Should You Repair Or Replace A Damaged Pallet Rack?

Pallet racking is a great way to improve your warehouse or production space, but when it experiences damage, its benefits deteriorate. A damaged pallet rack can pose risks to your products or employees, so it is essential to address the damage promptly. How can you know if you should replace or repair your damaged racking? Choosing between repair and replacement will depend on the type of racking, what you are storing, and how extensive the damage is. This blog will share specific situations when repair or replacement may be better for your system. 

Spotting The Signs Of A Damaged Pallet Rack

The first step to either repairing or replacing your damaged pallet rack is to recognize the damage. Depending on how you use your racking, dings and dents are the most common types of damage that occur with pallet racking. Other damage, like moisture or dirt buildup up can lead to discoloration, rust, or weak points on the structure.

Common signs of damage include:

• Rust
• Cracking
• Bent uprights
• Unanchored baseplates
• Sagging
• Creaking or squeaking parts
• Misalignment of racks
• Tilting

Once you recognize that your pallet racking is damaged, you will need to determine how extensive the damage is. For rusting, creaking, or misaligned parts, you may be able to get by with replacement parts. 

When To Repair Pallet Racks

Smaller problems can often be remedied with newer parts or with professional repair. Repairing a damaged pallet rack makes the most sense for your business because it doesn’t slow down your business operations. If the damage is small or close to the ground, it can be repaired. 

Most warehouses order their racking and have it shipped to them, so when shipping time and shipping cost are unbearable, repair could help get you through a few more days of business operation. Having repairs done by a skilled professional can help you avoid severe accidents and make the repairs last longer.

Other instances that make repair a good option include:

• When repair kits can effectively address the damage
• When cost savings are a high priority
• When the racking system is fairly new
• When your business can not afford downtime or shipping delays

When To Replace Pallet Racks

It makes the most sense for you to err on the side of caution when you have a damaged pallet rack, just in case product falls or the entire rack collapses. While replacement might not be the most ideal option, it will save workers from climbing up on the racking to reach damaged sections. This will keep the rack from toppling over, keep repairmen safe, and limit employee injuries. 

Large sections of damage are also not often able to be repaired, especially corrosion, rust, or weak points. It can be detrimental to repair racks that are already too far gone, rather than just replacing them. 

Replacement is also a good option for businesses that see frequent product rotation and those who have drive-in and drive-out racking. Because of the high use and the shifting weight constantly, having unreliable racking can do more harm than the little money you will save by choosing repairs.

Other times when it makes sense to choose replacement racking include:

• When safety concerns have been at an all-time high
• When the cost of repair is greater than or equal to the replacement cost
• When the racking is nearing the end of its lifespan
• When you plan to move to a new facility

Getting A Professional Assessment

As a business owner, you may have other pressing tasks to take care of and may not be able to determine the best option for your pallet racking. Professional assessment can help give you a clearer picture of how damaged the rack truly is and give you professional advice on what to do next. An assessment can give you different options that can fit your budget or industry. 

Options From BL Pallet Racking

BL Pallet Racking offers new racking, used racking, and replacement parts for warehouses across the states of Utah and Indiana. Our business has seen the benefits of quality pallet racking and wants to share those with other warehouses and businesses in any industry. We want businesses to be able to keep their inventory organized and make the floor space free from clutter. Our racking can help store items of all sizes, allowing them to be used in all types of spaces. 
BL Pallet Racking has the best pricing on the market and is able to help find a system that works best for your business. Check out our current products and get your new racking shipped to you in a timely manner.