Oftentimes, businesses are looking to optimise their storage space to handle periods of higher capacity, increase square footage, or avoid having to relocate premises. Where storage space runs out, and if it’s ideal for the product type, external racking systems can be the answer. These durable units are specifically designed to handle adverse weather elements while protecting stock from damage, often utilised across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, car racking and boatyards for safe accessibility and efficiency.
Quick Links
What Is External Racking?
External racking is a robust and reliable storage unit that is equipped to handle outdoor environments. Typically constructed from galvanised steel, these units are highly resistant to rust due to their zinc coating, offering a long lifespan between 15 and 20 years when combined with ongoing maintenance. Generally, the type of racking adapted for outdoor use are heavy-duty systems such as cantilever or vertical racking solutions, which is particularly essential when dealing with bulky inventory that cannot be accommodated within an internal warehouse.
The Key Features of External Racking
External racking systems are incredibly versatile, offering several benefits for varying sectors. Their primary features include:
Durability
The standout feature of external racking is its ability to withstand exposure to various weather. Formulated through a process known as hot-dipped galvanising, the steel is designed to be corrosion-resistant and therefore becomes an ideal solution for outdoor racking. Due to the construction, these units are built for strength, with the ability to accommodate a Safe Working Load (SWL) of up to 2,500kg on the arms of cantilever models.
Optimise Outdoor Space
Extending racking solutions into yards and open-air warehouses opens up the ability to maximise the square footprint of existing establishments. This is crucial for businesses that may have limited storage space, or perhaps need to accommodate temporary periods of higher capacity without sourcing additional premises, which can be costly. Additionally, it contributes to a greater workflow by opening up accessibility for staff and forklift trucks, while protecting stock from being damaged and creating efficient airflow.
Adaptable Design
A key component of external racking systems is their modular and versatile design, often accommodating flexible height and angle adjustments to meet the specific requirements of each product type. Cantilever racking is particularly ideal for the storage of long-load products, such as timber planks or steel beams, but is also especially useful for vehicle storage. Heavy duty or pallet racking is most suitable for bulk storage requirements, with vertical racking offering dynamic upright storage capabilities. As business needs adapt, the units can naturally evolve alongside processes, providing flexible advantages for short and long-term solutions.
Cost-Effective
Relocating or renting additional premises can drive up costs, rapidly leading to a loss of expenditure. Alongside this, it establishes a halt in business operations, greatly affecting revenue for each day that processes are affected. External racking opens up the scope of utilising outdoor spaces for products suitable to be stored outside while maintaining their integrity. Due to their long lifespan and adaptable design, external racking can offer significant cost-effective solutions over fixed units.
Applications of External Racking
External racking is commonly used across a broad spectrum of industries for the effective storage of weather-resistant products.
Construction: Outdoor racking is essential in the construction sector, storing bulky materials such as timber, steel, scaffolding, stone, pipes and more.
Industrial and Manufacturing: Storage yards and open-air warehouses are not uncommon, with many industrial sectors storing raw materials and finished products ready to be processed for shipping.
Transportation: These industries rely on external storage, with extremely large and heavy products to accommodate. External racking is frequently used for vehicle, aerospace and boat storage.
Agricultural: With outdoor industries, effective racking is crucial. External racking offers efficient storage of bulk materials, hay bales, and large equipment.
Retail: Major retail stores can also require external racking to showcase products, most commonly found in large DIY stores or for additional product storage.
The Different Types of External Racking
Racking units can come available in many variant states of design and finish, with the ability to be configured to meet different shelving requirements, either single or double-sided, while being scaled to meet unique business demands. Common types of racking used in outdoor environments include:
Cantilever Racking
Commonly utilised for external storage, cantilever racking is a heavy-duty and durable unit that accommodates long or heavy loads. With heights of up to 10m, arms manufactured up to 2.5 metres long, and the ability to withstand up to 2,500kg per arm, these units are incredibly reliable even when fully loaded. Each unit provides open access for forklift trucks and can be adapted to meet the unique demands of each business.
Adjustable Pallet Racking
This system provides clear access to inventory, with aisle widths between 2.5m to 4m, available in a range of frame and beam sizes depending on the business requirements. Pallet racking is rapid to install and corrosion-resistant, providing simple and effective space utilisation.
Vertical Racking
Vertical racking provides a secure way to store materials in an upright position, which is particularly beneficial for greater speed of picking stock. This is also commonly seen in retail spaces, which provide greater accessibility for consumers on lower levels. With a maximum load of 1,000kg per linear metre, vertical racking offers heights between 1.5m and 4.2m.
Heavy Duty Racking
Heavy-duty racking offers valuable floor space by providing bulk storage based on bespoke requirements. These units are beneficial for items that are not suitable for conventional racking systems, such as steel coils and press plates. Due to its formation of hot rolled steel, sections can store loads over 10,000kg per level.
Invest in Quality External Racking with Prodek
Prodek cares about the quality of our racking systems, establishing care across the pipeline, from audit and design to full-service installations. With a wide range of external racking solutions, our team endeavours to find the perfect system for your business.
Safety is our top priority, which is why we maintain points of contact and quality control, while offering racking inspections through SEMA-approved inspectors. We adhere to compliance, ensuring your business is set up for success from the start.
For further information and guidance regarding your project requirements and our external racking systems, enquire with our experts at Prodek today.
