Q: How thick should my dock seal be?

A: Your dock seal depth is determined by the slope of your approach and the dock bumper thickness. Level approaches typically have 4.5" thick dock bumpers and a 9"-10" thick seal. When installed, your dock seal should extend 4"-5" past the face of your dock bumpers so that there is 4"-5" of pad compression when a truck is docked. An inclined or declined approach will require sloped side pads to compensate for the approach angle. A survey sheet is required to determine the proper pad slope.

Q: What dock seal do I need?

A: Loading docks are not all the same bumper projection, dock height, approach, door opening size, wall construction, access required to the rear of the trailer, trailer sizes being service as well as several other questions are key factors when designing a dock. For this reason there is no simple answer to this question. On our site there are several tools to help. You can call us during business hours, fill out an RFQ, or submit the dock seal survey on the dock seal page and we will help you with a dock seal fit to match your needs.

Q: Why is the dock seal top head pad getting damaged?

A: If your top pad is receiving more damage than other parts of your seal there are several reasons it could be happening. The most common reason for this is a sloped approach. When the dock slopes down and the dock bumpers are not thick enough the truck will hit the wall or over compress the top of the seal causing it to wear out early. The way to avoid this situation is a wedged seal with adequate dock bumper projection.

Q: How do we install a dock seal?

A: Installing a dock seal is simple and can be performed with basic tools. Comprising of flat and angle brackets installation is simple and can be performed in an hour or two depending on experience. For installation instructions email us at info@vestil.com

Q: Where can we buy a loading dock door wrap around seal?

A: There are many terms used in the door industry to describe what we call dock seals; we often hear them called dock wrap around, dock bumper cushions, door pads, docking pads, etc. Vestil Manufacturing, experts in this field, offer a full range of dock seals, truck shelters, and other dock equipment with same day quotes most handled on the phone.

Q: What is the difference between a Dock Seal Vs. a Truck Shelter?

A: A dock seal is traditionally designed to enclose a loading dock reducing its width to an optimal 7'6", while a truck shelter is designed to allow full access to the trailer without restricting the available space around the door. Truck shelters typically afford service to a wider range of trucks than a dock seal as well, due to the nature of the seal. When a vehicle docks with a shelter the curtains with spring steel stays slide along the side of the vehicle rather than compress like a dock seal.

Q: We are looking at the options for the full height pleats and /or guide strips. D-FHFS , D-FHPS. Are these sold individually or as a pair?

A: The D-FHFS and the D-FHPS options are priced / sold as a pair- one for each side of the dock door.