Designed to minimize energy loss at the loading dock area dock leveler weather seal is one of the most common loading dock equipment options ordered.
During building construction the dock leveler pit is designed to provide 1” of clearance between both sides of the dock leveler deck assembly and the pit side wall. This 1” clearance is an industry standard that allows for any minor lateral movement of the dock leveler deck assembly during the operating cycle.
With the dock leveler in the closed, stored position there is a 1” gap running down both sides of the dock leveler deck assembly and the pit wall. This 1” gap running down both sides of the deck assembly permits outside air to enter into the building or inside air to escape the building.
In a heated building the entrance of outside cool or cold air into the building increases the costs of energy to heat the building. In a refrigerated or freezer application the entrance of warm outside air into the building increases the cost of energy to maintain the cool internal temperature.
Dock leveler weather seal is an option that is designed to significantly reduce the movement of outside air into the building around the loading dock and reduce and minimize the associated energy costs. In addition installing dock leveler weather seal plays a role in reducing vermin or insect entry into the building around the loading dock.
There are 3 types of weather seal available to suit dock levelers; rubber, brush or Energy Max weather seal. This link leads to photographs of all 3 designs of dock leveler weather seal available. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions_category/hydraulic-weather-seal-options/
Rubber weather seal consists of rubber strips that are attached to both sides of the dock leveler deck assembly that make contact with the pit wall covering the 1” gap. Covering this 1” gap saves money by effectively minimizing the transfer of costly energy between the outside and the interior of the building.
Brush weather seal although slightly more costly provides an upgraded and overall more effective seal. Brush weather seal is also more effective than rubber weather seal at preventing vermin entry from the exterior to the interior of the building.
Both rubber dock leveler weather seal and brush dock leveler weather seal are most effective when the dock leveler is in the stored, closed cross traffic position.
Energy Max dock leveler weather seal provides the optimum seal when the dock leveler is in the operating position. The system consists of 3 seals installed on each of the two sides of the dock leveler constructed from abrasion and tear resistant vinyl.
With the overhead door open and the lip assembly resting on the bed of the truck the 3 piece per side design Energy Max weather seal is positioned to minimize the air exchange through the working range of the dock leveler.
In addition to weather seal installed on both sides of the dock leveler platform a rear weather seal is also available. Although the gaps between the back of the dock leveler platform and the rear pit wall are much smaller than the gaps at the sides of the pit installing rear weather seal noticeably minimizes cold air entry into the building at this location.
For additional information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.