Nestled in the heart of Bremerton, Washington, our self-storage facility was finally under construction. It was our second winter, the buildings were taking shape, but the challenge of moisture permeating the concrete slabs loomed large. This was a pressing issue, given the threat it posed to stored goods. With a rich background in waterproofing, we believed an advanced vapor barrier could combat this moisture, yet nature had other plans.

During our frosty wet Pacific Northwest winter, we were presented with several challenges. One being clay soil that would turn into mud during the heavy rains. To overcome this, we excavated the mud, until we reached a solid subsurface, and backfilled with gravel. However, this created a moisture reservoir underneath the buildings, evident any time we excavated around the existing footings releasing water into the ditches. 

 

Despite our best efforts, moisture continued to infiltrate the slabs. As we started grading the roads and installing concrete V drains amidst harsh weather, the situation seemed overwhelming. Every time there was a heavy downpour, moisture was seeping into the slabs from below grade. Penetration of the membrane by anchors drilled in during installation of the interior walls by the subcontractor seemed to worsen the problem. It was a troubling scenario. As a new owner, our solution was to close the doors until the moisture receded (not a permanent solution).

 

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It's The Tenants Problem? I don't think so.

We sought advice from our management team. When asked how they handled such situations, they suggested the responsibility of protecting valuables from moisture lay with the tenants. A solution recommended was laying down a tarp or using a wooden pallet. But these options only seemed to exacerbate the problem. They informed us that water intrusion is a common issue in the self storage industry. 

In the midst of this, a stroke of genius hit us. During restless early morning hours, a concept that would become Raze It™ emerged. This vision resonated with the need for a solution that was not only effective but also affordable..

 

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We embarked on a journey to bring this vision to life, exploring numerous prototypes and ideas. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source - a CPAP mask packaging that boasted a lightweight yet robust structure. This propelled us to design a thermal form process panel that shared similar qualities.

Our plan was to create a 3' x 2' panel, designed to fit different boxes in a storage unit. With the help of Alejandro, our skilled engineer, we made several iterations of drawings, leading to the perfect design. After rigorous stress testing, we knew we had a strong product in our hands.

Our enthusiasm soared when we found a manufacturer keen on helping us bring our concept to life. Yet, the initial cost estimates were daunting. Determined to make Raze It™ affordable, we re-engineered the panel size and considered different materials. A tireless quest led us to our current manufacturing partner who played a key role in developing a clip system and other enhancements.

Now, we're on the verge of manufacturing Raze It™, priced at a very affordable price point. Our mission to revolutionize storage solutions is becoming a reality.  This is an exhilarating moment for our team, and we can't wait for you to experience the game-changing Raze It™, built to protect your valuable possessions from moisture.

Join us as we usher in a new era of storage solutions with Raze It™.