The traditional material choice for hallway corridors is metal lockers, more specifically 16 gauge powder coated steel. Some of the common issues with this material choice are rusting, paint chipping, and graffiti removal. Scranton Products® developed Duralife Lockers® to provide the industry with a better solution with superior aesthetics, improved durability, less maintenance and improved air and noise quality.
Duralife High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) student lockers are specially designed to meet the demands of the school environment. Formulated from a homogeneous color-throughout synthetic compound, Duralife Lockers® are the most durable and aesthetically pleasing locker solution in the industry.
Material Comparison
Comparing the numerous laboratory test throughout this document Duralife HDPE Lockers outperformed traditional metal lockers in all categories.
Superior Aesthetics
ISSUE: Traditional metal locker venting and handles protrude out from the locker surface. These protruding objects may increase the incidents of bumps and scrapes and become a safety concern for students and school personnel.
SOLUTION: Duralife Lockers® venting is flush with the locker surface providing a clean look. Locker handles and padlock or built-in combination locks are recessed preventing unnecessary bumps and scrapes and improving student safety.
Impact Resistant
ISSUE: Traditional metal lockers are typically made from 16 gauge steel. That is less than 1/16” thick material, making them prone to denting and damage.
SOLUTION: Duralife Lockers® are made of 1/2” thick rigid HDPE plastic making them 59 times greater in resistance to impacts when compared to traditional metal hallway lockers.
Scratch Resistant
ISSUE: Scratches are a known problem for school lockers. Very light scratches are visibly seen on traditional metal lockers and deeper scratches expose the bare metal underneath leaving repainting or complete replacement as the only option to repair.
SOLUTION: Duralife Lockers® are comprised of a color throughout formula making scratches more difficult to be seen at any depth. Scratches will never require painting.
Graffiti Resistant
ISSUE: Traditional metal student lockers have a lower initial cost than Duralife Lockers®, making them an economical choice for schools. However, there are hidden costs such as the additional expenses associated with cleaning, painting and the general maintenance of these lockers on an annual or semi-annual basis which may be overlooked.
SOLUTION: Compare the true cost of a traditional metal hallway locker to a Duralife HDPE Locker over a 20-year period. The above chart takes into account the initial cost, maintenance, dent and scratch repair, painting cost, graffiti removal and replacing damaged and corroded parts to create a cost of ownership model in years 1, 5, 10 and 20. Within 2 years, Duralife HDPE lockers are less expensive than metal. In 20 years, the accumulated savings are substantial.
Less Maintenance
ISSUE: Keeping school lockers free from graffiti can be a time consuming process when dealing with traditional metal lockers. Many markers or writing agents are not easily removable and can leave a ghosting mark.
SOLUTION: Most graffiti readily wipes off Duralife Lockers® non-porous surface. Stickers and contact paper can also be easily be removed. When using Scranton Products® recommended environmentally friendly cleaning solution, all marking agents are easily removed and do not leave any ghosting marks.
Noise Reduction
ISSUE: Hallways are noisy by nature and the sound of traditional metal lockers can add to the noise and create a distracting environment.
SOLUTION: Duralife Lockers® are 3 times quieter than metal lockers and provides substantial noise reductions in a hallway leading to a better learning environment.
Sustainability
ISSUE: Greenguard certified products meet the strictest standards for air quality and sustainability. Several major traditional metal locker brands (Penco, Lyons, Republic, Hadrian) are not Greenguard certified.*
SOLUTION: When you choose Duralife Lockers®, you are supporting a healthier environment and healthier kids. GREEENGUARD Children and Schools Certified, Duralife Lockers® meet strict criteria for products intended for use in schools and other environments where children spend significant periods of time. In addition, because they never need painting, they do not contribute to VOC emissions, improving both indoor and outdoor air quality. They are also impermeable to moisture, resist mold and mildew and can be power-washed or steam cleaned, eliminating the need for harmful chemical cleaners.