As the weather worsens, and storms continue to affect parts of the UK, the protection of premises and stock from adverse conditions is paramount to efficient commercial operations. Galebreaker offers a range of bespoke external weather protection systems for commercial facilities, that not only provide weather shielding, but also support ventilation and light transmission for optimal conditions, enhancing the environment for staff and customers.

Our fabric-engineered solutions are lightweight, yet robust and can complement existing structures and doors to provide flexible access – while keeping weather at bay and protecting from dust and debris, or preventing access to insects and pests.

Below, we explore the top weather-shielding products available.

Spanscreens: a clip-on solution

Galebreaker’s Spancreens are clip-on screen systems, which provide long-lasting weather protection for commercial units. Spanscreens are ideal for providing temporary or permanent protection against weather and debris containment for commercial premises, equipment storage, waste management facilities and processing plants. The main benefits of Spanscreen include: include:

• Easy to fit: The screens adopt a clip-on mechanism which allows for a quick, simple, cost-effective set-up to your existing infrastructure, with no bolting required. Premium screens require a technical site survey by our team and a full installation service by our specialist team is also available.
• Versatile: Screens can be used as permanent or temporary weather protection and are made to measure for the building. The clip-on systems mean they can be easily installed or removed to suit changing demands
• Enhance safety: The screens reduce the risk of fire ignition and spread as all available materials are flame retardant
• Low maintenance: All materials are non-toxic, UV-stabilised, rot-proof, tear and fray resistant to stand up against harsh conditions
• Environmental factor control: The system helps to manage factors like ventilation, temperature, containment of dust and debris, and pest control
• Customisation: With a wide range of materials, our PVC-coated polyester comes in a variety of colour options, with differing permeability and tensile strengths

Case study: Ash bunker wind protection in North Wales

Learn how Galebreaker’s M75 Spanscreens solved wind challenges at a waste-to-energy facility in North Wales by cutting wind speed through ash storage bunkers by over 50%, preventing debris contamination, enhancing safety, and protecting equipment.

Maxidoors: bespoke systems for large openings

Maxidoors can be used to enhance the protection of facilities against weather conditions, acting as weather breakers, to provide easy-to-use solutions which allow for quick access to commercial environments.

Galebreaker offer several Maxidoor variations, made bespoke to the facility with flexible customisation.

The Classic model is an ideal option for smaller commercial areas not exposed to windy conditions, while the Classic Plus variation includes steel wind bars as a weather shielding option.

The Maxidoor Pro Plus can be used for weather shielding on openings up to 10 metres in width and height, with a maximum size of 55 square metres – ideal for larger spaces. This door provides a robust solution, especially made for external use, equipped with a heavy-duty external motor for rapid opening speed of seven seconds per metre, which can be operated via remote control or button. Customers can mix and match fabrics to suit a range of applications or buildings.

Galvanised steel cowling is provided with the Pro Plus model and direct or indirect motor options allow multiple doors to be operated in series – improving overall operational efficiency.

Case study: International Plywood: Galebreaker Doors Stop Water Damaging Stock
Discover how Galebreaker’s Maxidoor Pro Plus helped to protect a plywood supplier unit in Gloucestershire against water ingress and stock damage.

The Maxidoor Fold is also an ideal fabric-engineered weather shielding solution. This motorised door spans up to 20 meters in width and 10 metres high, so it can act as an ideal weather breaker solution for large bay areas.

The mechanism uses existing steel structures to operate and enhance current frameworks – reducing disruption, with three-phase or single-phase motors controlled easily via a switch. 

Key benefits of the Maxidoor systems:

• Easy access: Offer manual options using a chain drive, or motorised options using tubular motors – each allowing rapid opening.
• Safety and durability: A range of high-quality materials are available which resist rot, tear and fray – with options against corrosion, enhancing site safety and reducing the need for maintenance.
• Made to measure: The doors are made bespoke with galvanised, steel cowling options available to enhance weather protection, and supportive structures for uneven floors.
• Mesh options for light transmission: Mesh material provides weather protection and aids light transmission
• Easy to fit: Can be easily installed with limited disruption to the current structure.

Choosing the right weather protection solution for your business

Many factors require consideration when selecting the right weather protection solution for your commercial set-up.

It’s important to assess the building – considering the position and structure to acknowledge the vulnerability of premises, goods and staff to adverse weather conditions. This will help to identify where and how the current structure can be enhanced to protect the environment.

Planning for accessibility is crucial in a commercial environment, so it’s important to consider the type and frequency of access that is required (e.g. for small or large vehicles, goods, people). The speed and regularity of openings must also be factored in, as well as the size of openings as maximum measurements and mechanism speeds can vary between products.

Temporary and permanent solutions are available, so it is important to consider the longevity of protection required.

Considering weather protection for your commercial units?

Contact us to learn more about the Spanscreen and Maxidoor options and how our weather protection systems can best optimise your commercial environment.