Since we are on the cusp of colder weather and all of the challenges that go with it, it’s a good time to discuss energy conservation at the dock and the products that help businesses achieve it, including dock seals, dock shelter, and energy guards.
Dock enclosures, which include dock seals and dock shelters, protect workers from the elements, provide a more pleasant working environment, and protect products being shipped or received from snow or rain damage. They are both available in a number of fabrics, including vinyl, hypalon, urethane, and TS-55 super fabric with or without flame retardant protection.
What is the difference between a dock seal and a dock shelter? A dock seal protects your building, your trucks, and your shipments from damage. It helps keep what is supposed to be inside, such as heat or air conditioning, in and what is supposed to be outside, such as rain, snow, insects, or rodents, out. For businesses specializing in transporting products sensitive to temperature shifts or moisture, this may be a crucial piece of your dock design. Accessories for dock seals are: wear pleats, dsh with foam front, head curtain pull rope assembly, bottom flaps, and wear faces.
A dock shelter will not provide an air-tight seal the way a dock seal can, but it extends the protection of the building outward, acting as a three-sided tent allowing for full access to the back of the trailer and are ideal for trailers with a step or with lift-gates. Accessories for dock shelters are: common side members, special head members, metal hoods, and aqua shield rain guard protection, all of which upgrade the protection offered by the shelter to both worker and product.
Energy guards provide better better seal from wind and cold around the dock leveler and also help block out dirt, debris, insects, and rodents. Unlike traditional weather seals or under-leveler seals, they prevent the mass flow of air, thereby minimizing heat and energy loss and improving the working environment for anyone at the dock.
All of these products offer energy savings and are eligible for energy rebates with some energy companies. Semco users can check the efficiency united website and choose their gas provider.
Consumers Energy users can check this rebate chart to see if they are eligible. Businesses often underestimate how much energy loss can cost them in the long run and how even limited exposure to cold, heat, or moisture can cause serious problems for products during shipping.
Beuschel Sales would love to advise you about how to improve the energy conservation at your loading dock and keep your facilities, your shipments, and your workers clean and dry this winter. Give us a call today.