Understanding Mezzanine Floors
Before we explore their energy-saving potential, it’s important to understand what mezzanine floors are and how they function. A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent structure, typically constructed within an existing building, that creates an additional level (or levels) between the ground floor and ceiling. The structure of a mezzanine is typically made of steel, making them sturdy and durable, plus they’re incredibly versatile and customisable making them suitable for all commercial needs. It’s no surprise they are a popular choice for many expanding workspaces. But how can a mezzanine floor reduce energy costs?

Utilisation of Vertical Space
Vertical space is arguably the cheapest space you can buy… but it’s also the most expensive to waste. It’s why one of the most obvious ways mezzanine floors help reduce energy costs is by maximising the use of the vertical space within a building.

Instead of expanding horizontally, which might require the construction of an entirely new building (and planning permission – ugh, think of the paperwork!), mezzanines make use of the available height within an existing structure. This, in turn, reduces the overall energy required for heating, cooling and lighting as there’s less square footage to condition.

Improved Natural Lighting
Mezzanine floors can be strategically designed to allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the workspace. By utilising fibreglass or translucent roof/wall tiles, skylights or large windows, businesses can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. This not only saves on electricity costs, but also enhances the working environment by providing a more natural and pleasing light source. It’s also worth noting that natural lighting has been proven to increase employee productivity and wellbeing.

Oh, and just a thought, if you have a large industrial facility (a warehouse or factory perhaps), it’s worth considering painting the internal walls white for a lighter, brighter appearance.

Energy-Efficient Lighting Systems
Installing energy-efficient lighting systems on mezzanine floors can further reduce electricity consumption. LED lighting is not only energy-efficient but also has a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, modern lighting systems often come equipped with sensors that can detect occupancy, ensuring that lights are only on when needed (‘‘waste not, want not’’ as they say).

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
With a mezzanine floor in place, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems can be optimised for the specific space requirements. Instead of conditioning a massive volume of air within a cavernous building, businesses can focus their HVAC efforts on the mezzanine and lower levels separately. This zoning approach can lead to significant energy savings as systems can be tailored to the needs of each area, thus reducing wastage.

Enhanced Insulation
By installing a new mezzanine floor, you can also improve insulation within your commercial building. By insulating the ceiling of the lower level, the temperature regulation becomes more efficient. This means that, during extreme weather conditions, less energy is needed to heat or cool the space as the mezzanine floor acts as an additional barrier against external temperature fluctuations.

Have you heard of stratification?  It is caused by cold air entering a building, pushing the warm air inside towards the roof with the cold air remaining at floor level. Destratification fans counteract this by moving the trapped warm air downwards towards floor level. By making better use of the heat energy trapped at high level, your heating system can reduce its output.

Optimised Workflow
A well-designed mezzanine floor can also optimise workflow, reducing the need for excessive movement and transportation of goods or materials. By having storage, workstations or even assembly areas strategically located on the mezzanine, employees can work more efficiently.  This, in turn, can also lead to energy savings.

Mezzanine floors offer a multifaceted approach to reducing energy costs within commercial workspaces. From optimising vertical space utilisation to improving natural lighting and enhancing insulation, these structures can have a profound impact on a business’s energy consumption. By adopting energy-efficient practices and incorporating eco-friendly design principles, companies can simultaneously boost their sustainability credentials and save on operational expenses.

Mezzanine floors are not just a means to expand space, but a pathway toward a greener and more cost-effective future for businesses. As the world continues to prioritise sustainability, exploring innovative solutions like mezzanine floors becomes increasingly essential for staying competitive and environmentally responsible in today’s business landscape.

Make energy awareness part of your company culture with Cubex. Contact us today to arrange a site visit. We’ll design a bespoke mezzanine floor specific to your requirements and confirm the associated costs upfront so there are no unwanted surprises later down the line.

It’s worth noting that many companies prefer to spread the cost of their mezzanine rather than take a hit on the upfront capital cost. That’s why we work with a specialist leasing company to give our customers the flexibility of options. If you think you might be interested in a lease option, let us know and we can liaise with our chosen lease company at quotation stage. Give us a call on 01933 460422 or email us at sales@cubexcontracts.com.

The post Can a Mezzanine Floor Reduce Energy Costs? appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

Mezzanine installations are extremely popular for businesses looking to make room for their business to grow – they’re durable, stable and can be a real cost saver.  If you’re not sure whether it’s the right decision for you, you can also read our blog on the what, why, where and how of mezzanines floors.

