A cold room is a simple structure from the outside. It is a box that is ins
ulated to a high standard and a large door. From the inside every element is chosen to ensure that the room maintains a controlled temperature to keep stock cool and lowers the power bill. Wrong materials will leak the cold air and lead to failure of the cold room long term. This guide provides an insight into what materials are used to build a commercial cold room.
Parts of a Cold Room
A cold room has several key elements. Wall and roof panels and the floor make up the structure of a cold room along with the door and the refrigeration system. Each element is constructed from different materials. Good cold room installations will advise on the materials based on the product and the environment.
A cold room installation service will determine the materials needed for a cold room based on the products that will be stored in the room. A commercial cold room for fresh flowers will differ from a cold room for a stock of frozen meat.
Insulated Panels
The panels that make up the walls and the roof are the most important part of the cold room. A panel consists of two thin sheets of material on either side of a thick insulation layer.The insulation layer prevents the transfer of heat from the inside of the cold room to the outside. The higher the quality of the insulation, the less energy is required to maintain a set temperature.
PIR Panels
PIR stands for Polyisocyanurate. PIR is a closed cell insulation that is highly effective at retaining the cold. High density PIR panels offer exceptional thermal performance. They are lightweight making them easy to install and more fire resistant than other materials currently available. Although they sometimes cost slightly more than other materials they can significantly reduce the running costs of a cold room over many years.
PUR Panels
PUR panels utilize polyurethane insulation. It is similar to PIR but slightly less fire resistant. PUR panels offer a great thermal performance at a slightly lower price than PIR, and are a good alternative.
Panel Skins
The skins that protect the insulation core on either side of a panel are also important. They protect the core from the elements and provide a clean surface that is easily cleaned. Cold room panels normally have one of the following skins:
- Galvanised steel offers strength and is cost effective
- Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion making it ideal for humid and acidic environments.
- Plastic coated steel offers a level of protection and a smooth surface that is suitable for hygienic environments.
- Aluminium is lightweight and is suitable for specific applications.
Skins are important for food environments where a hygienic and easily cleaned surface is necessary. Plastic coated steel is used in such environments.
Floor Materials
Although the floor material may seem a minor consideration, it is worth spending some time on this. A chiller room can often utilize a standard floor with panel insulation. A freezer room requires a more careful consideration. Deep freezers run the risk of freezing the ground beneath them. Once frozen ground tend to expand, putting pressure on the base of the cold room structure and causing cracks.Freezer rooms are often built with underfloor heating mats that are capable of keeping the ground just above freezing point. Busy sites may require a hard wearing floor suitable for forklifts.
Doors and Seals
Doors are the weak point in any cold room structure. They are constantly opened and closed, and warm air is let in. Cold room doors are built from insulated panels similar to the ones used in the walls. Many doors are fitted with a safety release mechanism so that the door cannot trap anyone inside. Freezer room doors often have a small heater built into the door frame to prevent the door from freezing. Door seals are just as important as the door itself. The door seal is a strip of specialist rubber or plastic that runs along the edge of the door. The material is flexible so that it can conform to the shape of the door frame preventing warm air from escaping. Seals wear out and should be inspected and replaced when necessary. High traffic sites may benefit from a rapid roll door. These types of doors open and close in a matter of seconds.
Refrigeration Equipment
A cold room’s refrigeration equipment consists of a series of metal components, including copper pipework, a compressor a condenser and an evaporator. Components such as the condenser and evaporator are fitted outside and inside the cold room respectively. The quality of the components is important and established brands such as Copeland and Bitzer are relied upon for long lasting and dependable performance. Cheap components can fail leading to product waste and potentially dangerous conditions.Refrigeration systems in the UK also utilise a gas known as refrigerant. The gas has specialist uses and only qualified engineers can service and repair cold room equipment. A qualified engineer will have an F Gas Certification.
Controls and Sensors
Modern cold rooms utilise digital controls and sensors to maintain a set temperature. Sensors can be fitted to monitor temperatures in multiple areas of the cold room. Many systems offer remote access and can send messages to a mobile device if there is a problem. Sensors and controls are inexpensive compared to the rest of the cold room structure, but they play a vital role in preventing expensive losses due to temperature problems.
The Cost of Materials
Although good quality materials can be more expensive they are a wise investment. Panels with a good level of insulation lower the running costs of a cold room. Good quality door seals and high specification doors prevent warm air getting in. Good quality equipment means less likelihood of failure and breakdowns. Ask your cold room installer for a detailed specification of the materials used in your cold room construction.
Things to Ask When Hiring a Cold Room Installer
A good installer will explain the materials used. Ask a few simple questions to determine if a company is trustworthy.
- Are the engineers F Gas certified?
- Is the company approved by industry bodies such as Refcom?
- Will the company provide a detailed written quote that specifies the materials used?
- Does the company offer maintenance services?
A good company will answer these questions honestly.
Why Choose ColdTec?
ColdTec Cooling Service has 15 years’ experience in providing cold rooms and refrigeration equipment. The company designs and builds custom walk in rooms made from high density PIR panels fitted with airtight door seals. Every cold room is tailored to suit the requirements of the business and fitted with the correct equipment to control the internal temperature. ColdTec has a full range of industrial refrigeration services that can cater for businesses across the UK. The company’s engineers are F Gas certified, and the company is approved by Refcom and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. The company uses genuine parts and offers a full written quotation before commencing work. In addition to walk in cold rooms, the company also providescommercial refrigeration for shops including fridges and display chillers. The team is based in Surbiton and serves the UK.
FAQs
What is the best insulation for a cold room?
High density PIR panels are a popular choice because of their excellent thermal performance.
Do freezer rooms need a special floor?
Freezer rooms can be fitted with underfloor heating mats to stop the ground from freezing.
Conclusion
A commercial cold room consists of many elements. High quality insulated panels a strong and stable floor good quality doors and specialist cold room equipment all help to maintain a stable temperature. Careful consideration of materials and expert installation are essential in building a long lasting cold room. Always ask for a detailed quotation that details the materials used and a specification sheet.
Contact Us
Name: ColdTec Cooling Service
Phone: 020 3773 1250 +442037731250
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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