How to Remove Dents from Metal Lockers

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When you’ve got a lengthy list of items that need to be regularly maintained in your educational facility, school lockers aren’t always at the top, but they’re certainly important. Maintaining the lockers in your school can be a daunting task for a variety of reasons: the process is meticulous, it’s time-consuming, and there are thousands of lockers that you need to go through before the job is done. One of the most common forms of locker maintenance is removing the dents.

Here’s a few tips on how to remove the dents. We’ll even give you ways that you can avoidthis maintenance, like replacing your lockers for , so you can save yourself time and money on fixing them.

Factors That Can Dent Your Lockers

Students aren’t always gentle with the lockers in your school. In fact, they can sometimes be a bit rough. Most students choose slamming the locker shut as their preferred method of closing it, and over time, this can result in the locker door and frame becoming dented. Worst of all, this can cause the lockers to become less secure.

Another factor that leads to dented lockers is student rough housing. Students may playfully, or intentionally, shove each other against lockers. The combination of the body weight and the force of the impact can cause the metal to dent. Dented lockers are unsightly, and sometimes less secure, so correcting the issue is imperative.

Getting Those Dents Out

Tufts Dental Grey Tufftec LockersWhen you notice the unsightly dents, you’ll want to fix them before they get worse. Take a rubber mallet, or a flat hammer, and with medium force, strike the dent. You should have a hard flat surface behind the opposite direction of the dent to ensure that the dent evens out. Using light to medium force, strike the dent a few times. It’ll start to flatten out and become more even with the locker’s surface. You’ll want to complete this action after school hours due to the loud noise that’s expected when hammering the locker—you won’t want student distraction to be an issue.

After you’ve complete repairing the dents, whether you’ve removed the locker doors or kept them intact, you’ll want to check the lock to make sure that it wasn’t affected by the original denting or the repairs process. After you’ve hammered out the dents, look for any signs of chipped paint that may need to be corrected.

Why Use Plastic Storage Lockers?

If you’re growing tired of having to constantly hammer out lockers to fix dents, the answer may be right in front of you: get new lockers! Schools across the nation have begun implementing HDPE plastic lockers that have been successful at reducing the dents, damage, and wear of normal metal lockers. These solid HDPE plastic storage lockers provide a durable structure for storage, and they resist dents and even scratches. By implementing HDPE plastic lockers into your school, not only will you have sturdy and secure compartments for student materials, but they’re far less susceptible to the normal wear and tear of traditional metal lockers.

Learn about the many benefits and advantages that HDPE plastic lockers have over traditional metal lockers by checking out these free eBooks, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers and the Locker Replacement Checklist, from your friends at Scranton Products.

 

 

 

How to Paint Metal Lockers

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Lockers are a necessity for schools of all kinds. As a facility manager, it’s your responsibility to maintain them properly throughout the years, and they require a certain amount of upkeep, such as fixing dents in lockers, tightening latches, and scrubbing away rust. Unless you have plastic lockers, they also need to be painted every once in a while, so they can continue retaining the aesthetics of your school.

However, when it comes to painting metal lockers, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take. To successfully paint your school’s lockers, you’ll need to follow these crucial steps.

Picking the Right Time to Paint

When it’s a busy school day, finding the time or the space to paint any metal lockers can be tricky. That’s why it’s always good to embark on a locker painting project during a holiday break or during the summer, when there’s only a few faculty and staff in the school. That way, you won’t have a lot of interference with rows of students heading to class. It’s also beneficial during a low occupancy day because of the VOC emissions that will be put off from the painting.

Choosing the Right Place

Now that you’ve got your time to paint, you need your place. Find an open area in the school that you can paint. It will allow you to have the room to paint multiple lockers, so you can start getting the job done. That way, you can reinstall the lockers quickly. You can paint the lockers where they stand, but you’ll need plenty of tarp or drop cloth coverage to prevent any paint from getting on the floor or the wall.

Painting Your Lockers

Before you start painting the metal lockers, you’ll want to use a paint primer that’s designed for metal. It will help the paint stick while providing some much-needed protection to the paint once it dries. Before beginning to apply the primer or the paint, you’ll need to make sure that the lockers are cleaned thoroughly, so there aren’t any imperfections once you’re completed. When you paint the lockers, you’ll need to apply multiple coats to make sure that the color matches on each locker.