While a standard mezzanine gives you one extra level to work from within your commercial office or industrial workspace, you can also install additional mezzanine tiers too… how great is that?  Most multi-tier mezzanine designs offer two levels although you can have more depending on your requirements and the original space available.  Ideally, the minimum headroom height for each floor should be 2300mm… so if you’re running out of space at work, just look up!

How do you install a multi-tier mezzanine?
Before installing a mezzanine of any kind (single or multi), there are some steps you must adhere to first.  These include:

• Mezzanines must be built to comply with building codes which, in the UK, are referred to as ‘building regulations‘. Whilst this may sound daunting, it isn’t something you need to fret about. This is all of the “stuff” that is taken care of when working with a contractor like Cubex Contracts – we will administer the building regulations on your behalf.
• Fire safety – this one probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but there are particular requirements that must be adhered to including fire exits and protected corridors. The good news for Cubex clients is that we provide guidance to all our customers regarding these regulations and consult with them, along with Building Control, throughout the design and installation process.
• Structural planning and design – from practicalities to legalities, we’ll cover height restrictions, office design and space planning right from the get-go.
• Access levels – a new mezzanine is exciting, but can your staff access each level easily and safely? We supply a range of mezzanine accessories including edge protection systems, stairways, lifts, disability access, safety gates and more!

Uses of a multi-tier mezzanine installation
If a business is looking to install multiple levels of flooring within their existing building, it’s normally quite safe to assume that they are in need of more space! And a mezzanine installation is far cheaper and far easier to manage than the upheaval of relocating altogether. Not only that, it enables your staff to operate more efficiently on a daily basis utilising the space they already have and need to get the job done.

Because mezzanines have so many uses, it can be confusing to determine how you might make use of yours, how big it needs to be and how to get the best out of one. We’ve worked with businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, retail and conventional office set ups – in fact, for a sneak peak at some of the projects we have worked on over the years, you can pop over to our case studies page to see the sorts of projects we undertake.  You may even find inspiration for your own workplace!

Some of these clients have had mezzanines installed to create additional space to increase stock levels helping to fulfil customer orders in less time, or to resolve logistic health and safety issues, provide a space away from the hustle and bustle of the office and even for a training centre and motorcar lift!  When we say it’s a versatile solution, we really mean it!

Common advantages of a multi-tier mezzanine installation

• Flexible structure – mezzanines are not built into the building’s original structural plans and so they can easily be deconstructed and re-located as and when required.
• Cost effective – a mezzanine floor is much more cost-effective compared to re-locating (in fact because it’s not part of the initial structure of the building, a mezzanine is a rent-free space and therefore your overall rent per square metre is significantly reduced).
• Maximise space – re-configure existing space and optimise it to accommodate the needs and requirements of the business (in doing so you essentially get twice the floor space in the same vicinity supporting both headcount growth and higher productivity).

You don’t need us to tell you that industrial space is expensive, but by installing a multi-tier mezzanine you can significantly increase your storage or production space with ease – and they’re so strong and reliable you can operate a range of heavy machinery and load bearing equipment on it too… bonus!

The minimum loading specified by building regulations is 3.5 kN/m2 uniformly distributed which allows for office space and personnel. If you intend to carry out material handling or use the mezzanine floor for storage purposes then you need to raise the specification to a loading of 4.8kN/m2, or even higher depending upon your specific weight loading requirements.

But – we’ve said it before and we will say it again – you don’t have to worry about the technicalities as that’s what we’re on hand for. We’ll work with you to understand your requirements for a multi-tier mezz and ensure this is delivered in your workspace to the highest quality.

After installation you’re advised to carry out inspections every 24 months so that the usage and load bearing capacity remains in accordance with the intent of the initial design, helping to protect you, your business and your valued members of staff too.

Let’s recap
So when it comes to installing a multi-tier mezzanine in your building, whether that’s two additional floors or more, you now know you need a headroom height of 2300mm for each floor, plus you need to understand what you will use each level floor for as the load rating requirements differ for office space and heavy industrial use. And it’s important not to forget or pass on those regular surveys!

Mezzanines are installed to maximise unused vertical space and ultimately provide additional room above and below built free from the existing structure.  A multi-tier mezzanine is a structure that offers multiple levels of flooring within a pre-existing space, so whether your vision is to have segregated floors for your office-based staff and communal areas, production teams and storage space, it can be done with Cubex.

