In simple words, a mezzanine is an alternate vertical space in a building that is connected to the basement floor. The use of mezzanine storage systems can be of great help in improving the utilization of warehouse storage space. Today we will talk about the advantages of using mezzanine storage system.
A mezzanine floor is strategically placed, well-planned, and designed to fulfill to increase the space. Warehouses, factories, and manufacturing floors are examples of industrial buildings with high ceilings that often have mezzanines.
A mezzanine is a structure that is utilized to boost the storage capacity of a warehouse. Mezzanine floors can be used in warehouses, offices, homes, retail stores, etc places.
Using mezzanine floors on homes, retail stores, etc have specific advantages. But today, we will discuss specifically the advantages of a mezzanine storage system in the warehouse. In our today’s article, we will discuss the following things:
This article will be especially beneficial for the following group of people:
- Warehouse owners and managers who want to know the advantages of mezzanine storage systems.
- Warehouse owners and managers who are thinking to build a mezzanine floor in the warehouse.
- Academicians and researchers who want to know in detail about the advantages of mezzanine storage systems.
What Is A Storage Mezzanine?
An elevated floor or platform constructed between the ground and the ceiling is known as storage mezzanine. A mezzanine is a construction used to enhance the capability of a warehouse within a structure.
A mezzanine floor is well thought out, and a developed floor. It is installed between a part of the floor and the ceiling. A mezzanine floor is installed to increase the warehouse storage area.
A mezzanine floor is made of several parts, which include,
- Beams.
- Columns.
- Stairs.
- Guardrail.
- Handrail.
- Decking.
These are the main parts of the mezzanine floor. To find out the details of the parts of the mezzanine floor, read what is a mezzanine floor.
A storage mezzanine is not a permanent structure of the warehouse. As it is not a permanent structure, generally no permission is required to build a mezzanine floor. A mezzanine floor can be easily assembled, disassembled, and restructured in a warehouse based on your needs.
The warehouse mezzanine floors are generally made of steel. Steel is durable and lasts for a longer time. Warehouse storage mezzanine had to endure a lot of weight. That’s why the steel structure is the best for the warehouse mezzanine platform.
15 Advantages Of Mezzanine Storage System.
Here are the 15 advantages of a mezzanine storage system:
1. Increases Space
Installing a mezzanine floor in a warehouse can add a lot of extra areas, which is a reward. If you need more floor space in your warehouse, a mezzanine will arrange it.
When it comes to warehouses with high ceilings, this is especially valid. The more high ceiling a warehouse has, the better it can use the vertical space.
When you have increased with mezzanine storage system, it will help to reduce the overall cost of the warehouse. You can use the vertical space efficiently which would otherwise remain unused.
Without expanding the warehouse, installing the mezzanine floor gives you a great opportunity to expand storage.
2. Save Money
Making long-term extensions or modifications to an existing building requires time, hard work, and proper management. As a result, your budget will increase.
In this case, the mezzanine floor is a perfect alternative. Even the most advanced mezzanine flooring options are less expensive.
3. Help In Saving Time
Mezzanine floors are fast and simple to implement, which saves a lot of time. In a remarkably short amount of time, you’ll have a new mezzanine floor that is ready for use. These will help you to save time while moving.
4. Connection To Industrial Equipment
A mezzanine floor can be configured to incorporate important equipment because of its ability to adapt. To climb the mezzanine floor, you can use stairs. Even you can build multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another.
5. Energy Efficient
Mezzanine floors are also eco-friendly. They help enable warm air to flow through the room, which plays a significant role during the cold season.
6. Pleasant To The Eye
Mezzanine floors not only focus on saving storage and money, but they also look stunning. You can select from exposed touches to polished, elegant designs to develop a style that nicely matches your area.
Mezzanines are incredibly adaptable because they can be outfitted with all of the materials present in a standard warehouse. The choices are limitless. You can range from mezzanines with windows and noise-isolating walls for personal conference rooms to open-plan layouts.
