Did you know inflatable docks and shelters have transformed the way businesses take care of their loading and unloading operations? In fact, these amazing structures have several benefits. Some of these advantages are improved efficiency, plenty of savings on energy spending, and protecting from elements.
But, these benefits also diminish with time as these inflatable shelters and docks lose their sheen with time. You can reverse this situation and add many years to these dock shelters’ lifespans by following some time-tested maintenance tips. In this article, you’ll learn about the ten tips that you must follow to maintain inflatable docks and shelters. Let’s begin with the first helpful tip.
Regular inspection
Without regular inspection in at least a month, the dock and shelter’s condition can deteriorate causing you several issues. It becomes even more important in the winter season. You must look for signs of wear and tear. Some examples of those signs are tears and discolouration. You also need to pay attention to the electrical components of them while inspecting.
Cleaning and Drying
Did you know regular cleaning can remove dirt and debris that might accumulate on the dock seals and shelters? For this purpose, you can use detergent and a soft brush to clean the whole surface. Once you’ve cleaned it, you also need to ensure that the dock or shelter is completely dry to negate the possibility of mould growth.
Have a check on the air pressure
The air pressure need to be maintained in the inflatable structure. For it, you can use a pressure gauge to check the pressure and even adjust as required. The lower the pressure, the more will be the sagging and even the damage. In fact, excessive pressure can even cause premature wear and tear.
Inspect the electrical components
In case, your inflatable dock and shelter is having lights, heaters, and even other type of electrical components, inspect them regularly. It will help you check for damage and even ensure that there isn’t any malfunction. Alongside this, make sure that the electrical connections are secure and even insulated.
Monitor the weighing and anchoring
Checkout the anchor points and weights to make sure that they are enough. With strong winds or heavier loads, the structure can get dislodged which might lead to damages. So, you need to monitor regularly.
Protect from extreme weather conditions
Are you aware that the extreme weather conditions like hurricanes and snowfall can take a toll on loading dock shelters? So, you have to take many more precautions to take care of the dock or shelter. Some options that you can consider are deflating or storing it in a secure location.
Repair minor damages regularly
One possibility that might become a nightmare is when small tears or punctures transform into bigger issues. That’s more of the reason, you must repair any type of damage immediately to ensure that there isn’t any more deterioration. One way to repair these damages is to use a repair kit that is particularly designed for the inflatable structures.
Storing properly
When you are not using the inflatable shelters or docks, you can ensure that it is prosperity stored in a clean, dry, and cooler place. Another approach is to deflate it entirely and then store it in the right place with coverings to prevent any type of damage.
Maintaining them professionally
The sheer size of dock shelters can get overwhelming to maintain by the workers who have several other tasks. That’s why, they need to be maintained by professionals. By hiring a professional maintenance service, you will get regular inspections and repairs done for the dock seals an shelters. These professionals have the necessary expertise to find out the potential issues and even take appropriate action, if necessary.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
The manufacturer who has made these dock seals and shelters knows the ins and outs of these technological marvels. In fact, they have also laid out the specific guidelines that you must follow to maintain them. So, you should always refer to those guidelines, especially for intricate maintenance instructions. These guidelines will help you get the necessary information for things such as cleaning, storage, and even the repair processes.
Final Words
Inflatable docks, shelters, and seals have really played a huge role in transforming the loading and unloading operations of any business. It has not only made it easy for the workers to load or unload the essentials but has greatly improved their overall productivity.
However, by maintaining these inflatable shelters and docks, you can definitely prolong their life and even ensure that there aren’t any other issues with them.
By regularly inspecting, cleaning and drying these dock shelters, you will be able to maintain them properly. Alongside this, checking their air pressure, inspecting electrical components, monitoring anchoring and weighting, and protecting loading dock shelters from extreme weather will go a long way. Furthermore, repairing minor damages, storing properly, professional maintenance, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines will also help you a lot.
So, follow these maintenance tips to the T, and you will be able to save a lot of money and even improve the efficiency of your operations.