Custom Color Suspended Awning Installation in Davis, WV

CanopiesProject ProfileStairs

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Applications in Modular Construction: A Look into Upside Innovations’ Modular Stairwell and Canopy Installations

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Upside’s Access Solutions for Cold Storage Buildings

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Silvana Gold

Jun 13, 2024

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

At Upside Innovations, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality aluminum access products tailored to meet unique requirements. Our loading dock stairs, stair towers, and canopy products are the perfect addition to ensure safe access in and around these buildings.

Enhancing Cold Storage Buildings

With the increasing demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable goods, cold storage buildings are becoming more vital than ever. Outdated cold storage buildings are also receiving improvements. These facilities require specialized environments to maintain low temperatures, ensuring the integrity and longevity of stored products. However, managing these environments also necessitates robust and reliable access solutions that can withstand harsh conditions.

Why Choose Aluminum?

Aluminum is an ideal material for access products in cold storage buildings for multiple reasons:

Rust/Warp Free: Aluminum will never rust, warp, or rot. Making this material favorable over steel or wood. This can be crucial in cold storage environments where moisture and temperature fluctuations are common.
Low Maintenance: Aluminum stair towers and loading dock stairs require minimal maintenance compared to steel alternatives, translating to lower long-term costs and fewer operational disruptions.
Cost Savings: Our prefabricated solutions often come in at a lower price than steel fabrication. The products are turn-key solutions and do not require on-site welding. Upside is able to deliver across the country and install.

Aluminum Stair Towers: Safe and Efficient Access

Our aluminum stair towers provide safe and efficient vertical access on the interior or exterior of cold storage facilities. Designed with safety in mind, these stair towers offer:

Non-Slip Surfaces: Safety is paramount in cold storage environments. Our stair treads feature non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents, even in icy or wet conditions. We also offer open-tread decking, we have a grip strut decking and bar grating decking. Both designed to allow rain and snow to pass through or create a grip for foot traffic.
Compliance with Codes: All Upside products meet ADA/IBC-compliance or OSHA-compliance, ensuring peace of mind for facility or safety managers.
Project Specificity: Although our products are prefabricated, our sales team quotes a configuration specific to your elevation height and footprint. Then, our engineers create project specific drawings for your approval.

Aluminum Loading Dock Stairs: Streamlining Operations

Loading docks are a hub at cold storage facilities, where goods are constantly moved in and out. Our aluminum loading dock stairs are designed to facilitate this critical function:

Easy Access: Our stairs provide employees with easy and safe access to loading docks, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents.
Heavy Duty: Built to withstand heavy foot traffic and the rigors of daily use, our loading dock stairs are a dependable choice for busy cold storage facilities.
Prefabricated: Our heavy duty loading dock stair design is manufactured to be a turn-key solution for easy install, unlike steel loading dock stairs that require welding on-site.

Aluminum Walkway Canopies and Awnings: Protection from the Elements

Our walkway canopies and cantilever awnings are other essential products to assist in operations of cold storage facilities:

Internal Drainage: Both our walkway canopy and cantilever awning are equipped with internal drainage, no need for attaching a gutter. The walkway canopies drain through the posts and the awnings have internal drainage in the frame, using a scupper plate to redirect the water.
Unique Layouts: We can achieve any length with each canopy product. The walkway canopies have a maximum width of 12’ between the posts and we can connect canopies side by side with shared posts. The cantilever awning has a maximum 5’ projection off the building using hanger rods to tie back to the building.
Standard or Custom Color: Powder-coating the aluminum product allows for a clean look. Our standard colors are white or black and other custom colors can be requested.

Conclusion

At Upside Innovations, we are committed to providing top-quality aluminum products that enhance the safety and efficiency of cold storage buildings. Whether you need aluminum stair towers for vertical access, loading dock stairs for streamlined operations or a canopy to protect material or employees from the elements – our solutions are designed to meet the challenges of these essential facilities. As the demand for cold storage grows, you can trust Upside Innovations to deliver the access solutions you need to stay ahead.

Brittany Dozier Sales Rep Commercial Construction

Take a look at this recent project for a cold storage facility. One of our sales representatives Brittany Dozier sold the walkway canopy pictured in the far right of the loading dock, to a facility in Georgia.