Depending on whatever your preferences are, mezzanine floors can satisfy your aesthetic and functional needs.
7. Reduces Overcrowding
A busy business inevitably includes places with increased traffic. However, there are times when a calmer environment is required. A mezzanine can meet this requirement by establishing an enhanced area available for shifting machinery.
This might significantly minimize workplace accidents. This increases efficiency by supplying your staff members with the environment they deserve to complete their activities.
8. Flexibility
Mezzanines can be easily disassembled and moved because they are not a permanent part of a building’s structure. As a result, they rank among the most adaptable structural improvements you can create in any building.
Whenever the time arrives and you relocate your work. The mezzanine can be easily disassembled and restored in a different location.
9. Planning Approval Is Generally Not Required For Build A Mezzanine Storage Systems
Because adding a mezzanine does not affect the exterior of a building, regulatory approval is usually not necessary. However, before beginning any construction or preparation work, it is usually best to consult with your local authority.
As the mezzanine floor is not any permanent structure to the warehouse, you don’t need any planning approval. However, when you construct the mezzanine floor, you must follow some guidelines.
For instance, related to the height of the mezzanine floor;
In chapter 5, In Section 505.2 of the “International Building Code”, it is written,
“A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with Section 505.2 shall be considered a portion of the story below. Such mezzanines shall not contribute to either the building area or number of stories as regulated by section 503.1.”
“The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet(2134 mm).”
10. Increase The Level Of Safety And Security In Your Worksite
As your inventory expands, it can create risks for your employees. If you’ve many cartons piling up with no place to put them, you may end up putting your employees at risk. This is undoubtedly harmful to their health.
It could be costly to you if they decide to seek financial reward for worksite harm. By providing you with a way of increasing your inventory, a mezzanine floor will help you keep your workspace risk-free.
To have more safety in the warehouse, you can also install guardrails on the mezzanine floor. Adding the guardrails to the mezzanine floors will give protection to the workers and goods on the side.
11. Simple Implementation
A mezzanine floor is simple and swift to implement. The mezzanine setup is much faster than other warehouse enlargement options due to its ease of organizing. Additionally, it has a simple yet efficient layout. Within a week, mezzanines can be installed.
Established walls and sections are not disturbed or impacted by the building and placement of a mezzanine floor.
12. Manufacturing In the Warehouse Becomes Easier
Your employees will receive support from a mezzanine floor in your manufacturing unit as well. Different manufacturing units have different requirements. To manufacture the items securely and proficiently, storage is necessary.
You can distribute your manufacturing construction into these multiple portions more efficiently with mezzanine floors. With plainly specified spaces, the various teams inside the business will have their places to operate without invading each other’s storage and reducing productivity.
For instance, The office space could be located on your mezzanine floor while the main business activities take place below. This will prevent the bustle and noise of the crowded factory floor from distressing your workplace team.
13. Observation Desk
Mezzanine platforms are located over the ground. According to the guideline of the “IBC”; it can take a maximum of one-third of space on a warehouse floor. As it is located in a higher position, it can also be used as an observation deck in the factory.
14. Several Mezzanine Floor Can Be Constructed On Top Of One Another
This is an incredible option for the mezzanine floor in the warehouse. Several mezzanine floors can be constructed on top of one another if there is enough vertical space.
By constructing several vertical floors on top of one another, the usage of vertical space will be more efficient.
15. Can Be Easily Disassemble Too
As the assembling of the mezzanine floor is easier, so its disassembling is. So, if you want to
- Move to a new location or shift your warehouse facility to anywhere else;
- Restructure the mezzanine floor based on your need of storage demands;
You can easily do so if you have a mezzanine structure in your warehouse facility.
So, these are the 15 advantages of the mezzanine storage system. Now, we will discuss some other additional things related to the mezzanine storage system.
What Is The Best Flooring For A Mezzanine?