The post Can you install more than one tier of mezzanine flooring? appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

You can virtually double (sometimes even triple!) your existing workspace without having to move your business to a new location just by installing a mezzanine floor in your current building, saving you both time and money in the short term, and working to provide a viable, practical solution that works for today and the future too.

It’s probably pretty obvious by now that we love a good mezz!  We’ve installed hundreds of them and seen firsthand how they have helped clients and their businesses.  If you’re not sure what exactly a mezzanine is then click here to read our blog to get you started. But if you’re sitting there thinking, ‘‘I know what a mezzanine floor is, but what benefits could it bring to my business compared to other options?’’ then read on – you won’t be disappointed!

1. Increase space

At Cubex we’re passionate about making space for business to grow which is why we love mezzanine floors.  One of the greatest advantages of installing a mezzanine is the immediate additional space it provides within your existing premises… why move if you don’t have to, right?  Maximising the use of a building’s space while creating a distinct separation between working areas (such as production, storage, management meetings and communal areas) is hugely beneficial when it comes to the efficiency of your business and, in turn, your revenue.

When it comes to ways of working, just think how much easier things would be if there were segregated areas for different teams to work from, more space to display products or store surplus goods, or even reduce overcrowding in high-traffic areas of the building?  Well, with a mezzanine floor installation you can create exactly that with an additional level of floorspace to optimise day-to-day business operations.

2. Save time and money

Er, hello… who wouldn’t want to save their business (or themselves for that matter) both time and money?  We certainly would!  And this is another reason why mezzanine floors are just so marvellous!  We’ve touched on it already, but if your business is running out of space then re-locating is one option. However, that can be very costly, the paperwork is never ending and there is a risk your business would be out of action or operating with a reduced workforce for a period of time… is that really what you want?  No, we didn’t think so!  You might think about extending your existing building, but again, that is also costly, time consuming and you’ll need planning permission which isn’t guaranteed… sounds pretty stressful!

So the clear winner here is a mezzanine floor installation. You can install a mezzanine floor in any office or industrial building providing the ceilings are high enough so you can utilise the space above you (ideally the headroom height for each floor should be 2300mm).  Installing a mezzanine floor is far cheaper that relocating or extending a building (contact us and we can provide you with a bespoke quote for your building and requirements), and a mezzanine floor is a rent-free space because it’s not part of the structure of the building and therefore the cost per square metre is significantly reduced.

So that’s a few more pennies back in your wallet!  But how can a mezzanine save you time?  Cubex Contracts can install a mezzanine in just one day… one!  That’s just one single day where your business operations may be disrupted compared to weeks or even months if you relocate.  Of course, the duration for installation is dependent on the size of the mezzanine, the number of levels (single or multi-tiered) and the overall floor space.  Cubex will visit your premises prior to installing a mezzanine floor to assess your needs and carry out a site survey to check specifications and measurements. Depending on your requirements, your office mezzanine could be installed in just one day so you’ll be back to work in no time!

3. Customer experience

A mezzanine floor installation can benefit the customer service you provide… Yes, really!  In addition to playing an important role in the efficiency of a retail space, industrial unit or office, a mezzanine floor also has benefits for your clients.  With an increase in space for storage, staff meetings or production, there will also be an increase in space to display products, create meeting rooms or areas for customers to browse whilst having somewhere to liaise with sales team. All of this is away from the hustle and bustle of the core operations.

Whilst clients do not communicate directly with a warehouse or industrial space beyond the online store, a mezzanine floor could still play an essential role in the business, for example a load bearing mezzanine floor could ensure that all inventory is readily accessible for sorting and dispatch. Click here to see how a large two-tier mezzanine installed by Cubex Contracts helped our client become one of the biggest parts distributors in the UK.

4. Add character to your building

That’s right, a mezzanine floor can add character to a building and open up the property by creating more usable space and increasing the amount of light flowing through your workspace.  Mezzanine flooring can create additional floors of space for a variety of different uses such as storage, office space, meeting rooms, washrooms, manufacturing and production (the list goes on).

A mezzanine floor is not only important for the performance of the business, but it can play a vital role in the overall aesthetic of your workplace.  Mezzanines can be tailored to the needs of your business and can be easily integrated to any office suite, retail store or industrial warehouse with the desired branding, design and colours.

