Why Loading Dock Door Seals are a Must Have
Loading dock door seals and shelters are designed to improve energy conservation, help preserve internal temperatures, and protect products from outdoor contaminants. A number of configurations are available on the market today, including compression dock seals, standard dock shelters, and inflatable seals. There are also many hybrid options to consider.
Of course, choosing the right dock seal for your loading dock area will depend on specific site criteria and dock applications. For example, if you handle frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, or other products that require higher levels of temperature control and cleanliness, your best option may be a compression seal or an adjustable inflatable shelter. On the other hand, a stationary inflatable shelter can expand to accommodate variances in trailer size, making them the perfect choice for facilities that encounter a wide range of trailer traffic. Regardless of facility operations, loading dock door seals are a must have. But what exactly are loading dock seals and shelters?
What Is a Loading Dock Door Seal?
The loading dock is a bustling area of any warehouse that facilitates the loading and unloading of goods from trailers. This high-traffic platform must accommodate workers, machinery, and products. Loading dock door seals are mounted around the perimeter of dock doors to form an airtight seal around three sides of the transport vehicle. Basically, a dock seal becomes an extension of the warehouse itself, allowing trucks to compress into a covered space that provides protection from the elements.
The Benefits of Loading Dock Door Seals
In order to create a safe and efficient loading dock area, dock seals are crucial. Loading dock door seals have numerous benefits to offer both employers and workers alike. Investing in the right dock seal for your warehouse will ensure a more cohesive, productive environment for everyone involved. Here’s a closer look at why loading dock seals and shelters are a must-have:
- Improved Energy Conservation – Dock seals prevent air exchange during the loading and unloading of goods. Rather than letting in the frigid cold or sweltering humidity of the outdoors, loading dock areas remain at a comfortable temperature when warehouse doors are sealed. Reducing energy with a dock seal has many benefits, including protecting the environment, significantly reducing utility bills, earning a great return on your investment, and enhancing quality of life (or in this case, everyday working conditions).
- Preservation of Indoor Temperatures – By preserving indoor temperatures through the use of loading dock door seals, workers are protected from potential environmental threats such as smoke inhalation due to forest fires or smog from greenhouse emissions. Seals are also helpful in reducing temperature fluctuations that lead to condensation, potentially causing a slip and fall hazard for workers. Additionally, the risk of inclement weather no longer poses a direct threat to worker safety or productivity. With improved health and working conditions comes increased employee morale and significant cost savings, e.g., more presenteeism, higher employee retention rate, fewer accident claims and payouts, etc.
- Product Protection from Outdoor Contaminants – Just as frontline workers require protection from outdoor contaminants, product itself must also be protected. Loading dock door seals create a solid barrier between the product and the elements. This is especially relevant for companies that deal with perishable food items or pharmaceuticals that require precision temperature control. When loading and unloading these types of goods in a time-sensitive environment, a dock seal offers all the protection you need to ensure fast and safe delivery of sound product.
Loading Dock Door Seals Are a Must-Have
Ultimately, loading dock door seals are critical to the loading dock area. While specific requirements may vary by company, industry, product, site criteria, and dock applications, many different types of dock seals are available in today’s marketplace. Whatever your precise warehouse situation, there is a loading dock door seal designed to meet your distinct needs. Some of the top benefits of loading dock door seals include improved energy usage, the preservation of indoor temperatures, and product protection from outdoor contaminants. When taken collectively, each of these benefits complement one another to create additional advantages:
- Environmental protection (in the fight against climate change)
- A great return on your investment
- Decrease in utility bills with increase in company revenue
- Enhanced safety for frontline workers with reduced workplace injuries
- Lower absenteeism and higher employee retention rates
- Improved productivity with fewer complications/logistical challenges
As you can see, the purchase of loading dock seals and shelters is well worth the investment. A loading dock area without a dock seal is forever at the mercy of environmental conditions. Whether you select a standard dock seal or an inflatable shelter (or anything in between), the choice is clear. Loading dock door seals are a must-have in every manufacturing facility.