When tough weather conditions hinder your shipping operations, you need the right tool for the job. Whether it’s heat waves, heavy rain, or freezing conditions, having strapping products that maintain their structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities is crucial. At USA Strapping, we empower you with our top of the line weatherproof strapping inventory to ensure the weather doesn’t hinder your business. Let’s take a closer look at weatherproof strapping and its benefits to shippers and warehouse operators.
Understanding the Impact of Weather on Strapping
Different types of weather conditions can affect strapping products in various ways. Heat, for example, can cause certain plastic straps to lose tensile strength. On the other hand, cold temperatures can cause plastic straps to become brittle and more likely to break under load.
Steel straps, while more resistant to hot and cold temperatures, are more susceptible to damage from moisture. Moisture and humidity can cause corrosion and rust issues for steel straps, leading to failure. Exposure to UV rays from the sun can also damage certain straps made from materials like non-UV-stabilized plastics. Finally, straps exposed to high winds, such as those often encountered during transit, can increase the load on straps that are not tensioned correctly, increasing the chances of a strap breaking.
Choosing the Right Weather-Resistant Strapping Materials
Now that you understand the dangers posed by weather, let’s examine some of the best strapping materials for various weather conditions.
Polyester (PET) Strapping: Polyester strapping is an excellent option for dealing with temperature extremes and harmful UV rays. Polyester straps are built to withstand both hot and cold environments and harmful UV rays.
Composite Strapping: Composite strapping is an excellent choice for dealing with high humidity or marine environments. This type of strapping material is made from polyester fibers with a protective coating, which allows it to withstand moisture that can damage steel straps.
Coated Steel Strapping: If you are dealing with a larger and heavier load, coated steel strapping is an excellent choice if moisture and water are a concern. Unlike uncoated steel straps, coated steel strapping withstands corrosion, ensuring the strength of the strap remains intact while under load.
Polypropylene with UV Additives: Polypropylene straps with UV additives are an excellent option for short-term storage and securing outdoor loads. They are also affordable for short-term inventory storage that will be exposed to the sun.
Best Practices for Applying Strapping in Harsh Conditions
While choosing the right strapping material to match weather conditions is crucial, applying the straps correctly is just as important. These steps include:
- Proper tensioning practices to account for expansion and contractions
- The use of edge protectors
- Double wrap or cross-strapping techniques to account for vibrations and high wind stress
- The use of stronger seals, like friction welds, heavy-duty buckles, and weather-resistant seals, to stand up to challenging weather conditions
Storage and Handling of Weatherproof Strapping
Like all strapping materials, weatherproof strapping should be properly stored when not in use and handled appropriately. We recommend that weatherproof strapping materials be:
- Stored in dry shaded areas
- Inspected regularly for signs of wear (cracks, corrosion, or color changes)
- Straps are rotated out with the oldest material being used first to prevent waste and expiration of straps.
Industries That Benefit Most from Weatherproof Strapping
Weatherproof strapping can bring significant benefits to all sorts of industries. Some of the sectors we find benefit the most from our weatherproof strapping products are those that work with:
- Logging and building materials
- Agriculture and produce
- Outdoor equipment and vehicles
- Construction and mining supply chains
Contact USA Strapping for Recommendations on Weather-Resistant Solutions
At USA Strapping, we help industries that rely on strapping products find the right tools for their working environments, including those that operate in harsh weather conditions. We likely have a strapping solution for you, whether you are dealing with extreme temperatures, humidity, or UV damage. Contact us today at 888-768-0001 to learn more about our strapping solutions for challenging weather conditions.