Mezzanines

About Mezzanines and Custom Mezzanine Manufacturers Including: Industrial Mezzanines, Mezzanine Floors, Mezzanine Manufacturers, Mezzanine Systems & Plant Mezzanines.

Mezzanines are stand alone structures that are normally constructed within a building or other type of open facility. They are typically designed as large square- or rectangular-shaped decks, providing open space directly below the mezzanine. Mezzanines maximize clear space both on top of and below the mezzanines. Custom mezzanine manufactures produce a number of mezzanine configurations. Structural mezzanines move open space to the top of the mezzanine and contain shelving or rack units below. Free standing mezzanines do not have these structural reinforcements, but make use of columns to support the mezzanine and the weight of its load. Many custom mezzanine manufacturers make modular mezzanines.

Custom mezzanine manufacturers also create mezzanines with stairs, typically configured in a straight line or in a U-turn. Conveyor systems and escalators are also utilized for ease of transportation when dealing with large boxes or other loads that need to be moved to or from the above deck. Pallet drop areas are often included in order to move products between the first and second levels. Mezzanines lighting is necessary if people are to be working under the platforms. Lift-out, swing, sliding and bi-parting gates are examples of the available gates. Safety guidelines require the installation of hand railings to protect employees who access the upper level. Mezzanines sprinklers are often necessary to comply with fire safety codes.

Mezzanines can double the capacity of the warehouse. Floor space is freed up for more profitable activities. Mezzanines can be bolted together over and around existing storage and work areas. Electrical conduits, water pipes, etc. can be integrated by running them through web bar joists, especially on structural steel mezzanines. Mezzanines are not only used in warehouses or plants. They have also been custom-designed for facilities such as wineries, archives, churches, automotive dealerships, distribution centers and food processing plants. Mezzanines can also transform vertical warehouse space into office space, complete with lights, outlets, doors and windows.

Knowing interior dimensions, like the ceiling height and surface area of the location, is necessary when purchasing a mezzanine system. Consider whether rack or shelving units are needed for storage below the mezzanines. A variety of deck surfaces, such as bar grating, plywood or diamond-plate grating, is available. Weight capacity per square foot should be calculated. Determine the total linear feet of deck handrail and the number of sets of stairs needed. Stairs can be closed or open tread or bar grating, among other options. Column spacing is important; whether specific spacing is required by the building codes or if the most economical spacing can be used. Mezzanines manufacturers will also need to know if and how many gates or landings are required. 

Mezzanines and Custom Mezzanine Manufacturers Image Provided by Equipment Roundup Manufacturing	Mezzanines and Custom Mezzanine Manufacturers Image Provided by Specialized Storage Systems, Inc.

Mezzanines and Custom Mezzanine Manufacturers Images Provided by Abtech

Types of Mezzanines

• A custom mezzanine is a mezzanine which is configured to consumer specifications. Custom mezzanines consist of parts which are not “off the shelf” and most often call for custom fabrication.
  
• Industrial mezzanines are heavy duty mezzanines that are designed to endure the heavier and shiftier loads that industries are accustomed to dealing with.
  
• An in-plant mezzanine is a mezzanine constructed inside of a plant or building. An in-plant mezzanine is typically shipped unassembled and then put together once inside of the designated location.
  
• Mezzanine floors serve as the base for the entire upstairs area. They are placed over the supporting purlins. Common floorboard materials include: plywood, diamond treaded steel, welding bar and metal plank gratings, various poly texture panels and concrete.
  
• Mezzanine manufacturers produce structures that are intermediate floors between main stories of the building.
  
• Mezzanine systems are all of the elements used to create an intermediate story to a building that sits in between two main stories.
  
• A modular mezzanine is a mezzanine that is pre-fabricated in standard size offerings. Modular mezzanines are usually limited to a lighter PSF capability, but they are shipped and installed quicker and generally cost less money.
  
• Plant mezzanines are transitional floors located in industrial plants.
  
• Structural mezzanines use inherent members such as racks or shelving units to endure loads placed on the upper level. Structural mezzanines simply relocate the floor level area to the upstairs.

Mezzanines Terms

Column Footing – a support base for the mezzanine’s load-bearing columns. Column footings are often times made of concrete or metal.

Collateral Load – additional dead loads besides the structure’s weight and decking materials, such as sprinklers, ceilings and electrical and mechanical systems.

Dead Load – the allowance in the load capacity of the mezzanine in order to account for the weight of the actual mezzanine structure.

Grating – an open grid of metal bars. The grid bars are attached to cross bars that run perpendicular to them or to bent connecting bars which extend between them.

High Density Storage – a storage method in which unitized loads are stocked more than one unit high and/or deep.

Landing – a platform at the end of stair flights. Landings are frequently used on mezzanines.

Lateral Deflection (Drift) – the amount a mezzanine will sway due to lateral loads.

Lateral Load – the force that acts horizontally on the mezzanine, causing it to sway. All mezzanine structures are designed to withstand a particular degree of lateral loading.

Lift Truck – any vehicle that is used to lift, stack, rack or move a load(s). Forklift is synonymous with the term lift truck.

Live Load – the maximum weight the mezzanine is designed to hold safely. Typical live loads range from 50 to 250 PSF.

Pounds per Square Foot (PSF) – a unit of measurement that signifies the number of pounds of pressure within a one square foot area.

Purlin – a structural member attached horizontally to the primary frames of mezzanines. Purlins provide support for the flooring and loads.