Why Plastic Lockers are Better

Metal lockers are very durable and reliable storage compartments for the students. Sometimes, though, their maintenance, care, and upkeep outweigh their usefulness compared to plastic lockers. The constant maintenance and repainting certainly adds to the locker’s costs. What you need is a reliable locker that doesn’t require the constant upkeep while retaining its appearance and durability.

HDPE plastic school lockers are a great place to start because they don’t require a paint job. They’re available in a variety of homogenous colors that will stand up to the elements. Plastic lockers don’t require as much up keep as metal lockers, and can actually outlast metal lockers because they don’t rust. If there’s graffiti present, too, it can simply be wiped away.

Do you want to learn more about HDPE plastic lockers and how they can save you time and money with your school and maintenance? Check out this free eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Reduce Your School’s Energy Consumption in 4 Easy Steps

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More often than not, school facility managers are trying to find ways to cut costs. This is particularly important with energy consumption, not only because energy has a hefty price attached to it, but there are many ways to reduce the costs that are more green and eco-friendly.What Makes HDPE Sustainable

To help you get started on coming up with an action plan to cut costs, here are 4 easy steps to help you reduce your school’s energy consumption.

Let There Be LED & Natural Light

Homeowners know that one of the major energy consumers in their household is light bulbs, so to combat the energy bill, they simply leave the lights off in rooms they aren’t using. This isn’t the case with a school because, ostensibly, every room is in use. However, implementing LED light bulbs instead of fluorescent or incandescent bulbs can greatly reduce the amount of energy that your school uses.

Not only should you implement the energy-saving LED lights in your school, but you can always get rid of unnecessary fixtures. Most notably, interior lighting fixtures that are near a window are technically not needed, and your school and energy bill can certainly benefit from utilizing as much natural light as possible.

Cut Down on the Air Conditioning

Who doesn’t like fresh air? Cutting down on the air conditioning can have positive benefits for your school’s energy consumption. When the weather is particularly beautiful, don’t be afraid to turn off the air and open the windows. This can help keep your school at a reasonable temperature without having to use your air conditioning system. By utilizing fresh air and keeping your air conditioning off, you’ll cut costs on your energy bill while reducing harmful emissions.

Be Mindful of Appliances & Devices

After the school day is over and the occupants have gone home, be sure to do a thorough check throughout the building for any electrical appliances that are still on. While appliances like the refrigerator should remain on, other equipment shouldn’t, such as computers. Leaving computers on all night not only consumes a decent amount of energy but also wastes it. Be sure the turn off all classroom computers before leaving the school to help save on energy costs.Earth Tone Inspiration

Generate Your Own Energy

One of the best ways to save on energy costs is simply to create your own energy. Solar panels have been widely used in school facilities across the country with fantastic results. Installing solar panels on the roof or property of your school can help to reduce the cost of energy consumption. Implementing solar energy at your school, you’ll see a noticeable drop in costs and improve your school’s image as being forward thinking, environmentally conscious and, of course, sustainable.

Were these 4 steps on reducing your school’s energy consumption helpful? Are you looking for more ways to make your school more eco-friendly? Download the Sustainable Building Products: How to Make Your Facility Eco-Friendly from Top to Bottom from your friends at Scranton Products.

A Clean School Promotes Student Success

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Did you know that having a clean school can yield positive effects? We’re not just talking about having a nice-looking school. Actually, a clean and sanitary learning environment can positively affect a student’s ability to succeed in their educational endeavors. There have been numerous studies that highlight the strong correlation between a sparkling school and the achievements of the students. We’ll list some of the biggest benefits and help you come up with an action plan to keep your school spotless, so the students can rise to the top with their academics.

Fewer Absences

One of the major benefits to having a clean school is the reduction of the spread of germs. Less germs equals less absences. Through routine cleaning, you’ll be able to tackle the danger zones where diseases spread. By cutting down on the germs and the inevitable sick days, classrooms will be filled with students who are healthy and eager to learn.

Happier & More Productive Teachers

A teacher’s demeanor and attitude can have a huge effect on the student’s abilities. Teachers who educate in a dirty classroom are less inclined to put 100% into their lessons. Their filthy surroundings can have a huge effect on their drive and passion to educate. Teachers who are working in a clean classroom will be more positive and happy when they come into work. Their positive demeanor will reflect in their lessons, and students will be more eager to pay attention and participate in what they’re learning.

