Dock Seals

Dock levelers are an essential item for any businesses that move heavy and large cargo, goods, or equipment. Often seen in industrial warehouses, dock levelers allow goods weighing up to 50,000 lbs. to quickly and efficiently be moved from ground level to a raised building platform, and visa versa. A dock leveler has many important parts that are key to its function, including a dock leveler pit, restraints, lips and plates, pit extensions and risers, dock bumpers, dock lights, and dock doors. The latter, dock levelers, are also known as dock leveler canopies or shelters, and are one of the most important parts of a docking system.

What Do Dock Leveler Do?

Dock levelers shelters, canopies, or doors are retractable covers, often in the form of rolling doors, that protect the loading area and shipment, creating a barrier between the inside of a building and the outside. Dock levelers may also swing open to the rear loading area of a cargo hold or truck.

Ensuring that dock levelers are in good condition is an important part of protecting your loading and shipment area, as well as maintaining the integrity of the goods which you are storing. When dock levelers are damaged, they may not only prevent against wind, moisture, and other weather damage—like damage caused by extreme temperatures—but they may also pose a safety concern for workers.

When to Seek Dock Leveler Replacement

When dock levelers are damaged, seeking replacement in a timely manner is important. There are multiple things that may lead to dock leveler damage, including age, aggressive weather, an accident, or simply basic wear and tear with use. Signs of dock leveler damage include:

• Visible dents, bends, or other structural damage to the door;
• A door that is not opening or closely smoothly;
• Broken seals surrounding the door, allowing moisture to enter;
• “Sticking” of the door; and
• Any other door irregularities.

Many of the above problem areas can be repaired. Other times, however, such as if a truck were to back into a closed dock leveler,  complete replacement may be necessary. At Preferred Window & Door, we will always give you a fair and accurate idea of your best options moving forward, and provide you with a free quote.

Serving the South Cook County, IL and Lake County, IN Communities for More than 20 Years