Dock Door Storm Preparation Checklist for Warehouses

A short walk on a dry day

Most dock water problems are visible before the storm. A worn seal, an apron that pools, a leveler pit that never drains: all of them show up on a calm afternoon. Walk the docks before each wet season and again after any storm that put water inside, and you'll have a concrete list to take to the owner or a contractor.

Photograph as you go and write the door number next to each note. Those notes become a record of what was known, which helps with maintenance planning and, after a loss, with explaining the building's condition.

Settle who owns each problem on the same walk. In a leased building the tenant may run the doors while the owner handles pavement, drainage and structural repairs. Writing the responsible party beside each item shortens the argument later and gets the request to the right person. If the lease is silent, ask the property manager for a short written note of who handles what. That one page can save days when a repair needs to happen before a forecast storm.

Outside the door

The apron slopes away from the building, with no low pockets.
Storm inlets near the dock are clear of leaves, trash and silt.
No stacked materials block the runoff paths.
Curbs and bollards aren't trapping water against the wall.
Trailer parking doesn't steer runoff toward the doors.

At the threshold

Bottom seals are intact and touch the ground.
Side and header seals have no gaps or tears.
Levelers and pits are free of debris and drain properly.
Door tracks and panels close all the way.
Weatherstripping hasn't hardened or cracked.

Inside the dock

Staged pallets sit out of the path of known door leaks.
Vulnerable goods sit on raised platforms where that's practical.
A mop, a squeegee and barrier material are within reach.
Floor drains, if there are any, are open and clear.
Aisles near the dock leave clear paths for moving stock in a hurry.

Findings log

Door	Problem found	Photo ref	Reported to	Date fixed
Door 1
Door 2
Door 3
Door 4

Rain is forecast and problems remain

IfA door in daily use has a damaged sealThenCut back its use and set temporary barriers if the dock allows.
IfThe apron pools water at a thresholdThenMove vulnerable pallets back and have someone watch it during the storm.
IfA leveler pit holds waterThenReport it to the owner and keep stock away from it.

Common questions

Is this checklist only for leased buildings?

No. Owners and tenants can both use it, though the repairs may fall to different parties.

How often should we walk it?

Before each wet season, and after any storm that caused trouble.

General information for Commerce City, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.