It’s That Time: Insulating Your Walk-In Freezer

The only time that an insulated floor is not required in a walk-in cooler is when it is located on cement, at ground level, with no rooms directly underneath it. In other words, most walk-in coolers and freezers need to be insulated! There are a variety of strategies and materials to assure quality work, so be sure to know all the options before moving forward.

Insulation: Above and Below

If the walk-in cooler is located above another room, it might be possible to insulate it from underneath. Without this process, air leaks will result in condensation between the two rooms, creating a nightmare scenario for mold. Obstructions or absorbent flooring materials that need additional protection with sheet vinyl can complicate this method.

However, this is not the only time an insulated floor is necessary. If the cooler is installed in a warm area, such as a warehouse or garage, an insulated floor is a smart choice as well. The insulated floor also works well over hardwood floor to protect the finish against similar high humidity issues. Regardless of the situation requiring an insulated floor, the energy savings alone make an insulated floor worth the purchase in the long run.

What About Carpet?

Be wary of installing a floorless cooler or freezer over existing carpet. The pressure and humidity will create a prime atmosphere for mildew and odor. However, a reinforced insulated floor can be installed over a carpeted area if removing the carpet is not an option. If the customer prefers not to tear up the carpet, an insulated platform can be built out of foam board. The safest bet for floorless freezers is concrete.

Additional Benefits

If the chosen area is concrete with vinyl or ceramic tile, it’s possible to go with a “floorless” walk-in cooler. With a walk-in freezer or cooler, you won’t have to worry about stuffing the space, thereby overworking a small freezer and causing food to go bad. Having peace of mind about food reserves in emergencies as well as protections against energy loss is a priceless benefit.