Time was when architects working on warehouse projects paid scant attention to doors and loading bay issues, so much so that loading bay operational problems too often forced a redesign. Fortunately, times have changed but not, perhaps, as much as they should. Alan Jenkins, commercial director for Hormann UK, says: “architects and developers are aware that they need to be up to speed in order to ensure that they do the best job they can. Sustainability may be seen as a buzz word to some but generally the vast majority of architects see this as the key element that not only has environmental benefits but also long-term cost savings. By looking at the whole project architects are making better informed choices.”
There is, however, evidence to suggest room for improvement among specifiers and developers. Doors have several key benefits and, as Alan Jenkins points out, the Energy Act, 2011, is having an influence since there is incentive to take the appropriate action. But listen to cold store door specialist, Union Industries, and the impression is that customers and contractors are still installing the wrong type of door for a specific opening, especially cold store doors, where energy costs can typically account for 25% of total running costs. It is not, however, just about choosing the right kind of door but also getting the right kind of door actuation method, as what’s good for one door is not necessarily good for another.
A key determinant of door activation type will be the amount of cold storage traffic passing through it. If such traffic is frequent then sliding, insulated doors should be shunned in favour of fast-acting, roller insulated doors because the former are either damaged constantly owing to their slowness or they are left open by the operators, leading to serious energy losses and build up of ice on the ground in preparation for accidents.
It is this attention to detail which should encourage door operators to consult leading door suppliers at the design stage rather than rely on architects to provide the door choice. A good point also to bear in mind is the importance of site visits to get users’ opinions of door reliability and after sales service. Customers should also be aware that using one company for servicing and maintaining a multitude of products, including all door types, invites problems. High speed doors, in particular the cold store variety, are very specialised items of equipment and so they require servicing correctly and at the correct intervals.
In the forklift world there is still too much emphasis placed on initial truck price rather than whole life cycle costs but door operators now get the message that life cycle costs are what count. “The emphasis has moved from price to value, including operational savings that can be made,” says Alan Jenkins. “There is now a much greater emphasis on operating and whole life coasts and this does not just apply to the equipment but also the service support. Customers are looking at the whole package to make sure they get the best value for money,” he adds.
Given the emphasis placed on carbon issues, perhaps the Government could also contribute a little more. Alan Jenkins would, for example, like to see the Government establish a clear standard by setting a minimum thermal insulation value for installed doors. This would also be a benefit for builders and developers who are aiming for a BREEM excellent standard.
Warehouse & Logistics News
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