Overview

The FPH Series shares the same foam side pad construction and pressure-treated wood frame as the standard FP Series, with one critical difference at the top: the fixed foam head pad is replaced by a fabric hood curtain that hangs from the head frame and drops down to contact the trailer face. The hood drop can be customized to accommodate various truck heights, making this the right configuration when trailer height varies dock-to-dock or load-to-load

Dock seals can significantly improve the energy efficiency and environment control of buildings, reducing costs. They provide an effective barrier against the elements, keeping loading docks dry, safe, and efficient, and prevent the passage of dust, insects, exhaust fumes, and other airborne contaminates while the loading dock is in use. The FPH's hood design extends that environmental seal to taller door openings where a conventional foam head pad would leave a gap at the top of shorter trailers or fail to contact taller ones effectively.

Unlike competitors who fully wrap the wood backing, the FPH Dock Seal is stitched along the sides for cleaner removal of cover fabrics, easier recovers, and less dock downtime. All NOVA Dock Seal standard frames are made from pressure-treated and kiln-dried wood for greater moisture resistance and enhanced durability — a feature that competing dock seal products do not include.

Features and Benefits

NOVA's cover materials and fabrics have undergone rigorous testing and feature the highest puncture, tear, and abrasion resistance in the industry. The FPH Series is constructed from high-density polyurethane foam bonded to a pressure-treated, kiln-dried wood frame with high-strength adhesive. Ventilation slits in the foam pads ensure proper air circulation. The hood curtain is reinforced with metal pipe and fiberglass stays for added structural support, and the unit includes heavy-duty galvanized mounting hardware, a full-height yellow guide stripe, Velcro® attachments, and lock-stitched sew lines reinforced with UV-resistant thread. The standard pad projection is 10 inches, and the hood drop is standard at 24 inches and customizable to any length. The FPH Series is available in six fabric selections and four different colors, many available with an optional flame-retardant design that self-extinguishes a flame in two seconds or less — an option not available on competing dock seal products.

Applications

The FPH Series is the right fit where door openings exceed the standard 9 x 9-foot profile of the base FP Series, or where trailer height variability makes a fixed foam head pad impractical. It performs best where:

Docks with taller door openings — designed for door openings up to 9 feet wide by 12 feet high, the FPH Series covers the range between standard and oversized doors where a fixed head pad may not make consistent contact.
Mixed-fleet receiving docks — facilities receiving trailers of varying heights throughout the day benefit from the customizable hood drop, which adapts to the truck face rather than requiring the truck to align to a fixed pad height.
Distribution and manufacturing facilities with high clearance roll-up or sectional doors that service both standard and high-cube trailers without requiring different seal configurations per dock position.
Cold storage and climate-sensitive facilities that need a reliable environmental seal at the top of the door opening across a wide range of trailer heights, preventing thermal bleed regardless of which trailer type is docked.
Facilities replacing worn head pad seals on taller doors, where the previous seal's fixed foam pad never achieved consistent contact — the hood curtain design resolves that persistent gap.

Selection Assistance

The FPH Series is specified the same way as the standard FP Series, with one additional consideration: hood drop length. The drawing specification requires door width, door height, dock height, drive approach (level, inclined, or declined), and the dock bumper/ledge combined projection. The standard hood drop is 24 inches and is customizable to any length — your truck height range at the dock determines whether the standard drop is sufficient or a longer hood is needed to consistently contact the shortest trailer in your fleet. If your door opening is wider than 9 feet, the FPU or FPHU Series may be the better fit. Barron can help spec the right model and hood drop for your specific door and trailer configuration — use the quote form on this page or contact us directly.

FAQs

What is the difference between the FP Series and the FPH Series?

The FP Series uses a fixed foam head pad at the top of the seal. The FPH Series replaces that fixed head pad with a hood-style head curtain — supported by metal pipe and fiberglass stays — that drops down to contact the trailer face and can be customized to accommodate various truck heights. The FPH is the better choice for taller doors or facilities with variable trailer heights.

What door size does the FPH Series accommodate?

The FPH Series is designed for door openings up to 9 feet wide by 12 feet high. For door openings wider than 9 feet, the FPU or FPHU Series should be considered.

Can the hood drop length be customized?

Yes. The hood-style head curtain has a standard 24-inch drop that is customizable to any length. The right drop length depends on the range of trailer heights at your dock — Barron can help you determine the correct specification.

What holds the hood curtain in shape?

Metal pipe and fiberglass stays are built into the fabric hood to maintain support and serviceability. This internal structure keeps the hood from collapsing inward and ensures consistent contact with the trailer face.

Are the foam side pads vented?

Yes. Ventilation slits in the foam pads ensure proper air circulation, preventing internal moisture buildup that can degrade foam pads from the inside over time.

Does the FPH Series offer a flame-retardant fabric option?

Yes. The FPH Series is available with an optional flame-retardant design that self-extinguishes a flame in two seconds or less.This option is not available on competing dock seal products.

Why is the FPH Series easier to repair than competitors?

Unlike competitors who fully wrap the wood backing, the FPH Dock Seal is stitched along the sides for cleaner removal of cover fabrics, easier recovers, and less dock downtime. Cover fabric can typically be replaced without removing the full unit from the wall.

Hood Curtain Dock Seals – FPH Series