Generally, a mezzanine Concrete and steel are excellent options for a mezzanine floor. Concrete and steel flooring is substantial. The mezzanine becomes long-lasting when the floor is made of concrete.
In contrast to other flooring options, a mezzanine is frequently modular and customizable. The problem with concrete flooring is that it is a permanent structure. But the warehouse mezzanine needs to be easily assembled and disassembled.
So, steel is used in the construction of the mezzanine floor in warehouses most of the time. Because steel is
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Doesn’t make a large sound like wood. So, a cool and calm environment can be maintained in a warehouse if steel is used to construct mezzanines.
- Can be easily assembled and disassembled.
If the warehouse shift to any other facility, using steel helps it to easily disassemble the mezzanine floor.
Uses For Mezzanine Floors.
A mezzanine level is a floor between levels of a building that is utilized to enhance the floor territory of the building. It has a wide range of applications, including stockpiling, task processes, machinery access, asset storage availability, and material handling access.
A storage mezzanine in a warehouse is primarily used to increase the storage facility. However, this storage mezzanine can be used for other purposes too. Now we will describe the use of storage mezzanine in a warehouse:
Enable warehouse storage
The placement of a mezzanine floor can multiply your warehouse’s collection space. It will enable you to save time. It is both convenient and reasonably priced.
Employee Area
Mezzanines can offer a place for staff members to live when they are working in the storehouse. It expands their working space.
Manufacturing
A mezzanine floor in your production unit will also assist your workers. There are various requirements for manufacturing sections. Stock is needed to produce the items securely and efficiently.
With mezzanine floors, you can more proficiently distribute your manufacturing construction into these various sections.
Distribution and stockpiling
Mezzanines can enhance a warehouse’s potential for processing and allocation. They enable the improved establishment and bigger storage facilities.
So, these are the things for which mezzanine storage can be used in a warehouse facility.
Different Types Of Mezzanine Floors.
There are many types of mezzanine floors available in the market. Now, we will give a brief description of the different types of mezzanine floors:
Catwalk Mezzanines
This mezzanine is mostly utilized as a pathway for access to the following things:
- Machinery.
- Hoppers.
- Conveying systems.
- Silos.
Catwalk mezzanines utilize overhead space by converting it into safe and secure walkways for a variety of uses. They can hang from ceiling drops too.
Tall racks can hold more by using catwalk mezzanines. Catwalk mezzanines that stretch from the mezzanine’s floor provide access to a rack’s higher level. The mezzanine structure is supported by existing shelving.
To add further stability between the shelves, support columns could also be installed.
Full Mat Mezzanines
These mezzanines are normally held up by already-existing racks or shelving that don’t stretch well above the platform. The advantages of both catwalks and free-standing mezzanines are combined in full mat mezzanines.
Shelving And Rack-Supported Mezzanines
This type of mezzanine is comparatively much lighter than other mezzanines. The decking is made from the mezzanine’s joint and stringer framework, which is bolted to the columns. The decking is more secure and stable because of the attachment to the columns.
This mezzanine provides a catwalk option with storage space. They offer extra storage capacity at a reasonable price. Instead of structural legs, rack uprights are used to support mezzanines.
Freestanding Mezzanine Floor
This type of mezzanine is ideal in situations when the space below the mezzanine floor needs to be used. The freestanding mezzanine floor takes up very little area. It is not attached to the building’s primary structure.
It is possible to reorganize the freestanding mezzanine floor. They are fully safe and have a firmly set base that is simple to adjust or relocate.
Prefabricated Mezzanine Floor
This mezzanine is very easy to set up. It is useful for adding extra space rapidly. They are shipped fully assembled and free-standing so they can be placed wherever in a workspace.
Prefabricated mezzanines can be easily altered when conditions change. The prefabricated mezzanine is designed for simple assembly.
One notable thing about prefabricated mezzanines is their easy assembling process. For warehouses that can shift locations, this mezzanine floor is ideal for them.
Prefabricated mezzanines are easier to set up and cheaper than constructed mezzanines.
