Tag Archive for: Lockers

Locker Dimensions: Choosing the Right Sized Locker for Your Space

When it’s time to choose lockers for your space, there are a few factors that you need to consider before you go about acquiring the materials. First, you need to figure out how many lockers you actually need based on occupancy. It’s always best to have extra lockers rather than having a few occupants that need to carry around their materials all day. But, you also need to factor in locker dimensions as well as what type of material you’re going to use.

Determining Locker Size, Given the Space & Location

Where do you plan on putting these lockers? Will they be lining a corridor, tucked in a side alcove, or be located in an actual locker room? These are the questions that you need to answer before heading deeper into your locker journey. The important thing is to have big enough lockers to accommodate the students’ or occupants’ items, as well as having enough for each occupant.

When you’ve picked out your designated locker area, you’ll want to be sure of the exact measurements of where you plan on putting these storage compartments. If it’s in a corridor, you can probably get away with the full-length lockers that line the walls. But if you’re planning to put these lockers in an enclosed area, you’ll want to carefully figure out your setup. Using smaller lockers can allow you to maximize the number of lockers; however, it’ll reduce total locker space.

Choosing the Right Locker Materials

While size and dimensions are huge factors when deciding on your lockers, you also need to figure out the material that you’re going to use. Metal lockers have been the traditional choice for many years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re without drawbacks. While metal lockers may seem secure, they can be scratched, dented, spray painted, and even broken into. You’ll want to avoid these issues at all costs.

Some facilities have begun implementing HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lockers, due to the highly durable plastic construction. This solid plastic is resistant to scratches, dents, and graffiti. Because of its solid plastic construction, you can pick any type of lock, which will be securely placed in the material.

Considering Locker Maintenance

If you’re choosing lockers for a specific locker room, you’ll need to keep up with maintenance. Metal lockers are vulnerable to moisture and humidity, which is always present in locker rooms, and they can rust easily. HDPE can stand up to moisture because it won’t rust or absorb the humidity and sprout mold. HDPE is a relatively low cost in terms of maintenance. All you need to do is clean the lockers every once in a while. They’ll stand up to the pressure and the elements.

Want to learn more about why HDPE plastic lockers are the best choice? Download The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Plastic Lockers FAQ

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At Scranton Products, we’re more than happy to help any interested party learn more about HDPE plastic lockers, and why they’re a smart choice and a suitable material for your school or facility. In order to help you learn as much as possible about these lockers, we’ve assembled this plastic lockers FAQ page. We encourage you to look below to the relevant question to see if the answer helps you.

Are HDPE Lockers Durable?

Yes! HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic lockers have been proven to be more durable than traditional metal lockers. Due to their solid plastic construction, HDPE lockers are more impact-resistant than standard lockers. They won’t even dent or scratch. They’re also resistant to humidity and moisture, making them a valuable storage compartment in locker rooms or other damp areas of your school or facility. They’ll resist mold growth, as well as rust, so you don’t have to worry about costly replacements or repairs.

Do HDPE Lockers Require a Lot of Maintenance?

Because of the durable construction, HDPE lockers require very little maintenance. They’re guaranteed to last up to 20 years without any problems. The only maintenance that they require is a simple cleaning now and again. Imagine how much time and money you’ll save on maintenance! They essentially pay for themselves after a few years.

Are These Lockers Difficult to Assemble?

Installing these lockers is quick and easy. By following the instructions, you’ll see a fast and efficient installation process. With a little help, you can install all your lockers in one day.

Are HDPE Plastic Lockers Secure?

HDPE lockers are customizable, offering you many different options as to what type of locking system works best for you. Duralife lockers come with either an inset combination lock or a hasp. Tufftec lockers provide numerous options like padlocks, keys, in-door combinations, and even an RFID digital lock.

How Big Are HDPE Lockers?

These lockers don’t have a set size. You can actually customize the size and tiers that you want, depending on the needs, as well as the space allotted in your school or facility.

Do HDPE Lockers Need to Be Painted?

HDPE lockers don’t require you to paint them. They’re available in multiple designs, as well as homogenous colors. Any signs of graffiti can simply be wiped away, without you having to paint your lockers. Not only will this save you the effort, but you won’t be risking your air quality with the VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions released by paint.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing HDPE Lockers?

There are numerous benefits to choosing HDPE lockers. They’re durable, low-maintenance, cost-effective, long-lasting, and sustainable. They’re also considered green building materials, so you can get started on making your school or facility more sustainable by utilizing HDPE plastic lockers. These eco-friendly lockers would make a great addition to your school or facility.

