Dock seals and dock shelters are both designed to conserve energy when a truck is backed into position at the loading dock and the loading dock’s overhead door is open.
The dock seal or dock shelter provides a tight seal between the back of the truck and the building wall. This seal minimizes energy loss from inside the building to the exterior while the overhead door is open and the truck is being loaded or unloaded.
When to Use a Dock Seal vs. Dock Shelter
- Dock Seals are typically used on overhead doors up to 9’ wide x 10’ high.
- Dock Shelters are generally applied on larger overhead doors.
What is a Dock Seal?
A dock seal consists of:
- 2 vertical side pads
- 1 horizontal head pad (or curtain)
Together, these seal the sides and top of the trailer to the building’s exterior wall.
- Compression-style dock seals are manufactured from high-density foam with a wooden backboard and a complete vinyl covering for durability.
- When a truck is backed into position, the trailer compresses the foam-covered dock seal, minimizing any energy loss.
Click The Link For More Info: PS100 Dock Seal
Click The Link For More Info: PS200A Dock Seal
What is a Dock Shelter?
A dock shelter consists of:
- 2 rigid side frames (wood or steel)
- 1 head frame
This creates a 3-sided enclosure for the truck to back through, typically projecting 24” from the building wall.
- Contains both Side curtains (project inward) and a head curtain (projects downward).
- When the truck is in position, these curtains brush against the trailer sides and top, creating a contact seal to minimize energy loss.
Click The Link For More Info: PS400 Rigid Dock Shelter
Inflatable Dock Seals
Inflatable dock seals consist of:
- 2 vertical side bags
- 1 horizontal head bag
How they work:
- When not in use the dock seal remains deflated.
- When a truck backs in the dock seal inflates outward until contact is made with the back of the truck.
Benefits:
- Contours to the shape of the truck for an effective energy seal.
- Reduces compression forces on the building.
Click The Link For More Info: Inflatable Dock Seals and Shelters
Inflatable Dock Shelters
Inflatable dock shelters use the same rigid 3-sided enclosure design as standard dock shelters.
- When the truck is in position, the dock attendant activates a blower.
- The side bags inflate inward and the head bag inflates downward until contact is made with the trailer, providing the desired sealing effect.
Click The Link For More Info: PSI400 Inflatable Dock Shelter
For additional information on any Pentalift dock seals or dock shelters, please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.