Apart from this type of mezzanine floor, there are also lots of different types of mezzanine floors, which include,
If you want to know more about the other types of mezzanines too, read mezzanine floor design. You will find a detailed description of different types of mezzanine floors in this article.
You should choose the type of mezzanine floor that meets your demand for the warehouse facility. If you need affordable mezzanine floors, contact Mracking to get mezzanine floors at a reasonable price.
Is A Mezzanine Storage System Worth It?
Yes, a mezzanine storage system in a warehouse is completely worth your money.
Warehouse mezzanine storage is available in different price ranges. For instance, a 500 kg 50 sq.m. mezzanine storage costs almost $1250-$4000. You should choose the mezzanine storage system that fulfills your demands.
When there is an increase in storage demand in a warehouse, you can do these two things.
- Expand the space of your warehouse horizontally. It will take a lot of money of yours as you will have to build a new structure for the warehouse.
- Try to make the best possible use of the available space. To do so, you can install mezzanine storage or pallet racks in the warehouse.
If you don’t buy a mezzanine floor and expand your warehouse horizontally, it will be costly. So, building a mezzanine floor is way cheaper compared to building a new warehouse. Mezzanine storage has also other advantages, which include,
- You can make the best use of your warehouse’s vertical space.
- Mezzanine storage can also be used as a workspace and observation desk.
- Mezzanine storage is incredibly safe.
- A mezzanine floor can be customized based on your needs and lasts for a long time.
That’s why using mezzanine storage is completely worth your money.
How Much Can You Expand Mezzanine Storage In A Warehouse Vertically?
There is no maximum limit on the height of the mezzanine floor storage. However, there is a recommended minimum height of the vertical space of the mezzanine storage. That recommended mezzanine floor’s minimum height is 2.1336 meters suggested by IBC.
According to section 505.2 of IBC- 2021,
“The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet (2.1336 meters).”
IBC stands for “International Building Code” and it recommends building-related regulations in the USA. This International Building Code is followed in most of the states in the USA. However, warehouse located in other countries is not bound to follow this code.
If you have a minimum height of 2.1336 meters, you can vertically expand as much as you want.
Can You Build Multiple Mezzanine Floor On Top Of One Another Vertically
Yes, you can build multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another. But make sure you have maintained the minimum mezzanine height of 2.1336 meters above and below it.
The minimum height of 7 feet(2.1336 meters) was recommended by IBC for a specific reason. That reason is that the workers should quickly move under and above the mezzanine platform.
Building multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another is an excellent idea to execute. You can make great use of the vertical space by building multiple mezzanine floors.
While building mezzanine platforms on top of one another, the ground load capacity should be kept in mind. The more mezzanine floor you build in the warehouse, the more pressure it puts on the ground.
So, before building multiple mezzanine platforms, you should make sure the warehouse ground can hold them. Mezzanine floor height will be helpful if you want to know more about the vertical height regulations of mezzanine storage.
Is There Any Limitation On Mezzanine Storage According To The IBC?
According to the IBC, you can’t use more than one-third of your floor space to construct mezzanine storage.
According to the International Building Code(IBC), section 505.2.1
“The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanine within a room shall not be greater than one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.”
So, these are the things you should know about the warehouse mezzanine storage. Let us know if you have any questions related to the mezzanine storage system.
Mezzanine Storage System Vs. Pallet Racking: Which Is The Best For Your Warehouse?
Pallet racks are material handling warehouse aid system that is used to store goods on pallets. t is a type of shelving system that stores pallets in orderly lines on different levels. Pallet racking is the foundation of any effective factory and distribution center.
Mezzanine storage system is an elevated platform constructed between the ground and the ceiling. It is also another incredible way to increase the storage capacity of the warehouse.
Now, we will compare the pallet racking and mezzanine storage system to find out which is the best for your warehouse:
Durability And Long Lasting
Pallet racks and mezzanine storage systems both are durable and long-lasting warehouse storage systems. However, in terms of durability, mezzanine floors usually last longer compared to pallet racks.
