When customizing outdoor kiosks, the most headache-inducing issues for customers are the problems of leakage and deformation due to sun exposure in the later stage. After spending a lot of money on customization, the top leaks and damages the goods after half a year of use, and the outer shell fades and cracks due to sun exposure. This not only affects business but also requires spending money on repairs, which is not worth it.
For so many years, we have been engaged in custom commercial furniture factories and have come into contact with too many customers who have fallen into traps due to neglecting the details of waterproofing and sun protection. In fact, the waterproofing and sun protection of outdoor kiosks are not achieved by piling up a single material. Instead, every small detail from design, material selection to craftsmanship must be done well to withstand wind and sun exposure.
1.Top waterproofing
The most problematic part of an outdoor kiosk is the top. Whether it’s heavy rain or light rain, as long as the waterproofing at the top is not done well, rainwater will seep into the pavilion through the gaps, causing damage to the goods and electrical appliances. It will be particularly troublesome to repair them later.
Here, it is important to emphasize that top waterproofing is not just about applying a layer of waterproof glue. The key lies in the combination of “slope, material, and sealing”. Firstly, the top must have a slope, and it is recommended to control it at around 30 degrees. This way, rainwater can flow away quickly without water accumulation, and it won’t be too steep to affect the overall aesthetics of the kiosk. Secondly, the material should be water-resistant and sun-resistant, such as color steel plates and polycarbonate sheets. Ordinary plastic sheets should be avoided as they become brittle when exposed to the sun and leak when soaked.
- Here’s a real case to share
Previously, a client customized an outdoor kiosk. To save money, they asked us to use ordinary iron sheets for the top. They didn’t even make a slope and just simply applied a layer of waterproof paint. Just after one month of use, a heavy rain caused severe leakage. All the snacks and drinks inside the pavilion were soaked and spoiled, resulting in considerable losses. Later, we made rectifying the situation for the client. We replaced the top with thickened color steel plates, made a 30° slope, sealed all the joints with weather-resistant waterproof glue, and added a layer of waterproof membrane. It has been in use for more than two years and there has been no leakage problem since then.
2.Choose the right material
The walls of outdoor kiosks must not only keep out the rain but also withstand the intense sunlight. If the material is not properly selected, it will fade, crack and deform in no time, which not only affects the appearance but also shortens the service life.
Many customers ask, what material is the most practical for wall surfaces? We do not recommend ordinary wooden boards and plastic boards – wooden boards are prone to moisture and mold, and plastic boards will turn yellow and become brittle after exposure to the sun. It is suggested to give priority to choosing aluminum-plastic boards or galvanized steel plates. These two materials are not only waterproof and sun-resistant, but also do not fade easily and are easy to clean. They are particularly worry-free to maintain in the later stage.
- Case reference
Let me share a customer case with you all: There was a client who wanted to build a kiosk in a scenic area. At first, he wanted to choose wooden boards, thinking that the appearance was of high quality. We repeatedly reminded him that there was a lot of rain and sunlight outdoors in the scenic area, and wooden boards would have problems in no time. However, the client still insisted. Less than half a year later, the wall began to mold and crack, and the color faded severely. There was no choice but to have it custom-made again. Later, we switched to the fluorocarbon baked paint steel plate we recommended. After three years of use, the wall remained intact, without fading or cracking. The customer also regretted not following the advice back then.
3. Gap sealing
Many people customize outdoor kiosks, only focusing on the materials of the top and walls, but neglecting the sealing of the gaps. This is actually a “fatal flaw” in waterproofing. At the seams of the doors and Windows of the kiosk, the joints of the walls, and the junctions of the top and the walls, even the slightest gap will allow rainwater to seep in through them. Over time, this not only leads to leakage but also corrodes the internal structure.
Here’s a practical tip for everyone: Use “weather-resistant sealant” for all gaps instead of ordinary glass glue. Ordinary glass glue will age and crack after exposure to the sun, and lose its sealing effect within half a year. However, weather-resistant sealant is resistant to high temperatures and rain, and can maintain its sealing performance for a long time, with a service life of at least five years or more.
- Example reference
Previously, there was a client who had an outdoor kiosk for a shopping mall. When customizing, we applied weather-resistant sealant to all the gaps. However, the client thought the cost was too high and secretly asked the workers to replace it with ordinary glass glue. As soon as the rainy season began, a water leakage problem emerged. Rainwater seeped into the pavilion through the gaps in the doors and Windows, damaging all the electronic devices inside. Later, we replaced all the gaps with weather-resistant sealant, and there has been no more leakage. The customer also fully understood that the cost of gap sealing cannot be saved.
