The size of the overhead door typically determines whether a dock seal or a dock shelter will provide the best energy savings. The dock seal or dock shelter provides a seal at an open overhead door with a truck backed into position.
Dock Seals
Installed on: Overhead doors up to 9’ wide x 10’ high.
- Compression style dock seals are the preferred energy-efficient seal installed on Overhead doors up to 9’ wide x 10’ high .
- One of the most important dimensions to confirm is the distance from the wall mounting surface to the face of the loading dock bumper.
- Use this dimension as a baseline, then add 4”–6” of additional dock seal projection. This extra projection provides the ideal amount of compression for a tight seal without putting undue force on the building wall.
Protective Wear Pleats
- Dock seals can be ordered with protective wear pleats sewn onto the face of the vertical side pads.
- During loading, truck beds often move up and down as lift trucks enter and exit the trailer.
- The wear pleats flex with the movement, minimizing abrasion to the dock seal side pads.
Level vs. Declined Approaches
- Level approach: Most modern docks are level. In this case, the dock seal projection is equal at the top and bottom of the side pads.
- Declined approach: When space restrictions require a declined driveway, tapered side pads (with added projection at the bottom) ensure even contact top to bottom. This maintains a proper seal and reduces excessive pressure on the building wall.
Dock Shelters
Typically installed on: Overhead doors larger than 9’ wide x 10’ high.
- Dock shelters are typically installed on overhead doors that are larger than 9’ wide x 10’ high.
- A dock shelter is a 3-sided enclosure that projects outward from the building wall, complete with sealing curtains the truck backs through.
- Identify the dimension from the wall mounting surface to the face of the loading dock bumper as a base line and then add 16” -18” of additional dock shelter projection to provide the proper amount of contact seal on the sides and top of the truck when it is backed into position at the loading dock.
Site Considerations
- Confirm there are no obstructions on the building wall such as:
- Exterior lights
- Conduits
- Overhead canopies
- This should be checked during a site visit or construction drawing review.
Assistance
To assist in selecting the proper dock seal or dock shelter for your application, a copy of the Dock Seal/Shelter Site Inspection Form is available from your Pentalift Sales Representative.