Loading doors are more than just the back door to your business. It’s an effective way to ensure that trucks get loaded and unloaded efficiently. They are ideal for commercial, retail, professional and corporate settings, and an essential part of the logistics and goods transportation industry.
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Loading dock doors come in a variety of options and styles. They can be manufactured from stainless steel, aluminium curtains, or interlocking steel. Regardless of the type, they must be solidly constructed, easily installed, and operate effortlessly with longevity. They’re designed and engineered to be stylish yet durable.
As a vital component of your business, loading dock doors must be made from high-quality materials and installed by experienced craftsmen. You need to make sure that they are in perfect working order with regular maintenance and service.
There are various types of doors available, each with a specific design depending on the application. You need to select the right one for your facility. This may seem a bit daunting, especially with new models constantly being introduced and changing truck designs. You must ensure that the productivity of the company, as well as the safety of your employees, isn’t compromised.
So before you make a decision, analyze these key areas to choose the best dock door installation for your business. Follow this simple eight-step procedure:
Step 1: Consider your specific needs.
Different operations have different demands. Make sure to choose one that matches your individual requirements. Consider the types of vehicles that will utilize the area, truck dimensions, frequency of use, and load capacities. All these factors will help determine what’s best for your company.
Step 2: Choose the right door size.
Deciding on the right door size can be a little complicated. There isn't a 'one size fits all' solution. While smaller doors are more energy efficient, they limit the size of the trucks that can be accommodated. Conversely, a wider one will facilitate bigger trucks, but you can expect a higher energy bill.
Ten feet is the standard door opening height. However, every facility has its own structural specifications. Consider the materials that have been used, and weigh your options before choosing a door size. The number of trucks you service daily, their sizes, and future expansion plans for the facility can also influence your choice.
Step 3: Put employee safety first.
When selecting any equipment, one of the greatest areas of concern these days is employee safety. Loading docks are chaotic, with lots of moving parts and potential hazards. Aim to keep your employees safe and enforce protocols to avoid accidents. Therefore, it's vital that the loading doors operate properly. That is why it's important to select a company with years of experience, the right credentials, and adequate training in the field. During installation, check the overall quality of products and verify all safety procedures have been followed.
Step 4: Look for smooth operation.
Convenience is a crucial aspect of installing a loading dock door. For optimum productivity, you want one that's easy to operate by your personal, yet provides maximum security for your business.
Similarly, consider the place where you intend to install the door. Select a location keeping unhindered access in mind to avoid cross-traffic. Make sure that it’s separated from public entrances or other industrial work areas to your facility.
Step 5: Consider future maintenance costs.
Initial cost is just part of the equation. Anticipate maintenance and repair costs- vital factors of any investment in your company. Look for simplicity of design to allow ease of servicing and accessibility of components. Also, consider the frequency of required maintenance.
Step 6: Look for reliability and durability.
Think about the specific application of the door. Search for a dependable design that incorporates quality and strength. Find a model that provides reliable performance, has a longer life, and offers lower ownership costs.
Step 7: Determine the right seal.
You need to maintain a constant temperature inside of your facility, both for the sake of the merchandise and the comfort of the workers. Keeping a large facility heated or air-conditioned can be challenging. However, adding proper sealing to the loading dock doors can prevent outside air penetrating in or inside air leaking out. This can also significantly reduce your energy bill.
A simple way to determine if you have a problem in this area is to walk around the docks with the doors closed. If you feel air coming from under the doors, contemplate installing foam pads or hoods. But if the facility receives a wide range of truck sizes, you may need to utilize inflatable or hydraulic sealing systems.
Step 8: Check everything.
You're making a long-term investment, so you need to hire a reliable and reputable company. Verify testimonials and reviews by asking existing customers. Search for a company that promises to deliver complete support, whether it’s installation, maintenance, or repair. Inquire about guarantees and warranties. It’s wiser to get everything in writing. And lastly, don’t forget to ask for a product demonstration to get an idea of how the door operates.
