Dock seals are a multi-faceted tool. They protect both a truck and a facility from impact damage when the truck backs up to the dock. They also facilitate better environmental control by creating a seal between truck and dock to help maintain the internal temperatures of the facility.  

Below we discuss the necessary steps to appropriately install a dock seal. 

Installing Compression Seals With a Head Pad

First, mount the side pads to the wall. Side pads are typically a wedge shape from rear to front designed to close in the opening on a standard 8’, 9’, or 10’ wide door and create a tight seal when compressed by the arriving truck/trailer. If the door width is less than 8’, the side pads should probably be cube shaped. In either case, the side pads normally mount flush with the door jambs. (There are unique reasons & rare occasions that may require the side pads to be mounted “off-set” or wider than the door opening.)

Begin by mounting the angle brackets and flat brackets to the side pad backer frame (wood or metal) with anchors provided. Flat brackets attach to the inside edge for anchoring to the jamb while the angle brackets attach to the outside edge for anchoring to the building wall. The brackets should be mounted approximately 10” from the ends and one in the center of the side pad using the brackets and anchors provided. (Note: The large hole in the bracket goes toward building.)  

Now, lift the side pad into position against the building wall ensuring that the vented end is at the bottom and the wedged side is toward the door. The bottom end of the backer frame should be level with the floor of the building. Weld or screw the flat brackets to the door jamb and anchor the angle brackets to the building wall using the appropriate anchors (supplied by others) for the existing wall materials.

Note: Head pad style seals are typically used for 8’ tall door openings but can also be used for 9’ tall doors on specific occasions. You may need to consult the factory for further information. 

Now it’s time to mount the head pad to the wall.

Begin by mounting the angle and flat brackets to the head pad following the same steps as with the side pads. However, the flat brackets on the underside must be positioned to fit within the width of the door opening. Only the angle brackets on the top side can be mounted at 10” from the ends along with one in the center top. Now, lift the head pad into place above the side pads. The head pad should be mounted with the air vents on the underside. The head pad should rest on the top of the side pads and the bottom of the head pad should be flush with the door header, allowing flat brackets to mount to the door header.

Installing Compression Seals With a Head Curtain

First, install the side pads following the same steps as outlined for the compression seals with a head pad.  

Head curtain style seals are typically used for 10’ tall door openings but must always be installed with 10’ long side pads even if the door opening is less than 10’.  Head curtain length, also known as height off the ground, may vary depending upon the height of trailers being serviced. The head curtain is stapled to a 2×4 that is the same dimension as the out-to-out of the installed side pads. 

Begin by resting the 2×4 on top of the side pads with fabric toward the building and draping it over the top of the 2×4. Now, anchor the 2×4 to the building wall, either directly through the beam or using the angle clips provided. 

Next, insert the pipe into the sewn pockets at each end of the head curtain underside. Pull the head curtain forward and around the tops of the side pads. Now, anchor the rear corners of the head curtain end caps to the backer frame of the side pad using galvanized roofing nails or screws. Secure the head curtain by attaching the straps or bungee cords from the lower front corners to the backer frame of the side pads. These straps or cords should be positioned at a slight downward angle.

Be sure to always seal and/or caulk the top rear edge of the head member to prevent water from getting behind the wood and leaking onto the cargo being moved in or out of the building.

AaronBradley Dock Seals From ABC Docks, LLC

Properly installing your dock seal is essential for maintaining a good seal between trailers and your loading dock. Good installation also protects your facility from impact damage from trucks. For more information about dock seal installation or our line of AaronBradley dock seal products, please contact us.

Dock Seals