 

Want to learn even more about HDPE lockers and the many benefits? Check out our Duralife lockers.

Why Schools Are Choosing HDPE Over Traditional School Lockers

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The sound of metal lockers slamming shut can make anyone have a flashback to when they were back in school. Traditional lockers have been used in almost every school due to their reliable nature and durability. However, many schools have begun choosing HDPE (high-density polyethylene) over the traditional metal lockers, citing it as a much better alternative. We’ll gladly explain why schools are making the jump from metal to HDPE.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Metal Lockers

Metal lockers have been the standard for many years. They allow students to store their books and materials during the day with the benefit of a secure lock to protect their valuables. However, despite the long history of schools implementing metal lockers, there are a few drawbacks to sticking with the old standard.

While it’s more noticeable in actual locker rooms, metal lockers don’t necessarily stand up to humidity and moisture. With enough exposure, your colorful metal lockers will soon begin to rust, and the rust removal process can be meticulous and expensive. Not to mention, if left unchecked, an entire replacement may be required.

A common misconception about metal lockers is that they’re highly durable. In fact, they can incur a wide array of damage to their structure, as well as the aesthetics. They’re easily dented, and considering that slamming the locker is pretty much common practice, keeping up with the damage isn’t the easiest process. Graffiti is another issue that metal lockers face, because the removal of graffiti requires paint.

Why HDPE Is the Superior Material

Many schools have begun installing HDPE plastic instead of metal lockers for a variety of reasons. Due to the solid plastic construction, HDPE offers a strength and durability that thin steel and metal lockers can’t compete with. The plastic is impact-resistant, and given the students’ preferred method of closing their lockers, the HDPE can take the hits and show no sign of damage. They even emit a softer sound than the loud metal clang provided by traditional lockers.

Because HDPE is a more durable material, and endures very little damage, it doesn’t require extensive repairs. Its solid construction doesn’t rust and won’t absorb moisture. Another great advantage to HDPE school lockers is that they’re resistant to graffiti. Any sign of unwanted artwork can be simply wiped away without having to repaint the piece and adding unwanted VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions into the air.

But what may be the biggest advantage that HDPE has over traditional lockers is the maintenance, or lack thereof. HDPE doesn’t require the constant maintenance and upkeep that metal lockers need in order to last. Instead, HDPE needs a simple cleaning every once in a while, making this material a low-maintenance and low-cost alternative to traditional metal lockers.

Are you looking to make the jump from traditional lockers to HDPE? Download this eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.

School Lockers for Sale: Cost Effective & Durable School Lockers

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When it’s time to replace your school’s lockers, there are a few factors that you need to consider. Low cost and highly durable lockers should be at the top of your list. But are you making the right choice with your lockers?

While metal lockers have been the gold standard for generations to keep their books and bags tucked away during the school day, it’s certainly time for a change. You can easily find cost effective and durable school lockersfor sale that are improved upon the standard metal and steel lockers.

Find a dealer near you!

A Highly Durable Replacement

When you’re looking for a cost effective replacement, don’t continue to spend your money on the same metal lockers. Instead, invest in a newer material like HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This solid plastic has been used for lockers in schools across the country with positive results. There are many factors that make HDPE a more versatile and cost effective material. The number one being that they’re low maintenance when compared to metal lockers.

Metal lockers may seem durable, but their thin surface makes them susceptible to dents and scratches. HDPE and its solid plastic design is actually resistant to dents, scratches, and even graffiti. When graffiti appears on a metal locker surface, the locker needs to be repainted, resulting in the cost of paint and the risk of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions in the air. HDPE, however, doesn’t need to be repainted. The graffiti can simply be wiped away without you having to worry about the cost of paint or the harmful chemicals seeping into the air.

Smart & Sustainable

Choosing a locker isn’t only about choosing the best material for the job, but also choosing a material that’s going to last for a long time. Picking a sustainable material like HDPE will have many benefits, one of which is lasting for the years. Going with low cost and low maintenance lockers is the smart move.

Metal lockers have too many vulnerabilities to last the years. Metal lockers require too much maintenance, and when they’re in an actual locker room, they can become rusted. This results in not only costly maintenance, but it’s also meticulous and time-consuming. HDPE just needs routine cleaning throughout their lifespan.