Have a similar project you need to be quoted? Reach out to Brittany at bdozier@upsideinnovations.com

switchback stair tower in warehouse — Interior Stair Tower for Roof Access

stair tower — Interior Stair Tower for Roof Access

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4 Types of Industrial Aluminum Canopy Designs

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Silvana Gold

Feb 07, 2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

There are countless variations of commercial and industrial aluminum canopy designs that can be applied to schools, retail outlets, warehouses, etc., but below are the four main variations of canopies:

1. Walkway Canopy

Walkway canopies usually cover an ADA-compliant pathway, which means they are typically wider than 5 feet. The maximum span for most aluminum walkway canopies is 12 feet, so a canopy post is required every 12 feet. Are you considering a walkway canopy? Read the 5 Essential Walkway Canopy Elements to Consider.

Common applications: schools, correctional facilities, churches, retail outlets

Sidewalk canopy for correctional facility — Sidewalk Canopy for Correctional Facility

aluminum walkway canopy for modular school building — Aluminum Walkway Canopy for School

2. Entry Canopy

Entryway canopies are bolted to the building above the doorway or entryway and protrude out from the building. These canopies can be combined with a ramp and/or a set of stairs that lead away from the building. Entryway canopies can be designed to change elevation as the ramp and/or stairs change elevation.

Common applications: storefronts, schools, recreational facilities

Heavy duty industrial canopy — Large Entryway Canopy

Aluminum canopy over door — Modular Building Entry Canopy

3. Canopy Between Buildings

An industrial aluminum canopy can be located between two temporary, modular buildings that are close together, but they can connect permanent buildings as well.

Canopies are connected to the buildings using two methods: 1) The canopy can be bolted to the building’s outside walls, or 2) the canopy can be placed above the two buildings so that it has posts and overhangs the edges of the building and provides full coverage.

Common applications: classrooms, offices, storage facilities

4. Cantilever Canopy

Cantilever canopies are secured to the side of the building using a tie-rod or ‘support arm’ that angles upwards from the edge of the canopy. The primary reason for using cantilever canopies over another style of the canopy is to get rid of the canopy posts.

Common applications: warehouse loading dock zones, restaurant drive-thru windows, and commercial building entrances.

Buildings such as schools and hospitals often have a lot of foot traffic, and canopy designs in their walkways can provide several benefits.

First, canopies can protect from the elements, such as rain and sun, which is especially important for buildings like schools and hospitals where people may be outside for extended periods. This can make the walkways more comfortable and accessible for students, staff, patients, and visitors.

Second, canopy designs can provide additional security and privacy for buildings like schools and hospitals. They can create a barrier between the building and the outside, making it more difficult for outsiders to see into the building and potentially providing a sense of security.

Finally, canopy designs can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the building, making it more attractive and inviting. Establishments like schools and hospitals often offer community resources and services and must present an open-for-all image to the public.

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Project Profile: Upside Innovations’ Access Solutions Enhance DC DGS Adams Place Bus Terminal

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View full case study by Modular Genius

Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands.

Nov 23, 2023

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Project Overview

Client: DC Department of General Services
Location: Washington, DC
Project: DC DGS Adams Place Bus Terminal
Collaborators: Modular Genius, Inc., Diamond Builders, Inc.

The Challenge

The Washington DC Department of General Services required a relocatable building for DC Public Schools to serve as a school bus dispatch, breakroom, and assembly space for drivers. The existing facility was outdated, necessitating a new structure on an adjacent parcel of land. The project demanded a design that would integrate seamlessly with the existing architectural landscape and provide effective accessibility solutions.

Upside Innovations’ Contribution

Upside Innovations partnered in this project by providing essential access components:

Two Entryway Canopies: These structures were designed to offer shelter and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building’s entrances.
Learn more
ADA-Compliant Entry Access Stairs: Installed at both entrances, these stairs ensured compliance with accessibility standards, offering safe and convenient access.
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ADA Wheelchair Access Ramp: This feature was critical in ensuring the building was accessible to all individuals, aligning with ADA guidelines.
Learn More

The pre-fabricated nature of Upside Innovations’ products was a significant factor in meeting the project’s tight timeline and budget constraints. The ease of installation and compliance with state and local accessibility guidelines were key in the seamless coordination of inspection activities.

The Solution

The modular building, by Modular Genius, Inc., was set up efficiently over two days. Upside Innovations’ prefabricated access systems played a pivotal role in the project’s success, aligning with the need for a flexible and relocatable solution. This adaptability is especially crucial for the ever-changing landscape of the bus terminal facility.