Some more facts we think you should know

• A mezzanine floor used for smaller office space will need a loading capacity of 300kgs per square metre, whereas mezzanines used for heavier, industrial work will need to have a weight capacity of 500 – 1000kgs per sq metre (10kPa).
• To ensure the continued use of your mezzanine floor is performing safely, Cubex recommend annual surveys to certify the load bearing capacity remains in accordance with the intent of the initial design.
• A load bearing mezzanine floor, whether for light office storage or heavy industrial loads, will need to comply with current building regulations to ensure the structure can withhold its intended weight and foot traffic. But don’t worry, once appointed Cubex Contracts will administer the building regulation application on your behalf.
• Fire safety must be considered too, but again, Cubex Contracts are here to hold your hand (at a respectable 2 metre distance of course) and walk you through every step, managing the entire project from start to finish so you can get on with the important stuff your business needs you to focus on. That must be a weight of your mind!

So to recap, maximise space – check!  Cost effective – check!  Time saving – check!  Flexible structure – check!  By installing a mezzanine floor you can double your existing workspace without having to buy or rent new, additional premises.  What could your business achieve with that extra space?

The team at Cubex Contracts have 25 years of experience installing and maintaining mezzanine floors; each individual floor is tailored to the exact needs of the client, taking into account building regulations, safety standards and fire protection requirements.

If your commercial space needs are changing and you’d like to discuss how a mezzanine floor could work for your business then please get in touch with Cubex Contracts today on 01933 460422 and our creative design team will find the right solution for you.

The post 4 Benefits of Mezzanine Floors appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

• Responding to market demand
• Challenging your competitors
• Strengthening stability
• Reducing operational risks
• Accommodating headcount growth

These are all common requirements businesses have for wanting and needing additional operational space.  As a successful business owner (or manager of a business) with a great revenue stream, when it comes to finding a savvy way to increase your commercial space, your natural instinct might be to relocate. But is that the most practical and viable solution?  Or is there another option that could save you a few pennies too?  Let’s find out!

Moving Vs Mezzanine!
Re-locating your business involves a lot of work; from finding somewhere new that accommodates your growing business demands and objectives to the legalities, paperwork and hiring of movers… not to mention the final stages of interior design.  And the list doesn’t end there – you’ll need to update your customers and staff, and wade your way through the mountain of HR paperwork too.  Of course, we can’t forget about the big price tag that comes with the mammoth task of moving either.

So instead of all this fuss and expense, why not keep your business located exactly where it is and install a mezzanine floor?  That would increase your existing commercial space and it is a far easier, quicker and cheaper solution than re-locating.

Mezzanines with Cubex
A mezzanine floor is an additional level installed in a building to provide more space; it can extend over the whole of the main floor or just part of it – think of it as a ‘floor between floors.’ 

A new mezzanine will create valuable additional space without incurring the costs of moving premises or extending your building. You can potentially double (or even triple) your existing workspace without having to buy or rent new or additional premises.  So why move if you don’t have to?

A mezzanine floor can be installed in any commercial building providing the ceilings are high enough – ideally the headroom height for each floor should be 2300mm.  They offer ideal extra space for boardrooms, kitchens and washrooms, additional office space, production or storage – and from single story mezzanines to multi-tiered installations, Cubex will design, plan and install the entire solution for you (including Building Regulation Approval).

If you’re still not sure if a mezzanine installation will give your business enough space to increase operational efficiency and productivity, check out a previous project of ours where we installed a large two-tier mezz which helped our client to become one of the biggest motorcycle parts distributor in the UK!

Flexible structure… check! 
With practically no restrictions on their shape or dimensions, mezzanines are highly versatile structures and are used for a wide range of applications (mentioned above), accommodating employees, customers and heavy machinery too.

A mezzanine floor design can include partitions, suspended ceilings, floor coverings, heating, lighting and mechanical systems.  It will also include the necessary access points that link into your existing infrastructure (eg a staircase, lift or safety gates).

Plus mezzanines are typically freestanding so they can be dismantled and relocated if needed too.

Cost-friendly… check!
As you now know, installing a mezzanine is much more cost-effective compared to re-locating – in fact, a mezzanine floor is a rent-free space because it’s not part of the structure of the building and therefore the cost per square metre is significantly reduced.

When a mezzanine is used for warehouse or storage purposes, it does not normally incur increased business rate charges.  That said, if the new floor is used for office accommodation then it will sometimes affect your rates.