The Benefits of Choosing HDPE Lockers

When you opt for HDPE lockers over the traditional metal, you’ll notice the differences right away. Not only will you save time and money on maintenance, but you’ll also pick up on the fact that HDPE lockers are much quieter than metal lockers. The loud metal slam will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be happy to know that your lockers are strong, durable, and they’ll last for years, so you don’t have to worry about having them replaced anytime soon.

Want to learn more about HDPE lockers? Download The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic LockerseBook. You can even find out where to get HDPE lockers for sale by contacting us at Scranton Products.

Why HDPE Is a Superior Material

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HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a durable solid plastic that has a variety of applications. Most notably, HDPE is used for bathroom partitions and stalls, commercial lockers and student lockers within educational facilities. Many businesses and schools have implemented HDPE materials with amazing results. So, why is HDPE being considered a super material for facilities?

Durability

As a facility manager, when it comes time for remodeling and renovations, you need to think ahead. Choosing a highly durable material has its advantages because you want the material lasting throughout the years without having to pay a fortune for replacements. HDPE has proven to be a stronger, more stable material than most plastics, wood, and even metal. It’s impact-resistant, so it can stand up to the pressures and elements of your facility.

When you choose HDPE, you no longer have to worry about any exterior damages. HDPE won’t scratch or dent, so you don’t have to have replacements on-hand. You don’t even have to worry about graffiti, because with HDPE, it can be easily wiped away.

Improving Air Quality

One of the main reasons why HDPE materials are utilized as restroom stalls is because it not only provides security and privacy, but it can also help keep the air quality high. Restrooms are a hotbed of moisture and humidity. Most plastic partitions have a kraft paper or cardboard core that can become moist, and eventually will sprout mold. Mold will not only lower the air quality, but it’ll result in a pungent odor that won’t be corrected with air fresheners.

When standard plastic partitions have mold sprouting inside of them, it’s too late, and they’ll have to be replaced in order to get rid of the mold. HDPE, on the other hand, resists mold growth because of its solid plastic construction. Because mold can’t grow in HDPE partitions, your air quality won’t drop, and you won’t have to replace your partitions anytime soon.

Low Maintenance

One phrase that facility managers love to hear is “low maintenance.” HDPE plastic doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Because it’s a highly durable material, it doesn’t get the normal wear and tear that most materials get. In fact, it can outlast most plastics and won’t rust like metal. It doesn’t even require any fresh coats of paint because of its homogenous coloring. All that HDPE requires is a light cleaning every now and again.

Sustainability

Another major benefit to HDPE is that it’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. They’re even recyclable themselves. You can effectively take your facility in a greener, more eco-friendly direction by installing HDPE lockers and partitions. Because it doesn’t require new coats of paint, you greatly reduce the risk of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions in the air, which can reduce the quality and have a negative effect on occupant health.

 

To learn more about why HDPE is a superior material, download our FREE eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, or contact us at Scranton Products.

5 Types of Locker Materials Compared

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Designing a facility and choosing the right materials is never an easy process. There are a lot of factors to be considered before ultimately deciding on the materials. This is especially important when it comes to choosing your facility’s lockers and storage compartments. Choosing the wrong material can be costly due to the poor quality or the overall weakness of the material.

Here are five different types of locker materials and how they compare.

Metal Lockers

Metal Lockers, or more specifically, cold-rolled steel, have been the standard for high schools for generations. They’re easily paintable to choose the optimal color for your facility’s décor, and they’re strong and reliable. But while metal lockers are widely popular and very common, it doesn’t mean that they’re the best choice for your facility.

The sad truth is that metal lockers appear to be a great option on the surface. However, down the road, they can be a costly choice. The metal can easily dent and scratch, and if located near a water source, they can even rust. The maintenance alone can outweigh the cost of the lockers. Not to mention, the sound of these lockers opening and closing isn’t the easiest on the ears.

Phenolic Lockers

Phenolic plastic lockers have proven to have their advantages when put to the test against metal in that they’re a little more durable and easier to clean. However, most phenolic plastic features a kraft paper core that’s susceptible to mold growth. Once the interior is compromised, a costly replacement is required.

Wood Lockers

Nothing beats the rustic aesthetic of wood. This material has been utilized for centuries and is still widely used today. But when it comes to locker materials, wood doesn’t rank high on the list of quality. Of course, wood has its classic appearance, but unfortunately, man-made products outweigh wood in durability. Wood can chip, or worse, become water logged. In order to prevent the wear and tear, it’s best to avoid wood altogether when it comes to locker materials.

