On your loading dock, dock shelters can keep your warehouse dry and comfortable, while helping you conserve energy and keep your warehouse secure. Welch Equipment provides, installs and maintains products from some of the world’s top dock shelter manufacturers.
What Is A Dock Shelter?
Most dock shelters are constructed with a wood or metal frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fiberglass or fabric is generally fastened to the outer surface and fabric drapes attach to the face of the shelter. These drapes seal the sides and top of the trailer when it’s flush to the warehouse door opening. Generally, shelters are used for more substantial door frames, and in operations where there is more variability in truck sizes. Shelters can reach about 70% air flow efficiency.
Rigid Dock Shelter
Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are generally used for oversized openings in applications where there is little uniformity in trailer height and full access to the rear of the trailer is a necessity. Rigid head frames and sides are braced by metal supports that are generally configured with fiberglass surrounds to maximize light during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as an awning to shelter the dock area from rain and snow.
Inflatable Dock Shelter
Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, seal the perimeter of the trailer enabling unfettered access to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter when a truck is secured to the dock bay. Inflatable shelters are commonly part of an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter is permitted to inflate once the dock leveler and door are in the appropriate positions. Inflatable shelters come in many shapes and sizes for all types of operations.
What’s The Difference Between A Dock Seal And Dock Shelter?
Seals are made from thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re attached around the outside edges of a bay door. They allow for a tight seal when a truck backs up to the door.
Shelters, on the other hand, have a frame that surrounds the dock door with curtains attached to the frame. When a truck approaches the bay, the curtains surround the trailer entry and form a seal.
Dock Shelters Near Me
To find out more about dock shelter capabilities and options, get in touch with a loading dock equipment specialist at Welch Equipment today! Our team of highly trained experts can help with the design and specification of a wide range of dock equipment options.