The price of an office or industrial mezzanine installation is a one-time cost, but the exact amount differs from one project to the next as no two sites are the same, and customer requirements always differ too.  A mezzanine consists of the frame and the floor itself, but there are access requirements and additional accessories to think about too including railings, gates and partitioning.  The materials needed and contractors used will also be different from job to job.  So if you’re considering installing a mezzanine in your workplace, give us a call on 01933 460422 and we’ll provide you with a bespoke quote that will increase your commercial space with ease.

Time saving… check!
If you’re worried about timing then let us put your mind at ease; moving your business is a process that can take months and months to complete, But we can install your mezzanine in just one day!  So you’ll be back to work in no time!

From survey through to design, planning and building regulations to installation, project management and handover, at Cubex we pride ourselves on offering a complete end-to-end solution to our clients.  When it comes to mezzanine installations, we’ll visit your premises prior to install to assess your needs and carry out a site survey to check specifications and measurements.

A typical project can be completed within 5-6 weeks of order, but depending on the number of mezzanine floor levels and the overall floor space, your mezzanine could be installed in just one day!

Plus, all industrial mezzanine structures are manufactured off-site, cutting down build time as well as disruption onsite… win win!

What’s more, we also include a disruption audit as part of our proposals to ensure your business experiences minimum downtime during installation.

If we have learnt anything over the last 25 years, it’s that our clients have a problem to solve and, more often than not, that problem is a lack of space.  That’s why our hands-on process means we can remove the hassle whilst delivering the right solution.

Increasing existing space can be a positive alternative to the expense and disruption of relocating your business altogether.  We create additional floor space for clients who once feared they had reached their limit whether that be in an office, warehouse, factory or retail showroom.    

If you have any questions on how a mezzanine floor installation could support your business’ growth and development, let us know and we’ll work with you to make space for business to grow.

The post How to Increase your Commercial Space without Moving appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

This may sound all too familiar for some business owners or office managers and, although your first thought might be to relocate the business entirely, finding bigger premises to accommodate your changing needs comes with a hefty price tag… not to mention the hassle and delays it will inevitably bring too.

So what’s plan B?  An extension perhaps?  That’s another good idea, but extensions are also costly and require planning permission which is not guaranteed.  So back to the drawing board it is, right?

Wrong!  Instead, let’s think vertically… could a mezzanine solve your workplace woes?

You could install a mezzanine floor into your existing workplace without the need for planning permission or ‘property hunting’. It’s also a cheaper alternative to an extension or relocation.  That said, you will need Building Regulation Approval – if only you knew of a reliable company to manage all of that for you, eh?

Cubex to the rescue!
To comply with the Building Act 1984 and the subsequent statutory instruments known as the Building Regulations, Building Regulations Approval is required to construct certain structures in England and Wales.

Building regulations are intended to protect people’s health, safety and welfare in and around the building.  The regulations are designed to improve conservation of fuel and power, protecting and enhancing the environment whilst promoting sustainable development too.  Local councils administer the regulations and it can soon become a logistical nightmare… and don’t even get us started on the paperwork!

Thankfully for business owners wanting to make space for their business to grow with a workplace refurb, Cubex Contracts are on hand to help.  In all cases, a new mezzanine will require Building Regulation Approval, it’s unavoidable. However,  once appointed, Cubex will administer the application on your behalf – that’s one less thing for you to worry about!

Fire protection… let’s not forget that!
You can make use of your mezzanine floor in a number of ways regardless of whether you are working from a commercial office, industrial warehouse or retail showroom; you could use your mezzanine for storage, production, board meetings, communal areas for the team… you name it!  It’s a whole other floor for you to use as you need it.

Because a mezzanine floor is considered an additional storey in your premises, it is therefore a legal requirement to provide a 60-minute fire protection to the underside.  So that means that a mezzanine floor must be fire rated when:

• Used for any other purpose besides storage where people are permanently employed (eg an office space).
• It measures more than 20 metres in any direction.
• It exceeds 50% or more of the floor area of the space that it is installed.

Providing your mezzanine is used for storage only and doesn’t exceed 20m in length or width, nor does it exceed more than 50% of a business’ total floor area, then fire protection is not required.

But this is not something to lose sleep over; Cubex Contracts offer guidance to our customers regarding fire regulations and we consult with them, and Building Control, throughout the design and installation process so that our clients can be sure their workplace refurb is designed with safety in mind.

