Dock shelters can keep your loading dock area safe and comfortable by keeping weather and pests out of your building, while keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs. Welch Equipment provides, installs and services solutions from the top producers of dock shelters in the country.
What Is A Dock Shelter?
Almost all dock shelters are constructed with a metal or wood frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fabric and/or fiberglass is generally affixed to the perimeter and fabric curtains attach to the face of the shelter. These curtains seal the perimeter of the trailer when it’s flush to the warehouse door opening. Generally, shelters are used for larger door openings, and in operations where there is less uniformity in truck heights. On average, shelters may achieve about 70% air flow efficiency.
Rigid Dock Shelter
By far the most popular, rigid shelters are widely used for oversized openings in applications where there is less consistency in trailer height and complete access to the back of the trailer is required. Rigid sides and head frames are braced by steel supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass sides to allow sunlight during daytime operations. The head frame doubles as an awning to protect the loading dock from rain and snow.
Inflatable Dock Shelter
Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, surround the perimeter of the trailer enabling unrestricted ingress and egress 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 door and/or the dock leveler, where the shelter is allowed to inflate only if the dock leveler and door are in the appropriate positions. Many sizes and shapes of inflatable shelters are available for a wide range of uses.
What’s The Difference Between A Dock Seal And Dock Shelter?
Seals are constructed with compression foam covered with durable fabric. They’re attached around the perimeter of a dock door. They allow for a firm seal when a trailer is against the door.
Shelters, on the other hand, consist of a frame that surrounds the dock door with drapes attached to the frame. When a truck approaches the bay, the drapes surround the trailer entry and create a seal.
Dock Shelters Near Me
To get more information about dock shelter capabilities and options, speak 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.