Conclusion

The collaboration on the DC DGS Adams Place Bus Terminal project is a testament to Upside Innovations’ ability to deliver high-quality, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing access solutions. The project not only met but exceeded expectations in functionality, speed to occupancy, and adherence to budgetary and regulatory requirements.

CanopiesProject ProfileStairs

Navigating the Complexities of Code Compliance for Multi-Use Facilities

February 27, 2024

Applications in Modular Construction: A Look into Upside Innovations’ Modular Stairwell and Canopy Installations

June 21, 2023

Applications in Modular Construction: A Look into Upside Innovations’ Modular Stairwell and Canopy Installations

Call (513) 889-2492

ORDER NOW

Jun 21, 2023

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Upside Innovations is at the forefront of reshaping temporary workspace infrastructure. With our prefabricated, modular stairwells and canopies, we offer solutions that prioritize functionality, durability, and safety. In this article, we highlight the features and benefits of Upside’s products.

Showcasing the union of efficiency, versatility, and sustainability, this photo captures Upside Innovations’ installation of a modular aluminum stairwell and weather-resistant canopy for a temporary two-story office, featuring elements that are as easy to assemble as they are to reconfigure and designed to be compliant with ADA, IBC, and OSHA standards.

Modular construction (What is modular construction?), a method involving the assembly of complete rooms or sections manufactured off-site, has become a prominent choice for erecting temporary and permanent structures. Rising in popularity for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, the modular market was valued at $131.1 billion in 2021, with analysts projecting a $234.7 billion value by 2031. This construction method reduces on-site construction time and costs, making it especially beneficial for larger buildings.

Upside Innovations provides the ideal solution for modular construction with its APEX System. This prefabricated line of ADA, OSHA, and IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies comprise industrial-grade aluminum components that bolt together, creating endless configurations. This innovative system eliminates the need for custom fabrication and extensive engineering, thus reducing costs, installation time, and complexity.

One of the key features of the APEX System is its reconfigurability, which allows for the ramps, stairs, and railings to be reused or reconfigured as needs change, making it a versatile choice for modular buildings such as schools, hospitals, churches, office trailers, and construction sites.

Our aluminum canopies and awnings are long-lasting and low-maintenance, never rusting, and promising a long product lifecycle. Our canopies have an internal drainage system to divert water from walkways, ensuring a safe, slip-free environment. our weather-resistant aluminum products can be reconfigured to adapt to changing applications, ensuring the industry’s longest service life.

Modular Stairwells: Embodying Efficiency and Compliance

The APEX System, Upside’s line of modular aluminum stairwells, is a testament to the power of intelligent design. These stairwells are ADA, IBC, and OSHA-compliant, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and accessibility. Furthermore, they are infinitely configurable to suit any application, making them a versatile choice for a wide variety of projects.

Constructed from lightweight, industrial-grade aluminum components, these stairwells are designed for easy assembly and reconfiguration. This flexibility reduces costs, installation time, and complexity, all while ensuring the stairwell is code compliant and aligned with the project’s specifications.

Canopies: Prioritizing Durability and Safety

Upside’s prefabricated aluminum canopies are engineered for long-term use and adaptability. They provide reliable protection from the elements and are designed to ensure the industry’s longest service life, making them a practical choice for temporary workspaces.

These canopies feature an internal gutter and drainage system designed to divert water away from walkways, maintaining a dry and safe environment beneath. Their modular design allows for easy reconfiguration or reuse, providing an adaptable solution for evolving project requirements.

Installation Examples

wheelchair ramp and stairs installation — These stairs and wheelchair ramp were installed at a modular building in Glendale, OH.

wheelchair ramp installation — These stairs and wheelchair ramp were installed at a modular building in Glendale, OH.

Commitment to Sustainability

Upside Innovations’ commitment to sustainability is evident in their product designs. The prefabricated systems are made with 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys, which contain a significant proportion of recycled content. This not only enhances the durability and versatility of their products but also aligns with green building principles, contributing to several LEED v4.1 credits and other green building rating systems.

Summary

Upside Innovations provides robust solutions for temporary workspace infrastructures, from adaptable stairwells to durable canopies. Their expert team ensures seamless installation, custom fitting, and code compliance, ensuring each project runs smoothly from start to finish. As demand for temporary workspaces continues to rise, Upside’s modular, prefabricated structures are leading the way in providing efficient and sustainable solutions.

