Loading dock seals are most commonly fabric covered foam that is attached to a wood backboard. The 3 piece dock seal is installed on the two sides and on the top of an overhead door at the loading dock. The majority of dock seals are a compression design providing a gasket type seal between the sides and top of the parked trailer and the building wall.
A proper dock seal installation will automatically lower energy costs by creating this gasket type seal at the loading dock doors. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/ps-100-fixed-header-dock-seals/
In addition to conserving energy costs dock seals also improve employee comfort, morale and productivity by providing a comfortable temperature work environment. Dock seals also minimize the gap between the building wall and the back of the truck which discourages pilferage, dock seals also increase safety by minimizing snow or rain blowing into the building creating slippery floors at the loading dock area.
For larger sized overhead doors truck shelters are used to achieve the same goals. Truck shelters are manufactured with 3 sided wood or steel frames that anchor to the face of the building wall. A semi rigid fabric is attached to the front two sides and top of the frame and seals the sides and top of the truck creating a flap that yields but stays in contact with the sides and top of the truck as it “backs through” the truck shelter minimizing energy loss. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/ps-400s-rigid-dock-shelters/
In addition, Pentalift also manufactures a complete line of inflatable dock seals and truck shelters. Although initially, these models are slightly more expensive the costs are quickly recovered as this design of dock seals and truck shelters conform to the truck body contours providing a superior energy seal.. In addition, these models are completely under the dock attendants control and can be interlocked to the other dock equipment. Inflate and use when required and deflate in good weather avoiding unnecessary vehicle contact extending the life of the product. Â https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/psi-450-rigid-inflatable-dock-shelters/ Â and https://www.pentalift.com/solutions_category/product-models-dock-seals-and-shelters/ for a complete product line overview.
Pentalift has manufactured conventional and inflatable dock seals and truck shelters for 30+ years to complement our complete line of dock levelers and vehicle restraint safety systems.
For additional information on Pentalift Dock Seals and Truck Shelters and our extensive range of related loading dock products please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.