Loading Docks and Doors

All major plants and facilities have loading docks and doors. This means that, at some point, a manager or owner has to choose the best possible from the options available. There are plenty of things to consider when doing so, and help can be hired when making these decisions. Here are some details to consider and discuss with the company from which you choose to purchase your loading docks and doors.

Safety First

Your loading docks and doors must have all the safety features necessary for your unique environment. If you use trucks, forklifts, or other equipment, this will affect the standards, as will federal and local regulations. Doors should come with springs additions and balance systems that help them open and close easily, there should be plenty of protection between the equipment, product, and the dock. Always make certain you know the safety risks and preventions, and that your chosen installation company knows them, too.

Security
Your doors must protect against potential intruders. You have a need for security to protect your equipment and product. This is yet another reason to install the strongest possible doors, so that intruders cannot enter easily upon impact. Also, dock doors can come with a feature that prevents breaking from the outside, but permits it from the inside. Dock doors have safety lock features that can be enhanced as needed. All in all, your dock doors can be made very strong and secure. 

Strength for Endurance

Some doors are more resilient and less maintenance-prone than others. Try a counterbalance system instead of springs for fewer door-to-floor collisions. Other collisions are a real, common possibility, too, such as trucks and forklifts. Your dock doors should be made to withstand significant force for less damage. They should also be relatively easy to readjust so as to avoid expensive maintenance.

Temperature Control

If your facility and product needs to be temperature controlled for any reason, your dock doors must serve as insulation. It is another type of protection; when you are choosing your doors, consider how they will conserve energy and maintain temperature. Your door should help conserve energy by being well insulated and sealed. This prevents addition heat or cool air from entering or escaping, depending upon your facility’s needs. You can choose between standard or special weatherstripping to seal your doors.

Once you have considered all the essential details, and, of course, your price limit, you can make the best choice for your plant. The final choice you have to make is your vendor; you want someone who understands all the nuances of the door industry, including those that affect your specific business. There should be no fine print; they should be experience and completely upfront about all costs. In addition, they should be able to provide you with maintenance help anytime you need, and be there for your future dock door-related needs. We can do all that for you at Abstract Overhead Door. Call us today and ask us what we can provide you.