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Improve Safety and Prevent Weather Damage with Loading Dock Seals

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May 31, 2022

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Loading docks are one of the busiest and potentially most hazardous areas of industrial workplaces. There are many moving parts such as heavy equipment and foot traffic that continuously move throughout the loading dock daily. One small error can result in a severe or fatal injury. It is crucial to keep loading docks dry and safe and to follow the right safety protocols.

Loading dock seals are important in improving loading dock safety and efficiency. In this article, we will explore what loading dock seals and loading dock shelters are, the benefits that they offer, and other loading dock products that you should consider to both improve the safety of your loading dock and help safeguard your investment by preventing costly weather damage.

What is a loading Dock Seal?

A loading dock seal is a pad that creates a tight closure between the loading dock and the truck to reduce energy costs and keep out water (rain/snow) and pests.

What is a Loading Dock Seal?

A loading dock seal is an exterior structure that surrounds a loading dock door to provide a tight closure between the loading dock opening and the trailer. Loading dock seals protect the trailer and both the interior and exterior of the building from damage. The tight seal keeps water and pests out and can significantly reduce energy costs by maintaining consistent temperatures.

The most common types of loading dock seals feature a compression design. This provides a gasket-type seal between the sides and top of the trailer and the building. The term “loading dock seal” is often used interchangeably with “loading dock shelter,” but there are some important differences. For instance, a loading dock shelter generally does not offer an airtight seal. They are also more enclosed than seals, flexible, and may retract upon impact to prevent damage.

Types of Loading Dock Seals and Shelters

There are several different types of loading dock seals and shelters. These include:

Foam curtain loading dock seals. Made from durable padding that creates an airtight seal between the trailer and building upon contact.
Retractable dock shelters. Retract upon impact with the trailer. This flexibility protects the shelter from damage if hit by a poorly aligned trailer.
Soft-sided shelters. Acts as both a seal and shelter. Similar to retractable dock shelters in that they will yield to impact from an off-center trailer to avoid damage.
Rigid shelters. Feature top and side curtains that flex inward. Conforms to the trailer as it backs into the shelter, providing a fairly tight seal.

Benefits of Loading Dock Seals

Loading dock seals offer many safety and financial benefits.

Increased energy savings

Loading dock seals keep heat out in the summer and cold out in the winter. An airtight seal can significantly reduce your facility’s energy costs. Some experts estimate that failing to close the gaps between loading dock doors and trailers can cost companies more than $1,200 per dock in lost energy costs per year.

Increased security against unauthorized entries and stolen goods

Loading dock seals minimize gaps between the building and the trailer. This prevents intruders from entering buildings and trailers and leaving with your valuable merchandise.

Create a safer environment for workers in the loading dock area

Wet areas in loading docks can cause slip-and-fall injuries. Moreover, high winds can cause workers to lose their balance when loading or unloading trucks. Loading dock seals help keep floors dry by keeping rain and snow out, protecting loading docks from strong gusts of wind, and minimizing fumes. A loading dock seal also protects workers from pest-borne illnesses by keeping bugs and pests from getting inside the warehouse.

Keeping the outside elements from entering the warehouse also helps protect your building’s infrastructure and inventory.

Improve the Life of Loading Dock Doors

Loading dock doors are constantly exposed to the elements such as rain, snow, and wind. These elements cause wear and tear over time. Adding a loading dock seal and metal canopy above the door minimizes the impact that elements have on the exterior of your doors, greatly reduces excess wear and tear, and prolongs the lifecycle of your doors.

Increased operational efficiency

A loading dock is one of the busiest areas in every warehouse. Loading dock seals eliminate potential hazards that can slow workers down. For example, workers do not need to avoid puddles or worry about dangerous gaps near the trailer. And since it is easier to maintain an optimal temperature in the loading dock area, workers are more comfortable and get more done.

The Better Option: Loading Dock Seal or Loading Dock Shelter?

When it comes to choosing between a loading dock seal or a loading dock shelter, there are several important points to consider.