Improved School Pride

A student won’t take a lot of pride in a dilapidated school. However, when they actually look forward to going to school, they’ll be more engaged with their studies and active in classroom participation. Not to mention, they’ll even work to help keep the school cleaner by properly disposing of their trash and recyclables.

Getting an Action Plan Together

While it’s important to ensure your school is as clean as possible, you’re probably worrying about the maintenance costs. Sure, more involved cleaning will cause a rise in your costs. However, utilizing the right materials can help you reduce the cost of maintenance and the man hours it requires.

Utilize HDPE Plastic

Schools across the country have been implementing HDPE plastic into their facilities and they’ve seen great results. This versatile material can be used for bathroom stalls, partitions, and vanities. Considering that your school’s restroom can be a hotbed of germs if not routinely cleaned, implementing HDPE materials can help reduce the spread. HDPE stalls, partitions, and vanities won’t absorb the moisture that’s present in your restroom, which will ward off the threat of mold, mildew, and unpleasant bathroom odors.School Cleaning Checklist

HDPE plastic can also be used as lockers. They provide a durable and secure structure that will not only store materials properly, but they’re less costly when it comes to maintenance, compared to metal lockers. They don’t require any fresh coats of paint, they won’t rust, and they won’t dent.

Install More Rugs

Rugs can be very effective at preventing the spread of germs. Most germs are brought into your school from foot traffic, so having rugs located around each entrance can reduce the amount of germs coming into your school. It’s a good practice to have rugs on both the exterior and interior of entranceways, so you can be twice as effective at catching those germs before they spread into your school.

Invest in Green Cleaning Materials

No one enjoys the stagnant smell of industrial cleaning products, no matter how effective they are. Consider using green cleaning products that will help you keep your school clean and smelling fresh without having to use harsh chemicals. Using heavy-duty cleaning chemicals may do the job, but they could have detrimental health effects and cause respiratory problems.

These were just a few helpful tips that will get you on your way to creating a safe and clean learning environment. Do you need some more tips on how to effectively clean your school to help promote student success? Check out this free eBook, The Ultimate Guide for Facility Maintenance & Property Solutions, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Lockers That Can Save Your School Money

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When you’re the facility manager for a school, it’s imperative that you not only keep up with the necessary maintenance, but also find ways to save money for the school. Routine maintenance can end up costing your school a lot, and with the man hours put into thorough and routine maintenance, finding a way to cut down on costs isn’t always the easiest thing to do. However, if you’re planning out a renovation process, there are some things you can do to save yourself time and money on maintenance, and it simply revolves around choosing the right lockers for your school.

The Problem with Metal Lockers

Metal lockers have been the standard for schools for way too long. Sure, they’re stable and they can be painted to match the décor, however, they do require a ton of maintenance throughout the years. Most notably, with scratches and dents that are unsightly and can reduce the secure structure of the locker. Students don’t necessarily treat their lockers gently, and many prefer to slam the locker shut as opposed to lightly closing them. Over time, this can result in surface damage, chipped paint, structural damage—not to mention the loud irritable noise.

When it comes time for maintenance, each locker may require special attention, depending on their appearance and any damage. If there’s chipped paint, you’ll have to add a fresh coat. If there’s any major dents or intrusions, the locker will most likely have to be replaced. If there’s enough damaged lockers, the costs of replacement could be pretty substantial.

Issues Facing Locker Rooms

Lockers that are located in your school’s locker room are susceptible to even more damage because of the humidity and moisture that’s a constant presence. It’s no mystery that moisture on metal results in rust. Rust can be removed with a variety of household solutions, but given the amount of lockers, this process can be time-consuming. The man hours spent scrubbing each individual locker can add up, and detract from some more pressing maintenance issues.

The Solution is HDPE Lockers

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic lockers have been introduced to a few educational facilities across the nation and have yielded fantastic results. They provide a durable storage compartment for students. They’re impact-resistant, so the students preferred method of closing their lockers won’t result in any surface damage. Not to mention, but they’re also much quieter than metal. They can stand up to humidity and moisture without rusting, along with resisting moisture absorption and sprouting mold. The best part about HDPE lockers is that they can last for a long time without having to be replaced.

