
There are various types of loading dock door seals to suit different business needs. A well-chosen seal can significantly reduce air infiltration and energy loss.
The most common type is the compression seal, which is suitable for most standard loading dock doors. It's a simple and effective solution.
For businesses that need to meet specific regulatory requirements, a gasket seal is a better option. These seals are designed to meet OSHA standards and provide a tighter seal.
In areas with high winds or extreme temperatures, a weatherstrip seal is a good choice. It's designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide a secure seal.
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Choosing the Right Door Seal
The thickness of your dock seal is determined by the slope of your approach and the dock bumper thickness. A level approach typically requires a 9"-10" thick seal.
You'll also want to consider the dock bumper thickness, which is usually 4.5" for level approaches. This will help you choose the right seal to ensure a proper fit.
To ensure proper compression, your dock seal should extend 4"-5" past the face of your dock bumpers when installed.
Be Thickness Guide

A level approach typically has 4.5" thick dock bumpers and a 9"-10" thick seal.
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.
Inclined or declined approaches require sloped side pads to compensate for the approach angle.
A survey sheet is required to determine the proper pad slope.
Benefits
Choosing the right door seal can have a significant impact on your loading dock operations. By selecting a high-quality seal, you can protect your facility from the elements and maintain a comfortable working environment for your employees.
Weather protection is a top benefit of using a loading dock door seal. These seals effectively keep rain, snow, and wind out, preventing water infiltration and moisture accumulation.
A consistent indoor temperature is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Loading dock seals create an airtight seal between your facility's interior and the outside environment, minimizing the transfer of heat or cold air.
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By reducing the transfer of heat or cold air, you can save on energy costs in the long run. This is especially important for facilities that handle temperature-sensitive products.
Loading dock seals also contribute to workplace safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents related to weather conditions or equipment malfunction. This added layer of safety can minimize the risk of slips and falls and promote a more efficient workflow in busy loading areas.
Here are some key benefits of using a loading dock door seal:
- Weather protection: Keeps rain, snow, and wind out
- Climate control: Maintains a consistent indoor temperature
- Increased safety: Reduces the likelihood of accidents related to weather conditions or equipment malfunction
- Asset protection: Protects stored goods from contaminants and temperature fluctuations
Types of Door Seals
The SERCO SI-350 Inflatable Dock Seal is designed for taller doorways and can accommodate a wide variety of trailer heights.
It provides a tight, energy-efficient seal with minimal pressure to the building wall.
This type of seal is ideal for larger loading docks where a flexible and adjustable solution is needed.
Shelter Difference Between a vs. a Truck
A dock seal is traditionally designed to enclose a loading dock, reducing its width to an optimal 7'6". This design restricts the available space around the door.
Truck shelters, on the other hand, allow full access to the trailer without restricting the space around the door. They afford service to a wider range of trucks than a dock seal.
The curtains of a truck shelter slide along the side of the vehicle with spring steel stays, unlike a dock seal which compresses. This design makes truck shelters more versatile.
The D-FHFS and the D-FHPS options are priced and sold as a pair, one for each side of the dock door.
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Inflatable
Inflatable door seals are a type of seal that can be inflated to provide a tight seal around the door.
They are designed for taller doorways, docks, and a wide variety of trailer heights, making them a versatile solution for many facilities.
The SI-350 inflatable dock seal, for example, is designed to provide a tight, energy-efficient seal with minimal pressure to the building wall.
Inflatable seals can be a cost-effective option, especially for facilities with taller doorways or a high volume of trailer traffic.
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They can also help to maintain a consistent indoor temperature by minimizing the transfer of heat or cold air, which can lead to energy savings over time.
The SERCO SI-350 inflatable dock seal is a great example of an inflatable seal that can provide a tight seal with minimal pressure to the building wall.
Bottom Boot
The Bottom Boot is a simple yet effective solution for repairing damaged dock seals without replacing the entire unit. Goff’s Bottom Boot wraps around the bottom of your dock seal to fix any damage.
It's a great option for those who want to extend the life of their dock seal. By repairing the damage, you can avoid the hassle and expense of replacing the entire unit.
Goff’s Bottom Boot is specifically designed for this purpose, and it's a testament to the importance of maintenance in keeping your dock seal in good condition.