Regulations… do we really need them?
Absolutely!  Failure to comply with building regulations will result in prosecution and enforcement notices including a hefty fine and/or the instruction to alter or remove the work which contravenes the regulations.  If a business does not comply with the notice then the local authority has the power to undertake the work itself and recover the costs of doing so from the owner.  It’s really not worth the risk!

Building regulations are unavoidable with every mezzanine floor installation and most office refurbishments. As a general rule of thumb, if the means of escape (for example in the case of a fire) are being affected then always assume that your office refurb will require building regs.

Also, if the purpose group of the building is changing or if any changes are taking place to the structure, then, again, building regulation approval must be sought.  Similarly, if your refurbishment makes any changes to the number of toilet facilities, insulation, protected fire escape routes or compartmentation of the building then approval must be sought then too.  But it’s no biggie – Cubex will deal with all of that for you while you concentrate on the important stuff like running your business.

Save yourself some wonga!
A mezzanine floor is a cost-friendly solution for businesses that are short of space whether that be in terms of storage, production or customer-facing zones.  And they’re so popular because of their versatility, stability and durability meaning they can store literally anything, even the weight of heavy machinery.

Many commercial buildings are designed with a headroom of 6m or more and, apart from being expensive in terms of heating and cooling, this un-productive space can be used to erect a mezzanine floor to create a useful area to extend your operational facilities – you’ll need a minimum headroom height of at least 2.3m for each floor.

As your business grows you may want to re-direct your cash flow to other departments rather than a new office building. Well, a mezzanine floor is a rent-free space because it’s not part of the structure of the building and therefore the cost per square metre is significantly reduced.

So, to recap, a mezzanine can virtually double your workspace (maybe even triple it), is cheaper than relocating and you don’t need planning permission!  If you’re short on space then a new mezzanine is a no brainer, surely? 

If you’d like to discuss how a mezzanine floor installation could work for your business, get in touch with Cubex Contracts on 01933 460422 or click here to email us – we help businesses adapt their premises to ever-changing needs.

The post How to Extend Your Business Premises Without the Need for Planning Permission appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

The post How Can a Mezzanine Floor Increase Productivity? appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

The post How to increase your warehouse space appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

How do pallet gates work?
Within your industrial workspace, an up and over pallet gate will sit at the edge of your higher level and is surrounded by guardrails and safety barriers which help to eliminate the hazard of falls from height – that’s one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace, you know?  Pallet gates provide continuous protection while in use and subsequently constant reassurance for business owners as they know their workers are always protected.

But how exactly does a pallet gate work?  We thought you’d never ask!  Imagine you’re working within a warehouse and you and your colleagues need to move a number of pallets from the ground floor to the first floor; you’ll begin by loading your pallets onto the open side of the gate and, once raised to the next level, the pallet gate will swing open to allow access to the new, higher level. As the gate lifts up it will simultaneously close off the back section of the gate to stop workers or materials from getting too close to the edge and potentially falling from a dangerous height.  Once the goods are safely loaded onto the higher level, the gate is closed, blocking off the hazardous edge.

This enclosed gated system protects the ‘open’ edge throughout the entire loading and unloading process and it’s this continuous protection that offers constant reassurance to employers and employees alike as the risk of any work-related accidents is significantly reduced – that’d be a weight off your mind, surely?

Do I really need a double gate system?
So you know what an up and over pallet gate is, but how do you know if you really need one?  Aside from the undeniable safety aspect they bring to the workplace which we’ve already covered, double pallet gates are also very versatile making them suitable for a variety of industrial businesses.  You already know they’re typically installed on mezzanine floors, but pallet gates can also be installed on other higher-level floors too including:

• High level boarding platforms
• Hoisting platforms
• Temporary landing stages
• Entrances and doorways
• Loading bays and docking stations

Moving oversized pallets within a busy industrial workspace is no mean feat and it can soon become a safety risk if not done correctly.  To secure the areas where materials are loaded and unloaded in your facility, a double pallet gate system is vital for your employee’s safety.  Of course, there are similar products on the market such as swing gates, trombone gates, removable bars or chains, but none of them offer the safety reassurance of an up and over pallet gate (instead they only guard the edge when shut and they rely on your employees actually remembering to close them – it’s an accident waiting to happen!)

