5 Common Mistakes in Cold Storage (And How to Avoid Them!)

1. Choosing the Incorrect Door for your Application. 

Not all cold storage doors are created equal! One of the biggest mistakes is using the incorrect door type in the wrong application. Personnel doors are lighter and easier to operate but less insulated than a cooler and freezer door.  Freezer doors may require extra insulation and often come with heat to prevent ice buildup. Using a cooler door in a freezer environment can lead to frost issues, inefficient cooling, and even door failure.

Solution: Always confirm whether your application requires a cooler door (above freezing) or a freezer door (below freezing) before selecting a door type. Also, make sure to specify the temperature difference between both rooms.

2. Misjudging When to Add Heat

Heat isn’t always necessary, but when it is, not including it can lead to serious problems like ice buildup, frozen seals, or difficulty operating the door. The trick is knowing when to include heat and when it’s not needed.

Solution: Add heat to cooler doors, especially for gaskets, sills, and frames, to prevent freezing issues. When in doubt, add heat!

3. Installing the Door Panel on the Wrong Side

Believe it or not, which side of the wall the door panel is installed on makes a difference. The door should always be placed on the warmer side of the opening to prevent condensation and ice buildup.

Solution:

• Coolers: Install the door on the outside (warmer side) of the cooler.
• Freezers: Install the door on the outside (warmer side) of the freezer.

Getting this wrong can lead to frost and condensation issues that impact performance and longevity.

4. Overlooking the Right Hardware

When it comes to hardware, choosing between Cold Storage (CS) vs. Pro Series is key. Many assume stainless steel is always necessary, but that’s not always the case.

If you’re in a true cold storage (CS) facility with no washdown requirements, stainless steel isn’t needed. While we often lead with stainless steel to be on the safe side, a cold storage facility without moisture concerns can perform just fine with standard CS Series hardware, saving you cost without sacrificing performance.

5. Selecting the Inappropriate Sill Type

Choosing the correct sill type is crucial for the performance and longevity of cold storage doors. An ill-suited sill can lead to air leaks, frost accumulation, and operational challenges.

Common Sill Types:

• • Flush Sill: This design aligns the door sweep with the floor, facilitating easy movement of carts and personnel. However, it may be more susceptible to air infiltration if not properly sealed.

  • High Sill (Step Down): Features a transition between the interior floor and the lower exterior ground or landing. This frame style is typically used for exterior doors approved for step-down exits.

  • High Sill (Step Over): Designed to be raised, where personnel step over the bottom frame. This style of frame is more typical for penthouses and some blast freezer doors, where a step-over is approved.

Considerations for Sill Selection:

• • Traffic Type: High foot traffic or frequent use of carts may necessitate a flush sill for seamless movement.

  • Environmental Control: Areas requiring stringent temperature and humidity control might benefit from a high sill to minimize air exchange.

  • Cleaning Protocols: Facilities with rigorous washdown procedures should consider sills that facilitate effective drainage and are resistant to water accumulation.