Price – Loading dock shelters tend to be more expensive than loading dock seals. But some high-end dock seal models can be pricier than dock shelters. Make sure to keep your budget in mind when you begin researching different options.
Seal – Loading dock seals generally provide superior, air-tight seals. But this can depend on whether the top of the dock seal features a head curtain or head pad and what other sealing features are included. Some dock shelters can provide excellent seals while others leave significant gaps.
Head Curtain – The head curtain for a loading dock seal must be manually adjusted. Higher-end loading dock shelters use weight and gravity to automatically position and maintain contact with the roof of the trailer.
Versatility – Loading dock seals tend to be the better option for relatively small loading docks, do not service a broad range of trailer sizes, and/or the space between door openings is tight. Loading dock shelters can fit larger openings, can serve a variety of trailer sizes, and are flexible which makes them ideal for tight spaces.
Durability – Dock shelters are less susceptible to wear and tear given their construction. The durability of loading dock seals can be improved by adding features such as friction-resistant fabric and reinforcement boots.

Other Key Loading Dock Products

In addition to loading dock seals and loading dock shelters, some other products can significantly improve the safety, efficiency, and durability of your dock. These include:

Dock Bumpers
Stops trucks that are backing up at the loading dock. Protects the building and trailer from damage. Common types of dock bumpers include steel face, laminated, and molded.
Dock Levelers
Bridge the gap between the building and trailer. Common types include mechanical, air-powered, hydraulic, and edge-of-dock varieties.
Truck Restraints
Help prevent premature truck departure and trailer creep to reduce the occurrence of dock accidents. The most common types are impact and non-impact styles that feature either manual or power-activated models.
Dock Lights and Fans
Dock lights illuminate the back of the trailer during loading and unloading to increase safety. Fans improve airflow into the trailer to improve air quality and maintain comfortable working conditions.
Loading Dock Steps
OHSA compliant loading dock stairs for warehouses and distribution centers ensure that your workers are safe with features such as slip-resistant treads and solid aluminum construction that will never rust, warp, or rot.
Loading Dock Canopies
Positioned above the loading dock door and cantilever out over the trailer. Loading dock canopies help to protect seals, shelters, doors, trailers, and merchandise from the elements. This helps to prolong the lifecycles of these components and to maximize your ROI. Property owners usually purchase one long canopy that covers all loading dock doors, but it is also possible to buy separate canopies for each door.

Example of warehouse loading dock stairs

Loading Dock Safety Safety Protocols Checklist

Download PDF Checklist

Loading Dock Safety Checklist	Yes	No
Training
Is safety and health training and written material provided to dock workers?
Are annual refresher trainings provided to all dock workers?
Is motorized and non-motorized equipment training provided to dock workers?
Are dock workers trained in proper wheel chocking procedures?
Are dock workers trained in the proper use of dock levelers or bridge plates?
Material Handling Equipment – does all motorized equipment have the following:
Lights
Horn
Emergency brakes
Operator’s manual
Daily operator safety checklist
Loading Area
Are dock bumpers in good repair?
Are dock approaches free from potholes?
Are trailer positions marked with lines or lights for accurate trailer spotting?
Are wheel chocks used to prevent trailer movement during loading and unloading?
Are there two trailer wheel chocks for each trailer?
Are trailer wheel chocks chained to the building?
Are warning signs or lights in use?
If dock levelers are used, are they in proper working order?
Is the leveler or dock plate capacity adequate for the types and weights of the loads?
Miscellaneous
Do truck drivers have a place to wait while the trailer is (un)loaded?
Are truck engines turned off during the (un)loading operation?
Do all dock workers and visitors wear personal protective equipment when required?
Are carbon monoxide levels monitored to evaluate dock worker exposure?
Is lighting adequate?
Are emergency exits kept unblocked?

Conclusion

Loading docks are among the busiest and most hazardous areas in industrial workplaces. Loading dock seals and loading dock shelters can help improve the safety, efficiency, and durability of your docks. Incorporating other loading dock products such as metal canopies can offer additional protection from the elements to further improve safety and prolong the life of your dock doors and other key components.

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Big-Time Solar Panel Contractor Cited for OSHA Violations

Nov 13, 2021

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

A well-known solar panel contractor has been cited for exposing workers to dangerous fall hazards. The company headquartered in Louisiana is one of the leading solar panel installers in the nation. OSHA issued a third-party citation after an investigation found that it violated federal workplace safety requirements despite being previously cited twice in two years.

Following an inquiry by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Marc Jones Construction LLC – also known as Sunpro Solar – for a repeat safety violation after inspectors discovered employees exposed to falls, the most common cause of death and severe injuries in the construction business. Furthermore, the government agency cited the firm for permitting staff to climb up and down extension ladders while holding items that may have prompted them to fall and for screwing up to offer employees a fall safety program.

