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Dock seals and shelters are a way to protect your warehouse and loading area from the outdoor elements and debris, such as wind, rain, dust, birds, insects and more. Seals and shelters are usually structures that are attached to the sides and top of the loading dock door.
Dock seals are more prevalent and less expensive than dock shelters. However, seals don't last as long as shelters do. Varieties include:
Foam Dock Seal
Foam dock seals are designed to provide airtight protection against weather, especially rain, as well as make for a more energy-efficient warehouse.
They are perfect for oversized dock doors where a header pad is not practical. The foam is mounted on either a wood or steel board and attached to the top and side of the dock, where it comes in contact with the truck. The foam conforms to the shape of the truck, creating an airtight seal.
Foam dock seals are an inexpensive way to make the warehouse and loading area more efficient and safe.
Foam Dock Seal with Adjustable Head
Foam dock seals are used to form a barrier between truck and loading dock area. These seals are widely used and can cut down money spent on repairs, both to the building and the truck. They also make for a more comfortable docking experience for the operator.
Foam dock seals and adjustable heads have the protective bumper around the sides, while the top of the dock is protected by a flap that can be adjusted up or down on a vertical track to securely fit trucks with a variety of top heights.
Foam Dock Seal with Head Curtain
Foam dock seals with head curtains are similar to traditional foam seals, but with a hood-style head curtain mounted on top to seal the rear end of the vehicle. The hood also wraps around the side to seal the side of the truck, making for a secure and protected docking experience.
Usually the head curtain is framed in steel to give it more structure, and allow it to stand up to wear and tear from the truck and from the elements.
Rigid Dock Shelters
Rigid dock shelters create a form fitting seal around the top and sides of the dock door and the trailer. The trailer backs up into the side and stop flaps and they conform to the trucks. Rigid dock shelters provide unobstructed access to the load in the truck, as well as protect workers from inclement weather.
Soft Sided Dock Shelter
Soft-sided dock shelters are similar to foam dock seals in that they are foam material covered in durable cloth. The shelter covers the top and sides of the dock door to seal and protect the door and the warehouse.
Like foam seals, soft sided shelters can handle more abuse that rigid shelter because they absorb trailer impact easily.
Soft-sided dock shelters are more versatile than rigid shelters because it can accommodate different types of trailers and hitches, with its foam allowing the trailer to press completely up against the door.
Flexible Dock Shelter
Flexible dock shelters are used to protect the warehouse against outside elements, like rain, wind, dust, insects and more. Their flexible construction makes them compatible with most any trailer and are more forgiving with regards to trailer impact.
Flexible dock shelters are generally made of a combination of PVC and durable polyester fabric. The sides and top of the dock are covered, as well as a roof to prevent rain from coming in from the truck that is loading or unloading.
Flexible Rail Shelters
Flexible rail shelters are durable fabric shelters that connect a rail car to the loading dock area. Rail shelters can cover the top and sides of the dock door, or all four sides, depending on need. As with all shelters and seals, the purpose of a rail shelter is to provide a barrier between the outdoor elements and the warehouse area, creating a safer and more energy efficient workspace.
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