4.Sun protection coating
Outdoor kiosks exposed to the sun for a long time will not only fade and deform, but also cause the temperature inside the kiosk to be too high. In summer, the kiosk is like a “steamer”, making the staff uncomfortable and affecting the preservation of goods (such as chocolates and beverages that are prone to melting).
The simplest and most effective way to solve this problem is to apply a special sun protection coating to the kiosk. This coating can reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. It not only prevents the outer shell of the kiosk from fading and aging, but also lowers the temperature inside the kiosk, making the working environment for the staff more comfortable and better protecting the goods inside the kiosk.
- A case of a milk tea kiosk
A client who runs an outdoor vending booth for a milk tea shop reported that the temperature inside the booth was too high in summer, which made the milk tea prone to spoilage and the staff often suffered from heatstroke. After understanding the situation, we sprayed a special sunscreen coating on the top and walls of the kiosk. After the spraying, the temperature inside the kiosk dropped by about 8℃ directly. The milk tea has never gone bad again, and the staff also said they felt much more comfortable. Moreover, after a year of exposure to the sun, the appearance of the kiosk remains as good as new, without any problems such as fading or cracking.
5.Moisture-proof at the bottom
Many people only pay attention to the waterproofing of the top and walls, but neglect the moisture-proofing of the bottom. Especially in rainy and humid areas, the dampness of the ground can cause mold and corrosion at the bottom of the kiosk, seriously affecting its service life and also causing the goods inside the kiosk to become damp and deteriorate.
The core of bottom moisture-proofing lies in “suspended + waterproof”. It is recommended that the bottom of the kiosk be raised by 10 to 15 centimeters to avoid direct contact with the ground and prevent moisture from the ground from seeping in. At the same time, waterproof membranes should be laid at the bottom and then a layer of moisture-proof paint should be applied for double protection. This can not only prevent moisture from penetrating but also prevent rainwater from soaking.
- The reason for doing so
Previously, a customer custom-made an outdoor kiosk in a rainy area in the south without doing any bottom lifting or moisture-proof treatment. As a result, within less than a year of use, the bottom began to mold, corrode, and even deform. The snacks and daily necessities inside the kiosk also frequently got damp and moldy. Later, we carried out a thorough rectification for the client. We raised the bottom by 12cm, laid waterproof membranes, and applied moisture-proof paint. After the rectification, no matter how heavy the rain was, the pavilion would never become damp again, and there were no more problems of mold or corrosion at the bottom.
6.Hardware accessories
The hardware accessories of outdoor kiosks, such as door and window hinges, locks and handles, although small components, if not selected properly, are prone to rust and jamming after being washed by rain and exposed to the sun. This not only affects their use but also damages the kiosk’s sealing performance, leading to leakage.
Here is a clear reference for everyone: All hardware accessories should be made of 304 stainless steel. The 304 stainless steel material is waterproof, rust-proof and sun-resistant. Whether it is washed by rain or exposed to the sun, it will not rust or get stuck. It has a long service life and does not need to be replaced frequently in the later stage, which can save a lot of trouble.
- For example
Previously, a client customized an outdoor kiosks. To save costs, they chose ordinary iron hardware accessories. However, within less than half a year, the hardware began to rust, the hinges of the doors and Windows got stuck, and the doors couldn’t be opened. The locks also rusted and failed. Moreover, the rusted hardware would pollute the walls and affect the appearance. Later, we replaced the 304 stainless steel hardware parts for the customer. They have been in use for more than three years and remain in perfect condition without any rusting or jamming.
As a custom commercial furniture factory, Myidea has been dedicated to customizing outdoor kiosks for many years. We have come into contact with various customization demands for outdoor environments and have also helped many customers solve the problems of waterproofing and sun protection. All the above details are the experiences we have summarized from practical operations. There are no complicated professional terms, and they are easy to understand. Whether you are customizing by yourself or cooperating with a factory, you can directly refer to them to avoid making mistakes.
If you are also customizing outdoor kiosks and don’t know how to control the details of waterproofing and sun protection, or have specific customization needs, you can contact us at any time. We will provide you with the most practical customization solution based on your usage environment and budget, so that you can avoid detours and use it with peace of mind.