Marc Jones Construction LLC had received two repeat violations prior, which are issued when an employer previously experienced a similar breach of the same standard or regulation. OSHA referred the Louisiana-based company for similar violations twice in Texas, San Antonio in January 2021, and El Paso in April 2020. “This is another example that falls continue to be one of the leading causes for death and serious injury in construction work,” said DOL OSHA Regional Administrator Condell Eastmond. The OSHA fined the company almost $161,000 in penalties for the violations it committed.

Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, Marc Jones Construction LLC is a business and residential solar panel installation firm with operations in 21 states. Sunpro Solar, formed in 2008, was named second on “Solar Power World” magazine’s rank of leading home solar installers in the United States in 2021.

After receiving the citations and fines, the organization has 15 business days to cooperate, seek an informal meeting with OSHA’s local director, or appeal the allegations before the independent OSHA commission.

Roofing contractors have become a target of OSHA inspections. At least five roofing contractors were cited in 2018 for violating workplace safety requirements, including one in Kentucky. The installation of metal awnings is being considered to be prone to fall hazards. This is the reason why Upside Innovations is providing experts to ensure that there are no untoward incidents in your workplace or your facilities. Upside Innovations stays committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and protecting the environment through safe work practices.

Roof-mounted railings are a common type of safety measure employed by contractors. Guardrails with safety swing gates are generally placed six feet from the edge of the roof. If anything near the border, like a condenser unit, barriers are needed right up to it.

It may be unappealing to put bright yellow barriers around the perimeter of the roof. There are methods to meet OSHA standards without resorting to such measures. Galvanized rails, for example, are less obtrusive visually but might be prone to corrosion. This is why aluminum handrails are recommended for them to be more durable in weather conditions on the rooftop.

The use of guardrails is also an architectural problem. Some building owners, for example, surround the roof with bright yellow rails. It is under OSHA standards, but it gives the impression that the facility is always under construction and distracted from other structure areas. There are several alternative products available to assist building owners in acquiring OSHA permits. What is important is that building workers and visitors are kept safe in case of stair accidents or slips happen in these building areas.

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5 Essential Walkway Canopy Elements to Consider

Call (513) 889-2492

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Mar 30, 2020

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Aluminum walkway canopies add value to any commercial property, and they last much longer than fabric canopies. Below are 5 elements to consider when determining the best walkway canopy layout.

Powder-coated brown walkway canopy between parking garage and modular office

white aluminum walkway canopy connecting two buildings on medical facility

1. Walkway Width

A commercial sidewalk must be at least 5′ wide to comply with ADA regulations. Any sidewalk that is less than 5′ wide must have areas every 200′ called ‘passing spaces’ that measure 5′ x 5′. To avoid pouring concrete for passing spaces, most commercial sidewalks are at least 5′ wide. Therefore, our canopy is usually between 5′ and 6′ wide, but the maximum width that it can span is 12′. Here are some industrial walkway canopy designs to consider. A means of egress near a walkway canopy is essential to guide exits or escape routes from the shelter to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants in case of a fire or other emergency. The right width would make egress routes accessible and these egresses should be clearly marked and unobstructed and lead to a safe place outside the building.

2. Walkway Length

If you want the entire sidewalk covered, measure the distance from one end of the sidewalk to the other. If you want partial coverage, measure only the area you want to be covered.

3. Changes In Direction

To design the canopy correctly, we need to know if there are any changes in direction. The most accurate way to give us information about changes in direction is to send us an overhead picture or layout drawing of the sidewalk or walkway.

If the sidewalk makes a turn and has a step-down or up, we will design the canopy so that one section steps overlaps the other section at an angle. If the sidewalk changes direction on level ground, we can cut the canopy decking at the specified angle of the turn. The Apex Canopy resource provides more in-depth information.

Below is an actual Upside walkway canopy layout.

4. Changes In Elevation

There are two ways to design the walkway canopy to accommodate a ramp or step system within the walkway. First, one canopy section would step down from the higher canopy section. The higher canopy section would hang over the lower one so that rain does not come through the gap. The second option is to cut the canopy posts at different lengths to counteract the elevation change.

Canopy that steps down with taller posts

5. Barriers

People tend to forget about structures that might be in the way of a walkway canopy; consider structures like power lines, light posts, and trees. It is possible to design a solution if the barrier is known, but if it is discovered after the canopy arrives at the site, it can be difficult to provide a quick solution.

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