Industrial Mezzanines, also referred to as work platforms or intermediate floors, extend over the floor-space of a building only partially, incorporating a second level in your structure is not only a great way to add value to the interior of your building, but it also offers many other benefits.
Even though industrial mezzanines are used in all types of buildings, industrial mezzanines are significantly different from other types of mezzanines. One of the best parts about industrial mezzanines is the fact that they can be used both permanently or temporarily installed. Since mezzanines serve a wide variety of functions, they can offer immense practicality and utility to your facility.
Mezzanines – whether industrial or regular – are not counted as a separate floor of the building or structure where they have been incorporated. Additionally, even though the floor space offered by mezzanines isn’t counted and doesn’t add up when the total floor space of a building is being determined, there are certain rules and laws that decide how much space your mezzanine can take up. According to the International Building Code, the maximum floor space that a mezzanine can cover is one-third of that of the floor below it.
Benefits of Industrial Mezzanines
Industrial mezzanines have become an important part of the warehouses and factories of today. Most often mezzanines are added after the building or structure has already been built. At some point, many companies realize they are quickly running out of storage, operational or office space and that, by building up, they can create additional space based on their needs and requirements.
Another benefit of industrial mezzanines is that they are often free-standing, therefore quality for accelerated tax depreciation, as it is considered equipment which can be depreciated over a period of 7 years versus 31 years for traditional permanent construction.
While industrial mezzanines are generally used for storage purposes, there is an increasing trend of these types of mezzanines being used as the foundation to add modular offices on top which creates even more additional space that can be used for offices, break-rooms, conference rooms, supervisor offices or observation rooms.
Since industrial mezzanines are used for multiple purposes, determining the reason why you wish to incorporate or install a mezzanine in your building or structure beforehand is of particular importance. This is because a lot of factors, including the maximum potential weight of the mezzanine and the types of objects or equipment that will be placed on it, will all affect the materials being used for and the engineering of the mezzanine.
Types of Mezzanines
There a number of different types of mezzanines that can be incorporated and used in industrial settings. With that said, these mezzanines differ from each other in interesting ways and offer a distinct set of features and benefits. Needless to say, the needs, preferences and requirements for the mezzanine come into play a great deal when deciding the type of mezzanine that will be used.
Below, are some of the most interesting types of industrial mezzanines and how each of them can add value and benefit the structure of the factory or warehouse where they are being installed.
Free Standing Mezzanines
Free standing mezzanines are one of the most common types of mezzanines available for commercial use. Free standing mezzanines, also known as steel mezzanines or wide-span mezzanines, are considered equipment as they are not attached to the walls of the building in any way, but instead are free standing and supported by itself.
Offer open area both underneath and on top of the mezzanine, that can be used for any number of purposes including storage or operational space. Depreciating these types of mezzanines over a shorter period of time also offers great tax benefits.
Building Supported Mezzanines
As the name suggests, building supported mezzanines make use of the structure of the building for stability. One thing, however, that needs to be taken into account before installing these types of mezzanines is that the structure of the building needs to be strong and durable enough to support the additional weight of the mezzanine. In cases where the building may not necessarily be able to support the weight of the mezzanine, additional columns may be used in order to support the mezzanine and create more room for storage and other purposes. Because these types of mezzanines are considered permanent, they cannot be relocated and do not quality for accelerated tax depreciation.
Rack or Shelving Supported Mezzanine
Unlike free standing mezzanines, rack or shelving supported mezzanines rely on pre-installed racks or shelves as their foundation. With a solid foundation for a base, rack or shelving supported mezzanines are not only exceptionally durable, but they also offer a wide range of advantages that you can benefit from when they are installed or incorporated in your warehouses or factories.
These types of mezzanines are particularly beneficial when you are in need of additional storage that needs to be organized and inventoried. One disadvantage, however, that comes with these types of mezzanines is that re-configuring them or tweaking with their structure is exceptionally difficult, and not recommended once they are installed.
Interested in an industrial mezzanine? Professionals like those at DACO can help you understand all of the intricacies involved in industrial mezzanines, as well as help you assess all of the factors involved to help you make an informed decision as to the best type of mezzanine for your needs. Give us a call at 877-247-2934 and find out how our team of experts can assist you today.
