Choosing the right shelter from the start will set you up for less maintenance, but that doesn’t equate to no maintenance. To keep your shelter in top condition for years to come, you should still follow some practical tips like the ones below.
Inspect for Structural Integrity
Once your shelter is installed, setting up a maintenance schedule is a good idea. One of the first things you need to beware of is to regularly inspect the shelter for signs of wear and tear, as that kind of damage might make the structure dangerous for users.
You should check for things that are amiss, like loose bolts or screws that need tightening. Rust or corrosion on metal components is another issue to watch out for, and the affected areas should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Lastly, check your polycarbonate panels for holes or any other signs of breakage, which can, over time, grow into more significant issues and may need replacement.
If your smoking shelter has other elements like benches, ashtrays, or lighting, you should include them in your check. If they start to deteriorate, replace them promptly to maintain structural safety and aesthetic appeal.
The likelihood is that with a good-quality shelter, it would be years before anything breaks and truly needs replacing. However, it is good to get in the habit of making regular checks anyway because you never know when damage can occur, especially in areas prone to vandalism or extreme weather.
Secure Against Wind Damage
Speaking of extreme weather, if you are aware of it in your area, it is probably best to double-check how secure your shelter is against wind damage. Smoking shelters can be exposed to harsh weather, so ensure they remain stable by inspecting anchor points and bolts to confirm the structure is securely fastened. You may also want to reinforce connections if the shelter is in an area prone to high winds, so consider adding windbreaks or side panels for additional protection.
Prevent Rust on Steel Frames
Smoking shelters are constantly exposed to the elements, which can lead to deterioration. Although steel is durable, exposure to moisture can cause rust over time. Ideally, you would have purchased a galvanised steel shelter, which would have an external layer of protection against rust, but if you haven’t, there are some steps you can take to help prevent corrosion.
Firstly, with any steel, you should occasionally wipe the steel frames to remove any build-up of salt, dirt, and pollutants that may speed up corrosion. As part of your maintenance schedule, you should also check for scratches or chips in the protective coating and touch up with rust-resistant paint. You can also apply an anti-corrosion treatment if the shelter is located in coastal or high-humidity areas to keep rust at bay.
Maintain Polycarbonate Panels
Polycarbonate is tough, but it requires care to prevent clouding and damage. To keep your panels looking good and serving their purpose well, you should occasionally clean them with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Inspect for cracks or discolouration and replace panels if needed. Lastly, during your maintenance checks, you should ensure that the panel fittings are secured properly to ensure panels stay in place during strong winds.
Ensure Proper Drainage
One important thing to consider when installing a shelter is drainage. Pooling water on the shelter’s roof or surrounding area—like your shelter’s legs perpetually in a puddle—can lead to premature wear. This can be avoided if the shelter is installed on an incline or if there are gutters or drainage holes in place. If they exist, you need to make sure they are kept clear of debris and leaves so they can do their job.
Another issue can be water pooling on the roof if it is flat. Many of our smoking shelter designs have a tilt or a curved roof to avoid issues like that. However, if your smoking shelter has a flat roof, make sure to check for water build-up on top and tilt the shelter slightly for better runoff.
Keep It Clean
Dirt, grime, and trash can make smoking shelters look unkempt over time. To prevent litter build-up and keep the shelter clean, you should install cigarette bins and regularly empty them.
You should also set a routine for cleaning the shelter, including wiping down the polycarbonate panels and the frames to remove any build-up of dirt, salt or other pollutants. You should also sweep the floor area regularly to remove cigarette butts, ash, and debris just for general hygiene and cleanliness purposes.
Encourage User Responsibility
Lastly, we always recommend encouraging users to treat the space well. Regular maintenance is easier when users respect the shelter. You can display signage encouraging proper use, such as “Use Ashtrays, Keep the Area Clean,” and consider installing CCTV or placing the shelter in a high-traffic area to discourage vandalism. However, remember that to keep the space tidy and clean, users need access to bins in convenient locations, so don’t skip that part when you are installing.
By following these maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your smoking shelter, ensuring it remains a safe, attractive, and functional space for users. Regular upkeep enhances durability and helps maintain compliance with health and safety regulations.