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IQS Newsroom Articles on Storage Platforms
Storage Platforms
A storage platform is a semi-permanent story between the ceiling and floor of a building that is designed to maximize usable storage space. Many public, commercial, warehouse and industrial buildings have storage platforms constructed in order to increase existing floor space for storage; storage platforms can nearly double the amount of floor surface within a building. Storage platforms are a highly cost-effective solution, ranging from 60-80% less than the cost of building a separate facility. In addition, storage platforms can be custom-fitted to the existing surroundings as well as easily accommodating access locations and stairways as needed. Storage platforms can be made from a variety of different materials, although they are most commonly constructed from steel. These materials include aluminum, cold-rolled steel, structural steel, stainless steel and fiberglass. Industries that benefit from storage platforms include industrial manufacturing, distribution, shipping, retail, warehousing, construction, entertainment and defense. Storage platforms are platforms that are raised by columns, with flooring that is supported by beams or channels. Often, storage platforms will also have railings and stairways. The columns are bolted into the ground and support the weight of the unit and the stored equipment or materials. The beams run across the width of the building, and are laid like latticework, a framework consisting of a criss-crossed pattern of strips of building material. The flooring is laid over the framework and fastened into place. Different types of storage platforms include equipment platforms, conveyor platforms and office platforms. Equipment platforms consist of platforms, stairways, gates and railings that are designed to maximize existing storage space. Conveyor platforms are multi-leveled platforms that are designed to support the weight and stresses of the operating equipment as well as allowing for access to the equipment on the platform. Office platforms allow for an in-plant office to go on top of or below a mezzanine. The most common type of platform used in storage applications is the equipment platform.
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