When it comes to installation times, new cold room projects are one of the thorny questions for foo
d and storage businesses. How long does a cold room installation take in terms of construction and set-up? Well, it depends on the size and scale of your room. Whereas a simple walk-in installation will take a few days, a large warehouse project can take several weeks. In this guide we’ll be going through the process in detail, providing you with everything you need to know for your own project.
The Short Answer
Small cold room installations take a matter of days on site but add in the survey and planning and the quotes and you can expect a one to two-week time frame. Larger jobs such as high spec freez
e rooms, can be up to three to six months or more. Warehouse cold room installations are a good example of a large project which requires additional panel sizes and careful planning. Now, these are just an average to give you an idea. No two sites are the same.
The construction itself forms only a small part of the job. A good cold room installation also requires time for a survey and planning and for a quote. As well as time for ordering and preparing the premises for installation. So the whole process for a medium project can often be anywhere between three weeks to a few months.
Stage One: Planning and Survey
Every good project starts off with a survey. A representative from the installat
ion company visits your premises to assess the space and the floor and the power supply. They will also ask you for the intended use and storage requirements.
It’s a crucial step and one that shouldn’t be rushed as different goods require different temperatures and have different storage needs. Getting these details correct in advance will save you time and money further down the line. A survey is typically completed in less than a day.
Stage Two: Design and Quote
Based on the survey a design and quote for the size of the room and its
layout will be given. You’ll have to make decisions about the panels and doors and the cooling equipment. You’ll also be given a quote. A good quote should state clearly what work and equipment will be installed and the price. It should not include hidden extras.
Stage Three: Ordering and Preparing Site
Once a quote has been approved the parts can be ordered. Standard sized panels can often be available straight away. However, some components such as custom-sized doors c
an take some time. This is another factor which can cause install times to vary.
While waiting, a site preparation can be carried out. The floor should be prepared and the power should be ready for the cooling equipment. If not, they can cause work delays.
Stage Four: Building the Cold Room
The building process can now commence. The base is laid and the insulated panels, which are typically high-density PIR panels, are fitted to create the walls, roof and floor. The team then seals the panels and installs the door and door seals.
A freeze room installation requires additional steps. It typically requires a heated floor to avoid the ground temperature becoming too low. At a walk in a cold room this stage can take just a day or two whereas at a larger cold room store it can be up to a week or longer.
Stage Five: Fitting the Refrigeration System
The next step is to fit the refrigeration system. The condensing unit and evapora
tor are installed. The team fits the piping, electricals and controls. This work should always be ca
rried out by qualified professionals. In the UK anyone fitting or handling refrigerant gases has to have an F-Gas certification.
Stage Six: Testing and Handover
After the system has been installed it is tested to make sure that it hits the desired temperatures and retains them. The alarms and controls and door seals are tested.
A cold room typically takes several hours or a day to cool. It will then have to pass a number of tests. Once passed, the team will show you how to use your cold room and you should also be given the necessary paperwork and approvals.
What Can Change the Installation Time?
There are a number of factors that can prolong or shorten the length of a project. Some of the main ones include:
- The size and type of cold room being installed
- The condition of the site and floor
- Access for delivery and equipment
- Upgrades to the power supply
- Custom doors and fittings
- Deliveries of specific parts
Access is another issue that many people don’t consider. If the installers can’t get the panels through a tight opening it can prolong the whole project. Please make sure you mention such potential access issues during the survey.
A Rough Guide by Cold Room Type
- Small walk-in cold room: a few days to a week on site
- Medium chiller or freezer room: one to two weeks on site
- Large commercial or warehouse cold store: three to six weeks
- chiller / multi-zone system: typically longer due to the nature of the equipment.
How to Keep Projects on Track
There are various things you can do to keep your project on track. Just a few of them include:
- Booking a survey early
- Knowing what you want to store and at what temperature
- Clearing the site prior to install
- Making sure the power and drains are in place
Why a Certified Team Makes a Difference
A cold room is not something to be done half-heartedly. Poor construction can lead to poor insulation and an unnecessary loss of cold air. And it can also fail them at the worst possible time, wasting your time and effort and putting your stock at risk. A good and certified team knows
how to do the job right the first time.
ColdTec Cooling Serviceoffers professional [cold room installation\) across the UK. The team has 15 years of experience and is both F-Gas certified and Refcom approved. They design customised walk-in rooms around your needs and space. The team also offers maintenance and emergency services after the room has been installed.
Faqs
mall walk in a cold rrom take to install?
A small walk in a cold room can be installed in a few days. The complete project takes longer as you have to add in the survey, planning and the component ordering.
Can a cold room be installed without disrupting
my business?
In many cases yes. A good installation company will understand the needs of a busy business and will plan the job accordingly. Speak to them about it at the survey stage
.what make cool room installation get delayed?
The main causes are late delivery of parts and access issues. Power upgrades and site preparation can also add delays.
conclusion
So, how long does a cold room installation take? Small cold rooms can be created in a few days, whereas larger projects can take weeks.. The actual build time only makes up a small percentage of the project, with the survey, planning, and preparation often making up the majority. The other thing to consider is that most installers have to work around your schedule, so good planning and communication with your preferred installer is key to reducing the time.
If you’re looking to install a new cold room, speak to a local contractor who specialises in [industrial refrigerationand ask them to come and do a survey, A good company will be able to talk you through the process and how long it will take before any work starts. Contact Us
Contact Us
Name: ColdTec Cooling Service
phone: 020 3773 1250l :+442037731250
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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