Warehouse Pallet Rack Repair

The best way to ensure that your warehouse is functioning at its highest level is by making sure your pallet rack system is working properly and safely. Pallet rack damage can compromise the safety of your warehouse, and you may need some repairs; we get it! When you need a rack repair, call our team. We have years of experience repairing all types of damaged pallet rack systems and can take care of any size job for you.

What is a pallet rack, and why do you need one?

A warehouse rack, sometimes known as a warehouse pallet rack or racking, is storage equipment designed to protect and organize goods. Warehouse owners use them to store products that might not typically fit into boxes or bins, like larger tools or common hardware parts. Since they hold heavy inventory, rack safety is essential and can be damaged by accidental forklift impact.

Warehouses use warehouse racks for point-of-origin (P.O.O.) organization, which means that warehouse employees will pull items from the warehouse rack as they are needed for their work and then return those items to the warehouse when they aren’t being used. They provide the perfect storage and organization system to run your business.

What are the Four Main Components of Pallet Racks?

There are four main components of a pallet rack:

Shelf or Wire Decking

The shelf is what holds all of the products that are going to be stored on the rack. The shelf must be strong enough to hold the weight of the products placed on it.

Pallet Rack Uprights

These are the vertical supports that help hold the shelf off the ground. They’re usually made from steel and bolted together.

Beams

These are horizontal beams that connect the uprights. They provide stability and strength to the entire rack.

Row Spacers

This component helps keep the shelves evenly spaced apart so that the products don’t fall out of alignment.

The Basics on Pallet Racks

A warehouse pallet rack is a type of storage system used to store and organize items in warehouses, distribution centers, or other areas where goods need to be stored for an extended period. They’re also called “racks” or “pallets.”

The most common types of pallet racks include:

Vertical Storage Racks (VSRs): These are typically made from metal and have shelves that run vertically up their sides. The shelves are usually spaced apart by about 2 feet. VSRs are often found in warehouses and distribution centers.
Horizontal Storage Racks (HSRs): These are similar to VSRs but have shelves that run horizontally across their top surface instead of vertically. HSRs are more popular than VSRs because they allow you to stack multiple rows of products on them.
Slatted Racks: These are similar to HSRs but with slats running horizontally along the length of the shelf rather than just at its edges. This allows you to stack even more products on one rack.
Double-Decker Racks: These are racks that have two levels of shelving. You can use these to create your mini storage units.

What are the Most Common Causes of Racking Collapses?

It can be scary when a pallet rack collapses. What causes them to collapse in the first place? Here are some of the most common causes of a potential rack collapse:

Improperly installed racks: If the rack was not correctly built or installed, it could cause the entire structure to collapse.
Incorrect load weight: If the load weight is too heavy, then the rack may not be able to support the weight of the stacked product and can eventually cause rack damage.
Poor maintenance: If the rack has been neglected over time, it could lead to structural damage.
Insufficient bracing: If there isn’t enough bracing around the rack, it could weaken the structure, including upright damage or column damage.

If you suspect that your pallet rack damage could cause a collapse for any of the above reasons, then you should contact our team immediately. We will inspect the damaged rack and ensure it is safe before we repair it.

How do I Know if My Pallet Rack Needs Repairs?

You should check your pallet rack regularly to ensure it is structurally sound. Some signs that indicate that your rack might need repairs include:

Cracked or broken end caps: If you notice cracks or holes in the end caps, then this means that the rack is no longer watertight. Water could get inside the rack and cause mold growth.
Loose bolts: This indicates that the rack is no longer secure if you see loose bolts. If the rack falls over, then the bolts could come out and injure someone.
Sheared brackets: If you notice that the brackets holding up the rack are bent, then this means that something happened to the brackets. It could have fallen over or been hit by a forklift truck.
Damaged shelves: If you notice that one or more of the shelves are cracked or broken, then this means that there is a problem with the rack.

We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you think your pallet rack frame needs repairs. We will also give you an estimate for the cost of repairing the rack.

Can You Weld Pallet Racking?

Yes! Welding is a great way to fix pallet racks. When it comes to welding your rack back together, it should be done by a professional. A wide range of rack failures can occur if they are not properly welded back together according to the pallet rack manufacturer’s specifications.

What are the Parts of a Rack Called?

The different parts of a pallet rack are referred to as follows:

Shelf: This part of the rack holds the products that are going into storage.
Brace: These braces are used to reinforce the rack so that it doesn’t fall over when loaded with goods.
Shear plate: This part of the pallet rack prevents the rack from falling over.
End cap: These are the ends of the rack that help keep the rack upright and stable.
Beams: These beams are used to support the rack. They are usually made of steel.
Columns: These columns are used to strengthen the rack.
Uprights: These are the vertical supports that hold the rack up off the floor.
Wire Decking: This is the material that covers the top of the rack. It protects against moisture damage.

If you have questions about pallet racking repairs or adding rack safety products to your existing equipment, contact our team today. Don’t wait until a rack fails; have them regularly maintained by our warehouse equipment professionals.