S-3000L L-Pad
The S-3000L L-Pad is a type of dock seal that provides a unique combination of insulating benefits and full access to a shelter. It's a great solution for businesses that need to balance energy efficiency with operational flexibility.

The S-3000L L-Pad has foam-filled side pads that are uniquely designed to provide the flexing action of a shelter and the fit of a seal. This design allows for a tight seal against the trailer, creating a barrier from external elements.
One of the key features of the S-3000L L-Pad is its high-density foam core, which provides full recovery to the stored position. This means that the seal can return to its original shape after being flexed, ensuring a consistent seal over time.
The S-3000L L-Pad projects 4 inches beyond the head pad, providing extra coverage and protection. It also features reinforced wear surfaces with a full-height yellow guide stripe, which helps to maintain the seal's integrity and visibility.
Here are some key benefits of the S-3000L L-Pad:
- L-Pad side seals offer the flexing action of a shelter and the fit of a seal
- Full recovery foam core
- L-Pad projects 4 beyond the head pad
- Reinforced wear surfaces with full-height yellow guide stripe
- Triangular foam wedges support L-shaped side pads
High-Performance Door Seals
High-performance door seals can provide a range of benefits for loading dock operations.
Weather protection is one of the key advantages of high-performance door seals. They effectively protect loading docks from rain, snow, and wind, preventing water infiltration and moisture accumulation.
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These seals can also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature by creating an airtight seal between the facility's interior and the outside environment. This can help minimize the transfer of heat or cold air.
In addition to energy efficiency, high-performance door seals can also contribute to workplace safety. They reduce the likelihood of accidents related to weather conditions or equipment malfunction, minimizing the risk of slips and falls.
Here are some key features to look for in a high-performance door seal:
- Adjustable head curtain for varying trailer heights
- Inflatable header option for a tight seal without impeding trailer access at the top
- Ultra High Wear Resistant fabric for protection against abrasion and tearing
Pad
The Head Pad Dock Seal is a great option for creating a tight seal against the trailer. It has foam filled head and side pads that provide a barrier from external elements.
Having a good seal is crucial for protecting your trailers from the elements. Goff's Head Pad Dock Seal is designed to do just that.
The Serco S-800 Adjustable Head Pad Dock Seal is a versatile choice that can seal a full range of trailer heights. This makes it a great option for facilities with varying trailer sizes.
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High-Performance Door
High-Performance Door Seals are designed to provide optimal protection and energy efficiency for loading dock operations. They offer a range of benefits, including weather protection, climate control, increased safety, and asset protection.
Weather protection is one of the key benefits of high-performance door seals. They effectively protect loading docks from rain, snow, and wind, preventing water infiltration and moisture accumulation. This is especially important in areas with harsh weather conditions.
According to idcAutomatic, high-performance loading dock door seals can help you save on energy costs in the long run by creating an airtight seal between a facility's interior and the outside environment. This minimizes the transfer of heat or cold air, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
In addition to energy efficiency, high-performance door seals also contribute to workplace safety. They reduce the likelihood of accidents related to weather conditions or equipment malfunction, minimizing the risk of slips and falls and promoting a more efficient workflow in busy loading areas.
Some high-performance door seals, such as the SERCO S-2000 Ultra Seal, offer adjustable head curtains that enhance their effectiveness by accommodating a variety of trailer heights. This feature is particularly useful for facilities with a range of trailer sizes.
Here are some key features of high-performance door seals:
- Weather protection: Prevents water infiltration and moisture accumulation
- Climate control: Creates an airtight seal to minimize heat or cold air transfer
- Increased safety: Reduces the likelihood of accidents related to weather conditions or equipment malfunction
- Asset protection: Protects stored goods from contaminants and temperature fluctuations
S-700 Series Foam Curtain
The S-700 Series Foam Curtain is a fantastic solution for taller doorways, specifically those 9 feet or taller. It's flexible and can work with a variety of different trailer heights.
One of the key benefits of this type of seal is that it provides an effective seal, thanks to its foam-filled side pads. This helps to create an airtight seal between the facility's interior and the outside environment.
This airtight seal is crucial for maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, which can help you save on energy costs in the long run. By minimizing the transfer of heat or cold air, you can keep your facility at a comfortable temperature.
The S-700 Series Foam Curtain is also a great option for protecting your stored goods from contaminants and temperature fluctuations. This is especially important if your facility houses sensitive items that require a specific temperature range.