Up and over pallet gates are designed to fit in conjunction with your existing mezzanine floor and railings (that’s handy)  and whilst there are many designs to choose from, it’s important that you find the one that works best in your industrial warehouse with the welfare of your employees at the forefront of your mind.  You don’t need us to tell you that there are numerous Health and Safety precautions that need to be adhered to, particularly within an industrial working environment, but we can tell you that double pallet gates meet the safety working standards and best practices to make them a perfect fit for the modern-day industrial warehouse. In fact, it’s the only enclosed gate system that ensures all employees are safely protected from moving loads and falling objects during the loading process (and at all other times too!).

Making space for business to grow
At Cubex Contracts we’re passionate about making space for business to grow whether that be in a commercial office, retail store or industrial warehouse.  And when it comes to warehouses, a double pallet gate (pictured) has a lightweight steel structure, is quick to install and is easy to maintain with galvanized paint to protect against harsh working conditions – ultimately increasing employee protection without sacrificing the layout or space of a workplace… win, win – right? 

Pallet gates have been designed for the ever-increasing demand in pallet movement and can accommodate either single or double width pallet sizes.  The construction of the gates provides a secure locking system to prevent any spring-back injuries and they’re designed for easy manual operation…

It’s a thumbs up from us
With the undeniable safety features, versatility to suit different businesses and ease of installation and maintenance, double pallet gates certainly get the thumbs up from Cubex.  But if you’re still not convinced on whether up and over pallet gates are the right solution for your business, he’s a little more information we think you might want to know:

• They’re excellent value for money
• They can be delivered and installed fast
• There are a minimal number of moving parts for lower maintenance
• You can get space-saving side frames
• They accommodate all standard pallets
• They offer better than average load height clearance
• All parts are replaceable
• Aluminium kick plate comes as standard
• They’re CE marked

Whatever your workspace needs Cubex can help to find the right solution that is tailored to your requirements and budget.  We do everything from mezzanine floors and warehouse design to office refurbishments and complete fit outs – including office and industrial accessories such as access stairways, goods lifts, flooring systems and yes, you guessed it, pallet gate installations!  If you’re looking to adapt your industrial workplace and improve efficiency and safety for your employees with an up and over pallet gate, give Cubex Contracts a call on 01933 460422 or email us at sales@cubexcontracts.com. 

The post Installing a Pallet Gate in your Industrial Workspace appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

What exactly is a mezzanine?

Good question!  It’s an additional floor installed in a building to provide more space, but it does not extend over the whole of the main floor, just part of it.

What’s required?

Before installing a mezzanine floor in your workspace, there are several requirements that need to be considered:

• All mezzanine floors need to adhere to building regulations, but don’t fret as Cubex Contracts will administer this on your behalf.
• Fire protection – a mezzanine is an additional floor level which needs to be incorporated into your fire protection system. Cubex Contracts offer guidance to our customers regarding these regulations and consult with them, along with Building Control, during the design and installation process – that’ll be a weight off of your mind, right?
• The same materials as the building’s original construction should be used for a mezzanine installation.
• Space awareness is another a key element to recognise; a mezzanine should be no bigger than a third of the main floor area. That said, some building codes are lenient on allowing a mezzanine to be slightly bigger depending on the building’s type of construction, automatic sprinklers and emergency communication systems.
• A mezzanine also needs to be open to the room and not closed off with walls, unless there are ten or fewer occupants inside or there are two emergency exits.

Why should you consider installing a mezzanine?,

Office mezzanines create valuable additional space without incurring the costs of moving premises or extending your building.   Plus a mezzanine floor doesn’t take long to install so you’ll be back to work in no time.  Why move if you don’t have to?

Mezzanines are energy-efficient as they can increase the warm air circulation, lowering heating costs for the building especially during the colder months.

While we’re talking about cost, because a mezzanine floor is not part of the buildings original structure, the total cost per square metre is significantly reduced while you get more space – win, win!

Industrial space is expensive and so by installing a single or multi-tier mezzanine you can significantly increase your storage or production space for a fraction of the cost compared to relocating to a larger premises.  Conveyor systems and lifts can be used to access additional multi-tier levels, but it is worth noting however that multi-tier mezzanines will be dependant on what kind of design you’re looking for and if the building structure will allow it.

Where can you have a mezzanine floor, you ask? Well, you can install them in any warehouse or office building as long as the ceilings are raised high enough, meaning you can utilise any unused space that’s above you – handy, right?

If your office needs are changing and you’d like to discuss how a mezzanine floor may work for you, get in touch with Cubex Contracts and our creative design team can find the right solution for you.