Cutting Costs on Maintenance

One of the main reasons that HDPE lockers have made a major impact in schools is because they’re low maintenance. They don’t require any fresh coats of paint, and they’re resistant to graffiti, scratches, and dents. The only real maintenance they require is a light cleaning. Over time, you’ll notice that the cost of maintenance on these lockers is much lower when compared to metal lockers and the more involved maintenance that they normally require. Essentially, these HDPE lockers can save your school money on maintenance.

Want to learn more about HDPE lockers and the many benefits to implementing them into your school? Download The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers from your friends at Scranton Products. This eBook can prepare you to make the right decision towards your school’s lockers and cut the cost on maintenance.

Middle School Lockers: Durable, Easy-to-Clean, & Cost-Effective HDPE

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When it comes to picking out the right lockers for your middle school or junior high, you’ll want to choose the right material that can handle a few hits, as well as something that’s not going to cost you a lot on maintenance. There are a few materials out there that facility managers have been using for years, however, there are better options out there, like HDPE plastic. We’re going to list a few reasons why you should consider choosing HDPE plastic for your middle school lockers.

HDPE Locker Durability

Middle school is when most students experience lockers for the first time. They’ve since upgraded from cubbies and desks with storage space. Now it’s time for them to store their materials in a locker, so choosing the right material can go a long way. Metal was always the standard material that was used for lockers, given its strong frame and light weight. However, metal lockers can be subject to a variety of damage and cosmetic issues.

Metal lockers can take a few hits, sure, but after constant slamming, there’s going to be signs of wear. The metal can easily be dented and scratched, but if a student gets the idea of marking the lockers with graffiti, the fresh paint and the man hours are going to cost you. HDPE can be a huge benefit in this situation because it’s a highly durable material that can take a few hits without resulting in damage. It also doesn’t need to be painted because it’s graffiti-resistant.

Easy to Clean HDPE

Cleaning all the lockers in your facility is never a fun experience. Not only are there a ton of lockers to clean, but the process may vary depending on the condition of the metal lockers. If there’s spray paint or even rust, you’ll have to invest in paint for the locker. But while traditional metal lockers can be very time consuming when it comes to maintenance, HDPE provides a simple and easy cleaning experience.

Due to the solid plastic construction, its overall appearance should remain untarnished by dents or scratches, which saves you from having to replace the locker. HDPE doesn’t require any sort of repainting or touch ups, and all HDPE lockers need is a light cleaning every now and then.

Cost-Effective HDPE

HDPE can be an investment…but after 2 years it is typically less expensive than other locker materials, such as metal, due to requiring less maintenance and no painting. HDPE is a cost-effective material that will allow you to save money and time when it comes to maintenance. It’s also a long-lasting material, so you won’t be looking at any costly replacements in the near future, and you’ll be able to keep the same lockers for years to come.

Want to learn more before you make the jump to HDPE lockers? Check out this free eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Your Back-to-School Cleaning Plan & Checklist

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To a school facility manager, the end of summer is a busy time, especially in the current environment. While you may have kept up with some routine maintenance and cleaning throughout the off-season, now it’s time to really get started on preparing the building for the upcoming school year. This means getting a back-to-school cleaning plan and checklist together to make sure that you cover all your bases so your school building can be ready to start the school year off on the right foot.

Clean Those Hallways

It’s important to give your hallways a thorough cleaning before the school year begins. Most germs and bacteria are picked up through foot traffic, and more often than not, those germs end up in the hallways. Utilizing a strong disinfectant cleaner can help combat the spread of germs. However, there are green cleaning products on the market that can help you achieve germ removal and still keep harmful chemicals from contaminating the air.

Focus Your Efforts in the Restroom/Locker Rooms

School restrooms and locker rooms are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and, of course, mold. While a thorough cleaning can help reduce the growth and spread of mold, it may already be too late. The constant presence of moisture can actually cause mold to sprout inside your partitions. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace them. But why not replace them with a material that can resist mold growth, and is naturally germ resistant*, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene)?

Test Your Water & Air Quality

Be sure to check your air and water quality to see if it’s up to code. Find a water tester in the area to help you conduct these routine tests so you can see where the quality lies. If the result isn’t as high as you’d hoped, consider replacing the filtration system. When it comes to air, there are several ways that you can do your part increase the quality. Consider getting indoor plants, utilize HDPE building materials, and have your HVAC system checked for any issues.

