Cold Room Panels Designed for Temperature-Controlled Warehouses

When I start do cold storage business many years ago, an old engineer tell me a very true thing. He say: "Refrigeration guys know compressor very well, but they do not understand wall. If you use wrong panel, the compressor will run to death!" He is so right. Choose cold room panel is not only about insulation, it is about your electric bill for many years.

First thing you must know is thermal conductivity. Very simple, lower number mean better insulation. PIR is the best, only 0.018 to 0.020. PU is normal choice, around 0.022 to 0.024. This small difference is huge money if your freezer run 24 hours everyday! PIR also have B1 fire rating. Rock wool is Class A1 non-combustible, fire cannot burn it. But thermal number is higher, so you must buy thicker panel. And EPS? It is only for dry warehouse with low budget and no fire risk.

Thickness is decide by your room temperature. If panel too thin, your cooling machine will never rest and break down fast. If too thick, you waste money.

Here is my simple guide for you to choose thickness:

Outer steel skin is not just for hold the foam. It is a vapor barrier to stop water go inside the core. Wet insulation is garbage insulation! You must check the zinc coating. Z100 or Z150 is standard, but if your factory near sea water, please use Z275 to stop rust.

Also the joint system is super important. Good panel must use tongue-and-groove edge and strong cam lock. They pull the panel very tight together, so cold air cannot leak out at all. Keep the air inside, keep your money in pocket!