So, if you want your warehouse storage facility to be long-lasting, mezzanine storage system is the best option.
Cost Effectiveness
Pallet racking processes can help you save money on stockpiling without compromising the reliability of the product. Utilizing lighter steel profiles aids in cost savings while maintaining the object’s bearing capacity.
There are different types of pallet racks. A pallet rack can cost between $50-$800 based on the type of pallet rack you are using. To know more about the pallet racking cost, please read pallet racking cost.
Mezzanine floors are a costly option in general compared to pallet racks. For instance,
500 kg mezzanine floor approximately costs between $1250-$4000 sq.m.; depending on the mezzanine floor you are using. To know more about the mezzanine floor cost, please read mezzanine floor cost.
So, if you want to reduce your cost, pallet racks will be the best option. Because mezzanine floors are costly compared to pallet racks.
Installation And Restructure
Installing a pallet rack is comparatively easier than installing the mezzanine floor. However, the installation part is mostly done by the manufacturers of the pallet rack or the mezzanine floor. You can also hire professional installing services for your company.
Mezzanine floors can be restructured to some extent after it has been installed. For instance, you can install multiple mezzanine floors on top of one another if you have enough height.
Warehouse Security
Employee security is one of the most essential advantages of implementing a pallet racking structure into your storage facility. A cleaner, more productive warehouse reduces the possibility of accidents at work.
Pallet racking structures create more floor area for wider walkways and manufacturing equipment routes. A more structured storage solution may motivate employees to store items in an orderly and efficient manner. It will reduce the possibility of products sliding from racks.
Mezzanine floors are also an incredibly safer storage solution. However, mezzanine floors are safer compared to the pallet racking system.
Therefore, we now understand that there are two types of storage systems that can be installed in a warehouse. One option is to add a mezzanine floor, while another is to install pallet racking.
Both of these systems are excellent warehouse storage solutions. Which one you demand depends on your warehouse requirements
For instance, if a warehouse owner wants to restructure his storage capacity, mezzanine floors are the ideal choice.
Mrarcking pallet racking And Mezzanine Floor Construction Company
Mracking is a recognized authority in the storage rack sector. Mracking’s engineers are among the most inventive in the pallet racking industry.
Mracking can offer CAD drawings and 3D drawings in their pallet racking. They have everything from simple pallet racks to complex picking components.
Mracking is now allowed to outperform its competition in the market in terms of cost or extra complicated racking structures
Mracking also constructs the mezzanine floors as well as installing them. Contact Mracking for the following services:
Construction of the pallet racks.
Construction of the mezzanine storage system.
Installation of the pallet racks.
Installation of the mezzanine floors.
How Long Does The Mezzanine Last?
A mezzanine floor can last a lifetime if the following things are strictly maintained:
- Made of high-quality materials.
- It is well-taken care of.
- It is not overloaded.
- The installation of the mezzanine floors is done properly.
So, if the above-mentioned conditions are followed, mezzanine floors can last a lifetime.
Difference Between The Floor And The Mezzanine.
The basic difference between the floor and the mezzanine are as follows:
The mezzanine Is Not An Integral Part Of The Building
Floors are an integral part of the building whereas the mezzanine isn’t. A mezzanine can be assembled or disassembled at any time. Assembling or disassembling a mezzanine floor won’t do any harm to a warehouse’s structure.
Area Of Floor And Mezzanine Floor
The whole area of the warehouse is the area of the floor. However, according to the IBC’s recommendation, only one-third of the floor area can be used as a mezzanine floor.
Elevated Structure
A mezzanine floor is an elevated structure whereas the floor is not any kind of elevated structure.
So, these are the differences between the floor and the mezzanines.
These are some details about the mezzanine storage system. If you are planning to build a mezzanine floor for your warehouse, contact Mracking. We will also provide free drawings for the mezzanine floors of your warehouse.
