Warehouse accidents happen. Whether it’s an issue of overloading or forklift impact or maybe loose flooring, pallet racking can get damaged. Are you trying to assess whether or not your damaged warehouse storage racks are repairable or need to be replaced? Here at Engineered Products, we are here to help.

Signs of Distress

Damaged pallet racking can lead to other issues, so you want to be sure to assess and correct swiftly. Some damage to your warehouse storage may be obvious, but in other cases, it can be more subtle. Some warning signs to look out for:

• Signs of impact. Do you see scrapes or indents?
• Buckled vertical uprights. Any obvious bends or buckling need to be addressed immediately. This can be tough to spot, so you will need to use a level to gauge any gaps. 
• Basic look should be plumb and level. If anything looks askew or off center, it’s a warning that your pallet racking needs to be assessed more closely. Everything should appear level.
• Loose connectors.
• Loose feet (baseplates). 
• Rust or metal corrosion.
• Sagging or bowing. This indicates an issue with the horizontal beams and could quickly lead to more serious issues.
• Twisted diagonal bracing. 

To Fix or Not to Fix?

Yes, pallet racking can be repaired, but you need to run it through a stream of assessments to be sure it’s able to be repaired--and worth repairing. Consulting with an expert Engineer is essential in determining next steps.

Also, remember that you get what you pay for. If you’ve tried to cut corners by buying cheaper pallet rackings, this can bite you in the end. Investing in high quality warehouse storage equipment prevents the commonly seen issues outlined above. However, again, accidents happen; it’s how quickly and effectively we respond to potential issues that matters the most.

Replacing Parts

Once you and a qualified Engineer have identified what might be damaged on your pallet racks (uprights, beams, etc.), you may opt for replacing certain parts of the racking to restore the original infrastructure.

If you need to replace a part, don’t just go with parts that look similar to one other. You’ll need to replace damaged components with identical parts from the original manufacturer. Trying to mix and match will cause you issues down the line. Always work with an expert if you’re unsure of which components to replace. Remember, uprights and beams may look similar to each other, but they aren’t designed to do the same thing; mismatching these parts during replacement can wreak havoc on your warehouse storage systems. When in doubt, always reach out.

Welding, Straightening, or Repair Kits

In some situations, you may not need to replace a component, but can opt for welding or straightening, or investing in a pre-engineered repair kit. Always consult a Supervising Engineer or Rack Repair Professional before going this route.

Accurately Assessing Damage is Critical

You’ll want to work with a Supervising Engineer or a qualified expert on our team at Engineered Products to accurately assess the damage and decide exactly how to proceed. Never just address the worst damage, as this kind of band-aid solution can lead to more problems down the line. Set time and resources aside to do an in-depth assessment and then put together a repair or replacement plan. 

Consult with the Experts

At Engineered Products, we provide innovative solutions for Warehouse Managers, including rack repair and pallet rack solutions. Contact us today to find out how we can help you address, assess, and repair your damaged warehouse storage systems. Exceptionally designed systems and solutions are key to accident prevention, so getting ahead of the game will always pay off.