The post Mezzanines – what, why, where and how. appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

You might find that you’re in need of more space several times throughout the year with a continuously growing team or a demand for a restructure to accommodate the latest products and machinery, but whatever your needs, Cubex Contracts are on hand to provide an end-to-end solution for all of your commercial workspace needs.

Here are our tips on how you can create more space within your existing office premises, avoiding the need to relocate (…just think of the money you’ll save!).

Assess your needs
Let’s start by taking a long look at your workspace overall and assess what works and what doesn’t – what would you like to change, have more of, or get rid of?  And this doesn’t need to be a one sided task – take a quick snapshot and ask your colleagues what they think (it’s important to remember that in order to implement the very best changes that work for everyone, and benefit the business overall, it’s worthwhile checking in with the people that support your business to ensure they have the tools they need to get the job done).

Our surroundings can affect productivity so take this into account when assessing your office space needs and, if you’re not sure where to even begin, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the workspace cluttered and dark?
• Are desks and storage spaces cramped?
• What does the space feel like in terms of its atmosphere?
• What do we need that we do not currently have access to?

Consider noise control and sound privacy
There are many ways in which you can divide a space for privacy, meetings, hot desking, communal areas… pretty much anything and everything!  And by doing this you can create additional spaces that work – including ‘neighbourhoods’ for specific focus groups.

If noise control is a concern, have a think about installing sound absorbing panels (these work particularly well within open plan offices).  They can decrease echo and create a calmer atmosphere (especially in larger spaces where noise can travel), ultimately allowing for a better workplace experience.

Solve visual and personal security concerns
With collaboration being a key element of the future of office design, we need to ask, ‘‘how open is too open?’’ The traditional and ‘‘ideal’’ office space may be a large, open plan area, but this doesn’t work for every business all of the time, so where do we draw the line?

Sometimes employees need to work independently, have private 1:1 conversations or work with sensitive company information where visual security can soon become an issue.  Thankfully however there are alternatives and Cubex has a few solutions for you to try:

• Use stylish and colourful partitions to implement additional spaces for independent working, privacy and creativity.
  Partitions can also help with noise reduction and productivity as teams operate from a multi-functional workspace.
• Consider the office layout and plan for specific areas which will see less foot traffic; this can be a dedicated area for taking a call or for having some downtime over a lunchbreak.
• Throughout the office, look at furniture positioning and re-orient as necessary to optimise both space and privacy; believe it or not, but just by moving an existing space around can resolve a number of workplace woes including security concerns (so you don’t have to spend money unnecessarily… result!)
• Strategically position plants, soft furnishings and even hanging partitions – creating a multi-functional workspace that also looks good will ensure your office space is somewhere that your colleagues want to spend time in.

Plan for seamless, agile, connectivity and collaboration
In office design, there will always be a need for a culture of collaboration. This means incorporating designs that can support and transform your business to increase productivity, innovation and performance. To help in shaping this type of workplace, think about using tables and desks that facilitate innovation and connection.  But how?  Great question!  Think about decluttering as much as possible and get rid of anything that’s not required… if you don’t need something, why keep it? Simple enough, right?

It can be a challenge to find the delicate balance between privacy and team working, but agile spaces can help you with this especially if square footage is at a premium. Think about introducing moveable partitions and furniture on castors – you’ll have an adaptable, agile office space in no time!

Consider storage requirements
Invest in furniture with built-in space to help with storage; even though we now live in a paperless office environment (or at least we try to), we still need storage space.  So office furniture with built in storage facilities can help to utilise even more of our workspace.

Luckily, wi-fi means less wires and so too do laptops and tablets – what would have been used for bulkier computers can now be used as additional space as and when you need it most.

Warehouse and industrial space
If re-designing a warehouse or a large industrial space, then Cubex recommends evaluating the use of all of the space, not just a particular area or two.

As a suggestion, think vertically – adding mezzanine flooring can help to create more space within your existing warehouse for storage, breakout rooms, offices, meeting rooms, kitchen space, manufacturing zones… the list goes on!

When it comes to creating additional space within your office premises, even if you don’t have a lot of physical space to play around with, it is possible to create a workspace that works for you, your employees and your business.  What’s more, space planning within your existing space can be a positive alternative to the expense and disruption of relocating altogether.  So if you’re considering how to re-work your space for 2021 and beyond, we have loads of experience and advice to offer. You know where we are so just reach out. Email us on sales@cubexcontracts.com or call 01933 460422.

The post Create Additional Space Within Your Office Premises appeared first on Cubex Contracts.