Clean/Replace Lockers

You may not realize this, but lockers are a hotbed for germs. When the light catches them just right, you can see the assortment of finger prints, grease, and smudges that have built up over time. You can utilize cleaning products, but if there’s any rust or exterior damage, you may want to consider replacing them. Luckily, HDPE plastic lockers don’t rust, they aren’t easily damaged, and they’re resistant to graffiti, helping you maintain your facility without having to paint over them. And just like HDPE restroom partitions, HDPE lockers are naturally germ resistant*! Because of this, HDPE lockers can also help improve the school’s air quality. This material is also low maintenance, which helps you save time and money on your school cleaning checklist!

Was this back-to-school cleaning plan and checklist helpful in showing you the many ways that you can help get your school ready for the sudden influx of students? Do you want to find ways to make your school a safer and more sustainable environment for the students? Check out this eBook, Safe School Design: How Architecture Plays a Role in Creating Safe & Secure Educational Spaces, from your friends at Scranton Products.

*https://bit.ly/3Cfi6Ge

10 Reasons You Need HDPE Lockers in Your School

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Are you looking to perform some much-needed renovations in your school? While repainting the walls or having the HVAC system inspected can be useful, what about replacing your lockers with a better material? Schools all across the country have been installing HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lockers throughout their school’s halls and corridors, and have been met with great results. So, here’s a list of the 10 reasons why you need HDPE lockers in your school…

1. Nicer Aesthetics

HDPE comes in homogenous color patterns that you can choose from. They can be tailored to match any design that you’re going for with your school. While lockers can be painted over, do you really want to go through the painstaking task of painting each individual locker in your school?

2. Noise Reduction

The pang of a metal locker slamming shut is enough to remind anyone of their days at school. However, HDPE lockers have a much softer sound. During a test using both an HDPE locker and a metal locker, the sound of an HDPE locker closing was three times softer than that of a metal locker’s sound. The lack of the sharp smack will be more pleasant to the ears of both students and faculty.

3. Durability

While metal lockers have a strong structure, they’re susceptible to a variety of cosmetic damages like scratches and dents. HDPE lockers, on the other hand, are made into a solid plastic construction. They’re highly durable and can take an impact without resulting in exterior damages or scratching.

4. HDPE Doesn’t Rust

A common problem that affects metal lockers is rust. Humidity and moisture can build up, especially near the end of the school year, and sooner or later, the lockers will begin to rust. This is a looming problem in locker rooms, due to the numerous sources of water. HDPE doesn’t absorb moisture, so it won’t rust or sprout mold.

5. Improve Your Air Quality

As we mentioned before, HDPE doesn’t rust, and it can repel humidity and moisture. It won’t sprout mold, which would have a negative effect on your school’s air quality. HDPE also doesn’t need to be repainted, which reduces the risk of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions from contaminating your school’s air.

6. Easy Installation

Metal lockers require a lot of care and attention when they’re being installed. HDPE lockers, on the other hand, are a quick and simple setup that won’t require a lot of time and effort. By comparison, it takes less time to install HDPE lockers than metal ones.

7. More Secure Storage

Another major benefit to HDPE lockers is that they’re more secure. Metal lockers do have their weaknesses, and students will figure out those weaknesses to gain entry to a locker that isn’t theirs. HDPE lockers have a built-in lock, and you also have options of what type of lock you want, with either inset combination locks or hasps being easily configured into the locker, providing a secure storage compartment for students.

8. Low Cost Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of choosing HDPE lockers over metal is the lack of serious maintenance that you’ll have to do. Because of their durability, HDPE lockers don’t require extensive repairs. In fact, they just need a simple cleaning every now and again. A simple wipe can even remove unwanted graffiti.

9. Big Return on Investment

On the surface, HDPE lockers may seem like a pricier option. However, due to their strong construction and low maintenance, they simply pay for themselves. Within two years, HDPE lockers will be less expensive than metal lockers, due to the constant maintenance that metal lockers require. They’ll even outlast metal lockers, so you won’t have to worry about a replacement for at least 20 years.

10. Sustainability

Did you know that HDPE plastic is made from recycled materials? Because of the post-consumer materials, and their durability and lifespan, HDPE lockers are 100% sustainable. If you’re considering going greener, or becoming LEED Certified, choosing HDPE lockers is a huge step in the right direction.
Want to hear about more reasons why you should get HDPE lockers for your school? Check out Duralife Lockers now!

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.