If you’re a Dallas-Fort Worth resident, you’re likely familiar with our local soil, often referred to as “gumbo.” DFW clay has a low infiltration rate, which means that water is less able to penetrate the ground. As a result, puddling can quickly become an issue for homes and businesses alike. This makes managing runoff a priority for property owners. It also becomes a critical issue when it comes to placing temporary structures like portable storage containers.
While it might seem like an afterthought, you should take care when it comes to placing storage containers on residential, commercial or industrial properties in and around Dallas-Fort Worth. Storage container drainage issues in DFW often rank high on the list of considerations when determining where a temporary structure can be placed on a property. Let’s take a look at how runoff and drainage affect storage container placement in DFW and how you might better prepare your property or placement planning for this local concern.
What To Know About Runoff and Drainage in DFW
So, what, exactly, is runoff? This refers to precipitation that flows over or pools above the ground rather than soaking into the soil. This can present issues for property owners if a proper drainage system isn’t in place to direct runoff away from foundations and critical infrastructure.
Here’s a fun fact with that in mind: the DFW area can average about 37 inches of rainfall every year. When you combine the area’s clay-rich soil with its relatively flat landscape and widespread urbanization, you should expect water to accumulate quickly, creating both surface and subsurface issues. Even homes with good drainage can and will experience some runoff problems.
What Does This Mean for Storage Containers and Drainage in DFW?
Steel shipping containers and portable storage units are typically designed to be weather-resistant. What’s key here is understanding that weather-resistant doesn’t necessarily mean weather-proof. In fact, there’s not much around that’s actually “weatherproof.” A good analogy here is fireproof compared to fire-resistant. Many items are fire-resistant, but very few items are fireproof.
With that in mind, it’s important to know that portable storage containers can sustain damage from excessive moisture. This often leads to rust, mold and compromised integrity. Even more concerning, improper placement of a portable storage container can actually obstruct runoff or water flow. This can cause water to pool around the container and even redirect it toward other structures that might be more vulnerable to flooding. So, yes, improper placement can cause drainage issues, storage container damage and damage to the contents within low-lying areas around the DFW area.
This is why understanding and assessing runoff and drainage patterns is essential when it comes to placing your storage container. If you’re placing a container on your property, you should make a note of low-lying spots and slopes as well as how water drains in and around the area. Even subtle changes in elevation can have a big impact due to the aforementioned Dallas “gumbo” that is our clay-heavy soil. You should also note that areas with compacted soil or impenetrable surfaces such as concrete are additionally prone to runoff and pooling.
Local Regulations to Remember in Dallas-Fort Worth
Most municipalities in the DFW area actually have ordinances that govern the management of stormwater as it regards the placement of temporary structures such as portable storage containers. If you place a container in such a way that it impedes drainage or redirects runoff onto neighboring properties you might find yourself facing a stiff penalty and/or fine. Before you place your portable storage container, it might be a good idea to check with city and county planning departments so that you are familiar with how those regulations might affect you.
The Consequences of Storage Container Drainage Issues
Aside from the potential fines for poorly placed units, there can be consequences when it comes to storage container drainage issues in Dallas-Fort Worth. Improper storage container placement can create hazards and issues with infrastructure. As an example, water pooling around the base can accelerate problems with steel containers, which can then lead to corrosion and costly repairs.
It should come as no surprise to you that standing water will also foster mold and mildew growth inside the container. This is especially true if the container is not watertight. Under these extreme circumstances, you should expect water or mold damage to any materials or valuables contained within. Also, if a container does take on water this might create a shift as the container settles. This, in turn, could create a number of safety concerns complicating access to the container.
Season and Climate Considerations
Long-time DFW residents are aware that the climate in and around Dallas-Fort Worth is characterized by weather patterns that can deliver intense rainfall followed by extended droughts. During those wetter seasons you can be sure that those many poorly drained sites will saturate quickly. When the drier seasons arrive, the clay soil can then shrink and crack. Both extremes can affect the stability of storage containers if they are not properly placed. If you want to avoid storage container drainage issues, it’s important to know your property and how runoff might affect temporary containers if they are placed in questionable locations around your home or business.
At SAM Store and Move, we have over two decades of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so you can be sure that we have seen it all. If you have any questions about storage containers and, especially, how runoff and drainage might affect your storage container placement, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also get your free, no-obligation quote online.