Here are some key features of the S-700 Series Foam Curtain:
- Flexible design for taller doorways (9' or taller)
- Effective seal with foam-filled side pads
- Works with a variety of different trailer heights
Overall, the S-700 Series Foam Curtain is a reliable and efficient solution for maintaining a secure and comfortable environment in your facility.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Regular inspections of loading dock door seals are crucial to prevent damage and ensure a tight seal. This should be done at least once a week.
Damaged or worn-out seals can lead to air leaks, moisture, and pests entering the facility, which can compromise product quality and safety. A good rule of thumb is to replace seals every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
Cleaning the seals regularly can also help maintain their effectiveness. A soft brush and mild soap solution can be used to gently clean the seals, but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage them.
Why Is Damage Occurring?

Damage to your dock seal top head pad can be a real problem, and it's often caused by a sloped approach. This can lead to the truck hitting the wall or over compressing the top of the seal, causing it to wear out early.
A wedged seal with adequate dock bumper projection is a great solution to this problem, as it can help prevent damage and extend the life of your seal.
If you're experiencing damage to your dock seal top head pad, it's likely due to one of these common issues: a sloped approach or inadequate dock bumper projection.
Separate Harsh Environments
Separate harsh environments at the loading dock to create a barrier between the outside weather and a trailer. This is where Goff’s Dock Seals and Dock Shelters come in, creating a positive seal around the trailer to save energy in your facility.
Separating harsh weather conditions helps create a more comfortable environment for workers. Goff’s Dock Seals and Dock Shelters can help achieve this.
By creating a barrier, you can reduce the impact of harsh weather on your facility. This can help save energy, which is a key benefit of using dock seals and shelters.
Separating harsh environments can also improve the overall efficiency of your facility.
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Product Information
Loading dock door seals are a crucial component of a loading dock's overall functionality. They help prevent air leaks and keep the dock at a consistent temperature.
Loading dock door seals can be made from various materials, including rubber, vinyl, and foam. These materials are chosen for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
A well-designed loading dock door seal can reduce energy costs by minimizing air leaks, which can account for up to 30% of a building's energy losses. This is especially important for warehouses and distribution centers that rely on consistent temperatures to store sensitive goods.
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S-2500G Guardian
The S-2500G Guardian Dock Seal is a game-changer for anyone looking to extend the life of their dock seal. It features a two-piece head pad system with a mobile front pad that slides up to 6" with the trailer as it moves.
This design allows for wear pleats to move up as the trailer is lowered to park position, increasing wearability and reducing the need for frequent replacements. The strong urethane-coated base material provides a good sliding surface for the mobility of the front wear surfaces.
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TEK screws provide firm attachment of the sliding wear pleat system to the side pads, ensuring a secure fit. Stationary position Roll-formed galvanized steel framing reduces pressure on the building wall, making it a great option for those who want to minimize damage.
The S-2500G Guardian Dock Seal is a practical solution for anyone looking to get the most out of their dock seal.
Product Details
The dock door seal is a crucial component of any loading dock, and understanding its construction is essential for proper functionality. It's designed with a fixed head pad for compression, which helps to ensure a tight seal.
The construction of the dock door seal is quite sturdy, made from solid wood and solid foam. This provides the necessary durability to withstand the rigors of frequent use.
The projection of the dock door seal is also important to consider. It comes in two sizes: 10" and 20", each designed to work with specific dock bumper projections. The 10" projection seal is used with a 4" to 6" dock bumper projection, while the 20" projection seal is used with an Edge of Dock Leveler that has a 14" to 15" dock bumper projection.

Here are the specific projection sizes and their corresponding dock bumper projections:
The dock door seal is designed to fit openings of various sizes, including 8' wide x 8' high and 8' wide x 9' high openings. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.
The standard color of the dock door seal is black, but it's also available in grey, green, and tan. A safety yellow guide strip is included as a standard feature, which helps to enhance visibility and safety.
The dock door seal comes with beveled wedge side pads, which are designed to help seal and fill the gap of off-center trucks. This feature helps to eliminate trucking errors and ensure a smooth loading process. Square side pads are also available as an option for applications where trucks need to be loaded to the end.
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Contact Minneapolis IDC
If you're in Minneapolis, idcAutomatic is the place to contact for loading dock bumpers and seals. They carry a wide selection of quality products.
Their experienced team can help you find the right option for your unique needs, making the process much easier.
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