Laminate Lockers

Laminate is one of the stronger materials in this list because it’s proven itself to be more durable than metal and wood. It doesn’t dent like metal or become water logged like wood. However, depending on their location, it can delaminate and become susceptible to a variety of wear and tear. In that case, maintenance and repairs can become costly.

HDPE Plastic Lockers

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a solid plastic that’s highly durable. It’s impact-, dent-, scratch-, and graffiti-resistant. Due to the solid plastic construction, it can even resist mold growth. Another huge item in the pros column is that this material features a homogenous color that doesn’t require any repainting, making this one of the more sustainable and low-maintenance materials available.

The choice of locker materials in your facility is entirely your call. However, you know the benefits and drawbacks of each of these materials, so make your choice wisely.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of choosing HDPE lockers? Check out this free eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, courtesy of Scranton Products.

Choosing the Most Secure Lock for Your School Lockers

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Lockers are meant to store valuable and extra materials, but whenever the actual lock isn’t functioning properly, these materials are left undefended against thievery. As a facility manager, you need to take the necessary steps to ensure that the lockers in your school can perform their function. It all depends on choosing the right lock and locker for your school to reduce theft while providing the right storage security for students and faculty.

Identifying Weaknesses in Your Lockers

When you’re assessing the weak points with your lockers, take notice of any prior damage that could make it easier for a thief to gain easy access. This could include any dents that can weaken the structural integrity of the locker. Another common weak point with lockers is the lock itself. Depending on which type of lock you choose, you may be making it easier for people to gain entry.

Any motivated thief will find a way in. They can utilize paper clips as a lock pick that’ll allow them to fiddle with the inner mechanisms of the lock until it snaps open. Even a persistent perpetrator will go to lengths of further damaging the locker if they feel the prize inside is worth the effort. But, while choosing the right lock is important, choosing the right locker could actually make more of a difference.

Benefits of Choosing HDPE Lockers

Metal lockers seem like the obvious choice of storage, but they’re not as durable as you might expect. They can be damaged, and even dented to the point of intrusion. Some schools have begun implementing HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic lockers like Duralife and Tufftec, which has yielded positive results. The solid plastic construction provides a durability that surpasses metal. It’s impervious to graffiti, scratches, dents, and any type of damage that would render it useless as a locking mechanism.

Duralife & Tufftec Lock Options

Both Duralife and Tufftec Lockers come with a variety of locking options to choose from. Duralife Lockers offer two types of locking mechanisms. The inset combination lock is secure and only students with the specific combination can gain entry. Duralife Lockers also offer the option of hasps. The benefit is that the student can choose a lock of their choice, whether a combination lock or a key.

Tufftec Lockers, on the other hand, offer a number of different locking options. You can choose the standard padlock, a key, or a coin key. The Tufftec Lockers also feature numerous in-set options like the in-door combination lock, a digilock keypad, or the digilock RFID (radio frequency identification). The RFID lock provides easy access without the need for a key or a combination. The RFID lock uses a proximity card for the locker owner to gain entry, and it’ll only open with the exact proximity card, adding an extra sense of security when leaving valuables inside.

 

Would you like to learn more about how to take the necessary steps to ensure that your lockers are up to snuff? Check out these free eBooks: Locker Replacement Checklistand The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, courtesy of Scranton Products.

Can your Lockers be Durable and Still Look Good?

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When it comes to installing new lockers, you have many choices as far as available materials. While metal lockers are believed to durable and reliable, their design lacks visual appeal. And while plastic lockers have a new-age design, people have the misconception that they aren’t as strong as metal lockers. So can lockers be durable and still look good?

Contrary to popular belief, you can have durable and good-looking lockers for your facility by choosing HDPE plastic lockers, such as Scranton Products’ Duralife lockers. Continue reading so you can learn just how Duralife lockers are superior to metal lockers in both looks and durability. Read more

Why are my Lockers Growing Mold?

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It’s never a good feeling for facility managers when they notice the growth of mold on the inside or outside of their lockers. The result can require time-consuming steps to clean and  remove the mold as well as further inspection to find the root of the problem and  rid the lockers of any further mold.

If you’re a facility manager and you see this unwanted growth, you’re probably wondering to yourself, why are my lockers growing mold?

To help you understand the common problem of mold or mildew in your lockers, read on as Scranton Products dives into the cause of this common issue, its negative consequences, and an easy solution. Read more