Selecting the right smoking shelter is crucial for providing comfort and safety. Discover what factors to consider when choosing a shelter that fits your space, capacity, and weather conditions while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
As more businesses and public spaces adapt to regulations on smoking, providing a comfortable and designated smoking area has become essential. Whether you’re managing a company, café, or outdoor space, choosing the right smoking shelter requires careful consideration. You want a shelter that fits your space, meets your budget, and suits the needs of those using it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to help you select the perfect smoking shelter for your setting.
Why a Smoking Shelter is Important
A smoking shelter is more than just a designated area for smokers—it’s a space that provides safety, convenience, and protection from the elements. Offering a dedicated area for smokers also shows consideration for non-smokers and helps comply with local regulations.
Benefits of Installing a Smoking Shelter
- Compliance with Regulations: Smoking shelters help businesses comply with local laws and guidelines on outdoor smoking.
- Improved Cleanliness: Keeps cigarette waste contained in one area, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
- Increased Comfort: Offers smokers protection from harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow.
- Positive Business Image: Providing a designated smoking area demonstrates consideration for all guests or employees, promoting a professional image.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Smoking Shelter
When selecting a smoking shelter, evaluating several factors is important to ensure it meets your space and users’ needs. Here’s what to consider:
Space Availability
The size of your outdoor area plays a significant role in determining which smoking shelter is right for you. Measure the area where you plan to install the shelter to ensure you choose one that fits comfortably without overcrowding the space. Be sure to leave enough room for foot traffic around the shelter.
Shelter Capacity
How many people will typically use the smoking shelter at once? The capacity of your shelter will depend on the number of users. A larger shelter may be needed for spaces with heavy foot traffic, such as large offices, schools, or shopping malls. For smaller businesses, a compact shelter may suffice.
Weather Conditions
Consider the climate in your location. If you live in an area prone to heavy rain or wind, look for a shelter with full coverage and sturdy materials to withstand the elements. In colder climates, a partially enclosed or heated shelter may provide additional comfort for users during winter.
Material and Durability
The materials used to construct your smoking shelter will determine its durability and longevity. Most shelters are made from materials like steel, aluminium, or polycarbonate. Each material has its benefits:
- Steel shelters are durable, weather-resistant, and secure.
- Aluminium shelters are lightweight and resistant to rust, making them ideal for areas with high humidity.
- Polycarbonate shelters offer good visibility and UV protection, which can be beneficial in sunny regions.
Choose a material that aligns with your local weather conditions and long-term maintenance needs.
Ventilation and Airflow
Proper ventilation is essential in smoking shelters to ensure smoke dissipates and doesn’t create an uncomfortable environment for users. Look for shelters with open sides or slatted roofs for natural airflow. Well-ventilated shelters also prevent smoke from accumulating inside, keeping the area fresher for longer.
Aesthetic Design
Your smoking shelter should blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Many shelters come in various designs, from modern and sleek to traditional styles. Consider choosing a shelter that complements your building’s architecture or outdoor landscaping.
Additionally, consider adding optional extras like planters, benches, or signage to enhance the smoking shelter’s appearance and make it more inviting for users.
Popular Types of Smoking Shelters
Several types of smoking shelters are available, each catering to different needs and spaces. Understanding the various options can help you choose the one that best suits your requirements.
Wall-Mounted Smoking Shelters
These shelters are attached directly to a building’s exterior wall. They save space and are ideal for businesses with limited outdoor areas. Wall-mounted shelters typically offer partial protection from the elements and are cost-effective.
Freestanding Smoking Shelters
Freestanding shelters are versatile and can be placed anywhere on your property. They provide more coverage and protection from the weather, making them suitable for larger outdoor spaces. Freestanding shelters often have a more substantial capacity, accommodating more users simultaneously.
Enclosed Smoking Shelters
Enclosed shelters offer the highest protection from wind, rain, and cold. These shelters are ideal for locations with extreme weather conditions or where a more private and sheltered space is preferred. Some enclosed shelters also include heating systems, making them comfortable year-round.
Canopy-Style Smoking Shelters
Canopy shelters provide partial coverage, shielding users from sun or light rain. They are suitable for areas with mild weather conditions and offer a sleek, minimalist design. Canopy-style shelters are often used in public parks or outdoor shopping areas.
Customization Options for Smoking Shelters
Many smoking shelters offer customisation options to match your specific needs. Here are some standard features you may want to consider when choosing or designing your shelter:
Seating
Providing seating can enhance user comfort if your smoking shelter is likely to be used frequently or for extended periods. Benches or individual chairs can be added to most shelter designs.
Lighting
Lighting is essential for smoking areas used after dark. Built-in lighting fixtures can improve safety and visibility around the shelter. Solar-powered lighting options are available, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
Heating
For colder climates, heating can make smoking shelters more comfortable during winter. Built-in heaters or overhead heating lamps are popular choices.
Ashtrays and Waste Bins
Providing designated ashtrays or waste bins in your smoking shelter will help maintain cleanliness and encourage users to dispose of cigarette butts properly. This addition can also reduce litter and make the shelter easier to maintain.
Legal Considerations for Smoking Shelters
It’s crucial to ensure your smoking shelter complies with local regulations. In many areas, smoking shelters must meet specific requirements to be legally permitted, such as distance from building entrances or ventilation standards. Always check with your local authorities before installing a smoking shelter to ensure you adhere to legal guidelines.
Common Legal Guidelines
- Minimum distance from entrances, windows, or air vents.
- Ventilation standards to ensure proper airflow.
- Permitted materials that are fire-resistant and durable.
- Accessibility requirements for all users, including those with disabilities.
To Sum Up
Choosing the right smoking shelter is an important decision that affects both your business and the comfort of your visitors or employees. You can select a shelter that fits your needs by considering factors like space, capacity, material, and local regulations. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted, freestanding, or enclosed design, investing in a well-constructed smoking shelter will improve user experience, promote cleanliness, and demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for smokers.
